The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Mar. 8, 2023

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.

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

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

The Local

$1.25 MIL. ROBBERY: MEN ARRESTED

Local Briefs

‘Not guilty’

■ Alexandra man Jack Goonan has been found not guilty o culpable driving causing death, failing to stop and failing to render assistance.

The charges followed the death of Jordan Purcell, 20, after he was struck by a Toyota HiLux on a foggy night in 2019.

Passers-by discovered Purcell lying in the middle of the road in Hall St, Alexandra, tried to revive him, but he died on the way to hospital.

The trial was conducted by judge alone.

A Herald Sun report last week quoted father, Michael Purcell, and sister Katelyn.

The newspaper went into detail about how the incident followed an Alexanda Football Netball Club social event.

Mr Goonan’s defence lawyer Hayden Rattray argued in the County Court that the evidence against his client was circumstantial and “insufficient to exclude hypotheses consistent with innocence”, such as another person’s vehicle hitting Mr Purcell

Pet registrations

■ Murrindindi Shire residents will soon receive their 2023-24 pet registration renewal notice, with a due date of April 9.

Nearly one quarter of Murrindindi Shire residents own a dog or a cat.

It is a legal requirement for all cats and dogs over the age of three months to be registered with Council, under the Domestic Animal Act 1994

Residents who have a dog or cat which are not yet registered, can download an animal registration form fromthe Council’s website or give a call on 5772 0333.

Fire under control

■ A fire that started near Stoney Creek Rd, Maintongoon was bought under control early on Friday (Mar. 3), two days after the CFA was called to the scene and an emergency warning was issued for surrounding areas including Bonnie Doon and Fawcett.

The 154-hectare fire began on Wednesday (Mar. 1) with firefighters being called to the scene at 6.45pm.

There were concerns that the fire might have worsened had the wind picked up.

A relief centre was open at the Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve football ground. No damage to property was reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Yea Golf update

■ This Saturday (Mar. 11) will be the Season Opening featuring a 3 Person Mixed Ambrose. 12 Noon hit-off. Members to bring a plate to share.

This Friday at the Clubhouse there will be drinks available from 5pm-7pm. If interested a six-hole comp ($2 in, winner takes all) will hit-off from 4pm.

On Saturday, March 18, will be the Mary Walker Day – Canadian Mixed Foursomes and then the Mens Monthly Medal on March 25 before the Golf Week at Barham from the March 27-30.

■ Two local men have been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged theft of more than $1.25 million worth of jewellery, during a burglary in December.

The rare items – which include gold and diamonds – were stolen from a residential address in the Eildon area sometime between 5.30pm8.30pm on Saturday, December 17.

Investigators have been told the victim returned home about 8.30pm to find the offenders had gained access via a side door to the house and made off with the expensive items.

Alexandra Crime Investigation Unit detectives with the assistance of Shepparton CIU, Mitchell CIU, Eastern Region Crime Squad, the Dog Squad and local uniform branch members have executed five search warrants across Eildon and Thornton and seized a firearm and a quantity of cannabis about 6.30am on Friday (Mar. 3).

A 26-year-old Thornton man was arrested and is assisting police with their enquiries.

A 32-year-old Eildon man was also arrested and has since been released pending further enquiries.

Investigations into the whereabouts of the stolen jewellery remain ongoing.

TOP TURNOUT AT YEA GOLF

■ It was a goof turnout for thye Yea Golf Club Ladies season pening. Some 28 ladies played a nine-hole two-person Ambrose event in ideal weather conditions.

Laraine Callander, who has been Club Champion for more than 10 years, teed off on the 10th to start play. Winners on the front nine were Penny Britton and Fiona Buchanan, and on the back nine, Lois O”Meara and Laraine Callander.

Presentations were made to 2022-2023 season winners: most birdies was won by Adrianne Anglin; most gobblers was won by Cindy Armstrong; the Eclectic Scratch prize went to Adrianne Anglin; and the Eclectic Handicap was won by Karen Sangster.

The Coaching Clinic is on Tuesday, March 14.

★

Two Person Irish Stableford

There were only 11 players for the Irish Stableford event on Wednesday but the best score for several years was obtained.

Irish stableford takes the better score of the two on the first nine and both scores on the second nine.

Winners with 63 points were Phil Armstrong (20) and Steve Rumney (25). Second were Bob Glenister (10) fresh from a spell and Mick Sheather (29) with 58 points from third Brian Simmons (11) and Jeff Aurisch (21) with 57. NTP on the 2nd was Mick Sheather and the Club Awrd winners were Russ Wealands and Rob O’Halloran. Individual winner was Phil Armstrong with 39 points from Bob Glenister 37. Saturday saw the first of two rounds of the Barry Moore Trophy at Yea. Leading the field with an excellent 41 points is Brian Simmons (12). Second is Alan Pell (15) with 39 from third Rick Wills (7), fourth Greg Clements(17) and Steve Rumney(25) fifth all on 37 points. NTP on the 2nd was Tony Rule and he also won the Club Award.

● ● Soime of the jewellery said to have been stolen at Eildon.

The Local Paper

LOCALS SHARE MILLIONS

■ Two north-east local people are $1.3 million richer after they each scored division one in Tattslotto.

The victorious pair each held one of the four division one winning entries in Tattslotto draw 4341, drawn Saturday, February 27, and scored $1,317,448.20.

CONTACT

A winning Doreen dad purchased his entry from Laurimar News and Lotto, Shop 8 Laurimar Town Centre, 95 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen.

The other winning entry was purchased from Diamond Creek Newsagency , 62A Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek.

Both businesses are Local Paper distribution outlets.

OUR TEAM

The Doreen wiunner had the perfect excuse to gather his family and friends for a celebratory party lafter discovering he scooped up a $1.3 million windfall.

He realised his win after he checked the winning numbers on Sunday morning as part of his weekend ritual.

“It’s a bit crazy, isn’t it?!” he laughed when an official from The Lott confirmed his windfall.

“I looked up the winning numbers on Sunday morning like I usually do, and I was left shocked.

“I rang the children, and they came around last night to celebrate. It was a big night.”

The e winning family-man shared he would generously use the prize to look after his beloved children.

“The prize will go towards the children. They’re our number

Long Shots

one priority,” he explained.

“It’s perfect timing as well because we just booked a holiday!

“This will set us up for sure.”

Laurimar News and Lotto owner Qin Chen said her team are ecstatic to have sold a division one winning entry.

“It’s so exciting. I told my team as soon as I found out that we had sold a division one winning entry,” she said.

“We’ve started to decorate the shop and share the exciting news with all of our regular customers.

The Diamond Creek couple woke up on Sunday morning thinking their division one win in Tattslotto was a dream, only to discover they’re in fact $1.3 million richer.

The winning woman revealed she was still trying to comprehend her newfound fortune.

“Oh my god! I’ve been waiting for your phone call,” she cheered.

“We didn’t go to bed until 3am last night. We were too busy celebrating!

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the confetti flare up on my screen when I checked my TattsLotto ticket on Sunday morning.

with Ash Long, Editor

Celebrating 54 years in local media

Winner, Best Local Reporting Award

Victoria-wide Westpac Award

Direct: 0450 399 932

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

Personal: www.AshLong.com.au

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

Gravel roads work

■ Murrindindi Council will soon commence its Gravel Roads Re-sheeting Program. Re-sheeting involves grading and reshaping gravel roads, reshaping of table drains, and the application of a layer of new gravel over the existing gravel road surface.

The Council will re-sheet over 27 km of gravel roads across the Shire from March and until May including:

■ Clarkes Rd, Thornton

■ Forest Rd, Flowerdale

■ Horns Lane, Fawcett

■ Killingworth West Rd, Killingworth

■ Larritts Lane, Glenburn

■ Limestone Rd, Limestone

■ Shannons Rd, Limestone

■ Swamp Creek Rd, Taggerty

■ Thoms Lane, Thornton

Any disruptions for residents will be kept to a minimum, the Council says.

Climate worry

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has spoken in State Parliament about a 12-year-old resident Ollie who has reached out, expressing his concerns regarding climate change

Ollie wants to see strong action in response, as well as strong protections for the natural environment.

“

Ollie is a passionate and articulate young advocate for climate action and is very concerned about the risk potential inaction will have on his generation.

“

Ollie wrote to me with a number of suggestions to address climate change, such as strong emissions reductions targets, boosting electric vehicle usage and increasing solar power.

“As a young activist, Ollie asked me to pass these concerns on to you. Minister, please help me reassure Ollie that the Andrews Government takes the threat of climate change very seriously and that we are taking strong action, and detail for him what the Andrews Labor Government has put in place over our last two terms, as well as our ambitious climate change policies for Victoria’s future,” Ms Ward said.

Nominations open

■ Nominations for the Murrindindi Shire Citizen of the Year Awards are open ntil Sunday, April 2.

Diamond Creek Newsagency owner Bill Wu said his outlet is buzzing with excitement after discovering they sold a division one winning entry to a local family.

“It’s wonderful news.

“It truly feels like we’ve won ourselves when we sell division one winning entries,” he said.

Local Photo Flashback

Mary Downie, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Graeme Hawke, Susan Karolyi, Gary McQuade

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

The Council encourages all Shire residents to think about an individual or community group that inspires and to consider nominating them for one of the four Award categories.

This year’s categories are:

■ Murrindindi Shire Citizen of the Year

■ Murrindindi Shire Senior Citizen of the Year

■ Murrindindi Shire Young Citizen of the Year

■ Murrindindi Shire Community Group of the Year (the new Community Group of the Year Award category seeks to recognise not-for-profit community groups and organisations who demonstrate outstanding achievements)

$1.4 mil. for roads

The Albanese Federal Government is supporting the local community by providing $1,417,408 in the City of Whittlesea for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

““This funding is a big win for our local communit,” said McEwen MHR Rob Mitchell.

“We know what a difference good local roads and facilities can make to our communities.

“I look forward to working with the City of Whittlesea to get on with the work of delivering the infrastructure our community needs and deserves.”

Mitchell Shire Council receives $1,174,256 under the program.

● ● ● ● Bill Wu of Diamond Creek Newsagency

Mitchell Shire Council is seeking residents’ input on a Draft Land scape Assessment Study to help guide future development and protect Mitchell’s landscape areas. Drop-in sessions will be held on:

■ Tuesday, March 14. 4pm-6pm at Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre

■ Tuesday, March 21, 4pm-6pm at Pyalong Recreation Hall

■ Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1, 10am-3pm at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, Kings Park

■ Tuesday, April 4, 4pm-6pm at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, Chittick Park, Seymour

Mobile drug lab at Doreen

■ Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have charged a man and seized firearms parts, ammunition and what is believed to be a mobile clandestine laboratory as part of a targeted investigation into the manufacturing and trafficking of firearms linked to the Mongols OMCG

With assistance from Banyule Crime Investigation Unit, Bomb Response Unit and the Arson and Explosives Squad, a warrant was executed at a residential address in Doreen shortly before 6am onj Tuesday lat week (Feb. 28).

A 35-year-old Doreen man, believed to be an associate of the Mongols OMCG, was charged with a number of offences, including possess cannabis, cultivate cannabis, possess methylamphetamine, possess 1,4-Butanediol, possess ecstasy, possess cartridge ammunition, prohibited person possess firearm, possess prescribed precursor chemical, fail to answer bail and contravene bail conditions.

He was to be presented to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

✔A partnership between Yarra Glenergy, the State Government and Council has resulted in the first public electric vehicle charger in Yarra Ranges. Yarra Glenergy Vice-President, Trent Evans, said the EV charger was already getting great use, after being installed in November. “We’re getting about five or six cars through a day, making about $600 to $700 a month in revenue,” he said. “That money goes to Yarra Glenergy, and the plan is to use it for more renewable projects in the area. The big benefit of this for the town is that it brings in tourists. They might be on the way to the snow or Lake Eildon, and they’ll stop here because it’s halfway from Melbourne. The shops always struggle to get people to stop – often, they just bypass Yarra Glen. And most people will only charge for 20 minutes, but they’ll walk to a café, visit the IGA and spend some money. Hopefully it’ll also encourage more EVs in the Yarra Glen community.” The 50KW fast charger, uses a load management system that prioritises energy use inside the Memorial Hall. It also uses surplus renewable energy from the solar system on the roof of the hall and is supplemented by renewable energy sourced by Council from the grid.

Mini Ads

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

You can have a black-and-white 40mm h x 62mm w ad in The Local Paper for the remainder of 2023 for a total of $99. Covers Murrindindi, Yarra Ranges, Mitchell, Mansfield, Nillumbik (rural), Whittlesea (rural).

The Local Paper

Phone 9489 2222

Police subsequently seized a small quantity of cannabis plants, a crystal substance, ammunition, multiple firearm parts which had been concealed inside a pipe, quantities of glassware located both inside the house and in a vehicle and precursor chemicals inside a toolbox.

tended the address and located what police will allege to be a mobile clandestine laboratory.

Victoria Rd to be rebuilt

WORKS START TODAY (WED.)

■ Victoria Road, Yering (Yering to Lilydale) will soon undergo reconstruction works as part of Yarra Ranges Council's Capital Expenditure Program.

The section of road being reconstructed will be closed to through traffic, and will only be accessible by local residents, businesses and any visitors who require access to properties in the vicinity of the works. Works will commence today (Wed., Mar. 8) and are expected to be completed by late April

This will include both day and evening works.

These works will reduce the amount of deterioration of the current road surface, providing safer travel for the local community and visitors to the area.

Bundoora man arrested

EXTORTION CHARGE

■ Detectives from the Cybercrime Squad have charged a man following an alleged $5 million extortion.

A Queensland emergency service reported that they had received an online message demanding the money be transferred by crypto currency within three days or a bushfire would be lit back in October.

● ● ● Sabrina Frederick.

✔AFLW star Sabrina Frederick from Montmorency has teamed with Johnnie Walker for their Walk Proud Sydney WorldPride campaign. Sabrina not only proudly walks - she proudly runs, jumps and kicks for the Collingwood Football Club.

“As a queer woman of colour, Sabrina has made important strides in the sporting community by advocating for more diverse representation,” said a Walk Proud representative. Sabrina has more recently become a mother, with her and her wife Lili including their baby, Florence, into the world last August.

No money was exchanged and the threat was not carried out, however, the investigation was handed over to the Victoria Police when it was established the message originated in Victoria.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at a Bundoora address where they seized a number of items including two computers and a phone.

A 27-year-old Bundoora man was subsequently arrested on Monday last week (feb. 27).

He has since been charged with extortion with threat to endanger life, threat to destroy/damage property, possess drug of dependence and fail to provide information under warrant.

He has been bailed to face Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

Road to success

■ The TAC L2P Nillumbik program helps young learner drivers get the support and access needed to complete their mandatory 120 supervised drive hours. Through the program, learner drivers will benefit from:

■ professional driving lessons

■ access to trained L2P driver mentor volunteers

■ use of our L2P cars to learn in.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said the program was highly supportive.

PAIN RELIEF AND REJUVENATION

Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain. Leg, knee, ankle and foot conditions. Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions Headaches including migraines. Cranial conditions including whiplash.

Blvd, Macleod Phone 0493 571 111 www.nsthealth.com info@nsthealth.com

The Clandestine Laboratory Squad also at-

● ● Victoria Rd, Yering. Image: Google Maps

PALUMBO: N.Y. Judge Has Financial Stake in Case Against Anti-CCP Dissident

Among other oddities, Barry Ostrager eems to have defeated the vig—and has racked up over $3.3 million from bets placed on horse racing ...

(Matthew Palumbo, Headline USA ontributor) From day one, acting New York Supreme Court Justice Barry Ostrager—the Democrat handling the ase between Miles Guo and Pacific Aliance Asia Opportunity Fund (PAX)— was a gift to the Chinese Communist Party.

The timing of the lawsuit couldn’t have been any more suspect, coming ust one day before Mr. Guo made an ppearance on Voice of America that was infamously shut down on air right before he was about to expose Wang Qishan, then vice president of China, nd Wang’s connection with HNA Group, a state-owned-enterprise that he exposed as a money-laundering front or Wang and CCP kleptocrats.

Voice of America is paid by the U.S. axpayer, and this was the first time in ts history it had ever cut off a live proram. Five journalists were put on leave fter—one of whom said it was because omeone “caved to the Chinese overnment’s demand.”

This VOA interview was Mr. Guo’s irst time speaking out publicly against he CCP—and they wanted it to be his ast. Despite their best efforts, Guo has ontinued fighting the CCP ever since, nd he later founded the New Federal State of China organization to further xpose them.

The day the lawsuit was filed, China nnounced that interpol had issued a notice for Mr. Guo’s arrest, leaving no doubt that these events were being orhestrated by the CCP.

PAX is a subsidiary of Pacific Alliance Group, which is one of the largest priate investment firms based in Hong K ong. The firm is headed by Shan Weijian, who has extensive ties to the CCP Shan’s public writings regularly espouse CCP propaganda. Shan praised China’s widely protested “National Seurity Law” in Hong Kong that enabled xtradition to the mainland, claiming hat it restored “social stability” and r eedoms that he claims were “suppressed by violent protesters.” In realty, peaceful protesters were protesting he removal of their freedoms from an uthoritarian state.

He claimed that Hong Kong “remains an open and free society under he rule of law”—but in the two years ollowing the passage of the law, Hong Kong’s freedom in Freedom House’s nnual Freedom in the World rankings dropped by 12 points, from 55 to 42 (on scale where 100 is the highest).

Shan has defended the persecution nd cultural genocide of the Uyghurs n an article criticizing U.S. and European Union sanctions on China for their well-documented human rights violaions.

Shan has also financed the publicaion of articles in U.S. media attacking Mr. Guo.

The case between Mr. Guo and Paific Alliance Group made headlines for ts conclusion with Ostrager ordering Mr. Guo to pay $134 million within five days or face arrest, claiming that the acht was moved to the Bahamas after being ordered to keep it in the U.S.

The fine equaled $500,000 per day. Ostrager says the boat (the “Lady May”) emained out of U.S. jurisdiction.

The Lady May isn’t even owned by Miles, but to his daughter, Mei Guo. Both the ownership and financing for he purchase of the boat belong to Mei Guo.Despitethat,Ostragerissuedan

order stating that Mr. Guo is the ultimate owner of the ship—the only evidence for which is hearsay.

The purpose of the judgment was simple: so that Ostrager could deprive Miles Guo of the right to go to trial, and thus force him into bankruptcy—and thus the arms of the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Office.

This was merely the latest in a series of biased rulings from Ostrager throughout the case. Ostrager denied Mr. Guo the ability to provide evidence in his favor.

Ostrager himself made note of how egregious his fine was, as it exceeded “PAX’s outstanding judgment of $120 million” and was a “multiple” of the £28 million purchase price of the Lady May. The fine was unfair—Ostrager openly came short of saying just that—and then implemented it anyway.

Mr. Guo did declare bankruptcy— and the DOJ manipulated the trustee appointment process to install Luc Despins as the trustee for his case.

Despins has been linked to the CCP through him being a partner in Paul Hastings, LLC, a law firm that has done business in China and Hong Kong; and he has represented many state-owned (i.e. CCP owned) Chinese companies. As one writer noted in Newsmax, the CCP’s influence is direct here:

Not only is the Chinese Communist Party a client of Paul Hastings, but they also control the licenses to keep their law offices open in both China and Hong Kong. Effectively, the CCP controls the purse strings to hundreds of millions of dollars for Paul Hastings and Mr. Despins as a partner in Paul Hastings.

To better understand the motivations behind Ostrager’s rulings in the case, it’s essentially to understand his many conflicts of interests pertaining to China.

Justice Ostrager is a 1973 graduate from the New York University School of Law who was appointed to the New York Court of Claims by disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo in June 2015. He served as an acting New York Supreme Court justice and was assigned to the Commercial division. He was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court in June 2017, and remains assigned to that same division.

Previously, Ostrager spent the entirety of his career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he was a partner since 1980. He was also chair of the firm’s litigation department, and as a litigator he tried and won numerous multi-billion-dollar cases.

Simpson–Thatcher’s business presence in China is extensive, with them having been active there for roughly three decades with offices in Beijing and Hong Kong.

They have, according to their own corporate documents, represented

“China state-owned” and non-state owned companies (over which the CCP still maintains extensive control).

In the past, they’ve represented (among dozens and dozens of CCPbacked clients) state-owned companies such as:

•Shanghai Electric Group Corporation, when they purchased a U.S.-based supplier

•China’s leading mobile television advertiser, VisionChina Media Inc.

•Focus Media Holding Ltd, which operates the largest out-of-home advertising network in China and dozens and dozens more.

Simpson–Thacher represented private equity giant Blackstone in their first ever investment in China—a $600 million investment for 20% of China’s National Bluestar Corporation.

They also represented Blackstone in an agreement with Great Eagle Holdings Limited, and represented them in connection to their 95% purchase of Changshou Commercial Plaza in Shanghai.

Simpson–Thatcher also lists “A chinese company in an investigation by the DOJ into potential theft of trade secrets” among their clients—an odd thing to boast about.

Thacher is a leading player in bringing Chinese companies public through America’s stock exchanges—despite Chinese companies having notably weaker accounting requirements than U.S.-based companies, making them more susceptible to fraud. In 2010 for example, of the 34 IPOs of Chinese companies on U.S. markets, 18 had involvement from Simpson–Thacher.

Judges with conflicts of interest ruling America’s courts are surprisingly common. A 2021 Wall Street Journal investigation found that at least 131 federal judges had overseen court cases in which they or their family members owned stock between 2010-2020.

Their verdicts leave no question as to why rules against conflicts of interest exist: Judges ruled in favor of their own financial interests in two-thirds of cases (a far cry from the half you’d expect by random chance). That’s the same for the likes of Ostrager.

Pacific Alliance Group is one of the largest independent alternative asset firms in Asia, and has over $20 billion under capital under management. In March 2018, Blackstone announced a $400 million in PAG for 17.6% of its equity, giving a direct link between Blackstone and the CCP-linked PAG.

This was hardly the first time Blackstone had been tied to the CCP— and hardly is the most direct connection. As early as May 2007, the CCP-controlled China Investment Corporations spent $3 billion for 8% of Blackstone. This stake was raised to 12.5% in 2008.

In one case, Ostrager recused him

self because of his own personal investment ownership in Blackstone—but not in Mr. Guo’s case. Ostrager began overseeing a lawsuit brought by Stuyvesant Town tenants against Blackstone in 2020, but recused himself in 2021 because Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett had performed work for Blackstone, and that his pension is “derived at least in part from the substantial revenue the firm receives from Blackstone.” Yet there were no such concerns when it came to their investment in PAG.

And this isn’t the first time Ostrager questionably refused to recuse himself.

A shareholder of up to $250k in Exxon Mobil stock, Ostrager didn’t voluntarily recuse himself from a case involving them, leading to calls for his recusal that went ignored.

Ostrager would rule that New York “failed to establish” that Exxon violated the Martin Act and any other laws in their public disclosures related to socalled climate change risks—a major win for Exxon.

“The Office of the Attorney General failed to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that ExxonMobil made any material misstatements or omissions about its practices and procedures that misled any reasonable investor,” Ostrager wrote in his ruling that protected his own financial interest.

Regardless of what one thinks about the validity of New York’s lawsuit, and even if one believes that this was the correct verdict, it remains the case that Ostrager was the wrong person to make it, and didn’t recuse himself when he clearly should’ve.

Ostrager has had other controversies throughout his career. On Oct. 26, 2018, as Mr. Guo’s case was still ongoing, Justice Ostrager allegedly made anti-Greek comments while handling a different case that involved Greek real-estate managers John Pappas and Peter Skeadas, who accused steakhouse owner Alan Stillman o f mismanaging a restaurant they owned called Maloney and Porcelli.

According to Pappas and Skaedas’s lawyer, Michael Camarinos, Ostager told him and a colleague about their client, “You have a couple of old pigheaded Greek clients that don’t know what they are doing.”

Among other oddities, Barry Ostrager seems to have defeated the vig—and has racked up over $3.3 million from bets placed on horse racing. Given the relatively high house edge on horse racing, these kinds of winnings certainly are suspect, but they offer enough plausible deniability to be attributed to an extreme statistical uncertainty.

If the CCP were to have handpicked a judge in this case, they couldn’t have done any better than Ostrager. The obvious flaws in his character aside, his firm’s and his personal ties to the CCP’s created a situation where the case of Mr. Guo was destined to be a show trial from day one.

While Ostrager has recused himself in cases in the past, as you saw in the case of Exxon, he’s far less likely to do so when he decides he has enough skin in the game to make it worthwhile. And in this case, he was doing the bidding of his most valuable ally out there.

Barry Ostrager / IMAGE: NYS Courts via YouTube

Matt Palumbo is the author of The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros (2021), Dumb and Dumber: How Cuomo and de Blasio Ruined New York (2020), Debunk This!: Shattering Liberal Lies (2019) and Spygate (2018).

“The

“I

“We

O’Connell

Shows

■ CPAC Musical Theatre: Jersey Boys Musical Until March 11 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham. Director: Lee Geraghty; Choreographers: Ashlee Holdsworth; Nicole Everitt; Musical Director: Kent Ross. Bookings: cpacmusicaltheatre. com

■ The Mount Players: The 39 Steps (by John Buchan) (adapted by Patrick Barlow, Nobbie Dimon and Simon Corble) A play for radio adapted and directed by John Rowland. Until March 12 at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: John Rowland. Bookings: www.themountplayers. com

■ Wonthaggi Theatrical Group: School of Rock the Musical, Until March 18 at 7.30pm at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, 96 Graham St., Wonthaggi. Bookings: wtg.org.au

■ Gemco Players (A Gemco in the Park Production): Much Ado About Nothing (by William Shakespeare) March 3 at 6.30pm; March 19 at 6.30pm at the Gus Ryberg Amphitheatre, Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd., Emerald. Director: Sharon Maine. If weather is unsuitable for outdoor performance, the show will be presented at The Gem, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: www.gemcoplayers.org

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Theatre Trivia, March 10 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Eltham. Director: James Chappel. Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre. org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Puffs (Two Act edition by Matt Cox) March 10 – 25 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Directors: Dan Bellis and Kristina Doucouliagos. Bookings: www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ Off the Leash Theatre: The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later March 16 – 18 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul. www.offtheleashtheatre.com.au

■ SLAMS Musical Theatre Company: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. March 17 – 25 at Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain Hway and Scoresby Rd., Bayswater. Director: Justin Cleaver; Vocal Director: Julia Roper; Band Director: Glen Barnett; Choreographer/Ass’t. Director: Natasha Harvey. Bookings: www.slams.org. au or 0412 605 182.

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Shoe-Horn Sonata (by John Mistro) March 23 – April 22 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Directed by Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au

■ Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria: My Fair Lady March 30, 31 and April 1, 2 Matinee at 2pm at The Alexander Theatre, Clayton. Director/Choreographer: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Timothy Wilson. Bookings: gsov.org.au

■ Next Gen Theatrical: Be More Chill March 31 and April 1 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul.

Auditions

■ Avid Theatre and Ardour Productions: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (by William Shakespeare) March 14, 7pm –10pm; March 18, 2pm – 5pm at Malvern Community Church Hall, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Audition enquiries: nopolski@hotmail.com or 0400 507 788.

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Three Musketeers (a comedy adventure) (y John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete) March 18 at 2pm; March 20 at 7.30pm at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Richard Keown. The director is looking for four actors to play over thirty roles. Enquiries: Via form on website. www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Summer of the Seventh Doll (by Ray Lawler) March 19 from 2pm and March 21 from 7.30pm at Factory 8/417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: Martin Gibbs. Audition enquiries: mandcgibbs@tpg.com.au or call 0411 645 003.

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Glass Menagerie (by Tennessee Williams) March 19 at 4pm, March 21 at 8pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute. Director: Grant Purdy. Audition bookings: www.warrandytehallarts.asn.au/theatre

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

CIRCUS OF ILLUSION

What’s On Auditions

■ Encore Theatre: The Popular Mechanicals (by Keith Robinson, Tony Taylor and William Shakespeare) April 2 at 3.30pm and April 3 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Ave., Oakleigh East. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Audition enquiries and bookings: afconsulting@bigpond.com

Brain Drain

■ Malaysian comedian Dr Jason Leong is returning to Australia to tour his new live show Brain Drain around the country.

In Brain Drain, former medical doctor and comedian Dr Jason Leong explains why he will be leaving Malaysia for good. Brain Drain will open at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 30.

Dr Jason Leong has had a hectic couple of years, becoming the first comedian from Southeast Asia to have two comedy specials on Netflix - Hashtag Blessed (2020) and Ride With Caution (2023).

■ Acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd is returning to The Pams, Crown Casino, Melbourne, for four shows only of Circus Illusion on Wednesday April 2 and Thursday, April 13.

Audiences are invited to visit a world where sawdust and sequins join cutting edge illusions and magic to create Circus of Illusion.

The show features death defying escapes, illusions, mime and magic, as well as great costumes and world-class artists who will keep audiences on the edge of their seat.

The ringmaster takes audiences on a journey where he blends world-class circus artists with magic in a show of mystery and mayhem.

Showgirls levitate, disappear and fly high in the air as the troupe of performers from across the globe entertain.

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Sascha Williams, will present his high risk rola bola act that has taken him all over the world.

Performance Dates: April 12 and 13

Venue: The Palms, Crown Casino, Melbourne - Southbank.

Prices: $59 - $69

Bookings: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ circus-of-illusion-tickets/artist/2767004

- Cheryl Threadgold

Circus Royale

■ For the first time in its 52-year history, Circus Royale comes to the St Kilda waterfront under the state-of-the-art Big Top from March 31 to April 30.

The family friendly show will include international stars from around the world, is high energy and designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Circus Royale features the classic nostalgia of the circus and incorporates state-of-the art advances in technology.

The show includes Cassie Millard on the Swinging Trapeze, two-time world record holder and star performer on Australia’s Got Talent Olivia Barker with her contortion skills, Olivia Chircop up on the aerial net, and the show stopping feats of the Columbian daredevil Lion Brothers on the high-wire, wheel of steel and inside the motorcycle globe of death.

Founded in 1971 by the Swiss Gasser circus family, Circus Royale is one of Australia’s oldest circuses and is now owned by producer, and Ring Master Damian Syred. Damian is a firstgeneration circus director who acquired Circus Royale in 2007 at the age of only 23.

Venue: Circus Royale St Kilda, St Kilda Triangle, Lower Esplanade, adjacent to Palais Theatre

Season: March 31 to April 30

Prices: Adults from $35, Children from $25

Bookings: www.circusroyale.com or 0488 769 253 or on-site

-

Cheryl Threadgold

Driftwood The Musical

■ Driftwood The Musical had its premiere in Melbourne last year and is now being reworked by director and theatre-maker Gary Abrahams along with Anthony Barnhill and Jane Bodie. This moving story of a family surviving the ravages of war will return to Chapel Off Chapel from May 3-20.

Driftwood the Musical tells the story of Austrian/ Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist-inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig.

The audience follow their lives in pre-war Vienna, the family’s narrow escape from Nazi Austria, Slawa’s ingenious invention of the foldable umbrella, and the chain of events that took place after miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne.

This epic story that covers three continents and three generations has been adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie, based on the original memoir by Eva de JongDuldig.

It features original music, lyrics and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with lyrics by Tania de Jong and Jane Bodie. The show will be directed by Gary Abrahams.

Performance Details: May 3 - 20

Venue: Chapel off Chapel, Prahran Bookings: https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/ show/driftwood-the-musical-2/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Billy Connolly

■ Billy Connolly’s collection of limited edition prints and stainless steel sculptures ‘Born on a Rainy Day’ can be seen at his art exhibition from March 16-26 from 10am to 5pm at the Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne. Free entry.

Signed limited edition prints and sculptures, all created by Billy are for sale.

It was on a rainy day in 2007 that Billy first put pen to paper. Taking refuge from the grey drizzle of Montreal, Canada, he entered an art shop with curiosity and left with an armful of supplies and the urge to create.

Back in his hotel room, his felt-tips and sketchbook formed a portal for his imagination. And over the subsequent years, his drawings evolved into his debut fine art collection.

Billy last performed in Australia in 2014, and formally retired from stand-up comedy in December 2020.

In March 2022 he released his eighth collection of ‘Born on a Rainy Day’.

Explaining his flexible approach, Billy says: “It’s lovely, the way people think you do it. People think I paint or draw things on purpose. I don’t, I just draw.

“And then as it goes on, it becomes obvious what it’s going to be (to me). And then I can think about it along those lines: a horse, a man or a balloon. That’s when I name it – at the end."

Billy's art has been likened to the cave paintings of the Aurignacian period (40,000-25,000 BC), which are characterised by their linear, one-dimensional approach.

Charmingly simplistic, his faceless figures possess an extraordinary self-awareness and humanity.

Devoid of emotion or expression, their anonymity opens them up to individual interpretation, creating a unique bond with the viewer.

Event Details: Billy Connolly Art Exhibition

March 16 - 26 10am to 5pm (eleven days only)

Venue: Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St., Melbourne Free Admission

- Cheryl Threadgold

Since he turned to comedy, Leong has been featured on Comedy Central, and performed in India, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong.

He was the first Malaysian to perform at Laugh Factory in Hollywood, as well as the prestigious Comedy Cellar, Caroline’s At Broadway and Gotham Comedy Club in New York City.

Melbourne Season: March 30 - April 23 (no Monday)

Venue: Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

The Saboteur

■ Jetpack Theatre Collective presents The Saboteur from March 20 - 25 at The Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

This award-winning improv show blends whodunnit, reality TV and social strategy games. A close-knit cast of improvisers are given a series of improv games and scenes to play.

However, one of the players is secretly designated as the Saboteur before the show starts. It is the job of the Saboteur to try and ruin the show by improvising badly — without getting caught.

Nobody else on stage, or in the audience, knows who the Saboteur is.

As the scenes progress, the audience and players are surveyed about who they think is the Saboteur through a purpose-built website. Players are eliminated from the show one by one, based on their ability to correctly identify the Saboteur and their actions.

Performance Dates: March 20 - 25 at 7pm

Venue: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, off Little Collins St (between Swanston and Elizabeth Sts in Melbourne CBD. Suitable for ages 12+. Approx. time 60 minutes

Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/ show/the-saboteur

- Cheryl Threadgold

Roger Neill

■ An Evening with Roger Neill will be presented on Wednesday, March 22 from 6.30pm - 7.30pm at The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne. This event presented by Theatre Heritage Australia is in association with Arts Centre Melbourne.

Roger Neill is a UK-based arts historian. His new book, The Simonsens of St Kilda, tells the true story of a family of singers from Melbourne and their opera company.

An internationally recognised expert on Australian photographer, H. Walter Barnett, Roger curated the exhibition Legends: the Art of Walter Barnett for the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra in 2000.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential via Arts Centre Melbourne.

Event Date: Wednesday, March 22 at 6.30pm. Venue: The Channel, Arts Centre Melbourne (The Channel is located on the River Terrace between St Kilda Rd and Southgate). Bookings: At the Arts Centre Box Office or over the phone: 1300 182 183 (Mon. - Fri. 9am-4.30pm)

- Cheryl Threadgold

Illusionist Michael Boyd

● Melissa McGlensey in The Briefing.

Nick Robertson ■ Melissa McGlensey brings her latest work to the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Titled The Briefing, the show can be seen from April 10-23 at Campari House, Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD.

Written and performed by Melissa McGlensey with Felix Macfarlane and directed by Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall,The Briefing was birthed from McGlensey's obsession with global politics and love of biting satire.

This 50-minute experience invites MICF audiences to join the press pack and take aim. Professional hecklers are most welcome.

With her political aspirations in full flight (on stage and in real-life), right-wing Sarah Huckabee Sanders has embarked on an international propaganda tour.

The former White House Press Secretary (turned Fox News host) is now the Governor of Arkansas, but that doesn't mean she's done spreading Trumpism far and wide. And they say if you’re thinking Australia won’t get caught in the crosshairs… Fake News

The Briefing is a combination of political theatre, partisan nonsense, and wonderfully dark humour.

Performance Dates: April 10 – 23 April Mon .– Sun .7pm. Opening Night: Wednesday, April 12, 7pm

Tickets: $25 Full, $22 Concession, $20 Grps 6+, Previews and Tuesdays

Bookings: 9245 3788 or online via www.comedyfestival.com.au/2023/shows/ the-briefing-with-melissa-mcglensey#

Venue: Campari House, 23-25 Hardware

Ln, Melbourne CBD

Duration: 50 minutes no interval

Suitable for audiences 15+

Warnings: contains strong coarse language, political, religious and/or racial themes, and strong sexual references

- Cheryl Threadgold

Hans Zimmer

■ Some of the greatest pieces of film music of the modern era will be performed in May when the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Nicholas Buc pay tribute to one of the most influential film composers of all time: Hans Zimmer.

From the epic worlds of Interstellar, Inception and Christopher Nolan’s Batman Dark Knight Trilogy, to animated classics

The Lion King and Kung Fu Panda alongside unforgettable themes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Gladiator, audiences cab feel the power of the full MSO in flight as they perform Zimmer’s iconic scores.

The performance will be hosted by popular podcasters from Art of the Score, Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding.

The Music of Hans Zimmer

Wednesday, May 3 - 7.30pm

Thursday, May 4 - 7.30pm

Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Women’s Comedy

■ The Melbourne International Comedy Festival hit, Sunanda Loves Britney, comes to Glen Eira Town Hall for International Women’s Day

Wednesday, March 8

Glen Eira Town Hall Auditorium 6pm–7.30pm and 8pm–9.30pm

WELL WORTH THE CHEMO

■ Michael Shafer returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival between March 30 and April 23 at The Toff in Town, 252 Swanston St, to prove why he was well worth the chemo.

Michael is a locally grown, recently married, Jewish, testicular cancer-surviving, lawyer-turned comedian, and is returning to the MICF with a new show that offers terrible, but effective, solutions to all of the world’s problems.

In just under an hour, Michael will explain what we must do to reverse the brutal history of colonisation, how to combat religious bigotry, which religion Australia needs to adopt to fix our economy and the important health and safety lessons we can learn from ISIS

Since leaving a career in law, Michael has been busy justifying that decision to his mother who invested (well, she would say ‘wasted’) a lot of money on her son’s education.

He has (somewhat) achieved that, having sold out shows around the country and appeared on Network 10’s The Project and Studio 10, ABC’s Comedy Bites, SBS’s RAW Comedy and pretty much every other TV and radio network in the country.

He’s also had 70+ million views of his comedy online, his first special A(LIVE) just came out on Amazon Prime and his latest special Alright, Next Joke is about to drop on YouTube.

Michael's favourite review ever came from his own oncologist who wrote Michael an email that simply said: “Great show, Michael! You were well worth the chemo!” True story.

Performance Details: March 30 - April 23 at 7.15pm

Venue: The Toff in Town, Level 2, Curtain House, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne

Tickets: comedyfestival.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

N’hood Sessions

■ The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Neighbourhood Sessions is bringing a hand-picked line-up to the 'burbs from March 16 - April 20.

Over four big weekends, the ‘best of the best’ comedy will be seen gracing Melbourne’s local stages. Sprinkled across iconic venues, some of the biggest names in comedy will make an appearance alongside festival favourites and the country’s best new talent.

Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Footscray, Moorabbin, Narre Warren, Rosebud, Thornbury, Williamstown and more will play host to the star-studded line-ups, with five comics appearing at each show.

You can catch Celia Pacquola, Nick Coby, Bob Franklin, Kirsty Webeck, Stuart Daulman, Carl Donnelly (UK), Suren Jayemanne, Anirban Dasgupta (India), Urvi Majumdar, Takashi Wakasugi (Japan), Daniel Connell, Samuel Gebreselassie, Andrew Hansen, Annie Louey, Hannah Camilleri, Chris Ryan, Anirban Dasgupta (India), Sam Taunton, Chris Ryan, He Huang (China), Sashi Perera, Tim Hewitt, Gillian Cosgriff, Bev Killick, Dane Simpson, Nick Schuller, Douglas Lim (Malaysia) and DeAnne Smith (Canada/USA).

These big shows present comedy close to home and give a glimpse of what’s hot in the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

■ Thursday March 16 , 7.30pm – The Thornbury Theatre – Thornbury

■ Saturday March 18, 8pm – Town Hall

Broadmeadows – Broadmeadows

■ Friday March 24, 8pm – Footscray Community Arts – Footscray

■ Friday March 31, 8pm – Kingston Arts Centre – Moorabbin

■ Saturday April 1, 8pm – Drum Theatre –Dandenong

■ Wednesday April 5, 7.30pm – Bunjil Place –Narre Warren

■ Friday April 7, 8pm – Williamstown Town Hall – Williamstown

■ Thursday April 20, 8pm – Rosebud Memorial Hall – Rosebud (part of the Drift Festival) For tickets and more information visit comedyfestival.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Celebrating International Woemn’s Day

■ As part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Music and Ideas series, a panel discussion titled Celebrating International Women’s Day was held as part of the lead up to International Women’s Day.

Looking at the role of classical music in society today, ABC journalist Leigh Sales hosted the evening and was joined by four leading practitioners who work across a range of different roles in the field of music (for example composers, broadcasters, performers): Sascha Kelly; Emma Muir-Smith; Dr Priya Srinivasan; and Jessica Wells.

As the discussion moderator, Sales posed a series of questions relating to and exploring the main theme.

For example: what’s the relationship between classical music and modern popular music? How can classical music keep and extend its audience reach? What role does education play in keeping classical music alive and relevant?

Following a familiar structure for conducting such events, each of the four panelists were invited in turn to draw upon their experiences in music to respond to these questions. A few questions from the audience then wrapped up proceedings.

The panellists’ contributions and reflections were thoughtful and rooted in their own varied life experiences working in their field (s).

Generally speaking, they sought to not only answer the various questions but also to unpack them, seeking to understand and critically analyze the assumptions underlying them.

For example, Priya spoke of how, in much Asian music practice, the classical is embedded in and a foundation for the modern, that is the question about the relationship between classical and modern is based on a false culturally-specific assumed dichotomy that simply doesn’t apply in other cultures.

There never seems to be enough time for such public discussions but, putting that minor concern aside, this was an entertaining and thought-provoking evening.

It was fascinating hearing these four women speak of their lives in classical music and how much it means to them. A great contribution to the MSO’s Music and Ideas series.

Venue: Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre.

www.mso.com.au

- Review by Peter Murphy

● ● A memorial service for singersongwriter Hans Poulsen was held at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, last Friday (Mar. 3). He wrote many successful songs for both himself and other artists through the 70’s: John Farnham, Zoot and many other artists.

■ Inspirational nonagenarian Liz Hicklin launched her latest book, a memoir titled Kiss and Cry: A Passionate and Tragic Life at Morven Manor, Mornington Friends, family and fellow writers attended the event, as well as Deputy Mayor, Cr Debra Mar.

Dynamic Liz, 92, is also a member of the Peninsula Writers' Club, and at the launch, Vice-President Rebecca Fraser praised Liz's natural gift for storytelling.

UK-born and now in demand as an author, performance poet and raconteur, Liz was encouraged from an early age to entertain with poems and stories.

Her fascinating tales include dating a young poet by the name of Ted Hughes while studying literature at Cambridge University.

As a qualified nurse, she embarked on a working holiday around the world, eventually landing in Australia and finding herself at the cutting edge of medical science.

Marrying her now late husband Bill, a Canadian, in the 1950s, Liz became a wife, mother and, after retiring from nursing, the business-owner of a pet shop.

When retiring to the Mornington Peninsula, Liz renewed her creative interests and began writing prose and sharing her storytelling.

A series of documentaries about inspirational women of the Mornington Peninsula, titled Dreamweavers is being produced by award-winning local film makers Heather Forbes-McKeon and Yanni Dellaportas. Liz Hicklin will be the focus of one of the short films.

Kiss and Cry: A Passionate and Tragic Life (2022) is published by Litoria Press, and is available for sale from Farrell's Bookshop, Mornington, Rosebud Book Barn and Antipodes Bookshop, Sorrento, or online from mmhpress.com and Amazon.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Glyn stands down

■ Glyn Roberts, current director of the Castlemaine State Festival, has announced that the 2023 iteration of the arts event will be his last in the director’s chair. After six years, he will be stepping down in April.

Known for his work across the Australian and international creative industries, Roberts joined CSF in 2017 and led the Castlemaine State Festival through two successful editions of the biennial event.

The 2019 edition of the festival was the most attended festival in its history, and his third and final edition, to open soon in late March looking to be the biggest yet.

Alongside, there has been the successful multi-stage capital expenditure project through the development of the Castlemaine Goods Shed site as a multi-use arts and cultural space and headquarters for the organisation.

Roberts’s passion, drive, and commitment to supporting the many disciplines under the arts umbrella made his time at the Castlemaine State Festival one of growth.

Under his guidance, the evergreen arts event became one of the first at-scale productions in early 2021 to successfully emerge from the challenges of COVID and associated restrictions.

● Michael Shafar

● ● ● Mornington Peninsula author Liz Hicklin (right) with filmmaker Heather Forbes-McKeon at the launch of Liz's memoir Kiss and Cry: a Passionate and Tragic Life.

Photo: Yanni Dellaportas

Photo:

SALUTE TO JOAN SAXTON

■ Those attending last week's Joan Saxton Lecture Lunch Club meeting at the elegant Gables on Finch, Malvern, were treated to a nostalgic and entertaining 'Letters from Joan' presentation by Lawrence Money with Hilary Henshaw.

Joan Saxton was a British-born pioneer for public speaking Down Under, and the founder of the very first Australian Professional Speaking Agency, now the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Hilary and Lawrence paid tribute to Joan by sharing happy, personal experiences of working with her and some amusing anecdotes.

The gathering also heard snippets from some of Joan's prolific handwritten personal communications over the years.

Through Joan's wise and witty words, we learned more about her as a person and the stories she told.

Joan Saxton expressed her wish to Hilary Henshaw that the club continue after she had gone onto her next adventure.

Hilary and Lawrence Money continue honoring Joan's wish, facilitating the delightful Joan Saxton Lecture Lunch Club meetings with guest speakers.

■ If interested to attend a Joan Saxton Lecture Lunch Club meeting, email: hilary@hilaryhenshaw. com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Turkish Pazar Festival

■ The Turkish Pazar Festival will transform the iconic Queen Victoria Market into a traditional Turkish street market over two days on Saturday and Sunday (March 11-12).

Pazar is the Turkish word for both Sunday and bazaar or market.

Cemal Akdeniz, President of Moreland Turkish Association, says “As proud migrants from Turkey and Cyprus who choose to make multicultural Australia our home, we are passionate about sharing our rich traditions.

“For many decades the Queen Victoria Market has played an important role in the lives of the Turkish community.

“In 2023, we will be remembering those affected by the recent devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

“This Festival is made possible by the support of our major sponsors the City of Melbourne and the Commonwealth Bank, as well as by our many other sponsors, supporters and volunteers. We invite everyone to join us”.

Visitors to the Festival will experience the vibrant tastes, colours and sounds of a Turkish street bazaar through food, music, dance, arts and crafts and cultural displays.

The Festival is free and welcomes everyone.

She Dies Tomorrow

■ (M). 85 minutes. Now available on DVD.

Both compelling and unsettling (not to mention timely), this wellobserved, finely tuned film from actor-turned-writer/director Amy Seimetz (Sun Don’t Shine) will either intrigue or infuriate viewers, but those who embrace its surreal approach and slow-burn pacing, will most likely put this among the most absorbing efforts of the year.

Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil), a recovering alcoholic who is moving into a new home, suddenly believes she is going to die tomorrow.

Calling her friend Jane (Jane Adams), Amy relates this information to her, but is casually dismissed, with Jane passing the troubling comments off as a booze-related relapse.

However, when Jane returns home, she starts to feel the same kind of dread and anxiety that was enveloping Amy, and after Jane pays a surprise visit at the house of her brother Jason (Chris Messina) and his wife Susan (Katie Aselton), it becomes apparent that this dark depression is contagious, like a virus.

Seimetz shows great intelligence and restraint in the telling of her story, and is confident in the possibilities raised in her script.

Seimetz is also adept at not falling into either bombastic excess or tiresome David Lynch homage.

Seimetz relies on a disorientating mood to get into the main characters’ fractured headspace, and the results are immersive and potent.

Numerous food stalls will entice the taste buds. Offerings will include Melbourne’s favourite gözleme (savoury pancakes), simit (sesame crusted bread rings), kebabs, kumpir (baked potatoes Turkish style), midye (stuffed mussels) and sweets such as lokma (sticky balls of goodness) or lokum (Turkish Delight).

There will be numerous options vegans and vegetarians. Visitors can relax over an authentic Turkish coffee prepared over hot sand or enjoy a cold limonata.

Cultural displays will introduce traditional Turkish arts of calligraphy and ebru (paper marbling).

The day-long stage program will entertain all with music, dance and children’s activities. On Sunday a highlight will be the military precision of the colourful Australian Turkish Mehter Band, an Ottoman style marching band.

They will also be remembering the earthquake victims with prayers and a fundraising campaign created with the support of the Queen Victoria Market.

The Moreland Turkish Association was formed in 1985 to provide support for the active integration and involvement of the Turkish community living in the Moreland area.

- John O’Keefe

Aussie Pops

■ Mothers Day concert performances will be given Rhonda Burchmore, tenor Harrison Craig and Denis Walter, with John Foreman and the Aussie Pops Orchestra.

John Foreman is a producer, conductor, pianist, musical director and composer. Working across television, musicals and recording, he is probably best known as the Musical Director – and cymbal crasher – for Channel Nine's Carols by Candlelight. In 2019 John took ownership of the Australian Pops Orchestra. This family event will feature the songs known and loved, backed by the sound of the orchestra.

Two special performances will be given on Sunday, May 14 – before lunch at 11am or after lunch at 3pm –at Hamer Hall.

Strong performances are also a major asset, with Sheil and Adams (Happiness) particular stand-outs. There is even a cameo by director Adam Wingard (Pop Skull, The Guest), who gave Seimetz a meaty role in the underrated 2010 thriller A Horrible Way To Die.

Praise too must go to Jay Keitel, who creates some impressively memorable imagery. Though its premise does remind one at times of films such as Perfect Sense (2011), Pontypool (2008) and The Signal (2007), She Dies Tomorrow is a creation that successfully attains an identity all its own, and confirms Seimetz as a film-making talent to watch.

RATING - ****

Black Christmas

■ (M). 92 minutes. Now Available on Blu-ray and DVD. Quietly dumped in cinemas, this loose remake of Bob Clark’s 1974 cult classic met with some of

the most vicious reviews seen in quite some time, but the truth is, this total, yet purposeful, reworking of the original source is much better than what it seems.

Set at a traditional, very old-fashioned college, the story centres on Riley (Imogen Poots), a student who is still recovering from a sexual assault that occurred on campus a couple of years ago, and is understandably finding it hard to trust her environment and male peers again. Riley is supported by her dorm friends, including Kris (Aleyse Shannon), who is openly rebelling against what is a male-dominated system, while also trying to bring her pal out of her shell.

When a mysterious stalker starts murdering female students, Riley feels that the offender is close and targeting her (including threats on social media), and unfortunately she will be proven right.

With these kind of incidents making the news on a regular basis (the chilling footage of St Kevin’s students yelling a horrifically sexist chant on a Melbourne tram is a perfect example), co-writer/director Sophia Takal (who helmed the underrated 2016 thriller Always Shine, which looked at the treatment of women in Hollywood), collaborating with co-writer April Wolfe, barely contain their rage in depicting the toxic masculinity and patriarchal mentality that is still prevalent in today’s society, notably in our education system.

While it can be seen as heavyhanded at times, Takal and Wolfe potently make their point (a confrontation between Riley and a disinterested security guard beautifully illustrates their message), and thankfully have a strong cast to convincingly deliver the dipped-in-acid material, with Poots (28 Weeks Later, Centurion, Green Room) and Shannon the two stand-outs.

Though I can understand what the black ooze is supposed to represent, the supernatural turn that Black Christmas takes toward the end slightly undermines what has come before, particular when the real-life horrors the main characters have to endure is scary enough.

Those looking for a typical horror movie filled with jolts and gore will be sorely disappointed, but those looking for something a little different, one that offers some food for thought, might be pleasantly surprised, and hopefully this unfairly maligned film finds a cult following of its own.

I also hope the original 111minute cut sees the light of day some time in the near future.

That version would be fascinating to watch.

RATING - ***

- Aaron Rourke

● ● Hilary Henshaw and Lawrence Money pay tribute to the late Joan Saxton (pictured), founder of Australia's first professional speaking agency. Photo: Helen Barnett

Advertise from as little as $10 per week

The Local Paper

FOR THE BEST LOCAL COVERAGE

$10 per week: 45-issue package ($450)

$15 per week: 26-issue package ($390)

$20 per week: 13-issue package ($260)

$25 per week: ‘casual’ 4 issues ($100)

M, AE, no surcharges). Booking and content de adline: 5PM FRIDAYS.

Phone 1800 231 311

All packages are pre-paid by Card (V, M, AE) or by EFT. by 5pm Fridays

Dingo Mini Digger

Bobcat, 4.5 Tonne

Paul 0408 367 071

■ I have recently watched several old films starring George Sanders and I thought he was a wonderful actor.

The highlight of his career came in 1950 when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the classic film All About Eve

George Henry Sanders was born in St Petersburg in Russia in 1906. His parents were English and he had a brother Tom and a sister Margaret

His father was a successful rope manufacturer and at the outbreak of the Russian Revolution in 1917 the family fled to England leaving most of their wealth behind.

The children were educated in the UK and George was a very good swimmer and boxer.

In his teenage years he grew to be very tall and handsome. George got a job in an advertising agency and appeared as a featured extra singing beside a piano in a bar in the Gracie Fields film Love Life And Laughter

In 1936 he was cast in his first supporting screen role in Find The Lady. This led to parts in American films and George portrayed ‘cads’ in films such as Lloyd's of London, Rebecca and Confessions Of A Nazi Spy

In 1937 he told his friend David Niven that he would commit suicide at the age of 65.

He made his first ‘Saint’ film in 1939, The S aint Strikes Back playing the suave Simon Templar for the first time on screen.

He made a series of five Saint films and also

Whatever Happened To ... George Sanders

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

portrayed The Falcon in another three films. In 1942 he co-starred with his brother Tom Conway (who changed his name after George became famous) in The Falcon's Brother

His memorable role came in The Picture Of Dorian Gray when he played Sir Henry Wotton in the adaptation of the classic story by Oscar Wilde

George Sanders was now a major film star who specialised in playing supporting roles.

He made several pictures with Angela Lansbury and was at his best as the nasty Saron of Gaza in the 1949 film Samson And Delilah

He got his ‘just deserts’ when he was crushed between two huge chunks of concrete after Samson moved the giant pillars and brought the

temple down. George sang onscreen in Call Me Madam and had a fine baritone voice.

He recorded an album of songs The George Sanders Touch: Songs For The Lovely Lady which is a collector's item today.

His notable films included Ivanhoe, I Can Get It For You Wholesale, Solomon And Sheba, Village Of The Damned and A Shot in the Dark

He voiced ‘Shere Khan’ in the Walt Disney

animated film The Jungle Book and also played the villain ‘Mr Freeze’ in the Batman television series.

He was married four times and his wives included Zsa Zsa Gabor and her sister Magda Sadly Tom Conway suffered with alcoholism and died in 1967.

In 1972 George fulfilled his prediction to David Niven when he checked into a hotel in Barcelona Spain and several days later his body was found beside five empty bottles of pills. He left a note which readDear World, I am leaving because I am bored.

I feel I have lived long enough. I am leaving you with your worries in this sweet cesspool. Good luck.

Sadly he suffered from depression and unfortunately he was unable to get the help that is now available in Australia with the marvellous organisations such as Beyond Blue George Sanders was a colorful character in Hollywood and his on-screen performances are just wonderful - thank goodness for DVDs. He has two well deserved stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 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

OPIE’S WORK ON SHOW AT HEIDE MUSEUM

Biding Ties – Photographer

Catherine Opie

Footy Ins and Outs

■ Not many sleeps until the bounce of the ball for start of the AFL season. Wayne Carey is no longer with Seven - or anyone. Jimmy Bar tel has transferred from Seven to Nine where he will become a member of Footy Classifieds replacing Ross Lyon who has decided to coach St Kilda. There are other internal changes at Seven, but it’s just shuffling of chairs on that good ship.

Another Negus on 60 Minutes

■ Negus is a familiar surname on Channel 9. Now, George’s son Serge has joined Nine working as a producer on 60 Minutes. Serge has cut his teeth with Triple J, abc as well as producing documentaries on natural world and wildlife subjects.

Stage name secret

■ During his Saturday night gig on 3AW, Gavin Wood let it slip he once had a gig as a singer at a Brisbane restaurant, so he chose the sur name of Peterson but after a while reverted to Wood where it remained for ever more. Another contributor to this paper was in a skiffle group called Snotty and the Nose Pickers, that name never took off.

Highlights of Jazz Festival

■ Etham was returned as the jazz capital following the Festival. The standout, in my opinion was a five-piece group, The Blue Stone Assembly, playing a unique fusion of 1950's R&B, soul, blues and classical jazz. Check them put onYou Tube. The St Helena College Stage Band played up a storm to prove the future of jazz is in good hands playing a mix of modern and classical favourites.

Stop the presses

■ It could only happen in Hollywood that Britney Spears’s dog, a Doberman called Porscha, escaped from custody and bit a cyclist as he stepped off his bike. Wow, what a scoop, Porscha was given home detention and spell at puppy school .

The Arts

Heide Museum of Modern Art has announced the first survey exhibition in Australia of renowned American photographer Catherine Opie.

The exhibition brings together more than 50 key works traversing the artist’s historic and recent practice.

The exhibition at Heide presents Opie’s early most recognisable works exploring constructions of gender and sexuality, through alternative conceptions of the nuclear household to more recent explorations on solidarity and collective action in the face of proliferating global crisis.

Opie remains well known for er portraits of leather dykes, drag performers and trans members of her queer community in San Francisco and LosAngeles in the nineties, offering incisive commentary of identity expression and group membership.

Her most recent series extend this thinking, exploring the ways our identification as individuals is eclipsed by the more critical need for us to identify collectively, working together toward common goals of environmental sustainability and social equality.

Now more then ever, we relate to one another as citizens of the world tasked with its protection, reflected in social movements like Black Lives Matter.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

At Mildura

Katyiluku – Sian Harris

The word Katyiluku in Paakarityi means small or tiny. The collection contains works that measure no more than 30cm by 30cm in size. The stories and imagery have come to the artist in small bursts as thoughts, ideas, or dreams.

No matter how minute the story id, Harris has recorded it in her artwork. Slices of life, pieces of ideas and parts of larger stories are collected here in these small works.

Exhibition closes Sunday April 2. Mildura Arts Centre

199 Coreton Rd, Mildura

Solo exhibition

Working Models – Rose Nolan comprises 20 small individual sculp-

New name for Gallery

■ MGA (Monash Gallery of Art) will become known as MAPh (Museum of Australian Photography).

After more than 30 years of successfully advocating for the arts and Australian photography, MGA will be transforming into MAPh, ensuring that it continues to hold its place as the preeminent national institution dedicated to championing Australian photography and the vital role it plays in our culture and society, says Anouska Phizacklea, Gallery Director

with Peter Kemp

tures considering ideas of built architecture and the readymade.

The occasion marks Nolan’s eight solo exhibition in collaboration with Anna Schwartz Gallery in a relationship spanning 34 years.

Assuming the language of the monument, Nolan’s scaled architectural models are materially comprised of modest and often discarded domestic packaging.

Cement, wood and steel attuned to the constriction of suburban homes, factories and water towers, are replicated with everyday paper, cardboard and wine screw tops – reimagining architectural buildings with domestic placeholders’.

Cylindrical shipment tubing mirrors the colonnade, both modern and historical; Twining’s tea box labels identified as patterned reflective windowsills, and tilted cardboard corners as astrological viewing platforms.,

Exhibition opens March 18 and closes April 15.

Anna Schwartz Gallery

185 Flinders Lane, Melbourne - Peter Kemp

● ● ● ● Australia’s Circus Oz is back in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after 30 years with a fresh and all-new show at The Forum for two weeks only from April 723.

MAPh established its name at a time when the gallery collected and exhibited all types of visual art, including but not limited to paintings, sculpture, and photography.

There were no other institutions in the country who were dedicating their knowledge and expertise exclusively to the collection of Australian photography, and therefore, the resolve was made to solely concentrate on this art form – which was both groundbreaking and a first of its kind in Australia.

MAPh’s unique focus makes it one of the most culturally significant photography institutions in the country and is an integral part of the City of Monash’s vision of a city that celebrates and advocates for the arts and creative industries, says Anouska Phizacklea

“Our rebrand is about so much more than just a new name and logo. Not only does our new name ‘MAPh’ perfectly articulate exactly what we do, but it will also help us to take this institution to the next level with a fresh look, new strategies and more innovative ways to help connect our communities, empower Australian artists and bring more value to the arts sector as a whole.

MAPh will officially launch its rebrand on Sunday, March 19, at 12 Noon.

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● George Sanders

● ● Jimmy Bartel

Across

No 8B Across Down Down

167. Baronet's title

168. Family, ... & blood

169. Rugged peak

171. Altercation (3-2)

172. US symbol

175. Spotted pattern, ... dots

176. Trim, ... & terrific

179. Discovered

180. Flip (coin)

182. International trade fair

184. More submissive

185. Front of ship

186. Smash into

188. Belgrade native

189. Drinking-house

190. Charity gifts

191. Definite article

193. Cold & damp (of cellar)

194. Affirmatives

196. Abominable snowman

197. In addition

198. Stoneworker

200. TV popularity figures

205. Director, ... Howard

207. Aids

210. Or else

211. Respond too strongly

212. Feudal peasant 213. Sob

214. Moral crime

216. Formerly Persia 218. Ice hockey disc 219. Monster

220. Secret hopes 224. Hired killer 227. Rugs

229. Famed lioness

230. Bamboo rod 231. Nodules 232. One time only 233. Pant 235. Remove (brooch)

237. Entertainer, ... Coward 239. Old Testament son of Isaac

Raw vegetable dish

Garden shack

Stress

Raced

Spain's capital

Make certain

Lame walker's aid 258. Warder

Striped cat

Mosquito-borne disease

Routine

Wrinkle

Wench's bonnet

Phantoms

1. Very eager

2. Overtime reimbursement, time in ...

3. Matches

4. Laid slates

5. Horse colour

6. Provided with personnel

7. Strange

8. Egg white

9. Come out 10. Arrival

11. Plush fabric

12. Farm vehicle 13. Composition 14. Fuel oil

15. Meat cutlet

16. Conscious (of fact)

142. Primitive art forms 143. Groups' proxies 145. US President, ... Bush (6,1) 151. Chose

154. Fencing swords

156. SE English county

159. Belonging to us

164. Oxlike antelope 169. Pickled bud 170. Up in the air 173. Has ambitions 174. Beirut is there 177. Saudi natives 178. Transports 181. Complying with 183. Pale colours 187. Passenger jet 192. Becoming more exciting (7,2) 195. Brighten up 199. Collects

201. Actor, ... Baldwin

202. Lowdown

203. Brace (oneself)

204. Abdominal area

206. Non-rural

207. Water, ... ale (4'1)

208. Little devils

209. Outlaw priest, Friar ...

213. Tiny songbird

215. Movie hero, ... Jones

217. Brief sleeps

221. Strong winds

222. Not ever

223. Buy quickly, ... up 224. ... spumante

225. Unintoxicated 226. Flower smell

228. Plain 234. Rebelliously

236. Mimic

238. Lyrical poem

240. Cigarette residue

242. Geronimo's people

243. Surrounded by 245. Tropical shrub

247. Relic 248. Run playfully 250. Due 251. In attendance 253. Open valley 255. Naming word 257. Fellow 258. Irish dances 261. Leguminous plant 262. Flattened, ... out (pastry) 265. Great Train robber, ... Biggs 266. Bowsers, petrol ... 268. Grass leaf

269. Monastery 275. Italian farewell 276. Media bulletin

278. Eire, Republic of ...

280. Reduced dangerous tension in 282. Experts

283. Peace prize city

285. Respectfully, on bended ...

287. Foggier

289. Yacht's mooring cushion

290. Roots

291. Weirder

303. Fuss, song & ...

292. Cerebral

293. Entangle

296. Book of maps

297. Crisis

299. Shillings & ...

302. Russian river

304. Fasten (to)

305. Press into pleats

306. Skinny

307. Power group

308. Nautical greeting 310. Christmas 312. Cleveland is there 313. Large hawk

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

Pop Choir are back

■ After a hugely successful singalong show with 300 participants in January, ‘Pop Choir at the Bar’ is back at Memo by popular demand on Saturday, March 18.

International singers Sharon Stokes and Darryl Moulton present a very special evening event where the audience is part of the show, says their media release.

More info: https://popchoir.com.au/popchoir-at-the-bar/

Teskey Brothers

■ Warrandyte’s globe conquering Teskey Bros, have released a new single, ‘Oceans of Emotions’, ahead of their next studio album The Winding Way ,due out in June.

With four Aria awards and a Grammy nomination to add to their impressive career achievements to date, their music is now in demand around the world .

“We’re two brothers bonding over our pure love of soul, while taking more risks than ever before.

“There’s a lot of thought and time gone into this record, more than in the past,” says Josh.

Substitutes

■ Kelly Auty and Andrea Lees join together with the Substitutes to relive the girls hits of the 60s.

The Arco Bar Heatherton will host the event with a dinner and show on Friday (Mar. 10). Bookings at the Arco Bar , phone 9551 1424

- Rob Foenander

MAMMA MIA HEADS FOR THE PRINCESS

■ A waitlist has been established for the Melbourne production of Mamma Mia which starts at the Princess Theatre from October 4.

The musical will be dancing its way into Melbourne from Sydney and Brisbaner sesons.

Featuring 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Voulez Vous, S.O.S and Take a Chance On Me, the iconic songs known and loved will have audiences dancing in the aisles.

Starring in this new Australian production as mother-of-the-bride

Donna Sheridan is Elise McCann

Elise has a well-established theatre career best known for her role as Miss Honey in the Australian production of Matilda The Musical, earning her a Helpmann Award for the role.

She starred in the acclaimed concert series To Barbra, With Love. Elise played Ali in the 10th Anniversary production of Mamma Mia The Musical in 2009 and will now don the platforms as the Dynamos lead singer.

In the role of Donna’s daughter and bride-to-be Sophie, is emerging young Australian actor Sarah Krndija . The VCA graduate has recently been seen in 9 to 5 The Musical, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical and Friends The Musical Parody. She is also about to be seen in the highly anticipated Amazon/ Matchbox series Class Of ’07, releasing worldwide in March on Prime Video.

Starring as Donna’s vivacious and loyal friend Rosie is Bianca Bruce, most recently seen in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, as well as appearing as a featured artist in Boublil and Schönberg’s Do You HearThe People Sing?

Deone Zanotto rounds out the Dynamo trio in the role of spirited friend Tanya. The seasoned musical theatre performer has starred on stages in the West End and on Broadway in shows including A Chorus Line, Chicago and West Side Story.

Stage and screen award winning actor Martin Crewes stars as Sam Carmichael, one of Sophie’s unsuspecting fathers. Martin’s stage and screen career has taken him around the world in productions including Les Misérables, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls and most recently in Handa’s The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour.

Acclaimed theatre actor Drew Livingston plays Harry Bright, another man from Donna’s past who could be Sophie’s father. Drew’s production credits include Once, Billy Elliot the Musical and War Horse.

Theatre and screen actor Tim Wright plays Bill Austin, the third potential father in this light-hearted story. Tim’s career led him to multiple productions on Broadway including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Take Me Out , along with roles in US television shows including

SMASH, Blue Bloods and New Amsterdam.

Sophie’s adoring fiancé Sky is played by Lewis Francis , having just completed the recent Australian tour of The Phantom of the Opera and previous roles in The Book of Mormon and Jersey Boys.

Newcomers Nina Carmen and Kadesa Honeyhill play the role of Sophie’s friends Ali and Lisa respectively. Sky’s energetic mates are played by Jordan Tomljenovic as Pepper and Etuate Lutui as Eddie.

The incredible supporting cast includes (in alphabetical order) Chiara Assetta, Lily Baulderstone, Carlo Boumouglbay, Campbell Braithwaite, Emily Cascarino, Chelsea Dawson, Denise Devlin, Lauren Goetz, Matt Hamilton, Crystal Hegedis, Marie Ikonomou, Josh Mulheran, Bronson Pfeiler, Lewis Shilvock, Tom Struik, Riley Sutton, Carla Venezia and Geoffrey Winter.

This new production of Mamma Mia The Musical is produced in Australia by Michael Coppel, Louise Withers and Linda Bewick.

“Mamma Mia is the perfect medicine for our times,” said Louise Withers.

“The musical is a proven hit and an uplifting, fun-filled, heartfelt night at the theatre where audiences are transported to another time and place.

“We are thrilled with this incredibly talented cast and know they will

bring the story and joy to life on stage in the most amazing way. The timeless music of ABBA never fails to bring joy to audiences across the world, so we are excited to be bringing the fun of Mamma Miaback to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne this year.”

This 2023 production is a re-staging of the highly successful and critically acclaimed 2017 production which featured the original work of a completely Australian creative team lead by Helpmann Award winning Director Gary Young, Choreographer Tom Hodgson, Musical Supervisor Stephen Amos, Set Designer Linda Bewick, Costume Designer Suzy Strout, Lighting Designer Gavan Swift and Sound Design by Michael Waters. Set on a Greek island paradise and inspired by the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, writer Catherine Johnson’s heartwarming tale centres around a young bride-to-be.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

Seen and loved by over 65 million people around the world, this smash hit is a joyous celebration of love, laughter and friendship, Mamma Mia The Musical is a fabulous night out for all ages.

A beautiful bride, a proud mother and three possible fathers. It's a trip down the aisle to be remembered forever!

METER T LAGS NONE WHEEL USER MARE D A POMP OVERUSES L SURPRISE HARD H

EMIR SPAR X D M GYM N E F WAIL OPAL I O L TRACEABLE UNSELFISH N O I

ODYSSEY I C S R TUG W T C E EARMARK

L E M GNATS POGO GROW FEARS T C N

DRAG B AGE THAI VIE RAZE REP T ETNA E REFILL R E GLEE RENT U T ORACLE V

NONO T L OBESE PRESS EDDIE K C EDGE U R TWANG P AXE SIR A FLESH C N

CRAG E N RUNIN EAGLE POLKA S M TAUT A LEARNT A E TOSS EXPO I C MEEKER A

PROW I RAM SERB PUB ALMS THE N DANK E F N YESES YETI ALSO MASON T B E

RATINGS R N G Y RON T U M T ASSISTS L N T OTHERWISE OVERREACT D M U

SERF WEEP A O N SIN L B S

Are

At Jim's Mowing North East, we can help! Our dedicated team have a passion for gardening and we take great pride in our work, ensuring that whatever you need help with, we can take care of it for you effortlessly and with a smile. Our knowledge and experience means that all of your outdoor projects can be handled by one team, keeping the project streamlined and running smoothly.

We can help with a variety of services including:

Not just residential work we can also cater to commercial properties and help to maintain your place of business or your investment property. Our prices are competitive and affordable and our free quote service means that you can plan your project budget before we get started. At Jim's Mowing North East, we take care of our customers and guarantee exceptional service from start to finish.

EARLY NOMINATIONS FOR NEWMARKET

■ Some ofAustralia’s best sprinters could take their place in the popular Newmarket Handicap to be run at Flemington on Saturday (Mar. 11).

Leading bookies Neds have framed an early market for the big one, with the Peter Moodytrained four-year-old, I Wish I Win, as the early favourite.

A winner of five of his 14 starts, with six minor placings, he earned his favourtism with sa ensational run in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

The four-year-old by Cox Plate winner, Savabeel, put in a sensational run to go down narrowly to the flying three-year old, Coolangatta.

Near last at the 200 metre mark, I Wish I Win flashed home to go down by about a neck.

On the second line is the flying New South Wales filly, In Secret, prepared by James Cummings in the familiar all blue colours, who went down by two short half-heads in the Surround Stakes.

I felt it was a big run, she was having her first run over 1400 metres, stepping up from 1200 metres, and was gallant in defeat.

In the Newmarket she will attack the 1200 metres of the Flemington straight, and will be hard to beat.

Sport Ted Ryan

She will come out with all guns blazing, come Newmarket Day.

In Secret showed them what she was all about with a brilliant win up the Flemington straight back in October in the Coolmore, on Derby Day.

An interesting runner is the top New Zealander, Imperatriz, a four-year-old mare with a good track record.

She recently beat a good field of 12 runners in New Zealand, and reports are strong that she will hold her own here.

The Epsom winner, Private Eye, is one to that will be hard to beat, having won the Epsom last year, and loves it up the straight at Flemington.

He has won 10 races with four placings from his 24 starts, and is all class.

He is in the care of leading Sydney trainer, Joe Pride, a prolific winning trainer of sprinters.

Next is the brilliant sprinter, Ciga Kick, who has a great record up the straight at Flemington

Prepared by young Victorian trainer, Clayton Douglas, he is taking all before him.

His win in the rich Everest Classic in Sydney was outstanding, and he is going to be the one to beat, although he hasn’t race for some time, and may need the run.

His record speaks for itself, five wins from six races.

He recently worked well with smart threeyear filly, Coolangatta, who had the edge on him in the gallop.

But he is all class, and will be right in this.

The classy three-year-old, Lofty Strike, with Julius Sandhu, at Cranbourne, was unlucky in the Oakleigh Plate, after being held up for a run. He flashed home to be narrowly beaten by Uncommon James who hails from Queensland, trained by S.O’ Dea and M.Hoysted, at Eagle Farm.

Lofty Strike beat him in the Rubiton Stakes at Sandown at his previous start.

Last

ning Stakes, but if he’s all right, should be hard to beat again as he loves the straight 1200 metre run. He is in the care of leading Flemington trainer, Michael Moroney.

Another smart type is the Sydney trained Buenos Notches, who was unlucky not to have run a place in the Lightning behind Coolangatta.

Uncommon James may run here, but I feel he may have had his day in the sun, winning the Oakleigh Plate.

Of the others the smart Bella Nipotina , always gives of her best, but the others may be too good. I like I Wish I Win, Lofty Strike and In Secret.

At Balnarring

■ Just over 160 years ago, the now famous

Balnarring Picnic Races swung into action. At that stage, they presented a challenge to local residents, to present a horse against the local champion the speedy ‘Kathleen’.

Would you believe she was a draught mare, owned and ridden by the local land owner John Buckley?

Buckley was noted for his ability when riding Kathleen, being a draught-mare, it wouldn’t have been easy, as they are a big lump of a horse.

As time went on, eventually a course was laid out at Emu Plains to conduct a race for local challengers.

The popularity of racing grew on the people and attendances grew quickly.

With the extension of the steam railway to Hastings and Bittern, it allowed visitors from Melbourne to visit for a day at the races.

Boxing Day in 1889 was a red-hot day, with a gusty north wind.

Due to a lack of sufficient vehicles to transport visitors from train to track, many were forced to call on ‘Shanks Pony’, a common term for walking.

The Balnarring Club is celebrating its 60th year on Sunday (Mar. 12) and everyone is welcome as usual.

Through their popular media man, Terry Mulcahy, naturally they have a huge day planned.

Terry said there will be many features on show as well as everything for the racegoers on the day.

This includes families, and it’s a good drive down the Peninsula Freeway, just look out for the turn off.

There will be bars open, eating areas, and entertainment for the children.

Naturally the races being the main attraction, will entertain the expected big crowd, with plenty of excitement.

I hope to see you there.

- Ted Ryan

● ● In Secret ridden by James McDonald wins the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington Racecourse on October 29. Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos.

● ● I Wish I Win (NZ) ridden by Luke Nolen wins the Tile Importer Testa Rossa Stakes at L adbrokes Park Hillside Racecourse on September 25.

Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos

I am a big rap for Lofty Strike, cast your mind back to last year when he was a big chance to win the Blue Diamond, but went amiss.

year’s Newmarket winner, Roch ‘ N’ Horse, was a late scratching from the Light-

CHARLIE WALKER’S BEST EVER PERFORMANCE

■ Once again it was popular Maryborough commencing the week on February 27 with an eleven event card.

Former Maryborough resident Ken Whelan now based at Lawrence has won many races on the Carisbrook circuit over the years land landed the Aldebaran Park Trotters Final over 2190 metres with lightly raced 7Y0 Louey Louey Louey-Telern Tilly gelding Charlie Walker who produced his best ever performance to score.

Driven regular reinsman Michael Bellman, Charlie Walker raced by Ken, wife Merna and Maryborough local Geoff Walker a one time secretary of the club, was trapped wide from outside the front line before pressing forward to park exposed outside Jessicas Story which had led easily from gate two.

Revved up at the bell to hold out Buslin Brody three wide from the tail after going off stride after being checked within a lap, Charlie Walker put pay to the leader on turning and held a 3.3 metre margin to the wire, accounting for Rockford Peach (gate two second line - three wide solo last lap from mid-field) to be four wide on the home turn returning a mile rate of 2-05.5.

The well supported favourite Ero Carpe Diem (gate four) after trailing the leader used the sprint lane for third a half neck away. Ken has trained and driven numerous winners since starting off as a junior, being associated with many smart horses including Scorchin Sun, Robyn Guy, Doxa Joe, Gerry Leigh and Findsumore to name just a few.

Charlie stepped out again at Ballarat on Thursday and led for the majority of the 2200 metre journey of the Eureka Concrete Mobile, scoring easily by 10.8 metres in 2-00.8 from Krakeur which trailed after leading out, with Countess Chiron (one/one – outside the winner home turn) third a head away.

■ The 1690 metre Red House Bakery Maryborough Pace saw Dunnstown brothers Declan and Brent Murphy quinella the race with Declan victorious aboard ‘uncle’John Murphy’s 4Y0 Sportswriter-It Is She mare Emer in a rate of 1-57.8.

Landing outside the poleline leader Go George Go from gate five, Emer gained cover at the expense of Top Gun Tilly which went forward from gate four to enjoy the run of the race.

Angling three wide on turning, Emer finished best to prevail by 4.1 metres from Top Gun Tilly which fought on well, with Wichita Kansas a 1.4 metre third off a three wide trail last lap.

■ Parwan owner/trainer Jaime Madruga’s A Rocknroll Dance-Onedins Courage 5Y0 mare No Win No Worries chalked up her 9th success in 60 outings when successful in the Benstud Back Straight Pace over 2190 metres.

Driven by Michelle Phillips, No Win No Worries (three pegs from inside second line) enjoyed a cosy passage as Arockatthepark led from gate four.

Using the sprint lane, No Win No Worries dashed home to score by 3.8 metres in advance of Ruby Wingate (one/one – three wide home turn) in a mile rate of 1-58.9. Favourite Lottie Moon which trailed the leader from the pole was held up in the straight after shifting away from the markers on turning before flashing home late for third 2.3 metres back.

Double at Kilmore

■ Wallan trainer Ruth Shinn and reinsman son Chris snared a stable double at the eleven event race card at Kilmore on Tuesday February 28 with 5Y0 Betterthancheddar-Shishi gelding Dabyminga taking the C&M Build Pace , and 4Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Shes Pinkalicious gelding Archaa the Beraldo Coffee Pace, both races over 1690 metres.

Dabyminga (gate two) who is never far away in his races, ran home strongly off a three wide trail on the back of Always Locksley (one/one) in the last lap after a mid-field passage to defeat Always Locksley by a half head, with the poleline pacemaker Broadways Girl a head away third in a thrilling finish.

The mile rate 1-58.2.

Archaa (gate six) after moving forward to face the open before receiving a one/one passage eased three wide on the home turn and ran home best to prevail by a neck over Rockaria

Harness Racing

day by 1.1 metres from Listen To My Heart which trailed the leader, angling wide in the straight, with Eye See Philtra third 1.3 metres away third. The mile rate 1-57.4.

■ Kialla co-trainers Stephen O’Donoghue and Bec Bartley snared the 2170 metre North Vic Livestock Trotters Mobile over 2170 metres with lightly raced 9Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Lunars Last gelding Yoee in a shock result after the long odds-on favourite Sheetweb Weaver galloped wildly just after the start giving away an impossible start.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com

which raced exposed outside Alcatraz Girl who was third 4.7 metres away. The mile rate 201.7.

■ Veteran Longlea trainer/driver Brian Gath landed the Jet Roofing Maiden Pace over 1690 metres with Kyloan Queen, a 4Y0 daughter of Racing Hill and Tess Franco bred and raced by long time stable clients Norm and John Visca and Darren and Kylie Emerson.

Following through from gate two on the second line to settle mid-field in the running line, Kyloan Queen was set alight with a rush racing for the bell to park outside the leader Ideal Copy for the remainder of the trip.

Finishing best, Kyloan Queen scored by 1.7 metres from Memphis (another Shinn runner) one/two last lap and Ideal Copy which held third a head away. The mile rate 1-59.2.

■ Four year old SomebeachsomewhereLucky Ha Ha mare Lollipop greeted the judge at start number eighteen in the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Maiden Pace over 1690 metres much to the delight of passionate harness follower Emmy Mazzetti.

Trained by Bruce Morgan at Junortoun, Lollipop with John Caldow in the sulky enjoyed a sweet passage one/one from gate two on the second row and after easing three wide on the final bend, raced away in the straight to record a 11.6 metre victory in a mile rate of 2-00.3 over a death seating Epic Orion, with Hello I Tea third after leading.

There was carnage approaching the home turn when Social Writer galloped checking most of the field leaving the placegetters well clear of the rest of the field.

■ Octogenarian Whittlesea trainer Charlie Farrugia’s 11Y0 Safari-Hanovian Princess gelding Little Safari chalked up his 18th success from 170 outings by taking the 1690 metre O’Brien Electrical Pace.

Driven by grandson Darren Zahra, Little Safari raced by the pair enjoyed a cosy trip one/ one from gate three after racing outside the poleline leader Cee Cee Norman in the early stages. Moving outside the pacemaker on the home turn after a death-seating Carmy Dan crossed to assume control, Little Safari finished best to score by 2.8 metres from Mitzi Said which made up many lengths from the tail. Albalou (one/two – three wide home turn) was third 2.8 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.

Wednesday run

■ Two meetings were held on Wednesday –Cobram during the day and Mildura at night. At Cobram, Tatura’s Craig Turnbull was victorious with 3Y0 Huntsville-Fearless Maddi filly Shazadele in the Thanking All Sponsors 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1670 metres.

Trained and driven by Craig, Shazadele galloped away from gate three trailing out to the rear of the field with Wayne Potter’s Itzmineontheline flying out to lead from gate five with daughter Tasmyn in the sulky who was content to keep the long odds on Narrandera favourite Miki Pins on debut parked after starting outside the front line.

Gradually making ground to catch the field, Shazadele followed up Eye See Philtra (one/ one – three wide home turn) forward approaching the final bend before being pushed four wide on the bend, but ran home stylishly to gain the

Restrained from outside the front line to settle six pegs with Bad As Now leading from gate four, Yoee gained a three wide trail in the last lap on the back of Sheetweb Weaver which had made up many lengths, but naturally couldn’t keep on going.

Taken four wide prior to the home turn, Yoee dashed away on straightening to record a 14.9 metre victory in 2-01.8 over polemarker Starlight Storm which trailed the leader. Bad As Now held third 4.8 metres away.

■ Henty trainer James McPherson combined with Annalise Scott aboard 4Y0 Hes WatchingHip Pocket gelding Bubba Scrub to lead throughout from gate five in the Cobram Hotel Pace over 2170 metres. Rated to perfection, Bubba Scrub held too many guns for Galactic Gal (one/ two) to score by 4.2 metres, with Zuberi (three wide last lap) third from near last. The mile rate 1-56.8.

■ At Mildura, in form 7Y0 Art Major-Sahara Miss gelding Sahara Tiger brought up a hattrick of wins on the circuit by taking the $12,000 Don Falvo Supports Team Teal Pace over 2190 metres.

Trained at Charlton by Shane Sanderson and driven by son Ryan, Sahara Tiger was given every opportunity one/one from outside the front line as Jawsoflincoln led from gate five. Angling three wide running into the final bend, Sahara Tiger was too strong at the finish for polemarker Mailman which trailed the leader gaining a late spilt over the concluding stages, with Dennis (one/two) third a half neck away. The mile rate 1-58.5.

■ Ryan was to finish the night with a double after steering 6Y0 Four Starzzz Shark-Donna Kelly gelding Promise Me Heaven to victory for Boris Devcic in the Tankard Dental Pace over 219i0 metres, while Ellen Tormey drove three on the program - Paris Princess and Ferocious Son for father John and All Da Rage for local Kate Attard. Wayne Hill also snared a double – Childers Road for Aaron Coad and Mosiac Art for Aaron Bain.

Ballarat’s best

■ Ballarat was Thursday’s venue and Parwan trainer David Garbutt combined with Craig Demmler to lead throughout aboard 5Y0 PeakSoliloquize mare Mont Sally in the Ferndale Confectionery 3Y0+ Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1710 metres.

Bred and raced by long time trotting stalwart Graeme Rayner, Mont Sally (gate two) having start number eighteen coasted to the wire to get the chocolates by 9.7 metres from Aldebaran Brooke (gate four - three wide last lap from the tail after a bad beginning). Balliangus was third 13.4 metres back after following the winner. The mile rate 2-04.

■ Camperdown’s Gary Lawlor was back in the winners stall after 4Y0 Captain Treacherous-Lagertha mare Treacherous Reign greeted the judge in the 2200 metre Flying Horse Entertainment Venue Maiden Pace.

Trained and raced by Gary in partnership with son Darryl who drove the mare, Treacherous Reign began very fast from gate five to lead and was never headed, defeating first starter Swizzlestick which rattled home from last by 3.4 metres, with a death-seating Always Skye High third 7.1 metres away. The mile rate 200.9.

■ Rockbank trainer/driver Julian Attard was successful with Kvintet Avenger-Joule Count 4Y0 gelding Lavengers Boy in the Easy Waste 3Y0 and Over Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1710 metres. Raced by Albert Cefai, Lavengers Boy went one better than his first up second at Melton on February 23, by leading throughout from gate two, accounting for polemarker Shaq

■ Wednesday – Swan Hill, Thursday –Bendigo, Friday – Geelong, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Birchip & Wangaratta Cups), Monday – Horsham, Tuesday –Mildura.

The Anvil which trailed by 2.4 metres in a rate of 2-00.4. Apex (gate five) was third 8.2 metres back after following the pair. ** It was a great night for Albert Cefai as his ultra consistent 7Y0 Fling It-Rainbow Reflexion gelding Fling It Rainbow (gate four) trained by him, snared the Nevett Ford Lawyers Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres with James Herbertson in the sulky.

Easing three wide on the final bend off the back of the leader Gaelic Lad (gate six), Fling It Rainbow ran home best to prevail by 2 metres from a death-seating Regency, with Gaelic Lad third 1.5 metres back. The mile rate 2-00.4.

Quinella landed

■ Cranbourne raced on Friday and Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley land the quinella in the 2080 metreAldebaran Park Trotters Mobile with Spotlight proving too good for Kyvalley Paint in a mile rate of 2-02.4.

■ Driven by the stable’s Ben Xiriha, Spotlight a 5Y0 gelding by Muscle Hill from Imitating starting solo on the second line settled three back in the running line as Kyvalley Paint (gate three) led.

Angling three wide racing for the bell, Spotlight showing a great turn of speed assumed control hitting the back straight and never looked like stopping, scoring by 5.5 metres from Kyvalley Paint to bring up two wins in succession. Cyclone Lebron (one/one – exposed home turn) was third 3.7 metres away.

■ Five year old Love You-Spidergirl entire Love Gun trained at Myrniong by the Tubbs/ Sugars combination is good when he puts it all together and that was the case in the Mark Gurry & Associates Trotters Mobile. Driven by stable employee Bailey McDonough, Love Gun trotted to perfection from the pole enjoying the run of the race trailing Tripod which led from gate four.

Easing away from the markers approaching the final bend, Love Gun raced clear in the straight to record a 5.1 metre victory over Tripod which offered no resistance. Madena Bay was third 13.9 metres back after using the sprint lane from four pegs. The mile rate 2-00.4.

■ Popular South Oakleigh owner/trainer Alan Ratnasingham originally from Sri Lanka loves the trots and his 5Y0 Rock N Roll HeavenBreenys Lady gelding Illawong Danny chalked up his fifth success when taking the Betavet Pace over 1609 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.8.

Driven by much travelledArarat freelance Michael Bellman, Illawong Danny (gate two on the second line) enjoyed a sweet passage one/ one after polemarker Magic Storm had surrendered the front running to stablemate Sammys Our Girl.

Angling three wide on the top turn, Illawong Danny ran home best to gain the day by 3.3 metres from Magic Storm along the sprint lane, with Goodtime Halo third 1.1 metres back third after racing exposed.

- Len Baker

■ Harness Racing Victoria tewards have issued charges against licensed trainers Ben Yole and Robert Walters. It is alleged that the horse ‘Ideal Investment’ was presented to race at Kilmore on August 16, 2022 by Mr Walters, on behalf of Mr Yole who was not in attendance, when not free of arsenic, a prohibited substance when evidenced at a concentration above the allowable threshold.

with Len Baker

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

HISTORIC WEHO RESTAURANT CLOSES

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

Il Piccolino closes

■ Robertson Boulevard is what you should see after having a meal at Il Piccolino. If you never happened to degust Italian cuisine, take your chance at this restaurant.

You could always try tasty clam pasta, Caesar salads and dover sole at Il Piccolino. If hungry, people came here for nicely cooked chocolate mousse, Belgian chocolate and fruitcake.

Delicious wine went well with the nice meal. After a long working day, you can taste great cappuccino.

Select between indoor and outdoor seating. This place is recommended for the appealing staff. The fine service is something these restaurateurs care about.

Elegant seasonal Italian cuisine paired with wine in a charming space surrounded by a garden. I tis located at 350 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood.

It is so sad to advise that Il Piccolino restaurant didn’t survive the three-year pandemic but hung on in there till the last day that it could open.

Liza Minnelli is almost never seen in public anymore. But recently, paparazzi waited in the bougainvillea on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood to catch the actress wearing all black and diamonds leaving one of the few restaurants that could coax her outside: Il Piccolino.

Pictured at Il Piccolino are: movie star Robert Wagner, singer Paul Birchall and Ramada West Hollywood chief Alan Johnson.

Hertz payback

■ For years, the rental car company Hertz falsely accused hundreds of innocent customers of stealing its vehicles accusations that, for some customers, resulted in arrests, felony charges and jail time.

Now, the company will pay $168 million to settle those claims.

In total, the settlement will cover 364 people falsely accused of car theft.

In a statement, the company said the number represents "more than 95 per cent" of such claims.

"As I have said since joining Hertz earlier this year, my intention is to lead a company that puts the customer first. In resolving these claims, we are holding ourselves to that objective," said CEO Stephen Scherr in a statement announcing the settlement.

Of the company's 25 million rental transactions, 0.014 per cent are reported stolen each year, or about 3500, the company has said. B

ut some of those reports have been proven to be false. In lawsuits and in press reports, stories of false accusations revealed lapses in Hertz's rental records and theft policies that led to the errors.

Scammers on the rise

■ Social media has made our communication much more convenient, allowing us to easily keep in touch with family and friends and connect with like-minded people within a matter of seconds. However, it also made it much easier for cybercriminals to con us. According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, consumers in the United States lost a whopping $931 million to social media scams this year (approximately $3.4 million per day). In total, 131,409 social media scams were reported in the first three quarters of 2022. While only approximately a tenth (12 per cent) of reported scams took place on social media, it was the most lucrative channel for fraudsters bringing in more funds than any other medium. Websites and apps were the second most profitable channels for cybercriminals. Fraudsters looted $692 million via 136,553 scams on websites and apps from Q1 through Q3 of 2022. Phone call scams occupy the third spot on the list. FTC recorded 229,494 such schemes in the first three quarters of this year, which brought criminals $590 million. Next up is email fraud. Overall, 195,571 such scams were documented in the first three quarters of this year, which cost victims $309 million. Meanwhile, scams conducted via text messages earned criminals $231 million. Despite occupying the fifth space in terms of losses, text message fraud was the most frequently reported, with 252,647 fraud instances disclosed in Q1 through Q3 of 2022. Fraudsters also employed online ads and popups in their schemes. While FTC documented only 27,678 such cases, online ads and popup scams brought in $131 million. Finally, US consumers also reported 25,803 mail scams. Collectively, such scams earned cybercriminals $53 million.

Out

and About No ggod news for Tik Tok

■ A trio of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation that aims to ban TikTok from operating in the United States.

The new bill by Sen. Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, and a bipartisan pair of congressmen in the House, reflects the latest escalation by US policymakers against the Chinese-owned short-form video app.

TikTok has faced doubts about its ability to safeguard US user data from the Chinese Government. The proposed legislation would “block and prohibit all transactions” in the United States by social media companies with at least one million monthly users that are based in, or under the “substantial influence” of, countries that are considered foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.

The bill specifically names TikTok and its parent, Byte Dance, as social media companies for the purposes of the legislation. Rubio and one of the House sponsors of the bill, Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, had indicated their intention to introduce the bill in a Washington Post oped last month. The legislation comes as a wave of states led by Republican governors have introduced state-level restrictions on the use of TikTok on government-owned devices. In the past two weeks, at least seven states have introduced such measures, including Maryland, South Dakota and Utah. The flurry of activity contrasts with the lengthy negotiations TikTok has been having for years with the US Government on a potential deal that may allow the company to address the national security concerns and to continue serving US users. “The federal government has yet to take a single meaningful action to protect American users from the threat of TikTok.” “There is no more time to waste on meaningless negotiations with a CCP-puppet company. It is time to ban Beijing-controlled TikTok for good,” Rubio said. “It’s troubling that rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review of TikTok , some members of Congress have decided to push for a politically-motivated ban that will do nothing to advance the national security of the United States,” Hilary McQuaide, a spokesperson for TikTok, said in a statement. “We will continue to brief members of Congress on the plans that have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies plans that we are well underway in implementing to further secure our platform in the United States,” McQuaide added. TikTok has previously said it doesn’t share information with the Chinese Government and that a US-based security team decides who can access US user data from China.

Regular exercise

■ Men and women who worked out at least 30 minutes most days were about four times more likely to survive COVID-19 than inactive people, according to a study of exercise and coronavirus outcomes among almost 200,000 adults in Southern California. The study found that exercise, in almost any amount, reduced people’s risks for a severe coronavirus infection. Even people who worked out for as little as 11 minutes a week experienced lower risks of hospitalization or death from COVID than those who moved about less. “It turns out exercise is even more powerful than we thought” at protecting people from severe COVID, said Robert Sallis, a clinical professor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Los Angeles and senior author of the new study.

California, here you come

■ 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

● ● Robert Wagner, Paul Birchall and Alan Johnson.

● ● Liza Minnelli

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Local Paper

FREE ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY PHONE

Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community organ-isations. There are no charges, no fees and no commissions.

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

In accordance with the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic), the Minister for Environment amends the Notice of Acquisition dated 27 January 2023 and published in the Victoria Government Gazette on 27 January 2023 (No. S 19), by deleting the words “The Minister for Climate Action” and substituting the words “The Minister for Environment” so that the first paragraph of the notice reads:

“The Minister for Environment (formerly the Minister for Environment and Climate Action) (Minister) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interests in the part of the land described as Lot 8 on Plan of Subdivision LP79325 and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 8705 Folio 258, which is shown as Reserve 1 on proposed Plan of Subdivision PS906422X (6.539 ha) and depicted below.”

Published with the authority of the Minister. For and on behalf of the Minister

Signed: SARAH CRUTE

Name:Sarah Crute Director, Suburban Parks Program Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Date:20 February 2023

Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: pm Fridays, prior to Wednesday issue.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Classified ads are available each week in The Local Paper, which is published on Wednesdays, February-December (with the exception of Easter Wednesday). All Classified Ads appear in the print and online editions. It is important to check your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While every care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.

WHAT’S ON

WHAT’S ON

The Local Paper The Local Paper PART-TIME DRIVER WITH OWN VEHICLE

Sunday nights into Monday mornings. Fortnightly.

$500. EASY WORK.

The Local Paper will soon have a vacancy for a reliable person to take over our bulk bundle deliveries to shops in the CaseyCardinia and Peninsula-FrankstonDandenong areas.

This is a position for someone, with their own ABN, to work on a contract basis.

The job involves picking up bundles at our Fitzroy printery on Sunday evenings, and delivering bundles on Sunday night and Monday morning to retail outlets.

The position would be ideal for someone who is punctual, relaible and able to work without supervision. A regular sedan vehicle is suitable for the position.

The position involves an invoice sent each fortnightly. Payment is direct to your account, within 7-10 business days.

ALL CAR advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.

BEDROOM SUITE. Near new. QS Bed, large dressing table, bedside tables. Toorak. 0412 728 133.

CLOTHES. Boys. Approx. 200 pieces. New and as new. Age 0-14. Ex Op Shop stock. Excellent for market. VGC. $50 the lot. Tullamarine. 0417 999 224.

J-M

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA. Complete full set with 24 volumes of 1965 edition. Maroon ‘leatherette’ covers. Original wooden shelving unit. GC. $50. Ashburton. 9885 2203.F-I

FLOOR MATS. Honda Accord. Euro luxury MY12 Genuine, front and rear. Genuine cargo mat/boot liner. Colour: Grey/black. EC. $85 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477. F-I

HORSE BITS. Two. Different sizes. Ex Light Horse Brigade. As new. $100 each. Rosebud. 0467 845 449.

KITCHEN ‘Cupboards and drawers in various sizes in American oak timber. $300 ONO. East Iavnhoe. 00418 322 569.

SUITCASE. Antique. Old. Full of old board games. GC. $20. Tullamarine. 0417 999 224.

J-M

F-I

LOUNGE SUITE. ‘Fler’

Modular 6 Seater L-shaped Corner Unit with Fluro Light Sand Colour, would suit large room or Man Cave. EC. $200. Endeavour Hills. 0468 954 177.

F-I

OVEN. Fisher and Paykel, double doors, approx. 6 years old with new element and all shelving. $300 ONO. East Ivanhoe. 0418 322 569.

F-I

RECLINER CHAIR Princess, on wheels, with full tilt, pressure care, manual and pump. Hardly ever used. EC. Cranbourne. 0452 442 561.

TANDEM TRAILER. 10’ x 5’, all steel construction, lights, brakes all in good working order. Made by Forest Hill Trailers. GC. $2000. Croydon. 9726 8513.F-I

VEGEPOD. Medium size. 2 covers. Base has been assembled (never used). One opened box which contains the cover/poles and joiners and a new unopened cover and all accessories/instructions. New cond. $250 ONO. Seymour. 0438 228 617. F-I

WATER TRANSFER

CHOIR - YARRA GOSPEL COMMUNIT Y CHOIR. Starts on Thurs., Feb. 9. Weekly. 7.15pm. Join us singing in harmony in a friendly inclusive group. First night free. no auditions. Sheet music, wine and cheese supper provided. $12.50 per week. At St John’s Anglican Church, 552 Burke Rd, Camberwell. 0421 277 862. www.yarragospel.org

F-I

tact us to help out. 0466 075 820. UFN

F-I

REGISTRATION PLATES. ‘MISUBI. Slimline B&W. Great gift for Subaru owner. EC. $1500. Frankston. 9789 9634.

J-M

ROCKING CHAIR. Antique. American style, adult size, spring based, casters, carved timber frame, EC. Upholstery in need of replacing. GC. $100. Croydon. 0408 332 181.

F-I

PUMP. Yardworks. 1100W model. YW1100TP integrated trolley. 4600 litres per hour. EC. $65 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477.F-I

WHITE METAL BATH. Removed from a bathroom reno. Original from 1960s. No leaks or damage. surplus to needs, use for an animal water trough, lily pond, raised garden bed or could put back into a house. Pick-up in Watsonia. GC. $50 ONO. 0408 704 995.F-I

MORNINGTON Dutch Australian Seniors Club. Meets weekly in Tyab b Community Hall, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb on Mondays, 10am2pm. Morning coffee, games of Klkaverjas and Rummicub. New members welcome. Nel, 0414 997 161. Paula, 5779 8291. UFN

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCING. Lessons and practice, 7.30pm -10pm Wed. Scots Church Hall, Yea. $5. Dance: 1st Saturday of month. 7.30pm11pm. 0490 42 5

Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community groups

CAR REG. No.