The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Dec. 11, 2024

LAKE MOUNTAIN ON THE MARKET

■ The State Government is set to sell the Lake Mountain Resort, near Marysville.

An expressions of interest campaign is slated to start in this month, with no price indicated so far, but the government is said to be open to a 99-year-lease arrangement .

The campaign will run until January, despite summer generally being considered one of the more challenging times to list alpine property.

Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher expressed disappointment. He had wri tten to Environment and Sport Minister Steve Dimopoulos, seeking a commitment to prioritise Lake Mountain in future development plans. with a view to realising the untapped potential for economic growth and community enrichment: “It’s certainly disappointing that Council and the Marysville community have not been engaged as a critical stakeholder in the deliberations to date. Council will be continuing to seek clarification,” Cr Gallagher said.

New lights at HealesvilleKoo-Wee-Rup Rd corner

■ Vew traffic light intersections on both sides of the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd interchange at the Princes Fwy are now open to traffic.

This completes a busy spring campaign of works on stage 1 of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade.

Drivers can look forward to a faster and less congested commute with the traffic lights replacing the former roundabouts at the interchange, improving traffic flow and reducing queuing.

New lanes are in place for people travelling directly to the Melbourne CBD and Gippsland, with dedicated turning lanes linking into each of the widened ramps at Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd.

The opening of the new intersections also comes with new lanes on Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Rd, with a new bridge now spanning the Princes Freeway alongside the existing bridge.

Major construction is expected to start in early 2025 and be completed in early 2027.

McLeish launches new publication

■ Evelyn MLA Cindy McLeish said she took pleasure in launching the publication of Auti-Magination: Stories of Autistic Writers in the Yarra Ranges

“The book is the result of a series of workshops facilitated by Sandra Thom-Jones on creative writing for those living with autism, and what a hidden pool of creative talent,” Ms McLeish said.

“Sandra too is autistic, clever and wonderfully talented. She had the idea of collecting and publishing creative pieces from autistic writers to develop and show their boundless creative levels.

“ I loved reading of Victoria’s wild boys, Elliot’s letter to a random teacher, Lucy’s ugly butterfly that is a bit different, Lincoln’s take on Lady Luck, Jos’s post-migration family story, Matthew and his dragon and Mitchell’s sorcerers and sorceresses.

“Well done to writers Matthew Ball, Mitchell Cottom, Elliot Krizay, Lucy Krizay, Lincoln Thom-Jones, Victoria Rose and Jos van der Sman,” Ms McLeish said.

Smoke and mirrors

■ Melina Bath, Eastern Victoria MLC, has accused the Allan Labor State Government of a ‘smoke and mirrors’ approach to State Forests.

“When the minister states that there will be no large-scale change in land tenure inside the taskforce area, that is correct. That is East Gippsland and north-east Victoria, but it does not mean the Central Highlands

“Adding another 350,000 hectares, including in areas in my electorate – Walhalla, Noojee – and then up to Buxton, Eildon, Healesville , Kinglake and Marysville – this great forest national park is about restricting traditional pursuits,” Ms Bath told the Legislative Council.

● ● Cr Damien Gallagher, Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor

Intersection works at Princes Fwy

The Local Paper

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024

BUSES TO SUMMER RACING AT YEA

Local Briefs

Mitchell bin dates

■ Bins in Mitchell Shire will be picked up one day later than normal from December 25 until January 4. Residents are asked to place their ins out and leave them out until they are emptied. Normal kerbside collection days will resume from Monday, January 6.

Business breakfast

■ An opportunity exists for new and existing Murrindindi Shire based businesses and entrepreneurs to network themselves in 'All Things Business' with a business breakfast and interactive workshop and additional access to free business advisory services. The evenbt starts at 7.30am-9am on Tuesday, February 18, at Kinglake Pub, Lawson Room, 28 Whittlesea Kinglake Rd, Kinglake

CUP MEETING IN JAN.

■ Yea Racing Club officials are widening the appeal of their summer meetings by offering bus transport to residents of Seymour, Alexandra and Yea.

The Nutrien Ag Solutions Yea Cup will be conducted on Saturday, January 18.

“Elite horse racing with a stylish country twist will take place at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Yea Cup,” said a Club representative.

There will be a glamorous Birdcage Marquee, with gourmet food and drinks, and enjoy live music by Sean Harvey

Patrons can enjoy the flower wall, and there will be a Fashions on the Field event, with prizes up for grabs.

“It’s a fun day out for the whole family, with

free kids’ activities provided by Kelly Sports . Watch the races live or on the big screen, all while soaking up the perfect blend of country charm and city elegance,” the Club representative said.

The buses from Seymour, Alexandra and Lilydale have a $10 return fa.e!

The Ultima St Pats Sister Olive Handicap will be run at Yea on Sunday, February 23.

“This exciting event combines the thrill of the races with the relaxed atmosphere of a beach party, offering something for everyone to enjoy,” said a Yea Racing Club official.

“Whether you're a keen competitor or just looking for a relaxing day with friends, this is a chance to make unforgettable memories. Experience the charm of a beach celebration, even when you're far from the coast.”

Ttickets can be booked at https:// country.racing.com/yea

Bushfire alert

■ The Fire Danger Period is now in effect across Nillumbik Shire, with the Council’s annual Fire Hazard Inspection Program under way.

During this time fire restrictions are in force, meaning residents cannot light a fire in the open air unless they have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

“It’s important your property is prepared and you have a plan in place for what you would do in the event of a bushfire,” said a Council representative.

“Nillumbik has a high risk of bushfire and bushfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We work together with the community, private property owners, and agencies to ensure we are all prepared.

“Council officers are inspecting more than 9000 private properties and vacant land within the Bushfire Management Overlay to identify fire hazards. A Fire Prevention Notice may be issued requiring owners to rectify any issues.

“Our own bushfire mitigation program is due for completion before Christmas. Works include mowing along roadsides and in our reserves, assessment and treatment of hazardous trees on roadsides, as well as water tank and fire track access works.

“To help you stay informed about potential emergencies, make sure you understand the Fire Danger Rating System and download the VicEmergency app.”

● ● Yea Racing Club is undertaking a progressive marketing campaign.

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Stage, sun shelter for Eildon

■ Murrindindi Shire Council and Eildon Events Inc have announce the completion of the new stage and sun shelter in Lions Park, Eildon

This project has been made possible through the collaboration and combined efforts of the Eildon community, local organisations and funding contributors.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank all the community groups and organisations who supported this project,” said a Council representative.

“This includes Murrindindi Shire Council, Eildon Events Inc., Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal, Eildon Opportunity Shop, Lions Club of Eildon, Elite Truck Bodies, AGL Energy, Eildon Primary School and Eildon RSL.

“Each of these contributions has played a vital role in bringing this project to life.

“ Eildon Events Inc. has led this initiative, empowering the community to work together.

“This spirit of collaboration has been highlighted by the success of the Eildon Twilight Market, which attracted over 10,000 visitors to the six markets held in 2021-22. The market started in 2021, just after the easing of the COVID19 lockdowns, and has continued to grow and thrive.

“The stage and sun shelter are a Council asset and will be maintained by Council Events hosted at this new facility will include the Eildon Twi-

Long Shots

light Market and Opera on the Pondage, as well as new activities inspired by this flexible space.

“The Eildon Pondage Master Plan serves as a strategic framework for future development in the area, guiding collaborative efforts and ensuring alignment with long-term priorities.

“By focusing on this coordinated approach, we can unlock the full potential of the Eildon Pondage area, creating a vibrant and accessible space for all.

“Council encourages community members to engage with existing master plans and strategic frameworks as a foundation for planning new initiatives.

“This approach helps ensure projects align with broader shire priorities as reflected in the Council Plan.

“ Council’s Sustain-ability and Assets Portfolio Councillor Sue Carpenter said: “We are thrilled to see the completion of this project, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Eildon community.

“This new stage and sun shelter will provide an outstanding venue for a variety of events and activities, bringing people together and enhancing the vibrancy of our community.

“The flexibility of this new space will allow for a wider variety of events and outdoor activities, benefiting the local community and hospitality, tourism, and retail businesses,” Cr Carpenter said.

Local

Murrindindi Shire Council supported the official launch of the Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program on Thursday, November 28 at the Alexandra Shire Hall

Six regional councils in Victoria have teamed to help residents and businesses easily buy affordable, high-quality solar panels, storage batteries, efficient hot water systems, and reverse cycle heating and cooling.

Alpine, Indigo, Greater Shepparton City, Mitchell, Murrindindi and Strathbogie Shire Councils, all members of the Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance, are supporting the regional Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program.

The program combines a fully vetted installer and products, as well as comprehensive information on each of the products, including the available rebates.

The program gives peace of mind to customers that service quality and safety are a priority by undertaking random audits on installations.

The program embraces the use of local contractors to maximise cost savings and minimise the carbon footprint. There will be a further opportunity for local businesses to participate in the new year.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said: “As part of the Goulburn king for the residents of 19 metropolitan councils for a number of years.”

Goulburn Murray Solar Savers plans to expand its energy efficient technology offer to include induction cooktops, home and business electric vehicle chargers, insulation, draft proofing and home energy scorecard assessments.

Murrindindi Shire residents and businesses can find out more, or get a quote now at goulburnmurraysolarsavers.org.au

Stormwater Panel

■ Yarra Ranges Council is calling for interested local people to apply for a place on the new Stormwater Community Reference Panel

The Panel will serve as a direct link between Yarra Ranges Council and the community, with an expression of interest open to anyone who has who has stormwater and flood management knowledge or lived experience.

The Panel will work collaboratively with Council to understand the stormwater and flood management challenges affecting the municipality and to provide a community voice to guide the initiatives identified in the Stormwater Management Plan 2024-2034

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said the Panel will form a partnership between the community and Council to help shape decisions and ensure that project-related communications reflect community concerns and priorities.

“We know that the management of our stormwater system is something that some of our community are concerned and passionate about. And that’s why we’ve allocated $16 million in the coming years to start addressing this issue,” Cr Child said.

“We also know that challenges with our stormwater drainage is anticipated to grow in the future due to climate change, urban development, and increased population pressures so we continue to advocate to other levels of government and State Government departments for additional funding.”

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Rourke, Film

Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

■

● ● ● ● Murrindindi Shire Cr Sandice McAulay, Carole Hammond, Mitchell Shire Cr Claudia James and Alpine Shire Cr Gareth Graham.

Local Politics

McLeish pushes law

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish introduced a bill for an act to provide for disclosure in certain circumstances of information held by Victoria Police about a person’s history of violent behaviour and for other purposes.

“We would all be aware in this place that this week kicked off 16 Days of Activism Against Genderbased Violence, and we are all aware that this is still an absolutely top-ofmind issue for so many people,” Ms McLeish told State Parliament.

“I think it is fair to say that everybody thinks that we need to do more in this space, and this bill that I am introducing is a mechanism to help us do more in this space.

“It is based on Clare’s Law in the United Kingdom, which has been in place for a decade, and more recently a bipartisan scheme that is operating very successfully in South Australia

“By way of brief explanation, the right-toask component provides an avenue for individuals with concerns about their partner or former partner’s potential history of abuse to be able to contact police.

“The police in turn will conduct initial checks, and if warranted they will have a face-to-face meeting with the applicant and assess the risk and gather more details.

“This scheme, the right to ask, also provides an avenue for friends and relatives of an individual to contact police.

“The second component of this is the right to know, and this is the component that is initiated by the police.

“It will allow the police to disclose information when they believe it will protect a potential victim from harm.

“It is important to balance privacy rights with public safety through the assessments in this space.

“Despite investment and the Royal Commission into Family Violence, the figures in Victoria are not heading in the right direction. We see the total number of family violence incidents increase,” Ms McLeish said.

■

Battery boost at Montrose

The Montrose Recreation Reserve Pavilion has been upgraded with solar panels and a 44 Kilowatt-hour) battery system to serve as a potential emergency hub for the community during power outages.

This upgrade is part of the Preparing Australian Communities Fund and the Resilient Buildings Project, which includes installing solar panels, batteries, LED lighting and generator plug-ins at selected locations across the region.

Equipped with solar, a new upgraded hot water system and battery, the Ken Dowling Pavilion is now capable of providing essential services during emergencies, such as showers, a functional kitchen, and device charging.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, highlighted the Council’s role in strengthening infrastructure alongside building strong community connections.

“Living here brings with it a lot of power outages, and we've all been there when the power goes out, and it feels like everything comes to a standstill,” Cr Child said.

“Investing in local facilities isn’t just about buildings; it’s about creating lifelines for our community. When emergencies strike, these spaces become vital shelters, hubs of safety, and places where people can find support”

“By upgrading these essential spaces, we’re reducing energy costs, lowering environmental impact, and making sure our facilities are ready to operate during emergencies.

“It’s about being prepared and giving our residents safe places to turn to when the unexpected happens. This is what resilience looks like— working together to strengthen our ability to support each other in times of need.”

Chelsey Cooper from the Montrose Resilience Team and Montrose Township Group shared her enthusiasm for the upgraded Montrose Recreation Reserve Pavilion, which is set to play a role locally as a community hub during extended power outages.

“We’re thrilled about this transformation and the opportunity to make this building a resilient community resource,” Ms Cooper said.

“Our advocacy, in partnership with the cricket/football club was focused on creating a space that could serve as an emergency hub during widespread crises.

“In times of need, we’ll now be able to open these doors, support one another, and ensure everyone has a safe place to turn to.”

To ensure the facility is ready to respond effectively, Yarra Ranges Council, in collaboration with the Montrose Township Group and local cricket and football club, is developing an operations manual.

The guide will provide step-by-step instructions for managing the pavilion’s solar and battery systems, and other key resources.

new Kinglake representative, Cr

gave her first report to Council at the municipal meeting late last month.

“As a recently elected Councillor, I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to residents who voted for me,” Cr Adams said.

“On November 13, I was sworn in and made my affirmation to abide by, and uphold the standards of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct

“I affirm that will continue to undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the municipal community.

“I have participated in induction training alongside my fellow councillors and executive directors and team members.

“I acknowledge there is much to learn, and I look forward to involvement in decision making processes and representing the interests of the community.

“I would like to acknowledge our diverse and committed councillors who I look forward to working together over the next four years,” Cr Adams said.

●

● Montrose Recreation Reserve Pavilion

■ Murrindindi Shire’s

Jodi Adams,

●

● ● ● Cr Jodi Adams

Local Politics

Plenty Gorge view

■ Colin Brooks, Bundoora MLA, has spoken in State Parliament about Plenty Gorge.

“One of the things that makes living in the northern suburbs so fantastic is how close we are to areas of natural beauty such as the Plenty Gorge parklands,” Mr Brooks said.

“Plenty Gorge is already a wonderful place for a day out or to get some exercise, which I need, especially for residents in Mill Park and Bundoora

“Thanks to investment by the Allan Labor Government, locals will soon have even more to enjoy.

“Construction is progressing steadily on the first stage of a $19.3 million project to extend the Plenty River Trail from Greensborough to Mernda, constructing five kilometres of new walking trails, installing new lookouts, new footbridges and new picnic areas,” Mr Brooks said.

Lauren out

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage (Labor) was asked by the Parliamentary Speaker to leave the Legislative Assembly for half-anhour on the last sitting day (Thu., Nov. 28). Ms Kath-age had interjected whilst State Opposition Leader John Pesutto had the floor.

And Cindy out too

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish (Liberal) was also asked to remove herself from the Legislative Assembly chamber for 30 minutes, as Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto slugged it out in the Questions Without Notice segment.

● ● ● ● This edition of The Local Paper covers the municipalities of Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie (part), Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges. Print copies are produced fortnightly, and digital copies are published weekly, from February- December.

Carpenter grateful for vote

■ Cheviot Ward Councillor at Murrindindi Shire, Cr Sue Carpenter, has expressed her gratitude to the community for re-electing her.

“I am very grateful for the support my community has shown by re-electing me to council.

“I am keen to work on the new Council Plan. It has been good to develop relationships with the new councillors and I am looking forwards to working together for the benefit of our communities.

“I have been out and about in my ward. The weather has been lovely for the many events that have been held this month.

“It was terrific to see many visitors and residents attend the Yea Cruise Night, and this event continues to gain in popularity on the second Saturday of the month during daylight savings.

“The inaugural Murrindindi Harvest Festival showcased food and drinks sourced from the district and was well attended in the railway precinct. I hope this will become an annual event, drawing visitors to our region to sample produce and support our local producers.

“The Yea Show celebrated country life with working dog trials, showing of livestock and poultry, horse events, wood chopping, and of course the arts and crafts display, cookery and stunning flowers in the horticultural section. Congratulations to all those who competed.

“I attended the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre AGM and heard about the successes of the previous year. The centre and the wetlands continue to be a destination for visitors to the area.

“Finally, I went to the Annual community meeting of the Yea and District Memorial Hospital. It was great to hear acknowledgement of the very important work small rural hospitals can provide to their community.

“They are an integral part of our health and wellbeing. Innovative projects continue to support positive health outcomes for our residents.

“In my portfolio of Sustainability and Assets, we successfully applied for a TAC grant for a movement and place study for the Yea Town-

ship centred on High St and extending from the Recreation Reserve/Showgrounds on the northern side to the Yea and District Memorial Hospital on the southern edge.

“Works have commenced on the Naturally Cooler Murrindindi – Street Tree Strategy. As part of this project we will be developing an Urban Tree Strategy which will include Assessment of canopy cover, an urban tree inventory, and projection of future canopy cover. It will also cover maintenance and inspections including future planting regimes.

“Kaygai trail in Yea Wetlands is currently under construction. This pathway will enable visitors to access new areas of the wetlands.

“Works on the Eildon Reserve Redevelopment are continuing. This exciting $6.1M project is funded by the State and Federal Governments, with Council contributing $1.49M.

“Several features are already open to the public, including the skate park, flying fox, swing set playground, and senior play space.”

Council Briefs

Mitchell meeting

■ Mitchell Shire Council is due to hold its final 2024 meeting at Broadford on Monday (Dec. 16).

There is due to be an update on the Shire’s Kerbside Collection Policy Update, a report on Darraweit Road, Wallan road reconstruction, a planning permit application for installation of internally illuminated business identification signs at 2/20 Tallarook Street Seymour, an application to develop five dwellings at 1 George Street, Kilmore, and the appointment of an Acting CEO.

At Strathbogie

■ The December ordinary Council meeting for Strathbogie Shire was scheduled to be held from 6pm last night (Tue., Dec. 10) at the Euroa Community Conference Centre, after this edition of The Local Paper had gone to press.

CFA appreciation

■ Nillumbik Council last night (Tue., Dec. 10) was scheduled to present 30 Year Anniversary CFAAppreciation Awards

This was to be a presentation to local CFA Brigades to acknowledge and thank each local brigade for their ongoing commitment and support they provide to the community.

Mayor Cr John Dumaresq was due to present each brigade with a certificate of appreciation and provide a financial contribution as a gesture of Council’s gratitude for their ongoing service to the community

$14.6m

up on budget

■ Yarra Ranges Council achieved a net surplus of $21.7 million, $14.6 million above the adopted budget in the first quarter of the financial year ended September 30.

“Overall revenue is $15.5m above budget, this predominantly relates to the receipt of operating grants budgeted to be received in June 2024 however received in July and August 2024 for the 2024-2025 year.”

● ● ● ● Cr Sue Carpenter

FACEBOOK: YEA CRUISE NIGHT

Highly vulnerable

■ The Yarra Ranges are highly vulnerable to the threat of bushfires, Monbulk MLA Daniela de Martino told Parliament.

“The Yarra Ranges was also identified in a report released by Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and the Climate Council as the second highest hit local government area in Australia for declared disasters since 2006.

“As we approach the fire season, residents in my community are increasingly anxious about the risks posed by dry conditions and the need for robust preparedness measures.”

Ms de Martino raised questions of what actions are being taken to prepare the Dandenong Ranges for the upcoming fire season?

“And if I could, with your indulgence Speaker, just take a moment to thank all of our volunteer emergency services across the hills, namely our SES and CFA volunteers,” Ms de Martino said.

Free pads, tampons

■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny has spoken of the success of the free pads and tampons program being rolled out across Victoria.

“We currently have an access point at the Lalor Library, but I have received a lot of interest from residents, particularly from former students, who advised me when I went down to many of the secondary schools how great the program has been since it was introduced a number of years ago in our schools,” Ms Halfpenny said.

Centre opens

■ Northern Metropolitan MLC Enver Erdogan said that he joined with Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes and Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage for the opening of the Northern Community Legal Centre’s new office in Wallan

“Established following the merger of the Broadmeadows Community Legal Service and the Moreland Community Legal Centre in 2016, they have rapidly grown to meet the needs of the Merri-bek, Hum e and Mitchell communities.

“They continue to provide high-quality client-centred support that integrates legal assistance with culturally responsive non-legal services.

“The expansion to Wallan will mean that victims of crime in the Mitchell Shire, amongst the fastest growing regions in Victoria , will no longer have to face these challenges alone or travel far to access the services that many take for granted.

“It marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a justice system that reflects the values of fairness, empathy and equality. I want to take this opportunity to give a special thankyou to Jenni Smith and chairperson Louise Gartland for their inspiring leadership, and also a shout-out to Mitchell Shire Council for providing the space for this new centre,” Mr Erdogan said.

Community

Time challenges for ambulances

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has told Parliamentary colleagues about the problems faced by local ambulance crews in prviding tinmely care for patients.

“Paramedics in my electorate have a fairly challenging environment. Sometimes it is hard to meet the times that are set to get to a location because physically you cannot do it – you cannot get there in that amount of time,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly.

“If you are in Mansfield and you have to go to Woods Point and drive an hour and a half, you are not going to get there in the prescribed time period, and often what happens is people in Woods Point have to drive towards Jamieson and meet an ambulance.

“We can have community ambulance officers – ACOs – as well, who can help with this.

“It is very different being a paramedic in country areas to the city. We see also that they get called out a lot, and when ours get called out they go to so many different areas.

“If you are in Mansfield, you are likely to end up in Wangaratta, where ramping still does happen.

“If you are in Alexandra, you would probably head over the Spur, hope to goodness there are no trees down over the Spur and you can get to Maroondah or maybe even Box Hill

“If you are in Yea, that one is a little bit more difficult, because sometimes you might go to Maroondah and other times you might go to the Northern.

“Now, this has challenges, because with the amalgamations by stealth that the government are undertaking at the moment the hospitals now have to choose which network they want to belong to.

“So if you have got somebody from in or around Yea, depending on what side of Yea you go to, the ambulance will choose to go the Ringwood–Box Hill path or to go the Northern path; very infrequently they will go to Shepparton, even though the psychiatric link is supposedly at Goulburn Valley Health

“That makes it really difficult because people do not go to visit because that is not the normal connector of where things happen.

“We know too that there are a lot of crises in the health and ambulance sector at the moment, and indeed even 000. It was not that long ago –I think it was in August – that the Parliament supported a motion to establish an inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria by the Legal and Social Issues Committee, because we know that under Labor ambulance response times have missed their targets and there has been extensive ramping outside hospital emergency departments.

“We all see the photos – ambulance officers, paramedics, they send them to us.

“We know what happens; they post them. Morale is shot – I do not think anyone can disagree with that – and they are exhausted.

“They have been having to battle for so long, and the service continues to be under-resourced. For too long the government has has refused to provide an explanation around the performance and take real action to address the issues.”

Congrats, Mayor

■ Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Cr John Dougall has scored a complimentary mention in State Parliament.

Evan Mulholland, Northern Metropolitan MLC, said: “I would like to congratulate John Dougall, the new mayor of Mitchell Shire Council, and councillor Bob Cornish as the new deputy mayor.

“Also, congratulations to the Liberals for the Melbourne City ticket led by Mariam Riza, and congratulations to Owen Guest on his election.

“It was great to see, at least on primary, the Liberal Party both above the Greens and, I think, triple the Labor Party’s vote, so a great result there, and it is great to see a majority centre-right Melbourne City Council,” Mr Mulholland told the Legislative Council.

● ● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

✔Whilst some Australian hotel groups are shunning Australia Day (Sun., Jan. 26), the Rubicon Hotel at Thornton is unashamedly staging an ‘Aussie Anthems Show’ from 12 Noon-7pm under the elms. Organisers say it is “a get together for our communities to share the day in fun, laughter, food and music. We aim for this one to be bigger and better than ever before with an amazing rock music line-up.”

●

● The late Bill Morris, Molesworth Hotel publican

✔ We reckon that the famous Molesworth publican Bill Morris might look kindly upon the re-opening of the Hotel as it was intended to be ... a local pub.

✔The 2024 Mitchell Youth Awards were presented at the Twilight Music Fest: Education Award Winners

■ Achievements in School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships: Lucas Vicary

■ Achievements in Vocational Education and Training: Harasees Singh

■ Achievements in VCE Vocational Major: Cooper Bellinger Community Award Winners

■ Arts and Culture Award: Mahreen Kaur Batra

■ Leadership and Initiative Award: Mikayla Gibbons

■ Creativity and Innovation Award: Matilda Scott and Ruby Luciani

● ● Rosa Purbrick

✔Strathbogie Shire’s Artbox has jour neyed from Ruffy o spend the summer months in Nagambie at Jacobsons Outlook, overlooking Lake Nagambie. First artist to exhibit is Rosa Purbrick, a well-known figure in the area for both her art and her family’s connection to the historic Tahbilk Winery. Her exhibition is nowaccessible. Ms Purbrick describes her work as an exploration of the world around her, capturing natural wonders and vivid colours.

Forest firefighters protest Mini Ads

■ AWU members working for Forest Fire Management Victoria employed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action last week begin protected industrial action.

“This action is being taken in order to have the ability to bargain for fair wages and conditions, which under the Victorian Government’s wage policy is not possible,” said an AWU representative.

Up to 800 forest firefighters began protected industrial action. Along with a 30-minute work stoppage the firefighters also began protected actions that will see some non-emergency paperwork not completed, meal breaks taken at the depot, interruptions in work to speak to the public about the enterprise negotiations and the ability to post on social media.

“The AWU delegates and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action have been negotiating an enterprise agreement since June of this year, after the AWU lodged a dispute with the Fair Work Commission in April,” said the AWU representative.

“Whilst discussions have been cordial and there has been progression of several non-monetary claims, negotiation about wages have stalled due to the Victorian Labor Government’s wage policy, which mandates wage increases no greater than 3 per cent per annum.

“This wage policy fundamentally undermines the ability of workers to bargain a fair deal in the enterprise bargaining process.

“According to our calculations, Forest Firefighters working under the Field Staff and Wild Dog Controller Enterprise Agreement are paid in the bottom 5 per cent of all employees working for the Victorian Government.

“And the AWU believes that women employed under the agreement are even worse off compared to other women workers working for the Victorian Government.

“The forest firefighter workforce is vital for protecting the Victorian community. Our AWU members care deeply for their communities and their environment.

“FFMV employees are the first workers on the ground when communities are threatened by bush fires.

“These incredible workers are also Victoria’s first line of defense when flood and storms strike. Their skills are invaluable in recovery and prevention.

“This work force is also called upon when agricultural disease outbreaks occur such as the Avian Influenza outbreak in the west of Victoria this year, with FFMV employees sent to manage and contain the outbreak.

“FFMV employees were also deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic fulfilling various roles on behalf of the Victorian Government.

“With our ever-changing climate their job demands are only increasing, but this incredible workforce continues to protect Victoria from the worst Mother Nature throws at us.

“AWU members are demanding the Minister and the Premier throw out the wages policy to allow this workforce to bargain for fair wages and conditions.

“This workforce must be paid wages that enable them to concentrate on protecting Victoria. The AWU is seeking a meeting with the Minister to discuss a pathway forward.”

AWU President and Lead Organiser for Country Victoria, Ross Kenna , said: “This workforce is the pride of our Union. Every single day they work hard to ensure the Victorian community is protected. That these workers are paid poverty wages is a disgrace and indictment on the Government

“Whilst we understand Victoria is under financial stress, it is not because of the wages of these hard-working members. The debt should not be paid off on the back of the workers that protect Victoria.

“This isn’t a greedy money grab; we worry if the wages policy is upheld that most of our experienced workers who have the knowledge and skills to protect the state will be forced out, unable to raise a family with the wages currently on offer.

“Now is the time to show this workforce that Victoria not only thanks them but rewards them for the service they provide,” Mr Kenna said in a statement.

Hydration stations

■ Two popular parks and a recreation reserve have become the latest community sites to benefit from the continuing expansion of Goulburn Valley Water’s Be Smart Choose Tap permanent hydration station program. Goulburn Valley Water has partnered with Mitchell, Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires to provide Seymour Lions Park, Leckie Park in Vickery St at Alexandra, and Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve with permanent hydration stations. Goulburn Valley Water has made a commitment to provide every one of its towns with a drinking water supply with its own hydration station.

● Ross Kenna

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

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Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper

■ ALEXANDRA. Alexandra Newsagency. 82-84 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

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■ ■ THORNTON. Thornton General Store. 1365 TaggertyThornton Rd.

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

Paddock General Store. 13 Kangaroo Ground-Wattle Glen Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Champions IGA Supermarket. 2/16 Church St.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court

Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, December 12

Local News

20 charged

■ WARRANDYTE. Warrandyte Newsagency/Post Office. 100 Melbourne Hill Rd.

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

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■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

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■ WHITTLESEA. El Azar Milk Bar. 13 Church St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 29 Beech St.

■ WOORI YALLOCK. Hillcrest Little Store. 1745 Warburton Hwy.

■ WOORI YALLOCK. Woori Yallock Newsagency. Shop

4,1585 Warburton Hwy.

■ Police charged 20 alleged offenders and impounded five vehicles as part of Operation Buchan, in Epping.

Concern about a rise in anti-social behaviour, drug use, impaired driving and theft offences around Cooper St led to the operation.

Cooper St is a key arterial route that experiences significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic across day and night.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Simpson’s Fuel (Caltex). 25 Aitken St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Bowls Club. 101 Church St.

■ YARRA GLEN. IGA Supermarket. 1/38 Bell St.

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■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Court House. 74 Church St.

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■ YARRA GLEN. Yarra Glen Newsagency. 32 Bell St.

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■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

■ ■ BUXTON. Blue Igloo Roadhouse. 2200 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

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■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

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■ DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. Shop 62a Main Rd, Diamond Creek Plaza.

■ ■ DOREEN. Doreen General Store. 920 Yan Yean Rd.

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■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

■ ■ WOLLERT. Wollert General Store. 491 Epping Rd.

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■ ■ ■ YARCK. Buck’s Country Bakehouse. 6585 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Giddy Goat Cafe. 6606 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

■ YARRA JUNCTION. Yarra Junction Newsagency. 2454 Warburton Hwy.

Mitchell Shire Edition

■ BEVERIDGE. Beveridge Post Office. Lot 1 Old Hume Hwy.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

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■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

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■ ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency. 2/963 Main Rd.

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■ ■ YEA. Country Club Hotel. 18 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Endeavour Petroleum (BP). 31 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

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■ EPPING. APCO Service Station. Cnr McDonalds Rd and High St.

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

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■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94

High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

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■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Community House. 36 Silver Creek Rd.

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■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Hotel. 3325 Whittlesea-Yea Rd.

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■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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■ ■ ■ ■ HURSTBRIDGE. Hurstbridge Newsagency. 900 Main Hustbridge Rd.

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store. 280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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■ ■ ■ KINGLAKE. Foodworks. 12 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Kinglake Pub. 28 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. United Service Station. 2 Glenburn-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ LAURIMAR. Laurimar Newsagency. 95 Hazel Glen Dr.

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

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■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.

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■ ■ ■ MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Inn. 436 Maroondah Hwy.

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■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill General Store. 586 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

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■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill Hotel. 633 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

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■ PHEASANT CREEK. Flying Tarts Cafe. 888 WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ PHEASANT CREEK. Pheasant Creek Store. 884 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ RESEARCH. Research Post Office. 1546 Main Rd.

■ ■ SMITHS GULLY. Smiths Gully General Store. 914 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

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■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews General Store. 10 Caledonia St.

■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews Hotel. 79 Burns St.

■ ■ STRATH CREEK. Strath Creek Post Office. 8 Glover Rd.

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■ ■ ■ TAGGERTY. Taggerty General Store. 26 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

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■ ■ ■ THORNTON. Rubicon Hotel. 1362 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

Epping Police, along with officers from Mill Park Divisional Response Unit, State Highway Patrol and Air Wing, undertook the operation on Thursday-Friday, November 2122.

Over two nights, 20 alleged offenders were charged with offences including possess drugs, unlicensed driving, possess weapons and theft.

Five vehicles were impounded as a result of licence and drug-driving offences.

A series of drivers found in possession of cannabis led to police executing a search warrant at a nearby Cooper St address on Saturday, November 23.

Officers allegedly located a traffickable amount of cannabis and other prescription medication.

A 53-year-old Epping woman was charged with traffick cannabis.

She was bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on March 3.

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■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64

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High St.

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■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■ BROADFORD. High Street Bakery. 67A High St.

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Stuty’s Bakehouse. 91-93 High St.

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■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

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■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

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■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

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at Gorge

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

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■

High St.

■ KILMORE. Kemp’s Bakery. 65 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery.

Bettridge, Anthony Birmingham, Robert James Burkett, Jayden Carlson, Ian Day, Laura Dimech, Luke Djuric, Miroslav Ferri, Travis Foster, William Foster Godfrey, Mathew Godwill, David Hancy, Paul Hard, Michael Hibbert, Michael Hughes, Kevin Jee, Benedict Kyriakidis, Anastasia Lang, Joshua Lee, Thaying Lippert, Chantelle Mcbean, Paul Miller, Jaye-Ellen Milne, Zaemmian Murray, Thomas Nai, Jardine Newton, Darren Nguyen, Phuc Boa Otoole, Nick Joshua Price, Christopher Richards, Matt Rippon, Geoffrey John Rudd, Neale Douglas Rusic, Benedict Schulz, Jesse Smith, Kadel Swanwick, Belinda Tadic, Daniel Tulikaki, Aisake Vercoe, Brendon John Viotto, Nathan Wickham, Dale Lloyd Wood, Ryan Wylie, Sherylee L Yates, Rachel Young, Michael Friday, December 13 Briffa, Jake Briffa, Tristan Davy, Adam Ray, Bradley Scott Rhodes, Jake Strnak, Ivan Wirth, Michael

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■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

■ ■ COLDSTREAM. Coldstream Post Office/Newsagency. The Lodge Shopping Centre. 670-672 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd.

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■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

54 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Red Lion Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Royal Oak Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. United Service Station. 127-145 Powlett St.

■ SEYMOUR. IGA O’Keefe’s. 10/115 Anzac Ave.

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■ ■ SEYMOUR. Liberty Seymour. 37-39 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour South Post and Lotto. 75 Anzac Ave.

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■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Tobacco Station/Tatts. Shop 11, Healesville Walk.

■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Launching Place General Store. 2200 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Home Hotel. 2170 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

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■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■

■ ■ MOUNT EVELYN. Mount Evelyn Newsagency. 1A Wray Cres.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ WANDIN. Wandin Newsagency. 18/2 Union Rd.

■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

■ SEYMOUR. Prince of Wales Hotel. 48 Emily St.

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Top Shop. Cnr Anzac Ave and Delatite Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

■ TRAWOOL. Trawool Estate/ Hotel. 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ WALLAN. United Service Station. 11-14 High St.

■ ■ WALLAN. Wallan News and Lotto. Shop 6, 55 High St.

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

■ WANDONG. Caltex Star Mart. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Dundee’s Fish and Cips. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. IGA Supermarket. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Wandong Post News and Tatts. 3272 EppingKilmore Rd.

● ● Police issued this image ■ Detectives from Banyule Nillumbik Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for information after a body was located in the Plenty Gorge Parklands in Plenty It is understood the unidentified man was found in Blue Lake on Tuesday, October 15, about 3.40pm.

The man is perceived to be Asian, about 20-45 years of age, 172 centimetres tall, with black hair and stocky build.

He has a small scar or mark on his chest just above his right nipple.

He was wearing a grey ‘Anko’ hoodie, brown ‘Anko’ shorts, and black and white ‘New Balance’ runners.

Investigators have made extensive enquiries into identifying the man and were last week conducting a further search at Blue Lake with assistance from the Water Police

An information caravan was set up in the area. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Easey St murders

■ A man faced court later last Wednesday (Dec. 4) as part of the Homicide Squad investigation into the murder of two women at an Easey St , Collingwood property in 1977.

A 65-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Greece was arrested at an airport in Rome on September 19.

He was subsequently extradited to Australia and arrived in Melbourne shortly before midnight on December. 3

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■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

■ ■ WANDONG. Kemp’s Wandong Bakery. 372 EppingKilmore Rd.

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■

■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Quinton’s Supa IGA Supermarket. 1/402 Warrandyte Rd.

■ WANDONG. Magpie and Stump Hotel. 3313 EppingKilmore Rd.

Monday, December 16 Mcinnes, Ethan Wednesday, December 18 Harrison, Matthew O'toole, Nicholas Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, December 11 Aliu, Erjan Amoah, Keisha Armstrong, Stephen James Attallah, Duraid Adwar Barker, Alex Barron, Aiden Barron, Ariena Barron, Craig Bashir, Muhammed Sameed Bennett, Lucy Bett, Brian Bolden, Allan Dennis Canavan, Brendon Justin Chrisp, Joshua Clarke, Duane Coffey, Christopher Coffey, Samuel James De Mamiel, Thomas Oscar Forward, Daimonn Gall, Steward Goschnick, Dean Gregory Grace, Jude Heron, Darrin Scott Jonas, Steven Jones, Jessica Kewley, Jeremy Koala Cherries Pty Ltd Konyn, Danny Mahawattage Don, Nadun Anjana Abeyratne Manafi, Milad Marks, Daniel Craig Marks, Ruben Masum, Mainur Murray, James William Neely, Paul Micheal O'brien, Timothy Ozel, Serhat Parkinson, Leasa Phillips, Michael Rooks, Tony Rosina, Domenic Seamer, Courtney Sonnberg, Amy Stafford, Lachlan Wang, Heru Wang, Jia Zerbe, Andrew

The arrest follows the murders of Suzanne Armstrong and Susan Bartlett, who were found dead in their home on January 13, 1977. Both 27-year-old Suzanne and 28-yearold Susan had been stabbed a number of times.

Body

Local Briefs

Awards for pupils

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has given leadership awards to local students fo showing kindness and compassion: Mia from Research Primary, Ryan from Eltham East Primary, Anoushka from Glen Katherine Primary, Josie from Montmorency Primary, Harry Lord from Sacred Heart Primary, Levi from Eltham North Primary, Nyssa from Briar Hill Primary, Mayah from Montmorency South Primary, Xavier from Eltham Primary, Blake from Our Lady Help of Christians Primary, Micah from Diamond Creek Primary, Samuel from Eltham College, Emma from Holy Trinity Primary, Joshua from North-Eastern Montessori School, Ebony from St Francis Xavier Primary, Opal from Greenhills Primary, Sarah from Lower Plenty Primary, Abbey from Wattle Glen Primary, Dean from Sherbourne Primary, Maggie from Diamond Creek East Primary, Olivia from St Thomas the Apostle Primary and Noah from Apollo Parkways Primary.

“Thank you so much to all of these young people for the leadership that they show in kindness and looking out for the kids around them.”

Quake at Rubicon

■ A magnitude 2.8-3.0 earthquake occurred last Wednesday night (Dec. 4), at Rubicon, east of Taggerty. Authorities said the depth of the quake was approximately one kilometre.

Tele office shuts

■ Our friends at the Seymour Telegraph newspaper have permanently closed their Station St office in Seymour.

Owned by Shepparton-based McPherson Media, Executive Chairman Ross McPherson told readers that the expense of maintaining a bricks-and-mortar presence was no longer viable in an increasingly digital age.

“It makes more sense to invest in journalism and community and c ustomer engagement through digital means - although our journalists and advertising team will be maintaining a constant presence in Seymour,” Mr McPherson.

Newspaper office closures are not new. The Yea Chronicle closed its Yea office several years ago. That newspaper is printed on the presses at the Wangaratta Chronicle.

■ The Local Paper, owned by Local Media Pty Ltd, is printed under contract on the Newsprinters pressws owned at Wodonga. Newsprinters is owned by McPherson Media.

Carols countdown

■ The City of Whittlesea is getting ready to light up the night at Carols by Candlelight with festive music and holiday cheer on Friday (Dec. 13) from 6pm to 9pm at the Civic Centre Lawns in South Morang. The night kicks off with a performance by local stars Team Dream. Santa will make his appearance, and there are special performances by the Diamond Valley Brass Band and 65-member Carols Community Choir. City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Aidan McLindon, said the event is a great opportunity for families and the community to get together to embrace the holiday season.

“The Carols by Candlelight event is a free event for our community with entertainment, food trucks, performers, and of course a chance to join in with the traditional carol singing.

“We had a fabulous turnout last year and this year looks set to be even bigger. Some of my greatest memories are of my first Christmas carols I went to as a five-year-old,” Cr McLindon said.

Final issue for ‘24

● ● This is the final issue of The Local Paper for 2024. The first print and online issues for 2025 are scheduled for February 5. We take this opportunity to extend Christmas and New Year greetings to readers and advertisers.

Thanks to Kalkallo youth

■ Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence has thanked her 2024 Kalkallo Youth Advisory Council for their work throughout the year.

“This year members decided to focus on environmental issues, in particular getting to know your rubbish and learning to bin it correctly,” Ms Spence told Parliament.

“Members noticed that within their local communities, including their schools, there was a lot of littering, incorrect materials being put in the bins and a lack of awareness of impacts on the environment.

“In response they decided to develop an information flyer, website and video to assist young people to help the environment through small actions that can have a big impact, including through the terrific container deposit scheme, which has returned over $2 million to my local community.

“Thank you to the Minister for Youth for meeting with the group on Tuesday night and listening to their report. I know they were very grateful. Thank you and well done to Aarav, Ammar, Aneeta, Athena, Divjot, Eshaal, Gabrielle, Harkirat, Husain, Jayde, Kayla, Manraj, Mantasha, Marseel, Matthew, Nathaniel, Omar, Sarah, Shannon and Uthish.”

Stop Treaty talks: MLC

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has voiced her opposition to the State Government’s Treaty for Victoria, calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to immediately cease negotiations on a treaty with the First Peoples’Assembly of Victoria

Mrs Tyrrell said the planned treaty was divisive and one most Victorians opposed.

“The results of the Voice referendum last year showed that the majority of Victorians are opposed to a specific treaty to be established with our First Nations people,” Mrs Tyrrell said. “This was particularly the case in my electorate of Northern Victoria Region where my constituents overwhelmingly rejected division based on race.”

Mrs Tyrrell said the way to improve the lives of indigenous Victorians is not through secretive negotiations.

Inquiry report welcomed

■ Murrindindi Shire Council says that it welcomes the release of the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s report following the Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services in Victoria.

“The report's findings and recommendations highlight the critical challenges facing rural councils like Murrindindi, particularly around financial sustainability, equitable grant allocation, and addressing cost shifting from other levels of government,” said a Council representative.

“We are pleased to see that our submission and advocacy have contributed significantly to the Inquiry's recommendations.

“The recognition of unique challenges, such as maintaining services across dispersed communities, addressing the growing renewal gap for critical infrastructure, and the disproportionate impact of funding models, reflects the lived experience of our residents and Council

“Murrindindi has been impacted by successive years of underfunding on a per capita and overall basis as compared to peer Councils, further compounding these challenges.

“The report’s recommendations to review the financial assistance grant distribution model

■

Student awards

Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has given leadership awards to local students fo showing kindness and compassion: Mia from Research Primary, Ryan from Eltham East Primary, Anoushka from Glen Katherine Primary, Josie from Montmorency Primary, Harry Lord from Sacred Heart Primary, Levi from Eltham North Primary, Nyssa from Briar Hill Primary, Mayah from Montmorency South Primary, Xavier from Eltham Primary, Blake from Our Lady Help of Christians Primary, Micah from Diamond Creek Primary, Samuel from Eltham College, Emma from Holy Trinity Primary, Joshua from North-Eastern Montessori School, Ebony from St Francis Xavier Primary, Opal from Greenhills Primary, Sarah from Lower Plenty Primary, Abbey from Wattle Glen Primary, Dean from Sherbourne Primary, Maggie from Diamond Creek East Primary, Olivia from St Thomas the Apostle Primary and Noah from Apollo Parkways Primary.

“Thank you so much to all of these young people for the leadership that they show in kindness and looking out for the kids around them.”

Driver, 15, dies

■ Police are investigating a fatal car crash in Monegeetta on Saturday morning, November 30.

It is believed a vehicle was travelling along Melbourne-Lancefield Rd when it veered off the road and crashed into a tree just before 6am.

The driver and sole occupant, a 15-yearold Lancefield boy, died at the scene.

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

This Girl Can

■ Mansfield Council delivered a week of engaging activities for women and girls from in November, partnering with community organisations and local businesses as part of the 2024 This Girl Can campaign.

Twelve women and girls joined Mansfield Bushwalks for an 8km hike to Plain Creek Falls in perfect weather, surrounded by spring wildflowers and local wildlife. The hike was followed by lunch and the chance to connect and chat about life and things they enjoyed. Mansfield Women’s Football hosted a ‘come and try’ event. Women who were eager to give footy a go practised skills and kicking techniques in a workshop led by Sue McCormack. Participants were also offered the chance to join the Mansfield Eagles Women’s Football Club and become part of the team in 2025.

Mansfield Tennis Association also held a ‘come and try’ session, offering the wider community a chance to join the regular Wednesday social hit. Rhonda Carpenter from Mansfield Tennis Association Committee was thrilled to have a large group of participants covering four courts. New players joined those with more experience to create connections on and off the court.

and address cost shifting are especially important for small rural councils. Our ratepayers are already heavy-lifting contributors to Council revenue through above-average rates, so these recommendations acknowledge the pressing need for fairer and more equitable funding to support councils like Murrindindi

“These measures can help ensure councils like ours have the resources needed to sustain essential services and plan for future growth, while addressing the inequities in the current funding system.

“As a Council that has consistently raised concerns about the strain of underfunded responsibilities and inequitable grant allocations, we strongly support the Committee’s call for systemic change to ensure rural councils can effectively serve their communities.

“We look forward to collaborating with all levels of government to deliver these recommendations and create a fairer, more sustainable framework for local government funding.

“With thanks to the Committee, we keenly await the Victorian Government's response to the report and anticipate the full implementation of its recommendations,” the Murrindindi Council representative said.

All Terrain Cycles held an adults and teens ride along the Great Victorian Rail Trail, with expert staff giving tips to the 10 participants along the way on riding and bike maintenance. A snack break with fruit platters gave an opportunity to learn about keeping a balanced diet for active living.

In another session facilitated by All Terrain Cycles, teenaged participants helped to teach young children the fundamentals of bike riding in a ride around Mansfield Botanic Park.

More than 50 women and girls participated in the week of events.

This Girl Can is a campaign from VicHealth based on Sport England’s highly successful campaign of the same name, which motivated 3.9 million women in England to take their fitness into their own hands. Australia was the first country in the world to license this powerful campaign, with VicHealth commencing in 2018 and Mansfield Shire Council joining in 2021.

Nola Cleeland, Council’s Executive Manager Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “This Girl Can is all about getting out there, trying something new, meeting some new people, putting yourself first in a non-judgemental space.”

● Ros Spence, Kalkallo MLA

● ● Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Northern Victoria MLC

Local People

Veterans outcome

■ McEwen MHR Rob Mitchell has welcomed the Federal Government’s response to the final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Released on Monday last week (Dec. 2), the response sets out a plan for enduring reform for Defence personnel, veterans and families.

The Royal Commission was said to be the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities.

It heard harrowing evidence about the cultural problems within the Australian Defence Force over time and identified deficiences with the approach, services and support of the Department of Veterans’Affairs.

“We called for this Royal Commission in Opposition and we have supported it in Government,” Mr Mitchell said.

“This response is a historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and families.”

The Federal Government has accepted the overwhelming majority of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations and recognises that their implementation will result in the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA to prevent suicide and improve mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

Consistent with key recommendations of the Royal Commission, the Government will:

■ Establish a new statuatory entity to oversee enduring and sytemic reform. This entity will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to improve suicide prevention, and drive better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel (an interim head will be appointed as soon as possible to work across government towards the establishment of a legislated oversight body by September 2025).

■ Establish a Taskforce in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet which will draw in expertise from across Government as well as external experts to consider matters of detailed implementation.

■ Direct DVA to co-design, with the veteran community, a new agency focused on wellbeing to be established within DVA. This body will be focused on consultation and codesign with Defence and veteran communities, and their families to ensure the agency meets their needs.

■ Fund DVA to continue consultation on the development of a national ex-service organisation peak body.

These reforms will build on the work already completed in response to the Interim Report delivered in August 2022, and the extensive work across Defence and DVA which commenced when the Albanese Government came to office, including:

■ Funding $233.9 million to engage 500 new frontline staff at DVA to eliminate the compensation claims backlog

■ Undertaking extensive consultation to develop legislation to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system. Legislation was introduced to the Parliament on July 3 this year.

■ Investing $254.1 million over four years to modernise and sustain DVA’s aging IT systems to ensure better access to services for veterans and families.

■ Appointed in June 2023, was the first three star Chief of Personnel who reports directly to the Chief of the Defence Force to to drive systemic reform across the ADF

■ Expanding and improving allowances, conditions of services and entitlements for serving ADF personnel and their families.

■ Investing more than $600 million to implement the 2024 Defence Workforce Plan and grow the ADF to deliver an integrated, focused force.

“The death by suicide of any Australian, including veterans and serving Defence personnel, is a national tragedy. Implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations is not a simple task, but it is essential,” Mr Mitchell said. “ We thank all those who came forward and bravely told their story to the Royal Commission.”

Diamond Valley Cricket Scoreboard

BARCLAY SHIELD

Reseach Eltham Collegians 10/195) v Bundoora 0/73

Research Eltham Collegians First XI won the toss and elected to bat.

Research Eltham Collegians - Innings

Brixton Timewell (vc)m, lbw Harkaran Gujral ....................... 40

Benjamin Willis, c Clayton McCartney, b Harkaran Gujral .......................... 17

Joshua Turner (c), b Yzair Abdullah .......... 4

Michael Berry, run out ........................ 62

Joshua Ward, c Rubal Singh Dhillon, b Shupinder Taggar ......................... 21

Archie Cunningham b Shupinder Taggar .... 4

Sean Lamb, b Shupinder Taggar .............. 5

Edward Zumbo, c Rubal Singh Dhillon, b Jason Kaminiski ........................... 0

Jeremy Klaster, c Declan Parash, b Shupinder Taggar .......................... 11

Angus Turner, c Clayton McCartney, b Shamsher Singh Brar .................... 16

Angus Frewin Macfarlane, not out ........... 5

Extras (0WD, 0NB, 7LB, 3B, 0P)

Total (69.5 overs) ................... 10/185

Bowling (O-M-R-W): Jason Kaminski 18-438-1, Shupinder Taggar 24-9-33-4, Shamshar

Singh Brar 4.5-0-30-1, Harkaran Gujral 8-039-2, Uzair Abdullah 6-1-20-1, Rubal Singh Dhillon 9-2-25-0.

Bundoora 1st XI - Innings

Harakan Gujral, not out ....................... 63

Declan Paras, not out .......................... 9

Uzair Adbullah

Rubal Singh Dhillon

Andrew Fairchild (c)

Jason Kaminski

Clayton McCartney

Devin Rathnasinghe

Angus Smith

Shupineder Taggar

Shamsher Singh Brar

Extras(1WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P) ............. 1

Total (10 overs) .......................... 0/73

Bowling: Angus Turner 1-0-19-0, Michael Berry 5-0-27-0, Angus Frewin Macfarlane 30-26-0, Jeremy Klaster 1-0-1-0. ★

North Eltham Wanderers 100/248 v Heidelberg First XI

North Eltham Wanderers won the toss and elected to bat.

North Eltham Wanderers - Innings

Jake Lambert, c Paviuthran Manoharan

b Calluam Gogerly .......................... 15

Lucas Camuncoli, c Bradley Mitchell, b Callum Gogerly ........................... 31

Lachlan McLeod, c & B Matt Ross ......... 23

Nick Murray, c Zach Pett, b Callum Gogerly ............................ 1

Luke O’Donnell, not out ...................... 86

Jordan Drinkall, c Zach Pett, b Pavithran Manoharan ................... 33

Thomas Beers, b Callaum Gogerly ............ 1 Rhys Lambert, c Peter Cashen, b Nicholas Biscontin ...................... 41

Corey Lyall, c Pavitharan Manoharan, b Zach Pett ................................... 3

Lachlan Gibb, lbw Zach Pett .................. 0

Connor O’Leary, run out Lachlan Briggs, b Bradley Mitchell ........................... 3

Extras (4WD, 1NB, 4LB, 2B, 00P) ......... 11

Total (80 overs) ........................ 10/248

Bowling: Adam Renwick 13-3-43-0, Nicholas Biscontin 15-1-51-1, Callum Gogerly 265-66-4, Zach Pett 8-1-34-2, Matt Ross 913-1, Andrew Fotinopoulos 3-1-12-0, Pavithran Manoharan 6-0-23-1.

★

Diamond Creek v Rosanna 10/199

Diamond Creek won the toss and elected to bowl

Rosanna - Innings

Thomas Bourke, lbw Riley McCormick ..... 18

Sam Sheehan (c), run out

Lachlan Dwyer .............................. 80

Dalton Marsh, c Lachlan Bowen,

b Daniel Gilbert ............................. 18

Josh Henkel, b Daniel Gilbert ............... 26

Nick Carlton, b Daniel Gilbert ................ 0

Riley O’Sullivan, c Lachlan Dwyer, b Jay Watson .................................22

Patrick Bourke, c Daniel Gilbert, b Jacon Ramsey ............................ 15

Scott Shelton, b Jacob Ramsey ............... 1

Nick Rowe, c Callum Doyle, b Jay Watson ................................. 2

Oliver Toussaint, b Jay Watson ................ 0

Andrew Clarke, not out ......................... 0

Extras (7WD, 3NB, 5LB, 2B, 0P) ........... 17

Total (79.1 overs) .................... 10/199

Bowling: Daniel Gilbert 14-2-41-3, Jacob Ramsay 21-6-42-2, Jay Watson 14.1-12-553, Dylan Bedurke 13-2-31-0, Riley McCorick 13-4-26-1, Lachlan Dwyer 4-0-17-0. Rosanna - Innings

Dylan Bedurke

Lachlan Bowen

Callum Doyle

Lachlan Dwyer

Daniel Gilbert

Angus Jarram

Danyon Kambouris

Riley McCormick

Robert Phelan (c)

Jacon Ramsey

Jay Watson ★

Riverside 10/139 v Epping 1/59

Epping won the toss and elected to bowl

Riverside - Innings

Nathan Chrimes (c),. c?, b Akash Cheema ............................ 52

Mackenzie Stanley, lbw Ethan Kunelius ...... 7

Luke Costa (vc), b Akash Cheema ........... 19

Dillon Pote, c Liam Henkel, b Akash Cheema ............................ 19

Sean Money (vc), c Akash Cheema, b Daniel Bramich ............................ 14

Marcus Brooker, b Akash Cheema ........... 0

Adam Nolan, c Shanyn Kearney, b Liam Henkel ................................ 4

Andrew Villani, c Zachary Graham, b Todd Hughes ............................... 13

Thomas Hewett, not out ........................ 2

Nik Martin, c Dushantha Ranatunga, b Todd Hughes ................................ 0

Jack Felton, lbw Todd Hughes ................. 0

Extras (3WD, 4NB, 0LB, 2B, 0P)

Total (62.3 overs) ..................... 10/139

Bowling: Ethan Kunelius 7-1-17-1, Robert Tinsley 9-4-11-0, Zachary Grahm 1-0-14-0, Daniel Bramich 10-1-30-1, Akash Cheema 176-24-4, Liam Henkel 16-6-36-1, Todd Hughes 2.3-0-5-3.

Epping - Innings

Shanyn Kearney, lbw Mackenzie Stanley ... 26

Dushantha Ranatunga, not out .............. 25

Tom Emmins (c), not out ...................... 7

Akash Cheema

Zachary Graham

Todd Hughes

Liam Henkel

Jaedyn Kearney

Daniel Bramich

Ethsan Kunelius

Robert Tinsley

Extras (0WD, 0NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P)

Total (17 overs) .......................... 1/59

Bowling: Jack Felton 2-0-3-0, Sean Money

2-0-10-00, Andrew Villani 5-00-23-0, Luke

Costa (vc) 2-0-8-0, Mackenzie Stanley 4-114-1, Nik Martin 2-2-0-0.

Seymour District

■ A-Grade. One Day. Yea Tigers A Grade v Tallarook A Grade, at Yea Recreation Reserve. Alexandra A Grade v Seymour A Grade, at Leckie Park. Puckapunyal Senior Mixed v Pyalong A Grade, at Puckapunyal Cricket Ground. Scores not to hand at press time.

■ B-Grade. One Day. Pyalong B Grade v Yea Tigers B Grade, at Pyalong Recreation Reserve, scores not to hand. Seymour B Grade v Avenel Senior Men, at Chittick Park (East), abandoned. Tallarook B Grade v Alexandra B Grade, at Tallarook Recreation Reserve, scores not to hand.

Weekend Pennant

■ Division 6. Shepp. Park 0, 0 d by Nagambie 125, 16, forfeit. Euroa v Dookie, unplayed. Alexandra 400, 2 d by Violet Town 76, 14. Division 7. Kyabram 68, 14 d Merrigum 26, 00. Eildon 28, 14 d Mooroopna Golf 28, 0. Avenel 22,0 d by Seymour 42, 14. Rushworth 15, 14 d Murchison 0, 0 (forfeit).

Better parking

■ Better disability parking is now available in several key locations in Mansfield, including two new disability parking spaces in the new car park.

Mansfield Council has completed construction of additional disability parking spaces or improvements at the following sites:

■ Highett St, near Mansfield Coffee Merchant

■ Highett St , near Mansfield Chiropractic and Wellbeing

■ High St near IGA

■ Nolan St, behind IGA

■ High St , near Mansfield Magistrates’ Court

■ Mansfield Botanical Park.

“The improvements included kerb ramps, crossing points and new line marking with hatched access areas,” said a Mansfield Council representative.

“Two new disability parking spaces were also included in the High St Carpark completed earlier this year.

“Following calls from community members for greater accessibility for disabled, injured or elderly drivers in key parts of the township, Council proposed improvements for three locations in 2023 and invited wider community feedback.

“After receiving positive feedback and further requests, the number of locations was expanded to six and some design changes were made.

“Consideration was also given to the impact on general parking areas and consultation was undertaken with local businesses.”

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the improvements will be a win-win for disability parking users and for the local economy.

“Earlier in the year we engaged with community members using these spaces to make sure we can meet their specific access needs,” Cr Rabie said.

“Our strategic approach has allowed us to minimise the number of general parking spaces lost, and at the same time we’re providing other general parking options such as the new High St carpark.

“The new parking spaces look great, and we’re proud to have completed the project on time and within budget,” Cr Rabie said.

Spraying starts

■ Yarra Ranges Council is urging the community to not pick or eat blackberries during their growth period (between now and April), as they are being sprayed to limit the spread of the noxious weed.

The Council, private landholders and other agencies are required to target and limit the spread of blackberries under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994

“Council has a small window of opportunity to treat the weed to get the best results, with the plant then being dormant for the rest of the year during cooler months,” said a Shire representative.

“The spray that is used is heavily-diluted, with no scientific evidence showing an impact to animals that eat the berries.

“Despite this, Council still urges the community to not consume the berries, just to be safe.

“Blackberries are recognised as a Weed of National Significance in Australia due to its high degree of invasiveness, its aggressive spread, and its economic and environmental impacts.

“Blackberries can threaten agricultural and natural ecosystems by dominating other crops in its vicinity as well as natural vegetation.

“Council’s priority is to treat the blackberries before they fruit from January to March, however some spraying occasionally needs to take place while the weed does fruit, due to rapid growth in the region,” the representative said.

City sells land

■ Whittlesea Council proposes to discontinue and sell a section of road reserve within Sarissa St, Lalor by public tender or private treaty. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so by Decmber 23.

CFA CUTS: NOT TRUE, SAYS MP Observer Melbourne

■ Victorian Emergency Sevices Manager Jaclyn Symes says that media reports, claiming that the Country Fire Authority budget has been cut by 70 per cent, are not true.

“I want to set the record straight on reports regarding the CFA’s funding,” said Ms Symes.

“I know it has caused some fear and anger in our regional communities.

“Reports of an almost $70m cut from the CFA are wrong.

“Every year, a certain amount of money within our emergency services’ budgets is earmarked for specific projects and services – like funding for the rollout of 18,000 new Motorola radios to brigades.

“Setting aside these funds isn’t a cut. Every dollar of these quarantined amounts is spent on CFA – directly benefitting the CFA and their volunteers.

“Government departments manage many of these projects and they pay the bill.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11,

“It streamlines administration and takes the burden off emergency services so they can focus on what they do best — keeping Victorians safe.

“This year, more than $337 million in CFA base funding has been allocated – an increase of almost $17 million on the comparable figure last year.

“This doesn’t include the money we invest on top of this on new trucks, uniforms and upgrading stations.

“The Fire Services Property Levy funds almost 78 per cent of the CFA’s total funding needs – not 25 per cent.

“I know National Party members are out there with their negativity trying to spin a false narrative about cuts.

“They should support, not scare country communities and stick to the facts.

“Labor has delivered 80 new tankers since 2018, 22 are being built and 15 pumpers are on order.

“The Nationals didn’t fund a single truck in their last few years in government, and they slashed $66 million

from the CFA budget whilst in office. It’s disappointing that I must correct this unhelpful misinformation, but it’s a further opportunity to recognise and thank our amazing CFA brigades and all emergency services – I want you to know our Government will always give you what you need to continue keeping Victorians safe,” Ms Symes said.

Arson at synagogue

■ Arson and Explosives Squad detectives are investigating a suspicious fire in Ripponlea on Friday morning (Dec. 6). Emergency services were called to the fire at a synagogue on Glen Eira Avenue about 4.10am.

Witnesses stated that offenders were inside the premises where they poured liquid on the floor. Detectives are looking for three offenders believed to be involved.

● Jaclyn Symes, Emergency Services Minister

Peninsula Summer Music Festival

■ The Peninsula Summer Music Festival will run from January 4 -10 on the Mornington Peninsula, treating music lovers to a week of chamber and ensemble musical performances.

Festival favourites such as Twilight Jazz and Balnarring Family Day return to the region alongside Festival artists Stephanie Arnold (cello), The Voice 2023 winner Tarryn Stokes, soprano Jacqueline Porter, Ensemble Offspring and the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra at popular destinations such as St John’s Anglican Church, Peninsula Hot Springs and the region's fine wineries playing host to more than 35 musicians and performers.

Artistic Directors Ben Opie and Melissa Doecke have once again curated a celebration of the region’s natural beauty amplified by fine music, wine and food.

The 2025 Festival begins on Saturday January 4 with three of Australia’s brightest emerging musicians to perform showcase works for violin, viola and double bass.

Helena Kozdra (violin), Neil Wang (viola), and Jude Hill (double bass) make up the Young Mannheim Symphonists; a prestigious program from the Australian Romantic Classical Orchestra that supports young musicians as they begin their careers in historically informed performance.

Accompanied by acclaimed pianist Donald Nicolson, the talented trio will perform works from Wanhal, Mozart, Glinka and Dittersdorf at St John’s Anglican Church in Flinders

The festival’s signature event takes place on January 4 at Flinders Civic Hall with a romantic evening of Love and Life featuring acclaimed soprano Jacqueline Porter and principal musicians of the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra.

The audience will be immersed in loveladen melodies from three of Europe’s most romantic composers. Dramatic Grieg and Schubert string quartets, led by violinist Rachael Beesley

For full details of the Peninsula Summer Music Festival program, visit peninsulafestival.com.au/ - Cheryl Threadgold

School of Rock

■ PLOS Musical Productions opens itsw summer season at 5pm on New Year's Eve with School of Rock at Frankston Arts Centre, playing until January 5.

Based on the 2003 hit film, School of Rock is adapted for the stage with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and the book by Julian Fellowes

PLOS's show is directed by Brad Fischer, with musical direction by Bev Woodford, and choreography by Jess Pratt and Tahlia Sweatman.

School of Rock will be presented for a limited season at the Frankston Arts Centre.

Performance Season: December 31 at 5pm (until 7.30pm); January 2, 3, 4 at 7.30pm; January 5 at 1.30pm.

Venue: Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston

Bookings: www.plos.asn.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

■ A Christmas Carol , written by Charles Dickens in 1843 has been a timeless story of misery and joy.

The Old Vic Production, conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus with a new adaption by Jack Thorne is a yearly institution at the Comedy Theatre.

The audience was welcomed before curtain up by cast interacting and mingling, handing out fruit mince tarts and mandarins while at the same time a group on stage performed Christmas music on handbells.

Set in London on a bitter winter's Christmas eve, Ebenezer Scrooge played by well-known Erik Thomson firstly drives away Carol Singers, then sends his employee Bob Cratchit played eminently by Tim Wright, on an errand just as he was going home for Christmas.

The audience is immediately reminded of Scrooge, as a cold-hearted money-making miser, the very opposite of the Christmas spirit.

However, a sudden ghostly visit from his deceased business partner Jacob Marley played by Anthony Cogin, tells him he will be visited by three ghosts, Ghost of Christmas Past played by Alison Whyte, Christmas Present played by Samantha Morley and Christmas Yet To Be played by Aisha Aidara as Little Fan, Scrooge’s sister.

Marley tells Scrooge that he will finish up like him, suffering eternal punishment if he doesn’t mend his ways.

The ghosts guide Scrooge through his journey from a merciless misanthropist to a benevolent benefactor, all aided by an array of characters, in particular performances by Sarah Morrison as Belle, Felix Star as Young Scrooge and Stephanie Lambourn as Mrs Cratchit

The role of Tiny Tim played charmingly by a confident Wynton Inman on opening night, will be rotated between Mira Feldman, Libby Segal and Noah Sherburn.

While a very open stage, cleverly four simple door frames rose regularly to create the acting space of Scrooge’s abode all skilfully lit.

Hand held and swinging lanterns added well while ‘snow’ was abundant, being dropped and thrown.

Some twelve carols were impressively performed using handbells aided by a range of other instruments.

Acknowledgement should be made of the support of Carmel Daveson of the Handbell Society of Australasia.

A great heart-warming family performance, outstandingly produced and performed by all, a true reflection of the Christmas Spirit

Performance Season: Until December 29

Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Bookings: Ticketek

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Shimmery Burlesque

■ With current trends of cancel culture and gas lighting it is brilliant to see this mischievous, talented, tasselled and feathered, outrageously confident ensemble of women igniting the audience to raucous appreciation of their burlesque skills.

The basis is the story of Kerrie Schultz (Lady Shimmery) and how she rose from work in graphic design and bridal couture in Australia to be a designer and maker of internationally recognised burlesque costumes.

As Kerrie, Abbey Paige Williams leads us through Kerrie’s journey with the many highlights presented in vivid burlesque style .

Using well recognised 30s – 60s music backing (Jack Champion) the talented cast operate as a sparkling choreographed ensemble, while also highlighting their preferred solo burlesque talents whether hoops, aerial, eastern influence, chair dancing or saucy strip tease.

There was a wonderful noisy, happy rapport between manipulative performers and their lively engaged audience.

The first act focuses on presenting memories of Kerrie’s whimsical dreams.

The second leads us on Kerrie’s journey of burlesque costumery. As well as the splendour and glitter of g-strings and ostentatious, outlandish coverings and fans, the easily operable clips and zips for the tease must be applauded.

The seeming ease of removing corsets and bras was first class entertainment and played successfully by performers to create audience anticipation .

Sexy, sensual, joyous – it’s all there in abundance on a superb and changing set (Holly Mouat, Angus Strachan, Kerrie Schultz) Buttocks and bosoms were rarely absent.

Outrageous choreography and burlesque (Kimera Diamond and Maple Rose) was faultlessly and proudly executed by a sparkling troupe of 18.

Mood changes to aerial work or street scenes, superbly lit (Jason Bovaird) provided delightful balance to the upbeat energetic high kicking, splits, and ever loved can- can.

It may not be your thing, but do see it once, please, if there’s a return season.

Glittering women empowerment from writer/director Holly Mount.

Presented at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne.

- Review by Maggie Morrison

■

, Collins St, Melbourne from January 15-18.

This show for children and adults gives opportunity to tumble down the rabbit hole and join Alice on her magical adventures with the White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the boisterous Queen of Hearts and a cast of actors bringing over 20 curious characters to life

True to the original book, there will be something for everyone with plenty of wordplay and pun-based humour that older children and adults will enjoy, while younger children will enjoy the colourful characters, charming puppetry and physical comedy (especially Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum).

Alice in Wonderland is directed and adapted by Penny Farrow and produced by Broadway Haus, USA

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne

Season: Wednesday January 15 – Saturday January 18

Performances: Jan. 15 at 7pm, Jan. 16 17 and 18 Jan. at 11am and 2pm

Prices: From $39.90

Booking: Ticketmaster.com.au

www.aliceinwonderlandlive.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Wind in the Willows

■ Australian Shakespeare Company’s The Wind in the Willows returns to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens from December 21January 25 to celebrate its 38th year of outdoor theatre magic

.Featuring Kenneth Grahame’s unforgettable characters—Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and the ever-daring Mr Toad this critically acclaimed production aims to entertain audiences of all ages.

The Australian Shakespeare Company founder and Artistic Director, Glenn Elston, says: “Every year, bringing The Wind in the Willows back to Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens is a joy.

“There’s nothing quite like watching children and adults alike light up as they’re drawn into the adventure.

“It’s a celebration of storytelling and community in one of the city’s most stunning settings—ideal for a summer’s day out with family and friends.”

The Wind in the Willows is packed with surprises, transforming young audience members into honorary “rabbits” with just a wiggle of the ears.

Led by the Head Chief Rabbit, the young rabbits are encouraged to sing along, shout out, and dive fully into the story’s adventure.

Families can look forward to a lively, interactive performance that captures the magic of outdoor theatre, with a few playful surprises reserved just for adults.

Audience members are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, favourite snacks, and drinks to enjoy a relaxed, picnic-style event.

The performance will move between various scenic spots within the gardens, making it an adventure for the whole family and a unique way to experience theatre under the Melbourne skies.

LocaIon: Royal Botanic Gardens, Oak Lawn Gate

Dates: December 21 to January 25

Times: 10.30am, 11am and 6pm

Tickets: $25-$30 or $90-$110 per group of four

● ● Erik Thomson (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Tim Wright (Bob Cratchit) in A Christmas Carol. Photo: Eugene Hyland

● ● ● ● Alice in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll's timeless classic Alice in Wonderland will be playing at the Athenaeum Theatre

● ● ● ● Jacqueline Porter, soprano.

IMAGINE LIVE Shows

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

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

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

■ Encore Theatre: Puss In Boots (written by Geoff Bamber) January 9 – 18 at 11am and 2pm at the Clayton Community Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Christine Simmonds. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Wicked Sisters (by Alma de Groen) February 12 –March 3 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Ellis Ebell. Bookings: wlt.org.au/

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Moon Over Buffalol (a comedy by Ken Ludwig) February 13 – March 1 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Ian Frost. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsence (by The Goodale Brothers) February 14 – March 1 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Morgan Thomas-Connor. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Malvern Theatre: The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race (by Melanie Tait) February 14 –March 1 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) February 20 –March 2 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: thebasintheatre.org.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Spider’s Web (by Agatha Christie) February 20 – March 14 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) February 21 – March 8 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Steve Saul. Elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Peridot Theatre: The Architect (by Aiden Fennessy) February 21 – March 2 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Jen Bite. Bookings:

■ The Mount Players: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) February 21 – March 9 at The Mountview Theatre, 63 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: themountplayers.com

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Holmes and Watson (by Jeffrey Hatcher) February 27 – March 8 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Mordialloc. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens) January 5 from 6pm, January 6 from 7pm at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Further information: htc.org.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) January 31 at 7.30pm, February 1 at 2.30pm at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Audition bookings and enquiries: ssydenham@wlt.org.au

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

■ Imagine Live, a magical celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world based on Alison Lester's best-selling book, will be playing from January 8-11 in Arts Centre Melbourne's Fairfax Studio

From the multi-award-winning team behind Robot Song, performers play and sing their way through Alison Lester's much-loved book Imagine and discover there is more to these pages than they first thought.

Imagine Live contains live action and animation with digital puppetry in a large-scale. multi-screen performance.

Underscored by original music, oversized props and digital puppets are brought to life by performers and link together a long distance video call between a granddaughter and grandmother, enjoying a nostalgic connection through their favourite book, Imagine

Relevant to multi-generational and diverse audiences, the show is a reminder that connection, creativity and play are essential ingredients for positive mental health.

The production’s deep environmental theme invites us to look beyond our backyards into a shared and richly beautiful world.

Building on the knowledge and success of Helpmann Award-winning show Robot Song, Director and Creator of Imagine Live, Jolyon James reunites the creative team Ashlea Pyke, Nate Gilkes and Phillip McInnes along with new cast member, Aubrey Flood.

Venue: Fairfax Studio

Dates: January 8-11

Duration: 55 minutes

Age recommendation: 4-12 years old

- Cheryl Threadgold

BMW Opera For All

■ BMW, in partnership with Opera Australia, has announced the third edition of the BMW Opera for All event. This concert returns to Melbourne’s Fed Square on Saturday, February 1 from 5pm to 7pm,promising a “spectacular evening of world-class opera”, free for everyone to enjoy.

For the first time, the event will introduce a 30-minute prelude performance by the Australian Girls Choir. This performance will connect young, aspiring artists with award-winning operatic talent, embodying the spirit of creative collaboration.

BMW Opera for All is a global initiative in collaboration with local opera organisations to provide world-class cultural experiences to the public for free. The 2025 Melbourne edition will feature an open-air concert with a selection of opera arias and timeless classics, making it an evening for everyone.

Headlining the concert are four of Opera Australia’s finest opera singers. Soprano Olivia Cranwell, acclaimed for her performance in Opera Australia’s acclaimed Ring Cycle last year and her recent role as Giorgetta in Il tabarro in both Opera Australia and Victorian Opera productions and will reprise her role as Mimì in La bohème in 2025.

Mezzo-soprano Dimity Shepherd, Melbourne born, three-time Green Room award-winner, Dimity has captivated audiences with her appearances for Opera Australia including last month’s production of Eucalyptus at the Palais Theatre and the title role of the national touring production of Carmen.

Tenor Shanul Sharma, an alumnus of Opera Australia’s Young Artist Program, Shanul

has enthralled audiences in roles including Almaviva in The Barber of Seville and most recently as Tamino in The Magic Flute. Baritone Christopher Hillier, who recently appeared as Zurga in The Pearl Fishers, joins the cast bringing a commanding vocal presence.

The cast from Opera Australia will be accompanied by a live orchestra of 20 musicians from Orchestra Victoria, conducted by the renowned Brian Castles-Onion, who has conducted the BMW Opera for All performances for the past two years.

Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan said: “Opera Australia is thrilled to open up the experience of opera for so many through this free concert featuring some of Australia’s best singers.

“We are very grateful to BMW for its ongoing commitment to staging BMW Opera for All in Melbourne as part of this global initiative, also held in other cities renowned for their cultural life such as Munich, Berlin and London. I look forward to spending the evening in beautiful Fed Square with Victorian families and friends.”

With space to accommodate up to 8000 attendees in Fed Square’s vibrant outdoor space, BMW Opera for All promises to be one of Australia’s largest free outdoor opera events in 2025

Date: Saturday, February 1

Time: 5pm-7pm

Venue: Fed Square, CBD, Melbourne

Tickets: Free, no registration required.

For more information visit opera.org.au/ events/bmw-opera-for-all/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Love Actually?

Almost everyone knows that annual Christmas movie, Love Actually, which follows several different groups of people and tangled love situations that eventually resolve.

Melbourne audiences are in for a treat with a tongue-in-cheek show, Love Actually?

The Musical Parody, an off-Broadway production that is currently taking over the Athenaeum Theatre and runs until December 23.

The show follows nine quirky couples searching for love, and features lots of cute awkward moments, over the top gestures and laugh out loud moments that will have the audience chuckling.

Love Actually? The Musical Parody reflects the nostalgia of the original film, released 16 years ago, and comments humorously on love, relationships and the holiday spirt at this time of year.

Tunes are an important part of a musical parody, and audiences will hear songs like ‘He’s The Prime Minister of Roms Coms’ and ‘Keira Knightly Actually’.

Promoter Fred Porter is delighted to be bringing something to give audiences a fun Christmas theatrical treat.

“Love Actually has become an iconic film that is loved by many around the world, and this incredible production spreads Christmas cheer and joy – there is something for everyone,” he says.

The ensemble cast includes Ian Andrew, Sophie Loughran, Jeremy Harland, Belinda Jenkin, Mitchell Groves and Massimo Zuccara. Book in at ticketmaster.com.au for a night of laughs and fun.

- Julie Houghton

THREE LITTLE PIGS

■ New commercial musical theatre company AG Theatre is launching their first season with a new production of The Three Little Pigs , in this 50-minute children's musical written by Stiles and Drewe, the Olivier Award winning minds behind Mary Poppins, Honk! and Peter Pan - A Musical Adventure, opening at the National Theatre, St Kilda on December 18.

The Three Little Pigs delivers a charming and witty retelling of the classic tale, with catchy and upbeat memorable songs.

The children’s musical is directed by WAAPA musical theatre graduate Tahra Cannon, who recently received rave reviews for her production of A Chorus Line, with Andrew Gyopar’s independent theatre company Theatrical. She is thrilled to be making her commercial theatre directing debut with The Three Little Pigs.

“This musical will leave kids howling with laughter, squealing like little piglets, and enchanted with what could potentially be their first live theatre experience,” says Tahlia.

“Three Little Pigs will invite audiences of all ages to sing, laugh, and reflect on the value of connection. Expect to walk away from the theatre singing ‘Three Little Pigs’ all the way home.”

Ben Hamilton (Bar) is delighted to be mak-

ing his professional musical debut in The Three Little Pigs. He currently studies fulltime at Showfit, where he pursues his passion for musical theatre.

When not studying, Ben says he loves working with children in entertainment and bringing fun and creativity to every interaction.

Performance Season: December 18-29

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: nationaltheatre.org.au/the-3little-pigs/

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● Imagine Live. Photo: Peter Foster

● ● Ian Andrew

● ● Ben Hamilton (Bar) in The Three Little Pigs. Photo: Nicole Cleary.

MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

Cicero

★The Les Miserables arena spectacular will be staged at the Rod Laver Arena from May 25. It will star Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean, Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden at Javert, Matt Lucas as Thenardier, Marina Prior as Madame Thenardier, and Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine.

★Six new BBC Live Channels are streaming free 24/ 7 on 9 Now.

★Renniks Stamps of Aus tralia new editionhas up-todate information on Australian stamps issued through June 30, 2024. The comprehensive guide features 408 pages, over 4500 full-colour images, and more than 20,000 valuations.

★Extra performances have been released for the Melbourne season of rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which will play at the Princess Theatre from March 16. Tickets until June 1 are on pre-sale.

★The Women’s Circus Sum mer Holiday Program runs from January 8-22.

★La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne have begun a million dollar project to compile a fourvolume collection of key documents that tell the story of Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective.

★Western Region Concert Band presents Carols at the Clocktower at 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, from 6.30pm on Sunday, December 22.

★Step into the spirit of Christ mas at Como House. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) opens to embrace the magic of festive traditions. Running until January 8, ‘Season’s Greetings in the House of Discovery brings all the charm of a Victorian Christmas with a fresh, eco-friendly twist.

■ The Australian Shakespeare Company will stage a new production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, running from December 21January 25.

With the city’s Botanic Gardens as a stunning backdrop, audiences will be treated to a unique theatre experience brimming with comedy, intrigue, and classic Shakespearean wit.

Australian Shakespeare Company founder and Artistic Director, Glenn Elston, says: “This fresh, new production of Shakespeare’s suburban comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, will offer audiences a wonderful opportunity to explore one of Shakespeare’s most delightful yet often overlooked comedies.

“Its clever humour and relatable themes of love and deception will resonate with audiences today.

“I’m thrilled to showcase the play’s wit and charm, reminding everyone why this comic gem deserves the spotlight.”

In this merry romp, the audacious and delusional Sir John Falstaff attempts to woo two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, only to find himself ensnared in a clever scheme devised by the quickwitted wives. The result? A hilarious series of pranks and plot twists that will leave audiences in stitches.

Under the direction of Glenn Elston , the cast includes Peter Houghton as Sir John Falstaff, Jackson McGovern as Frank Ford, Elizabeth Brennan as Mistress Ford, Luke Lennox as George Page and Anna

Burgess as Mistress Page. Maddie Somers appears as Anne Page, while Natasha Herbert takes on the role of Mistress Quickly.

Callum O'Malley plays Fenton and Pistol, Kevin Hopkins portrays Robert Shallow, Alex Cooper is Abraham Slender, Dion Mills brings Sir Hugh Evans to life, Tony Rives takes on both Doctor Caius and Nym, and Hugh Sexton rounds out the cast as Bardolph.

For more information, visit www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn (enter through Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue)

Dates: December 21 - January 25

Times: 7.30pm

Tickets: $25-$110 (General Admission and A Reserve Packages Available)

On sale via shakespeare australia.com.au, call 8676 7511 or via Ticketmaster - Cheryl Threadgold

Postcard Show

■ Linden New Art presents the Linden Postcard Show 2024. Now in its 34th year, the Postcard Show is a much-loved annual highlight of Linden’s exhibition program. The official opening was last Saturday (Dec. 7).

The exhibition continues until February 2. Linden New Art 26 Acland St, St Kilda

Best Films for 2024

■ Here we are, already at the end of 2024, and looking back on what was worth seeing during the year.

There were some fantastic films this year, showing that some producers still take a chance on talented film-makers.

Below is a list of what, for me, were the best of the best. I would like to thank Ash Long for continuing his hard work, all other contributors, and most of all, you the readers, who continue to support us.

I hope everyone has a merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year.

MY TOP 10

1. The Substance. Writer/director Coralie Fargeat follows up her 2017 feature film debut, Revenge, with a no-holds-barred examination of female body image and rigid societal expectations, especially in the entertainment industry. Not for the faint of heart, this is an absolute blast, and features two terrific performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.

2. Poor Things. Yorgos Lanthimos again hits the bullseye with this wild-eyed journey, which looks incredible, and is audacious in tackling its subject matter. Emma Stone is outstanding, with strong support from Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo and Margaret Qualley.

3. Perfect Days. Quietly brilliant film from veteran director Wim Wenders, following a Tokyo toilet cleaner (superbly played by Koji Yakusho) and what he observes around him each day.

4. Ghostlight. Powerful drama that deals with grief, and the hard road that’s travelled to try and recover from it. Exceptional performances and first-rate direction and writing make this emotionally satisfying viewing.

5. I Saw The TV Glow. Jane Schoenbrun’s second feature, after the intriguing We’re All Going To The World’s Fair (2021), is terrific, looking at mental health and sexual identity. Uses a David Lynch like approach to incredible effect.

6. In A Violent Nature. Daring subversion of the typical horror slasher movie, this is like Friday The 13th if directed by Terrence Malick or Bela Tarr. Will test the patience of some, but those who respond, will love what writer/director Chris Nash has done. Beware, it does contain some very graphic moments.

7. How To Have Sex. Insightful, harrowing drama from writer/director Molly Manning Walker, with an intelligent examination of consent, and the horrific consequences on women when it is ignored.

8. Anatomy Of A Fall. Oscar and Cannes award winning mystery/

drama from director Justine Triet, is deserving of all the praise heaped upon it. Stars Sandra Huller, who was also in the excellent, Academy Award winning The Zone Of Interest.

9. Io Capitano. Another compelling film from director Matteo Garrone (Gamorrah, Dogman, Pinocchio), vividly portraying the traumatic journey of migrants using illegal means to try and find a better life.

10. Megalopolis. Francis Ford Coppola’s 40 year-old passion project finally came to fruition this year (he had to self-finance its $120 million budget), and it has been largely met with derision. I, however, found this a unique viewing experience, made with an uninhibited cinematic love, instead of playing it safe for the sake of getting the script made. A perfect example of ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ film-making. Honourable Mentions The Zone Of Interest; The Taste Of Things; Fallen Leaves; All Of Us Strangers; Dune Part Two; Woman Of The Hour; Club Zero; Love Lies Bleeding; Furiosa : A Mad Max Saga; Monkey Man; My Old Ass; Strange Darling; Exhuma; Society Of The Snow; The Teachers’ Lounge; Robot Dreams; Civil War; Infested; Rebel Ridge; The Last Stop In Yuma County; MadS; The Three Musketeers Part 1 : D’Artagnan; The Three Musketeers Part 2 : Milady; Chime; Handling The Undead; Longlegs; Touch; Cuckoo; Didi; The Wild Robot.

- Aaron Rourke

● ● Elizabeth Brennan, Peter Houghton and Anna Burgess in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Photo: Ben Fon.

Marc Circero

Aaron Rourke

■ I had the great pleasure of seeing the famous screen legend Lauren Bacall onstage at the Princess Theatre in 1986 when she starred in the stage play Sweet Bird Of Youth

I could not believe that the former wife of Humphrey Bogart was in Melbourne - I will never forget seeing her onstage.

Betty Joan Perske was born in 1924 in New York City.

Her Jewish parents were divorced when Betty was only five. Her mother took custody of her only daughter and changed her surname back to her maiden name of Bacal.

When she became an actress Betty used the first name of Lauren and added an extra ‘L’ to become Lauren Bacall.

In her teenage years she studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and appeared in several Broadway productions. She worked as a fashion model and usherette prior to getting a screen test for Howard Hawk's production of To Have Or Have Not

Although she was nervous at the audition she did get the part opposite Humphrey Bogart

The scene when she delivered the famous lines "You know you don't have to act with me, Steve. You don't have to say anything and you don't have to do anything. Not a thing. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and. .. blow" established Lauren as a major star.

Although Bogart was married at the time

Magazine

Whatever Happened To ... Lauren Bacall

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

the couple fell in love and they finally married in 1946. She starred opposite Bogart in another three films The Big Sleep, Dark Passage and Key Largo

Lauren had two children with Humphrey Bogart. Shortly after Humphrey Bogart's death in 1957 Lauren announced her engagement to Frank Sinatra but the relationship ended abruptly.

Then in 1961 she married Jason Robards, the marriage lasted for eight years and they had one child.

Her films included How To Marry A Millionaire, Designing Woman, Womans World, Murder On The Orient Express, Written On The Wind, Harper and The Shootist

One of the highlights of Lauren's career was winning the Best Leading Actress Tony Award for her performances on Broadway in the musicals Applause and Woman Of The Year.

I may be wrong about this, but I do recall hearing that when Australian actor Frank Wilson suffered a heart attack during the Melbourne season of Sweet Bird of Youth in 1986 Lauren went to visit him in the hospital and held his hand. Can anyone confirm this story?

Lauren has written three autobiographiesthe first By Myself was published in 1978. She won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award in 1997 for her role in The Mirror Has Two Faces

In 2009 she received an honorary award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I thought she was marvellous in her cameo role in The Sopranos when she played herself in a ‘mugging scene’ with Michael Imperioli Lauren Bacall passed away on August 12, 2014, at the age of 89.

She is remembered in the lyrics of the 1980s Bertie Higgins song Key Largo - we had it all just like Bogie and Bacall

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

‘SIGNIFICANT OTHERS’ AT GEELONG GALLERY

Significant Others –Rauschenberg and Johns Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns are considered two of the most significant artists of the 20th century.

While there work is credited with changing the course of American art history, their individual artistic styles are the result of a private creative dialogue that began when they were young artists in a relationship.

Deliberately moving against the grain of Abstract Expressionism, the dominant art movement of the time became the crucible for both their lifelog practices.

Exhibition closes Sunday February 9.

★

The Sweet Spot –Between Art and Design

This diverse selection of works comprising recent acquisitions to Geelong Gallery’s collection test the nexus between art and design and reflect the evolving strategy and growing commitment to exhibit and collect the works of practitioners working at the tantalising and experimental intersection of art and design.

From crafted wood and woven grasses, to forged metal and pinned textiles, these objects transcend their materiality ad the process of making to become works of art.

Exhibition closes Sunday February 9.

★

A people’s Press - Noel Counihan

Melbourne born artist Noel Counihan (1913 – 1986) maintained a personal and artistic commitment to political and social justice throughout a lifetime punctuated by some of the most challenging and defining events of the 20th century including the Great Depression, World War II and the Vietnam War.

Exhibition closes March 10.

Geelong Gallery

60 Little Malop St, Geelong Benalla

The Arts

name is now used for a certain graceful and expressive form of instrumental composition as the nocturne for orchestra in Mendelsohn’s The Midsummer Night’s Dream music.

Drawn from the Benalla Art Gallery Collection, Nocturne presents 40 works by 24 of Australia’s leading artists.

Spanning ll media, the exhibition explores multiple interpretations of the theme “nocturne. Specifically focusing on scenes, sounds, and ‘moments of the night.

Exhibition closes June 14.

Venue: Ledger Gallery

Benalla Art Gallery

Botanical Gardens

Bridge St, Benalla

At Hawthorn

Aspects of Abstraction – Charles Nodrum Collection.

Spanning from the 1050s to the 1990s, this exhibition offers insight into the evolution and diversity of Australian abstraction.

Curated from the Charles Nodrum’s extensive private collection, explore the works of key artists from the period, as well as numerous lesser-known artists.

The exhibition covers most, if not all the principal movements within the genre-including gestural, colour field, geometric, textural and symbolic abstraction.

Charles Nodrum began collecting in 1972 and in 1984 he established his art gallery in Richmond, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. With keen eye for artists of his own generation and those represented by his gallery, Nodrum offers an unique perspective shaped by his journey as a collector and gallerist.

Exhibition closes Saturday January 18.

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn - Peter Kemp

Ponch at MAPh

■ Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) presents the culmination of a project years in the making

For more than five years celebrated Melbourne artist Ponch Hawkes has been working with curator and arts consultant Jane Scott on an epic project: photographing 500 Victorian women over the age of 50, nude. The project became 500 strong.

Photoshoot weekends were organised in Melbourne at Hawkes’s studio and at the regional galleries of Shepparton, Horsham and Geelong

Hawkes staged her final photoshoot at MAPh in early June 2024. Across a weekend, women participated in the photoshoot, sharing stories and finding connection.

It was evident that the 500 strong project facilitates diverse conversations around women’s health, while exploring vulnerability and strength, courage and acceptance.

Free to choose their stance, and whether they brought a prop –which vary from the intriguing to the obscure – women posed in the name of courage and power. The resulting photographs are an impressive record of the participants’ bravery, creativity and cheekiness.

All 500 portraits are presented in this final exhibition, curated by Jane Scott: a culmination of all the photoshoots, collaboration and connection that has made the project such a success.

No loss of sleep

■ Doubt if Ringo is losing any shut eye over the rumour that Barry Keoghan of 'Saltburn' fame will be cast as Ringo in the upcoming four-part biopic on the Beatles. 'Just, 'ope he learns how to drum,' said Ringo. None of the Fab Four are cast in the biopic.

Graham walks on water

■ Comic host Graham Norton has broken the celebrity chat-show mould with stunning survey results to his first airing of Australian version 'Wheel of Fortune' (Ten). Debut ratings attracted 1.03 viewers. Off to a cracker start.

Exhibition of himself

■ There no stopping Ten's mega star, Robert Irwin. First, he hob knobs with Royalty, namely the future King of England, and now his wax effigy is on display at Madam Tussaud’s Exhibition in Sydney. The wax look-alike took six months from sketch to completion, and Robert is the youngest Australian to be included at Madam Tussaud’s

Not what it used to be

■ The Australian edition of Cosmopolitan magazine has had an up and down publishing history. The current Summer issue on sale now features a colour centerfold of Heartbreak High actor Josh Houston. Centerfold is far removed from the near nudity shoots of Burt Reynolds and Jack Thompson who graced monthly mags of the eighties.

■ See you next year, have a Happy and safe holiday. - John O’Keefe

with Peter Kemp

■ Sports broadcaster cum media owner Craig Hutchison has left the Nine Network, defecting to Seven. Hutchy will host a twice weekly AFL show, 'Agenda Setters'. Co-host will be Hamish McLachlan

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Lauren Bacall

● ● ● ● Craig Hutchison

Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 21

Across Across Down Down

1. Seaside walkway

6. Pouch

11. Brief sharp pain

15. Most cheerful

20. Naming word

21. Chicken breed, ... Island Red

22. Nominate

23. Behind bars

25. Active

26. Indian port, now Chennai

27. Moves closer to

29. Infuriates

32. Unaccompanied

34. Hair dye

36. The N of UN

39. Firmly cooked (of pasta), al ...

41. Of punishment

43. WWII German sub (1-4)

46. Church passage

48. Tin or lead

49. Spy, ... Hari

51. Fulfil (demand)

52. Upsetting

55. US university

56. Shoe cord

59. Follows orders

61. Friar

62. Sports day

63. Britain's Scilly ...

64. Afternoon performance

67. Mythical horned horse

68. US property agent

70. Lunatic

71. Landlord's income

72. Weather map line

73. Lady's title

74. Send (cash)

75. Most avid

77. Anticipate

78. Days & ...

79. Flee

82. Painters' stands

86. Boredom

87. Long time

89. Austrian alpine flower

92. Children

94. Escapade

96. Luncheon meat

98. Identical sibling

100. Laughing scavenger

101. ... & evens

103. Fasten (envelope)

105. Civic

106. Finished

108. Number of cat's lives

111. Dig for minerals

112. Exclusive group members

114. Lampoon

116. Vow

119. Filled tortilla

120. Scottish valley

121. Exercise club

123. Incursion

124. Lambs' mothers

125. Straggler (4-5)

126. Self-sustaining environment

127. Sect, Hare ...

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

131. Talk at incessantly

135. Nude

138. Brazilian soccer hero

139. Rugged peak

141. Grind (teeth)

144. A great deal of

146. In the manner of (1,2)

147. Flying saucers (1,1,2)

148. Through

149. Executive jet

150. Swine enclosure

151. Flog

152. Dictator, Adolf ...

153. Eyelid swelling

155. Ayes & ...

157. Wattle tree

158. Shafts of light

160. ... & lows

161. For a specific purpose (2,3)

162. Henry VIII royal house

163. Kon-Tiki's captain, ... Heyerdahl

165. Bride's partner

166. Immense period

167. Irish organisation (1,1,1)

168. Seance board

169. Climate feature, El ...

171. Argentina's Buenos ...

172. Struck with leg joint

175. Relationship (3-2)

176. Wading bird

179. Carrot colour

180. Middling (2-2)

182. ... spumante

184. Coaches (team)

185. Bright (future)

186. Unhappy

188. Unfluctuating

189. Earthenware cup

190. Owl call

191. Yuck!

193. Cover with gold

194. Bind with string

196. Cold meats & cheeses shop

197. Cash advance

198. Fully satisfies

200. On end

205. Named before marriage

207. Damsels

210. Mouth organ

211. Femur

212. Actress, ... Thompson

213. Anti-attacker spray

214. Gambling city, ... Vegas

216. Street

218. Fabled whale, ... Dick

219. Breakfast or dinner

220. Insignificant people

224. Excessive self-love

227. Rock band, Manfred ...

229. Hand (out)

230. Give off

231. Money resources

232. Dork

233. Slog

235. Extremely

237. Ruminate

239. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco

241. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)

244. Lads

246. Size

249. Infant's carriage

252. Eminent

254. Birthplace of St Francis

256. Canada's capital

258. Hillocks

259. Baby's skin problem, ... rash

260. Licence update

263. Shopping binge

264. Spoof

265. Formed a crowd

267. Russian newspaper

270. Strangely beautiful

271. Exhausting supply of (5,2)

272. Red-nosed reindeer

273. Deliberately sink

274. Greek fable teller

277. As well

279. Ancient Peruvian

281. Hum tunelessly

284. Ukraine capital

286. Captures (criminal)

288. Rousing (speech)

292. Mongrel

294. Writer, ... Blyton

295. Uncensored

298. Milk coffee style

300. Knight's charger

301. Tapering fruit

303. Noblemen

306. Priest's lectures

308. Barrier across stream

309. Head cook

311. More briny

314. Recycle

315. Hammered (in)

316. Perspiration-soaked

317. Spanish friend

318. Crazy

319. Knowledge tests

320. Dedicatory poems

321. Suffering optical defect (5-4)

322. Shelters from sun

323. Promise

324. Moderated (5,4)

1. Prudish

2. Had to repay

3. Reception host

4. Acute anxiety

5. Manage, make ... meet

6. Young hen

7. Vegetable, spring ...

8. Moscow citadel

9. Sample (3,3)

10. Hollywood legend, Marilyn ...

11. Attracts

12. NC US state

13. Tiny insects

14. Readily

15. Dollar division

16. Silly

17. Macaroni or spaghetti

18. European currency unit

19. Ones & ...

24. The A of AD

28. In proportion, pro ...

30. Saudi native

31. June 6, 1944 (1-3)

33. First batsman

35. More orderly

37. Misfortunes

38. Kind

40. Sending via Internet

42. Take on

44. Cook in juices

45. On dry land

47. Eskimo hut

48. Became gentler

49. Latter-day Saints follower

50. Youths

53. Lurked

54. Kindles

57. German shepherd dogs

58. Admires

60. Spruce (up)

63. Crossly

65. High cards

66. Conger fish

68. Metal track

69. Neglect

76. Young paper seller

79. Extrasensory perception (1,1,1)

80. Fast-moving celestial body

81. Bursts (of laughter)

83. Royal racecourse

84. Come in

85. Slide on snow

88. Vital

90. Large birds

91. Taverns

93. Furthest inside

95. Chinese city, Hong ...

97. Utterly stupid

99. Penned

100. Principal

102. River-mouth triangle 104. Directed

107. LP material 109. Uproar

110. Set of two 111. Lowing sounds

113. Most shipshape

115. Discrepancy

117. Thyme or coriander

118. Minus

121. Mourned

122. Assembly toy kit

127. Cambodian communist group, ...

Rouge

128. Irritated (of skin)

129. Carelessly

132. Magician's chant

133. God of Islam

134. Author, Georgette ...

135. Most slender

136. Nepal's capital

137. Work clothes

138. Had

140. Pregnancy

141. Slopes

142. Space traveller

143. Bulb flowers

145. Study of past events

151. Apt

154. Tugs sharply

156. Corrosive fluids

159. Boxer, Muhammad ...

164. French yes

169. Suckle

170. Snooped

173. Token (fee)

174. Baby eagles

177. Pop song's flip (1-4)

178. Mixer drinks

181. Former (3-4)

183. Defrosting

187. Great foe

192. Alternator

195. Writers

199. Is plentiful

201. Unfeeling

202. Impact sound

203. Climb

204. Sydney surf beach

206. Bell

207. Florida resort

208. Condemn to hell

209. Pen tips

213. ... & papa

215. Greed

217. Up hill & down ...

221. Premonitions

222. News stories

223. Polluted air

224. Jacob's Old Testament twin

225. Start (of illness)

226. Scent

228. Romanticise

234. Flattery

236. Summary

238. The States (1,1,1)

240. Jet-bubble bath

242. Joined

243. Cheap-rate time (3-4)

245. Antagonist

247. Parachute delivery

248. Playful marine mammal

250. Remove (limb)

251. Prepared mentally, ... up

253. Speaks

255. Trade

257. Banknote bundles

258. Ship's bottom

261. Naturist

262. Rhyme, Wee ... Winkie

265. Mutter

266. Fissure

268. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2)

269. Charge with offence

275. Irish Republic

276. Single egg cell

278. Sniffed

280. Brothers' sons

282. Repose

283. Longest river

285. Pimples

287. Holy people

289. Stage whispers

290. Mariner

291. Black Sea port

292. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4)

293. Pull heavily

296. Standards

297. Illegal moneylending

299. Garbage

302. Performer

304. From India or China

305. Composer, Andrew ... Webber

306. As a gamble, on ...

307. Nevada quickie divorce city

308. Weave (one's way)

310. Shun food

312. Towards centre of 313. Wet weather

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Rhiannon to sing

■ Melbourne singer songwriter Rhiannon will perform at Piano on Chapel on Friday,m December 20, commencing 9pm.

It will be a night of mostly cover songs, says Rhiannon, who will be accompanied by pianist Simon Ross on the night. He is also owner of the venue.

Garfield Festival

■ The annual Garfield Christmas Festival is on Friday (Dec. 13) from 5 pm - 9.30pm in Main St and the Garfield Footy Oval, Garfield

This is a free entry, family-friendly event with plenty of fun for the kids. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids' activities, food trucks, late-night trading, street markets, and even a visit from Santa, plus much more.

Regency Christmas

■ A night with Noeline Honter and Esric Jackson, along with friends, will rock the Sandown Regency on Friday, December 20. Other artists to perform on the night will include Kerrigan, Enrico, Maya and Wesley plus the man with the red suit, Santa A delicious Christmas buffet is on offer. Tickets are $60 per person. For tickets call Esric on 0447 782 410.

- Rob Foenander

F CHRISTMAS CABARET, BURLESQUE

■ Director Susie Dee and writer Sarah Ward’s F Christmas is cabaret and burlesque with a social message.

Performing at The Malthouse, this work goes beyond challenging the public mores about nudity and propriety normally associated with the genre.

The troupe’s ability to juxtapose form and style provides an indelible message not just about Christmas but also about a range of prescient issues facing our world.today.

The image of a polar bear being dragged on a sleigh against the backdrop of upside down Christmas trees to the aria, When I Am Laid in Earth from Dido and Aeneas, is full of melancholy and pathos.

The anachronism is poignant. We simultaneously laugh and are equally shocked by our own indifference.

And the whole work is full of such articulate messaging. A sinister elf.

The family phone call trying to organise Christmas that interrupts proceedings. The comic and the provocative nature of the work is a powerful combination and all the elements coalesce.

The finale of a naked troupethere being too many to name individually - on large exercise balls is preceded by The Coventry Carol

Against the backdrop of current day atrocities, the lullaby about Herod ordering the slaughter of children resonates without having to be

Crossword Solution No 21

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

L TACO GLEN N M I GYM N N T RAID EWES I O T TAILENDER ECOSYSTEM S R S KRISHNA I N D I IOC M L E O EARBASH H T E NAKED PELE CRAG GNASH B L E

forced by anything extraneous. It’s a clever juxtaposition challenging the Christian message, our current politics and attitudes and, given what follows, questions the assumptions and attitudes we pretend to hold so dearly.

The ribald nature of burlesque has become a vehicle for challenging our pretensions and has us thinking deeply about our values. There is laughter and merriment, there is entertainment and diversion, and then there are the real questions about current affairs.

This is a superbly balanced and crafted show that makes us laugh and cry in equal measure with a healthy dose of shock and incredulity about the human body – temporal and intellectual.

Performance Season: Until December 15

Venue: The Malthouse Bookings: malthousetheatre. com.au

- Review by David

McLean

Back in ‘25

■ The Melbourne Observer section, included in all editions of The Local Paper, is now taking a summer break. This is the final issue for 2024. The first issue for 2025 is scheduled to be published on Wednesday, February 5. Deadline for that issue is 4pm Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Milo Hartill in F Christmas. Photo: Gregory Lorenzutti

WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET MATCH RESULTS

Amateurs

■ Premier Firsts. T20. Footscray 1st XI 3/ 111 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 9/108. Dandenong 1st XI 8/105 v Essendon 1st XI 9/ 102. Northcote 1st XI 7/153 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 6/174. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 6/ 192 v Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 6/122. Bye: Carlton 1st XI, Casey South Melbourne 1st XI, Geelong 1st XI, Prahran 1st XI, Richmond 1st XI, Ringwood 1st XI.

■ Premier Seconds. T20. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 3/176 v Richmond 2nd XI 8/ 146. Melbourne University 2nd XI 6/147 v Geelong 2nd XI 10/111. Prahran 2nd XI 5/136 v Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 6/135. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9/103 v Carlton 2nd XI 8/ 169. Essendon 2nd XI 5/127 v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 7/125. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 8/126 v Ringwood 2nd XI 3/127. Bye: Dandenong 2nd XI, Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI, Footscray 2nd XI, Melbourne 2nd XI, Northcote 2nd XI, St Kilda 2nd XI.

■ Premier Thirds. T20. Carlton 3rd XI 6/ 127 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 7/129. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 3/137 v Essendon 3rd XI 8/138. Northcote 3rd XI 9/106 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 6/143. Ringwood 3rd XI 3/ 143 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 7/139. Geelong 3rd XI 10/77 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 3/79. Richmond 3rd XI 8/98 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 6/115. Bye: Dandenong 3rd XI, Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI, Footscray 3rd XI, Melbourne 3rd XI, Prahran 3rd XI, St Kilda 3rd XI.

■ Premier Fourths. T20. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 7/90 v Richmond 4th XI 7/93. Melbourne University 4th XI 7/116 v Geelong 4th XI 9/115. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 7/144 v Prahran 4th XI 8/178. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI v Carlton 4th XI. Essendon 4th XI 5/124 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 4/148. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 5/125 v Ringwood 4th XI 5/149. Bye: Dandenong 4th XI, Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI, Footscray 4th XI, Melbourne 4th XI, Northcote 4th XI, St Kilda 4th XI.

Sub-District

■ North-East First XI. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Croydon 1st XI 10/232 v Donvale 1st XI 1/5. Strathmore 1st XI 10/116 v Endeavour Hills 1st XI 2/14. Noble Park 1st XI v St Bernard's OC 1st XI 10/200. Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/100 v Kew 1st XI 2/61. Ivanhoe 1st XI v Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/294. Preston 1st XI v Brunswick 1st XI 10/179. Coburg 1st XI v Balwyn 1st XI 9/259. Box Hill 1st XI v Bayswater 1st XI 8/273.

■ North-East Second XI. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Donvale 2nd XI 7/144 v Croydon 2nd XI. Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 3/67 v Strathmore 2nd XI 10/101. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 0/20 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/181. Kew 2nd XI 1/32 v Mt Waverley 2nd XI 10/132. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/124 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 0/11. Brunswick 2nd XI 10/ 138 v Preston 2nd XI 0/18. Balwyn 2nd XI v Coburg 2nd XI 10/164. Bayswater 2nd XI 9/ 156 v Box Hill 2nd XI.

■ North-West Third XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 1/17 v St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/158. Melton 3rd XI v Plenty Valley 3rd XI. Sun., Dec. 8 and Sun. Dec. 15 Werribee 3rd XI v Preston 3rd XI. Kew 3rd XI v Brunswick 3rd XI

■ North-West Third XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Altona 3rd XI v Spotswood 3rd XI. Yarraville 3rd XI v Williamstown 3rd XI 9/183. Strathmore 3rd XI 4/53 v Coburg 3rd XI 10/108. Sun., Dec. 8 and Sun. Dec. 15. Ivanhoe 3rd XI v Taylors Lakes 3rd XI.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. St Bernard's OC 4th XI 2/36 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 10/174. Plenty Valley 4th XI v Melton 4th XI. Preston 4th XI 7-d/233 v Werribee 4th XI 0/11. Brunswick 4th XI v Kew 4th XI.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/89 v Ivanhoe 4th XI 1/ 30. Spotswood 4th XI v Altona 4th XI 2/109.

Williamstown 4th XI v Yarraville 4th XI. Coburg 4th XI 5/36 v Strathmore 4th XI 10/199.

■ South-East Third XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Balwyn 3rd XI 1/16 v Caulfield 3rd XI 10/160. Oakleigh 3rd XI v Mt Waverley 3rd XI 10/132. Croydon 3rd XI 6/175 v Brighton 3rd XI. Malvern 3rd XI v Bayswater 3rd XI.

■ South-East Third XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/103 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 2/187. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/262 v Noble Park 3rd XI. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/217 v Ormond 3rd XI 0/1. Elsternwick 3rd XI v Donvale 3rd XI.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Caulfield 4th XI 10/146 v Balwyn 4th XI. Brighton 4th XI 10/271 v Croydon 4th XI. Bayswater 4th XI 10/127 v Malvern 4th XI 5/ 67. Sun. Dec. 8 and Sun. Dec. 15. Mt Waverley 4th XI v Oakleigh 4th XI.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Donvale 4th XI 10/134 v Elsternwick 4th XI. Port Melbourne 4th XI v Endeavour Hills 4th XI. Noble Park 4th XI 6/92 v Moorabbin 4th XI 10/62. Ormond 4th XI 10/184 v Box Hill 4th XI 6/43.

■ South-West First XI. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Melton 1st XI v Werribee 1st XI 6/285. Williamstown 1st XI 10/192 v Brighton 1st XI 0/11. Malvern 1st XI 10/179 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI. Spotswood 1st XI 1/18 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/196. Oakleigh 1st XI 0/59 v Altona 1st XI 10/114. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/220 v Ormond 1st XI. Caulfield 1st XI 6/316 v Moorabbin 1st XI. Taylors Lakes 1st XI v Yarraville 1st XI 10/218.

■ South-West Second XI. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Werribee 2nd XI 9/254 v Melton 2nd XI. Brighton 2nd XI 7/289 v Williamstown 2nd XI. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 5/77 v Malvern 2nd XI 10/103. Elsternwick 2nd XI 6/254 v Spotswood 2nd XI. Altona 2nd XI v Oakleigh 2nd XI 5/239. Ormond 2nd XI 3/ 48 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/163. Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/126 v Caulfield 2nd XI 1/13. Yarraville 2nd XI 1/43 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/194.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Macleod 1st XI 1/2 v Bundoora United 1st XI 10/145. Diamond Creek 1st XI v Rosanna 1st XI 10/199. Riverside 1st XI 10/139 v Epping 1st XI 1/59. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/195 v Bundoora 1st XI 0/73. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/248 v Heidelberg 1st XI.

■ Money Shield. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Bundoora Park 1st XI 10/90 v Rosebank 1st XI 3/67. Plenty 1st XI 0/ 25 v Montmorency 1st XI 10/105. Eltham 1st XI 1/244 v Lalor Stars 1st XI. Banyule 1st XI 0/ 5 v Greensborough 1st XI 10/140. Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/132 v Lower Plenty 1st XI 1/117.

■ Mash Shield. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Mernda 1st XI 9/247 v Hurstbridge 1st XI. Thomastown United 1st XI 0/19 v Rivergum 1st XI 10/222. South Morang 1st XI 6/100 v Mill Park 1st XI 10/98. Dennis 1st XI 6/257 v Thomastown 1st XI. Laurimar 1st XI v Panton Hill 1st XI 4/82.

■ B-Grade. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Banyule 2nd XI 0/0 v Mernda 2nd XI 10/212. Epping 2nd XI 10/42 & 6/59 v Riverside 2nd XI 2-d/49. Heidelberg 2nd XI 10/ 138 v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 2/25. Montmorency 2nd XI 10/171 v Plenty 2nd XI 2/33. Rosanna 2nd XI 10/249 v Diamond Creek 2nd XI 1/15.

■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Riverside 3rd XI v Bundoora Park 2nd XI. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 4/111 v Greensborough 2nd XI 10/85. Lalor Stars 2nd XI 10/149 v Eltham 2nd XI 3/48. Rivergum 2nd XI 9/234 v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI. Bundoora United 2nd XI 9-d/182 v Macleod 2nd XI 0/18.

■ D-Grade. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. Rosebank 2nd XI 1/12 v Laurimar 2nd XI 10/162. Bundoora 2nd XI 2d/95 v Montmorency 3rd XI 10/93 & 2/33.

Mill Park 2nd XI 2/78 v South Morang 2nd XI 10/254. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 2/113 v Dennis 2nd XI 9/140. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI v Diamond Creek 3rd XI 8/214.

■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Sat., Dec. 7 and Sat., Dec. 14. B ■ E-Grade. One-Day. R

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. One-Day. Canterbury 1st XI 10/193 v Old Carey 1st XI 5/216. North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 9/209 v Glen Iris 1st XI 4/ 166. Mont Albert 1st XI 6/186 v East Doncaster 1st XI 4/187. Bulleen 1st XI 8/139 v Edinburgh 1st XI 4/142.

■ Wright Shield. One-Day. Richmond City 1st XI 10/147 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 5/148. Mulgrave 1st XI 9/183 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/135. Mazenod OCCC 1st XI 8/128 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 3/129. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/105 v Heathmont 1st XI 3/107.

■ A Turf. One-Day. Old Carey 2nd XI 10/ 175 v Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 8/192. Ashwood 1st XI 9/156 v Boronia Hawks 1st XI 4/197. Burwood 1st XI 5/169 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 8/168. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 9/158 v Surrey Hills 1st XI 6/161/

■ B Turf. One-Day. Heathmont 2nd XI 8/ 193 v Richmond Union 1st XI 4/85. SKOBs 1st XI 6/203 v Canterbury 2nd XI 10/111. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/124 v Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 1st XI 4/125. East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/154 v North Balwyn Bulls 2nd XI 6/155.

■ C Turf. One-Day. Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/87 v Mulgrave 2nd XI 5/88. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 10/123 v Bulleen 2nd XI 10/154. Boronia Hawks 2nd XI 5/149 v La Trobe University 1st XI 8/148. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 3/128 v Burwood 2nd XI 10/127.

■ D Turf. One-Day. Edinburgh 2nd XI 10/ 149 v Richmond City 2nd XI 7/153. Surrey Hills 2nd XI 6/97 v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 10/94. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 7/145 v Mazenod OCCC 2nd XI 7/190. Old Carey 3rd XI 8/223 v Ashwood 2nd XI 4/285.

■ E Turf. One-Day. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 5/154 v Heathmont 3rd XI 9/152. Marcellin OC 3rd XI v SKOBs 2nd XI. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 2nd XI 4/106 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/105. La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/59 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 0/ Bye: Edinburgh 3rd XI

■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. One-Day. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 8/237 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 10/162. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 1st XI 3/135 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/ 134. Glen Waverley 1st XI 7/181 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 1st XI 9/136. South Camberwell Senior Men- 1st XI 6/215 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 9/188.

■ Kevin Burt Shield. One-Day. ToorakPrahran 1st XI 3/98 v Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 10/97. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 9/122 v West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 4/124. Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 2nd XI 2/3. Mount Waverley Catholics 1st XI 9/223. Clifton Hill 2nd XI 3/115 v STC South Camberwell Senior Men- 2nd XI 10/113.

■ John Menzies and Keith Mackay Shield. One-Day. North Alphington 10/156 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 6/157. Holy Trinity 3rd XI 10/124 v Toorak-Prahran 2nd XI 9/161. Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI 10/78 v Blackburn North United 1st XI 1/79.

■ A Synthetic. One-Day. Mulgrave 3rd XI 5/348 v Holy Trinity 4th XI 7/123. Mount Waverley Uniting 1st XI 10/74 v Clifton Hill 3rd XI 10/85. West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI 10/ 80 v Burwood 3rd XI 8/154.

■ B Synthetic. One-Day. Edinburgh 4th XI v Toorak-Prahran 3rd XI. Glen Waverley 3rd XI v Trinity Willison CC 4th XI, Forfeit. Mazenod OCCC 3rd XI 9/112 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 2nd XI 4/224.

■ LOC1. One-Day. Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI 10/119 v Malvern Valley 1st XI 9/170. Northcote United 1st XI 8/206 v Knox Churches 1st XI 10/203. Manningham 1st XI 3/254 v Hartley 1st XI 5/257. Bye: Eagles 1st XI

■ LOC2. One-Day. AYC Harlequins 1st XI 9/194 v Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 8/163. Glen Iris 3rd XI 8/164 v Mulgrave 4th XI 10/101. Eagles 2ndXI8/317vEastDoncaster4thXI9/224.

Monash University 1st XI 7/93 v Eagles 4th XI 10/92.

■ LOC3. One-Day. Salesian 1st XI 10/151 v East Doncaster 5th XI 3/152. St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI 3/139 v Burwood United Canterbury 3rd XI 9/135. Eagles 3rd XI 5/130 v North Balwyn 3rd XI 9/129. Melbourne Sixers 1st X1 4/157 v Manningham 2nd XI 10/151. ■ LOC4. One-Day. Malvern Valley 2nd XI 8/ 105 v STC South Camberwell 3rd XI 1/106. North Balwyn 4th XI 5/127 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 3rd XI 7/125. Mount Waverley Catholics 2nd XI 7/166 v AYC Harlequins 2nd XI 7/ 164. Salvation Army Waverley 1st XI 1/121 v Burwood 4th XI 10/120. Mulgrave 5th XI 10/ 118 v Ashwood 3rd XI 10/182. ■ LOC5. One-Day. Blackburn North United 2nd XI 4/163 v Hawthorn Boroondara 5th XI 3/ 161. St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 7/300 v Heathmont 5th XI 7/120. Clifton Hill 4th XI 10/162 v Northcote United 2nd XI 7/203. Toorak-Prahran 4th XI 10/97 v Mount Waverley Uniting 2nd XI 9/186. Deepdene Uniting 3rd XI 7/203 v Glen Iris 4th X1 9/162. ■ LOC6. One-Day. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 4th XI 10/98 v Glen Waverley 4th XI 5/99. STC South Camberwell 4th XI 3/163 v Mount Waverley Uniting 3rd XI 9/162. Ashwood 4th XI 9/233 v Salesian 2nd XI 10/77. Abbotsford Anglers 1st XI Forfeit v Ashburton Willows 3rd XI. Knox Churches 2nd XI 7/188 v Manningham 3rd XI 9/186. ■ LOC7. One-Day. Hawthorn Boroondara 6th XI 6/149 v Edinburgh 5th XI 4/203. Bulleen 4th XI 10/102 v Glen Waverley 5th XI - Sunday 4/103. Mont Albert 5th XI 10/157 v STC South Camberwell 5th XI Saturday Synthetic 6/185. East Doncaster 6th XI 9/128 v Richmond Union 3rd XI 9/140. Bye: Mount Waverley Catholics 3rd XI

■ LOC8. One-Day. Heathmont 6th XI 5/170 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 5th XI 9/122. STC South Camberwell - 4th XI Saturday Synthetic 10/93 v Ashwood 5th XI 4/187. Malvern Valley CC 3rd XI 7/168 v Mazenod OCCC 4th XI 3/ 234. Sun., Dec. 8. Glen Waverley 6th XISunday v Monash University 2nd XI. Bye: Ashburton Willows 4th XI ■ LOC9. One-Day. Monash University 3rd XI 9/93 v Edinburgh 6th XI 2/94. Balwyn Saints 4th XI 4/154 v Holy Trinity 5th XI 5/156. Richmond Union 4th XI 10/141 v Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 4/150. West Ivanhoe United 3rd XI 10/ 120 v Richmond City 4th XI 10/119. Clifton Hill 5th XI 10/140 v East Doncaster 7th XI 1/ 141.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Baden Powell 1sts 10/ 221 v Old Peninsula 1st XI. Red Hill 1sts 0/21 v Sorrento 1sts 10/160. Langwarrin 1sts 10/ 265 v Dromana 1sts. Pines 1sts 1/20 (v Heatherhill 1sts 10/155. ■ Peninsula Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1 2/21 v Mornington 1sts 10/96. Rosebud Senior Men 1sts v Moorooduc 1sts 10/ 176. Seaford Tigers 1sts 1/57 v Somerville Senior Men 1sts 4-d/295. Seaford 1sts 10/ 138 v Long Island 1sts 3/32. ■ District Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Carrum Downs 1sts 1/54 v Main Ridge 1sts 10/125. Balnarring 1sts 10/ 166 v Baxter 1sts 0/26. Carrum 1sts 0/16 v Boneo 1sts 10/164. Flinders 1sts v Crib Point 1sts 5/343.

■ Provincial Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Old Peninsula 2nd XI v Baden Powell 2nds. Sorrento 2nds 1/8 v Red Hill 2nds 10/178. Dromana 2nds v Langwarrin 2nds 9/311, abandoned. Heatherhill 2nds 10/ 166 v Pines 2nds 0/12/

■ Peninsula Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Mornington 2nds 10/162 v Mt Eliza Senior Men 2nd X1 0/31. Moorooduc 2nds 10/81 v Rosebud Senior Men 2nds 4/160. Somerville Senior Men 2nds 10/ 156 v Seaford Tigers 2nds 3/16. Long Island 2nds 0/8 v Seaford 2nds 10/169. ■ District Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Main Ridge 2nds 10/

Continued On Next Page

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Continued From Previous Page

88 v Carrum Downs 2nds 5/169. Baxter 2nds v Balnarring 2nds. Boneo 2nds 0/11 v Carrum 2nds 10/192. Crib Point 2nds 4/110 v Flinders 2nds 10/89.

■ Sub-District Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Tyabb 2nds v Frankston YCW 2nds 10/210. Rye 2nds 4/50 v Skye 2nds 9/115 v Mt Martha 2nds v Ballam Park 2nds. Tootgarook 2nds 1/90 v Delacombe Park 2nds 10/75.

■ A1-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Baden Powell 3rds 10/123 v Old Peninsula 3rd XI 0/46. Pearcedale 1sts 4/ 81 v French Island 1sts. Mornington 3rds v Hastings 1sts. Tyabb 3rds v Langwarrin 3rds 4/ 252.

■ A2-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Somerville Senior Men 3rds v Long Island 3rds. Red Hill 3rds 5/239 v Baden Powell 4ths. Carrum Downs 3rds 1/7 v Delacombe Park Senior Mixed 3rds 10/128. Mt Eliza Senior Men 3rd X1 9/205 v Heatherhill 3rds.

■ A3-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Frankston YCW 3rds v Mt Martha 3rds. Long Island 4ths v Skye 3rds. Baxter 3rds v Pines 3rds. Ballam Park A Grade v Tyabb 4ths 9/232.

■ A4-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Sorrento 3rds v Tyabb 5ths Forfeit. Crib Point 3rds v Carrum Downs 4ths. Delacombe Park Senior Mixed 4ths 8/188 v Balnarring 3rds. Rosebud Senior Men 3rds 7/ 198 v Boneo 3rds.

■ B1-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Mornington 4ths v Baxter 4ths. Pines 4ths v Baden Powell 5ths. Langwarrin 4ths 1/72 v Somerville Senior Men 4ths 10/ 94. Mt Eliza Senior Men 4th X1 v Long Island 5ths 8/239. Delacombe Park Senior Men 5ths 8/252 v Carrum Downs 5ths 0/0.

■ B2-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Boneo 4ths v Heatherhill 4ths. Balnarring 4th XI Forfeit v Red Hill 4ths. Skye 4ths 10/172 v Pines 5ths 2/43. Sorrento 4ths 9/294 v Carrum Downs 6ths.

■ C1-Grade. One-Day. Pearcedale 2nds v Frankston YCW 4ths. Mt Eliza Senior Men 5th X1 7/83 v Carrum 4ths 10/82. Moorooduc 3rds 4/136 v Old Peninsula 4th XI 8/131. Ballam Park C Grade v Baden Powell 6ths.

■ C2-Grade. One-Day. Carrum 3rds 10/55 v Mt Eliza Senior Men 6th X1 3/57. Hastings 2nds v Mt Martha Reds Senior Men 4th XI. Crib Point 4ths v Flinders 3rds. Seaford Tigers 3rds 10/117 v Langwarrin 5ths 10/134.

■ C3-Grade. One-Day. Crib Point 5ths v Tootgarook 3rds. Mt Martha Reds Senior Men 5th XI 7/225 v Red Hill 5ths 10/106. Main Ridge 3rds Forfeit v Sorrento 5ths. Dromana 3rds v Mornington 5th XI.

■ C4-Grade. One-Day. Seaford 3rds v Somerville Senior Men 5ths. Langwarrin 6ths 10/130 v Tyabb 6ths 6/198. Bye: Mt Eliza Senior Men 7th X1

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. One Day. Donath CC 1st XI 3/167 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/165. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/125 v Camrea CC 1st XI 10/130. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI v Keon Park CC 1st XI 5/186.

■ Jack Quick Shield. One Day. Cameron CC 1st XI 9/116 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 4/ 327. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 9/173 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/123. Strathewen Cougars CC 1st XI Forfeit v Fairfield CC 1st XI.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. One Day. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 9/196 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/195. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 10/115 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 4/116. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 2/113 v West Preston CC 1st XI 10/112.

■ B-Grade. One Day. Camrea CC 2nd XI 6/ 231 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 7/168. West Preston CC 2nd XI v Strathewen Cougars CC 2nd XI. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 10/42

v Preston YCW District CC 1st XI 3/47. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 10/167 v Victorian Nepalese CA CC 10/231.

■ C-Grade. One Day. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI8/123vOldIvanhoeGrammariansCC3rd

XI 9/122. Fairfield CC 2nd XI 7/183 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 10/113. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 8/179 v Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 3/ 178. Royal Park Reds 4th XI 10/75 v Donath CC 2nd XI 1/76.

■ Robert Young DODC. Northern Socials CC OD v Olympic Colts CC OD Forfeit. Preston YCW District CC OD v Fiji Victorian CC OD. Preston Baseballers CC OD 6/165 v Bellfield Rocketz CC OD 10/155. Kinglake CC OD v Camrea CC OD 3/34, abandoned. Keon Park CC OD 6/187 v Cameron CC 2nd XI 9/42.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two-Dayu. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Norwood 1XI 9/142 v Croydon Ranges 1XI 4/143. Ainslie Park 1XI 9/130 v Kilsyth 1XI 3/133. Montrose 1XI 9/171 v Lilydale 1XI. North Ringwood 1XI 10/161 v South Croydon 1XI 9/190.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Wonga Park 1XI 9/167 v St Andrews 1XI 9/172. East Ringwood 1XI 10/125 v Mooroolbark 1XI 8/126. Wantirna South 1XI 4/124 v Templeton 1XI 10/122. Bayswater Park 1XI 5/136 v Heatherdale 1XI 7/134. Vermont 1XI 6/219 v Warranwood 1XI 10/192.

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Mt Evelyn 1XI 4/ 154 v Croydon North 1XI 9/151. Seville Burras 1XI 8/196 v Montrose 2XI 4/195. Chirnside Park 1XI 10/104 v Warrandyte 1st XI 2/107. South Warrandyte 1XI 9/219 v Heathwood 1XI 10/165.

■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. South Croydon 2XI v North Ringwood 2XI. Warrandyte 2nd XI 9/156 v Yarra Junction 1XI 8/275. Kilsyth 2XI 5/232 v Ainslie Park 2XI 5/243. Croydon Ranges 2XI 3/181 v Norwood 2XI 6/180.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Lusatia Park 1XI 9/239 v Eastfield 1XI 10/194. Lilydale 2XI 8/211 v Wantirna South 2XI 10/59. Healesville 1XI 2/ 142 v East Ringwood 2XI 10/141. Templeton 2XI 6/173 v Wonga Park 2XI 5/176.

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Warranwood 2XI 10/ 132 v Coldstream 1XI 10/171. St Andrews 2XI 6/173 v Chirnside Park 2XI 7/169. Mooroolbark 2XI 3/99 v South Warrandyte 2XI 10/97. Montrose 3XI 6/260 v Vermont 2XI 4/256. Heatherdale 2XI 4/169 v North Ringwood 3XI 7/168.

■ David Beatty Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Heathwood 2XI 1/118 v Bayswater Park 2XI 9/117. Croydon Ranges 3XI 10/118 v Norwood 3XI 8/157. Yarra Glen 1XI 9/112 v Seville Burras 2XI 0/218. East Ringwood 3XI v Mt Evelyn 2XI

■ Don Smith Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Ainslie Park 3XI 2/124 v Montrose 4XI 10/122. St Andrews 3XI 3/ 208 v Hoddles Creek 1XI 9/195. Warrandyte 3rd XI 6/151 v Wonga Park 3XI 10/149. Warranwood 3XI 4/169 v Wandin 1XI 9/220.

■ John Springett Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Chirnside Park 3XI 10/143 v Lilydale 3XI 7/163. Kilsyth 3XI 10/233 v Healesville 2XI 10/189. Yarra Junction 2XI 3/77 v Wantirna South 3XI 10/72. Eastfield 2XI 10/109 v Lusatia Park 2XI.

■ A-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Powelltown 1XI v South Croydon 3XI. Wonga Park 4XI 10/126 v Seville Burras 3XI 0/129. Norwood 4XI 10/155 v St Andrews 4XI 7/185. Croydon North 2XI 8/248 v Templeton 3XI 10/114.

■ B-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Heatherdale 3XI 4/137 v Mt Evelyn 3XI 9/132. Coldstream 2XI 9/106 v Warrandyte 4th XI 6/110. Mooroolbark 3XI 4/ 147 v Croydon Ranges 4XI 10/143. South Warrandyte 3XI 4/170 v Heathwood 3XI 7/169.

■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. North Ringwood 4XI 5/147 v Warranwood 4XI 7/144. Healesville 3XI 7/175 v St Andrews 5XI 9/172. Warrandyte 5th XI 3/ 244 v Kilsyth 4XI 5/251. Wantirna 1XI 6/223 v Chirnside Park 4XI 3/221.

■ D-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Norwood 5XI 10/67 v East

Ringwood 4XI 7/171. Wonga Park 5XI 9/152 v Mooroolbark 4XI 8/162. Croydon Ranges 5XI 4/131 v Yarra Junction 3XI 9/129. Lilydale 4XI 9/152 v Heatherdale 4XI 9/147.

■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Nov. 30 and Sat. Dec. 7. Wandin 2XI 8/139 v Yarra Glen 2XI 10/135. Boronia Hawks 4XI 10/120 v Warrandyte 6th XI 7/145. St Andrews 6XI 10/ 149 v Wonga Park 6XI 6/193.

■ F-Grade. One-Day. Vermont 3XI 10/97 v Ainslie Park 4XI 2/98. Montrose 5XI 9/138 v Mt Evelyn 4XI 9/127. Seville Burras 4XI v Bayswater Park 3XI. South Croydon 4XI 3/125 v Wantirna South 4XI 10/124.

■ G-Grade. One-Day. Templeton 4XI 8/125 v Kilsyth 5XI 4/127. Mt Evelyn 5XI 6/233 v Montrose 6XI 9/193. Hoddles Creek 2XI v Chirnside Park 5XI. Heathwood 4XI.

■ H-Grade. One-Day. Mt Evelyn 6XI 10/86 v North Ringwood 5XI 2/89. Mooroolbark 5XI 4/125 v Healesville 4XI 6/124. Heatherdale 5XI 8/183 v Lusatia Park 3XI 10/146. Warranwood 5XI v Norwood 6XI.

■ I-Grade. One-Day. Warrandyte 7th XI 6/ 121 v Croydon North 3XI 0/122. Warranwood 6XI: Bye. St Andrews 7XI 6/238 v Croydon Ranges 6XI 8/38. Eastfield 3XI 6/123 v Wantirna 2XI 7/127.

■ J-Grade. One-Day. Wonga Park 7XI 2/ 147 v Warranwood 7XI 8/146. Bayswater Park 4XI 10/76 v St Andrews 8XI 10/77. Wantirna 3XI 2/158 v Ainslie Park 5XI 5/150. Bye: South Croydon 5XI

■ K-Grade. One-Day. Croydon North 4XI v Wandin 3XI. Yarra Junction 4XI 6/193 v Powelltown 2XI 10/165. Chirnside Park 6XI 4/ 187 v Yarra Glen 3XI 8/26.

■ L-Grade. One-Day. Healesville 5th XI 10/ 119 v East Ringwood 5XI 10/166. Yarra Junction 5X1 9/169 v Vermont 4XI 5/179. Bye: Lusatia Park 4th XI.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Bentleigh ANA 1 2/36 v Bentleigh Uniting 1 10/140. West Bentleigh 1 0/14 v Le Page Park 1 10/151. East Sandringham 1 8/315 v CHAG 1. Kingston Heath 1 0/17 v Brighton Union 1 10/161. ■ Woolnough Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Mackie 1 2/39 v Cheltenham Park 1 10/142. Washington Park 1 2/18 v Cluden 1 10/88. Hampton Central 1 1/18 v Elwood 1 10/205. Hampton United 1 10/72 v Omega 1 3/86.

■ Quiney Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Elwood 2 1/16 v CUCC Kings 3 10/207. Omega 2 7/249 v Kingston Heath 2. Bentleigh Uniting 2 1/52 v Carnegie South 1 10/176. Le Page Park 2 5/154 v Washington Park 2 10/116. ■ Pullen Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Highett West 1 0/5 v East Sandringham 2 10/216. Brighton Union 2 4/ 55 v Hampton United 2 10/131. Cheltenham Park 2 9-d/262 v Mackie 2 0/3. Melbourne Wanderers 1 3/48 v West Bentleigh 2 10/112.

■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. CHAG 2 9/123 v Washington Park 3. Le Page Park 3 9/244 v Bentleigh ANA 2. CUCC Kings 4 0/12 v Melbourne Districts United 1 10/184. Elwood 3 v Southside East Caulfield 1 10/372. East Bentleigh Central 1 10/189 v Diamond 1 0/11

■ F-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Dec. 7 and Sat. Dec. 14. Mackie 3 10/284 v East Bentleigh Central 2. Keysborough Park 1 10/ 228 v Highett West 2 0/20. CUCC Kings 5 v Le Page Park 4. Southside East Caulfield 2 10/306 v Emmanuel South Oakleigh 1. Washington Park 4 9/201 v Hampton Central 2.

Western Suburbs

■ A-Grade. One Day. Seabrook A Grade 3rd XI v Point Cook CC A Grade 5th XI. Western Utd SC A Grade 2nd XI v Wyndham Vale A Grade 3rd XI. Werribee CC A 6th XI 10/31 v Altona Sports A 1st XI - Two Day.

■ Division 1. One Day. Williams Landing SC D01 1st XI v Utd Tarneit SC D01 1st XI. West Point Titans D01 1st XI 10/142 v Truganina CC D01 10/119. Manor Lakes D01 1st XI 10/107 v 5ABI Caroline Springs D01 6/ 108. Tarneit Central D01 Blue 7/187 v ruganina Strikers D01 Yellow 10/218.

Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 5, 12, 26, 36, 39

You may feel swept up in romance, but be cautious— this isn’t the time to make promises. An unpaid bill may surprise you, so double-check your finances to avoid embarrassment.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 8, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 24, 40, 22, 8

Romance is heating up, demanding more of your time and attention. Exciting opportunities are around the corner—be ready to seize the most rewarding ones that come your way.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 40, 33

Change is on the horizon as unexpected invitations open new doors. Watch your emotions, as intense feelings may lead to conflicts. Keep your cool to smooth things over.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 4, 22

This is a time for pursuing material goals. Money will be more accessible, and a new lifestyle may be on the horizon as you start rearranging your priorities for a fresh start.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 9, 8

Lotto Numbers: 9, 8, 15, 45, 32, 6

The changes you initiate will bring positive reactions from others. Increased responsibility and career opportunities will soon follow. Your love life is blooming— enjoy the attention!

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 26, 34, 40, 5

Your love life is bound to get more exciting, but watch your spending—impressing loved ones might cost more than expected. Stay away from confrontational people to avoid unnecessary conflict.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 36, 39, 4

A restless energy might make you hard to be around, but try to stay calm. Tension could arise, so it’s best to tread lightly and avoid pushing any issues with loved ones.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 2, 12, 26, 35, 40, 33

Major changes in your job or home life are on the way. An incredible offer may come your way, but stay humble— arrogance may offend others and ruin your good fortune.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 8, 9

Lotto Numbers: 8, 15, 9, 6, 21, 33

It’s time to take better care of yourself—avoid overworking and stress. Assess your situation, and take action where needed. Financial luck is on your side, so expect some monetary gains.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 8

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 26, 34, 40, 11

A stroke of luck could bring success in a small gamble. Life is shifting beyond your control, but embrace the changes. Travel may be on the horizon, bringing fresh perspectives.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 8, 15, 29, 34, 40, 11

Socially, you’ll encounter fascinating new people, but remember to be tactful—gossiping could backfire. Your circle of friends will soon grow, leading to interesting conversations.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 5, 4

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 24, 45, 40, 33

Feeling moody? Domestic tensions could cause disagreements, so avoid making any major decisions for now. Wait for a clearer head before acting on anything significant.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop

VRC SUPPORTS RETIRED RACEHORSES

■ The Victorian Racing Club was proud to continue its support for retired racehorses at the New South Wales Premier Eventing competition the Limitless Lodge Sydney International Three-Day Event.

The competition was run for November 224; the competition attracted Australia’s leading event riders including Olympians Shane Rose and ShenaeLowings, who both represented Australia in the Paris Games this year.

Shane was partnered by his trusty well-known former racehorse, the Bandit in the CC14*L.

The competition offered a prize to the Best Performed Thoroughbred in the CC14*L and CC1413*L at the Syd3DE.

The two eventing stars were joined by Paris Olympian, Arianne Titmus, and Paralympian Alexa Leary , who presented the Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy to the crowd of over 91,000 on course, via the telecast of the Melbourne Cup where they attended.

Shenae won both prizes in 2023 on two different thoroughbreds, prior to representing Australia at the Paris Olympics on her former racehorse, Bold Venture.

This year’s Awards were presented by the VRC Ambassador, and Olympian, Amanda Ross.

VRC Chief Executive, Kylie Rogers, said the Club was pleased to support such an important event.

“The Victoria Racing Club has a long history of supporting retired racehorses in their second careers and we are delighted to continue back the Sydney International Three-DayEvent,” Ms Rogers said.

“The thoroughbred has long been synonymous with excellence and versatility, and we are proud to see so many of them competing in elite equestrian competitions under the VRC banner.

“By sponsoring the Best Performed Thoroughbred Awards at the Syd3DE, we honour the remarkable contribution these horses make to the sport.”

Syd3DE naming rights partner Limitless Lodge is responsible for starting the careers of some of Australia’s racehorses, namely Winx, Chautauqua and Nature Strip.

The annual event is one of four elite competitions that the VRC supports with a Best Performed Thoroughbred prize, which also includes Melbourne’s international three-day event, Adelaide Equestrian Festival and the Melbourne Royal Show.

MVRC AGM

■ Key points from the Chair’s address complementing the 2023-24 Annual, Report are:

A successful 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival attracted 27,000 attendees, including a sold-out crowd of 21,000at the 2024 Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.

Via Sistina overcame a track mishap to deliver a spectacular performance in the Cox Plate, breaking Winx’s track record by nearly two seconds, clocking in at 2.01.07. in her eight lengths victory.

Her remarkable win gave jockey James Mc-

Ted Ryan

Donald his third consecutive Cox Plate victory, making him just the second jockey in 104 years to achieve three straight Cox Plate wins on different horses, whilst securing trainer Chris Waller his fifth triumph, four of those with Winx,

Continued international engagement with Japanese star, Prognosis, contesting the Cox Plate this year, longside Via Sistina’s outstanding performance for Yulong. It reflected the Club’s commitment to global racing excellence.

Programming improvements, which included the repositioning of the Club’s two Spring Carnival Group1 sprint races, led to stronger fields and improved wagering outcomes for those races.

Acknowledgment of softer wagering results across the Carnival, with a 9 per cent reduction year-on-year, attributed to various factors, including economic conditions and race adjustments.

Decision time

■ At the time of going to press, a decision who

will replace the Cox Plate meeting, due to renovations at the Moonee Valley Racing Club will be made.

The favourites, naturally the VRC or the Melbourne Racing Club, both highly active in trying to get the meeting in 2026.

Renovations at Moonee Valley should be completed and all systems go.

The mail is that Flemington may be the favourite in front of the Heath.

The Valley wants the 2026 Cox Plate to retain its traditional time slot the Saturday between the Caulfield Cup and the Victoria Derby on the Saturday of Cup week.

The Victoria Racing Club beg to differ, their preference is for the Cox Plate to be run two weeks after the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The bid is geared around track preparation with the VRC reluctant to host the coveted event seven days before it’s iconic four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Melbourne Racing Club Chairman, John Kanga, said the MRC were keen to work things out peacefully and to, assist Racing Victoria in an effort for things to sun smoothly.

With Monee Valley keen to get on with renovation works, it can be plain sailing.

Mr Kanga said he just wanted a smooth transition and everybody is happy.

If successful Caulfield would host the Caulfield Guineas on three successive Saturdays.

This means the Wednesday meeting at Caulfield, between the Guineas and Cup, axed to preserve the racing surface for the Cox Plate card. We await a decision by Racing Victoria, for the good of racing.

Merry Christmas

■ A very Merry Christmas to all. See you in the New Year.

- Ted Ryan

● ● John Kanga, Melbourne Racing Club Chairman

Rogers,

POPULAR MEETINGS AT CHARLTON

■ Racing at Charlton in Central Victoria has proven popular in recent weeks with another meeting held there last Monday December 2 featuring seven exciting races.

The old saying of ‘you’re never too old’ was certainly justified in the Charlton Caravan Park Pace when 12-ear-old Dawn Ofa New DayCelestial Gift gelding Celestial Daybreak who turns thirteen at the end of the month scored in the 1609 metre Charlton Caravan Park Pace.

Having start number 429 Celestial Daybreak trained on course by Tori Hutchins and driven by Kyneton’s Ben Xiriha crossed from gate five shortly after the start to head off Sunraysia trained gelding Impetuoso and after dictating terms, ran out a 4.3 metre victor over Silver Domino (one/one) and Sea Hawk (three pegs) who 1.2 metres away third. The mile rate 158.1. It was Celestial Daybreak’s 57th success with 98 placings and over $215,000 in stakes to her credit.

■ Another local Zac Steenhuis combined with Murchison reinsman Ryan Sanderson formerly based at Charlton aboard 6Y0 Artspeak-Victree Bonita mare Our Ultimate Bonny to land the Become A Charlton Member 2025 Pace over 1609 metres.

Beginning swiftly from outside the front line to drop to the back of the leader Flaming Lucky (gate three), Our Ultimate Bonny angled away from the inside on turning and ran on best to prevail by 2.1 metres in a rate of 1-58.2 from Flaming Lucky, with Flexibet (gate four) third 4.6 metres back after racing exposed.

■ Iron mare Ruby Wingate a 6Y0 daughter of Union Guy and Alberts Belle raced and trained by Allendale’s Adam Stephens at start number 156 (12 wins – 45 placings) snared the 1609 metre Vale Bill Fitzpatrick Pace returning a mile rtate of 1-56.

Driven by Ryan Duffy, Ruby Wingate starting from the extreme draw settled three back in the moving line as Beau Bronski (gate three) led. Going forward racing for the bell to join the pacemaker for the final circuit, Ruby Wingate dashed away prior to the home turn with the race safely in her keeping to score by 2.3 metres from My Darling Dancer (gate four) one/one –three wide home turn which flashed late, with The Democrat a stablemate of the winner third a half head away after following the runner up all of the way.

■ Stawell trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth has had a tremendous last half of the season and added another winner to his CV when 5Y0 Racing Hill-Floweronthewall mare Alfnalma notched up her fifth success in 56 outings by taking the 1609 metre Swift Freight Pace.

Lobbing one/one from gate two on the second line as Jetter Son began brilliantly from outside the front line for Alby Ashwood to lead with local hope Hungry Hogarth (gate two) caught in the open, Alfnalma after easing three wide on the final bend ran home strongly to blouse the front runner by a neck in a slick rate of 1-56.2. Hungry Hogarth kept on giving in the straight for a game third 3.6 metres away.

7 races on card

■ The usual Shepparton fixture was held on Tuesday with seven races on the card with five winners trained in the Goulburn Valley, one close by and the other at Heathcote.

Ardmona’s Donna Castles was ‘simply the best’ on the night bookending the meeting – 6Y0 Rocknroll Hanover-Lils Dream gelding Lils Nightmare taking the Your Sold Real Estate Pace over 1690 metres and 8Y0 Bacardi LindyIm Tina Turner mare Dances the Elite Transport Trotters Handicap over 2190 metres.

Lils Nightmare led throughout from gate two, accounting for Michen Roy (gate four) which had moved from five back in the moving line to race exposed at the bell going down by 2.7 metres in a mile rate of 1-55.1.

Nomorerlying (inside the second line) - three wide last lap from midfield was third a half neck away.

Always reliable mare Dances raced and trained by Donna stepped cleanly from 20 metres avoiding some gallopers to trail the poleline leader Montana Muscle before crossing her hitting the back straight on the first occasion and dictating terms to a nicety, scored by 2.1 metres

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

from Montana Muscle, with 30 metre equal backmarker Straight To The Top (four pegs –three pegs last lap) third 6.3 metres back.

■ Kialla’s Bec Bartley trained and reined Vincent-Bianca Tang gelding Johnny Tang to land the Cottrells Electrical 3Y0 Naiden Pace over 2190 metres.

Going forward three wide solo from three back in the last lap after starting inside the second line, Johnny Tang was too tough at the finish for Cyclone Bella (gate three) which led and Broadway Brenda (gate two) – one/one – death seating at the bell before dropping to trail the leader in the last lap before using the sprint lane for third. The margins a nose by 2.3 metres in a 1-59.3 mile rate.

■ Stanhope’s Gary Pekin used the services of Chris Alford to snare the 2190 metre Avenel Equine Clinic Pace with 8Y0 Blissful Hall-Duck And Run gelding Cresco Threepeat. Starting from gate five, Cresco Threepeat after being trapped wide went forward to park outside the pacemaker Twilight Beach (gate two), outstaying his rivals to record a 3 metre margin in a mile rate of 2-00.3. over Bet Sheza Lady which followed the leader from the pole. Marako Shark (one/three – three wide last lap) was third 1.7 metres away.

■ Another Kialla winner was 4Y0 Four Starzzz Shark-Rockin Diva gelding Cant Eatovers for Tayla Nicholson (owner/trainer) and husband Zac Phillips, leading throughout from gate three to defeat polemarker Lorino along the sprint lane from three pegs by a half head in a thrilling finish with Balladoro gaining a late split for third a neck away after trailing the winner. The mile rate 2-01.7.

■ Other winners on the night were Locksley’s John Nissen owned and trained 3Y0 Always B Miki-Goodtime Marjie gelding Good Tobe Locksley in the Jam Packed Donuts Pace over 2190 metres giving Bec Bartley a double and Heathcote’s Glenn Bull with 6Y0 Heston Blue Chip-Danielles Pride mare Shezabluechip in the Saddleworld Shepparton Pace over 2190 metres with Sean O’Sullivan in the sulky.

Second round heats

■ It was double day Wednesday with Maryborough racing in the afternoon and Bendigo at night supplemented by the second round heats of the Inter Dominion at Bathurst (NSW).

■ At Maryborough, Bendigo based reinsman Liam Older took the honours after driving a double – Col Du Granon in the Maryborough Golf Club Trotters Mobile and Countess Chiron in the Peter Egan Bi-Rite Electrical Trotters Mobile (both races over 1690 metres).

Col Du Granon a 4Y0 gelded son of Quaker Jet and Tourmalet trained at Longlea by Glenn Sharp used the sprint lane off the back of the polemark pacemaker Against The Bridle after trailing from gate two, scoring by 1.5 metres at odds of $71.00. Poppy Popstar was third 3.7 metres back after following the pair from inside the second line. The mile rate 1-59.6.

■ Seven year old Countess Chiron, a daughter of Imperial Count and Kumbya raced and trained at Bet Bet by 85 year old Ray Cross chalked up her 19th success in 192 outings (34 placings), when successful in her race. Leading from gate four, Countess Chiron was

wisely eased to allow the free running Tictoc to take over after going forward from gate two on the second line.

Coming away from the inside on turning, Countess Chiron ran on best to record a 2.5 metre margin. Frankiethefrenchman (four pegs) was third 9.8 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.3.

■ At Bendigo the highlight was the annual Oxley Feed Mill Veteran Drivers Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres, an invitational event featuring past and present reinspersons consisting of Ginger Gleeson (73), Jim O’Sullivan (78), Neil McCallum (60), Brian Gath (80), Mark Hayes (67), Ken Tippet (70), Rita Burnett (61), Glenn Conroy (66), Ross Payne (68) and Geoff Webster (69) all long time contributors to the sport and it was Jim O’Sullivan victorious aboard the Mary Jane Mifsud (Bagshot) owned and trained 3Y0 Majestic Son-Arannalea filly Majestic Ga Ga, leading throughout in a masterly front running exhibition from gate two defeating No Telling Heather (one/four – three wide solo last lap from the extreme draw) with Geoff Webster in the sulky), with polemarker Magic Law (Ginger Gleeson) third after trailing the winner. The margins 2.3 by 4.3 metres in a mile rate of 205.1.

■ A very large syndicate of owners headed by John Barnett who race 4Y0 Skyvalley-Celine Castle mare Castles In The Sky were elated when the mare at start number 14 (four placings) broke through for a win when taking the 2150 metre Aldebaran Park Fillies and Mares Maiden Trotters Mobile.

Trained at Daylesford by Anne-Maree Conroy and driven by brother Glenn who assists, Castles In The Sky began brilliantly from gate four to lead and with no pressure being applied, kicked clear on the final bend to record a 6.6 metre margin in a 2-02.9 mile rate over

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Tuesday – Shepparton, Wednesday –Mildura/Bendigo, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday –Horsham.

■ To all readers of this column, best wishes for a most happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy 2025..

Winnies Dream which trailed from outside the front row after also beginning fast. Southwind Chloe (gate three) four pegs – one/one last lap was third a half neck away.

■ It used to be the biggest event in harness racing however the Bathurst ID heats did not even receive a mention in the Herald Sun form guide lift out – a sign of the times maybe?

The 1730 metre Heat winners were : Nerano (Jason Grimson (NSW) – Jack Callaghan, Don Hugo (Luke McCarthy (NSW), Petes Said So (KerryAnne and Robbie Morris (NSW) in the pacers, while Victoria’s bonny mare Queen Elida (Brent Lilley and Chris Alford) and Brad Hewitt’s (NSW) trained and driven The Locomotive were the victors in the trotting heats.

The final round of heats were held on Saturday at Menangle with Grand Final night Saturday December 14.

- Len Baker

Theatre Extra

Skating In The Clouds

■ In what can only be described as a disappointing final Theatre Works show for 2024, Skating In The Clouds sees an energetic cast do their best with a preachy too-earnest script that needs further development and stronger direction.

Described as a modern fairytale with touches of magical realism, the two central characters, Summer and Autumn meet, fall in love and go through the throes of a turbulent relationship as planetary collapse is imminent.

Written by Clare Mendes, Skating In The Clouds is a germ of an idea that has potential but a potential that is far from realised.

There is too much didactic text that lacks subtlety and depth. As such the very worthwhile message the script seeks to convey about the dire state of our planet is lost as there is little audience engagement and investment with the main characters, not to mention a confusing central narrative.

Summer and Autumn are played by Katrina Mathers and Rebecca Morton respectively. Both do what they can with the underdeveloped script although, at times, there are problems with voice as dialogue is lost due to poor projection.

Also problematic is the dynamic between Summer and Autumn as it is a cliched relationship at best. Playing various minor characters, Shamita Sivabalan and El Kiley perform with gusto but these are thin caricatures at best and there is not much an actor can do to overcome this type of problem.

A strong production team gives director Emily Farrell good technical support but Farrell fails to address and compensate for the shortcomings in the script and ultimately the production as a whole suffers for it.

What a shame then that the 2024 Theatre Works season should finish with this, at best, problematic production which fails on so many levels.

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda

Dates and times: Tuesday-Saturday until

December 14 at 7.30pm

Duration: 90 minutes

Tickets: $20-45

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/ e/ska - Review by Peter Murphy

Christmas Spectacular

■ A celebration of all that is Christmas hit the stage at The Palms at Crown, for two performances before moving on to captivate audiences in other states.

Produced by Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd, master magician and illusionist, The Christmas Spectacular was billed as “a kaleidoscope of Christmas songs and dances”.

Host was The Voice finalist and musical theatre performer Pinnie Stevens who, between introducing various segments took us through a selection of traditional Christmas traditional songs, some well-known and others that were not, while some being noted as her personal favourite. With many of her sets, she encouraged audience participation to the delight of the large number of children who reacted spontaneously.

The ensemble of dancers from the stages of world famous cabaret revues, were wellchoreographed with ever changing costumes that added much colour and pizzazz when needed while Aleisha Manion set the stage alight with her two routines in the tricky use of hoops, both steel and illuminated. Her timing, ability to have 5, then 10 and more hoops encircling her body was a highlight as was a hoop fixed, circling on top of a pole that Aleisha demonstrated her athleticism in stunning style.

Michael Boyd’s illusion’s drew mixed reactions and while we were not treated to some of his most spectacular, impressive was a rising magic table and later his creating of snow flakes that emanated for a cardboard box. To demonstrate more illusions he stepped into the audience in search of a ”7-8yo Princess” to bring on stage, unfortunately he chose a 4year old that while making him work hard showed little reaction. Working with children and animals on stage is always very chancy - Review by Graeme McCoubrie

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

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

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

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

•Long-term agreements

•Close to everything Broome has to offer

•Set amongst tropical landscaping

•Body Corporate salary of over $129k

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

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

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

■ Detectives from Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit are appealing for information as part of their investigation into a suspicious grassfire in St Albans last Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 3).

Emergency Services were called to a grassfire between Denton Avenue and the Western Ring Road about 12.30pm.

The grassfire quickly spread toward homes in the area.

Efforts by Fire and Rescue Victoria and the Country Fire Authority contained the blaze, successfully preventing any property damage or injuries.

Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area prior to the fire.

QUEENSCLIFF

Man drowns

■ Police are investigating after a man died in water in Queenscliff last Wednesday morning (Dec. 4).

It is understood the man was in a small boat on a creek near Bridge St when he got into trouble and fell into the water about 9.55am. A woman who was in the boat at the time was not injured.

Emergency services searched the water for the man. He was located deceased a short time later. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

BODY ARMOUR, DRUGS SEIZED AT PRESTON

■ Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged two people and seized six firearms, body armour, drugs, cash and firearm parts and ammunition as part of an investigation into the importation and manufacturing of firearms.

With assistance from Dog Squad, a Firearm Prohibition Order Compliance search was conducted at a residential address in Preston.

Investigators located a loaded homemade revolver containing six rounds of ammunition, a firearm magazine, approximately $17,000 cash, body armour with a hardened chest plate, traffickable quantities of what appear to be methyl-amphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, 1,4-Butanediol and a quantity of diazepam and a stolen 1998 Suzuki motorcycle at the property.

A 30-year-old Preston man was charged with trafficking drugs of dependence, prohibited person possess firearm, deal proceeds of crime and theft of motor vehicle.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 3.

A 31-year-old Preston woman was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

Investigators later became aware of intelligence linking a storage unit in Preston to the

Statewide

30-year-old man, despite it allegedly being rented under a false name.

Later, detectives executed a FPO compliance search at the storage unit.

They seized over 50 items, including a Beretta Fucile Speciale Rinforazato 12gauge sawn-off single barrel shotgun, a sawn-off .22LR rifle with homemade suppressor fitted to muzzle, a privately made/manufactured double barrel .22LR pistol, a privately made/manufactured single barrel .22LR pistol, a hybrid privately made 3D printed pistol, various privately made firearm parts and magazines, a quantity of ammunition, commercial quantities of ecstasy, methylamphetamine and 1,4Butanediol, traffickable quan-

ARMED ROBBERIES AT SOUTH-EAST SERVOS

■ Police are investigating a series of service station armed robberies in Melbourne’s south-east last Wednesday (Dec. 4).

It is understood five offenders attended a service station on High St, Glen Iris about 10.30pm.

Three of the offenders exited a stolen black Volkswagen T-Roc, armed with a machete, hammer, and an axe.

They made demands for cigarettes and jumped over the service counter.

Two employees retreated into a staff room before the offenders fled the scene.

It is believed the same offenders attended a service station on Whitehorse and Middleborough Rds, Blackburn about 10.45pm.

Officers were told a customer was threatened before the staff locked the service station doors.

The offenders fled the scene empty handed.

About five minutes later, the same offenders attended a service station on Springfield and Middleborough Rds, Blackburn North

Three offenders entered the store, with one offender entering the service area armed with a machete.

They fled the scene with cigarettes and cash.

The Volkswagen attended

Burglary at storage unit

● ● Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

■ A burglary occurred at the storage unit (see story, at left, this page) on Monday, 4 November at approximately 2.25am,

A dark BMW X5 with a distinctive tow bar was captured on CCTV arriving at the address.

The occupants used an angle grinder to access the storage unit, before fleeing the scene at a fast rate of speed, crashing through the exit gate and damaging the car. Nothing of significance was taken.

tities of ketamine and other powder substances and prescription medication.

The 30-year-old Preston man was further charged with 24 charges, including:

■ Trafficking commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and 1,4-Butanediol;

■ Trafficking methylamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and 1,4-Butanediol

■ Possess traffickable quantity of firearms

■ Five counts of FPO holder possess unregistered firearm

■ Two counts of possess imitation firearm, and

■ Possess proceeds of crime.

Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

On Tuesday last week (Dec. 3), a search warrant was executed at another residential address in Preston Investigators located a quantity of cash and varying quantities of 1,4-Butanediol , methylamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and ketamine.

A 31-year-old Preston woman was arrested and subsequently charged with:

■ Trafficking commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and 1,4-Butanediol

■ Trafficking methylamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and 1,4-Butanediol

■ Possess traffickable quantity of firearms

■ Five counts of possess unregistered firearm

■ Two counts of possess imitation firearm

■ Burglary, and

■ Possess proceeds of crime.

She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The BMW was later located in the Geelong area.

The investigation into the alleged burglary remains ongoing.

Man with water gun attempts to rob milk bar at Hurstbridge

another service station on Canterbury Rd, Ringwood about 10.55pm.

Three offenders entered the store, jumping over the counter to steal cigarettes and cash.

They fled the scene on Canterbury Rd and then travelled south on Eastlink

The same offenders attended a service station on Poath and North Rds, Hughesdale about 11.40pm.

Two offenders jumped over the service counter and took trays of cigarettes before fleeing in the stolen Volkswagen

Shortly later the offenders attended a supermarket on Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South.

The offenders attempted to force entry to the store by throwing objects at the door.

A staff member disturbed the group, and they fled empty handed. No one was physically injured during the incidents.

The Volkswagen was stolen from a property in Doncaster last Monday (Dec. 2).

The investigation remains ongoing.

CRANBOURNE

House fire

■ Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a house fire in Cranbourne Emergency services were called to reports of a house on fire in Roberts Rd about 4.30pm on Wednesday (Dec. 4).

One person home at the time was evacuated safely. The fire caused extensive damage to the property.

Four adjoining properties were also evacuated as a precaution and there were no injuries. Swift acting officers arrested a 22-year-old Cranbourne man at the scene.

■ Banyule Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a man armed with a super-soaker attempted to rob a milk bar in Hurstbridge - all in an attempt to steal a soft drink.

It is understood a male offender arrived at the milk bar on Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd on an electric scooter about 7.20am on Sunday, November 24.

Police were told he entered the store and asked the female staff member for a free can of an energy drink.

When she refused, he demanded cash and then used a large super-soaker, which was inside a laptop bag, to spray white paint on the woman and in the store.

The 34-year-old woman bravely attempted to restrain the man, before he assaulted her and pulled down the shutter, trapping them both inside.

Whilst he continued to assault her, the woman was able to slightly move his balaclava, giving the CCTV camera a brief glimpse of his face.

She managed to open the door and escape, before the man followed her and assaulted her outside the shop.

The woman sustained facial injuries and bruising and did not require hospital treatment.

The man fled the scene, without the drink, on what is believed to be a black Hoverfly G4 electric scooter.

Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man they believe can assist with their enquiries.

He is described as being about 175cm tall, of solid build and aged in his 40s.

The man was wearing a black hoodie with

and

He was carrying a large

was inside a black bag.

Firefighters at St Albans

Police Beat

white paint on it, dark grey pants, a black LA Raiders cap, black socks

no shoes.

super-soaker, which

● Police have issued an image of a man they wish to speakto regarding an attempted robbery at Hurstbridge

Classifieds 9489 2222

Classified Information

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‘Hard copies’ available free through a network of outlets across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and selected country areas. Print edition dates in 2024 are: Feb. 7. Feb. 21. Mar. 6. Mar. 20. Apr. 17. May 1. May 15. May 29. Jun. 12. Jun. 26. Jul. 10. Jul. 24. Aug. 7. Aug. 21. Sep. 3. Sep. 17. Oct. 2. Oct. 16. Oct. 30. Nov. 13. Nov. 27. Dec. 11. Lodge your ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.

PRINT EDITION AREAS

Eastern Suburbs Edition. Boroondara (north), Knox-Sherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Edition. Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Warburton. Mitchell Shire Edition. Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour, Wallan, Wandong-Heathcote Junction. Part of Strathbogie Shire. North-West Edition. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley. Moorabool, Wyndham Northern Suburbs Edition. Banyule, Darebin (north - Preston-Reservoir), Darebin (southNorthcote, Thornbury), Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban). Regional Edition. Mansfield, Murrindindi (Alexandra, Kinglake, Yea), Nilllumbik (rural), Whittlesea (rural). Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra. South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Free non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling items. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

• EMAIL: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

SOME ADVERTISING RULES

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

• Any person or business advertising to sell or give away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten in Victoria must be enrolled on the Pet Exchange Register to obtain a source number, and must include this source number along with each animal's microchip number in all advertisements.

• Advertisers hould be honest in their dealings. Claims should be true, accurate and based on reasonable grounds.

BACK PACKS. Caribee, Pacific, $60. Companion 3833, z$60. Box Hill. 9890 7904. XX

BARBECUE. Gas. 5 Burner. Wheels. Very clean. New ignition assembly. 2 gas tanks, both full. VGC. $150. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. XX

BED ENSEMBLE.

Single. King Coil. With trundle. EC. $220. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

BEDHEAD/BOOK SHELF. Single, for child’s room. Built-in light. Solid yimber. GC. $30. Thomastown. 0428 833 398. VV-YY

BENCH VICE. Small. $10. Seaholme. 9398 2531. VV-YY

BICYCLE. Women’s. Never used. New. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114 VV-YY

BIKE. Lady’s. 1970p era. Needs new tyres. $50. Seaholme. 9398 2531. VV-YY

BOAT. Aluminium Savage Gull. 4 metre. Hardly used. 6HP Evinrude. Jackets, oars, anchor, no damage. $1500. Wandong. 0418 399 261. VV-YY

BUILDER’S ELECTRICAL POLE. Timber pole with metal power box. $180. Murrindindi area. 0418 564 174. VV-YY

BUTCHER MEAT MINCERS. 240V. Heavy Duty. New. Still in box. Cost $2800, sell $1200. Keysborough. 0402 385 692. XX

CATTLE

Charolais Cross Cows beef breed with Speckle Park calves at foot. Beautiful outfits. Very quiet. Can deliver. $1650 each. Yarra Valley. 0418 342 848. TT-XX

CAMPER TRAILER. Tru Blu. Heavy Duty. All terrain. 12V accessory outlet plus slide out kitchen. Fully registered. VGC. $4300. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

DICTIONARIES. Funk and Wagnall A-Z in two books, $25. Mans World, 4 books, $30. Columbia Encyclopedia, giant size, $60. Box Hill. 9890 7904. XX

DOG KENNELS. Hard plastic. 1 large, 1 med. VGC. $50 for both. Yarck. 0414 718 812. VV-YY

ENCYCLOPEDIA. World Book. Complete set. Plus World Book Dictonary. VGC. $80. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

FIRE SCREEN. 1200mm x 800mm. Plus complete set of fireside tools and stand. EC. $75. Mount Martha. 0438 093 869. VV-YY

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Marian Snary© i n c a r e of Ferntree Gully, Victoria State, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names (MARIAN VAN RYSWYK, EMPATHIC CONNECTIONS) since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 17985 22604, Proclamation Date (1st Day of April in the year 2024). Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Marian Snary© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

With

FRIDGES. Two. Working. 1 medium, 1 large. Larger fridge has small dent. Both in good working order. $60 each. Diamond Creek. 0411 121 277 VV-YY

FRIDGE. Samsdung. Two door 1728h, 855w, 756d. VGC. $150. Beaumaris. 0413 012 330. XX

FRIDGE FREEZER. Fisher Paykel. 8 months old. New cost $870. As new. Sell $400. Kesyborough. Joe, 0402 385 692. XX

RECORD PLAYER Radiogram. VGC. $250. Mill Park. 9436 8935 XX

REGISTRATION

PLATES. Personalised. ‘MISUBI’. VGC. $1300. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

SAW. Two person VGC. $90. Mill Park. 9436 8935 XX

SHOPPING TROLLEY. Folding. GC. $7 each. East Ivanhoe. 9499 4415. XX

SPINNING WHEEL. New. Old. 80cm high. 80cm long. $100. VGC. Seville. 0425 850 971. XX

STEEL GALV. POSTS. New. Fencing or carport, never been used. 6 x 120mm x 120mm x 3m. $350. Yea. 5750 2615. XX

GUITAR. Lindsay. Valued at $1500. Sell up to $1000. GC. North Dandenong. 9794 6996. VV-YY

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet Set. Size: 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases, blue, with small white stripes. Never used. EC. $50. Ashburton. 9885 2203. VV-YY

LOUD SPEAKERS. Two interdyn 212. 550h 320w 230d. Alsdo Rotel 202 AM/ FM stereo receiver made by Roland Electronics Japan in 1974, not working. $150 the lot. Doncaster. 0419 365 825. XX

MOWER. Ryobi. Powerful 190cc Subaru 4-stroke comes with catcher. Selling because daughter, sonin-law moved to Brisbane. EC. $250. Safety Beach. 0407 839 359. XX

POLICE TEDDY BEAR. 2003 heritage edition. Constable T. Bear. Still in original box. VGC. $100. Seville. 0425 850 971. XX

TRAMPOLINE. 3.9m round jumbo. Spring free, soft edge matt. Hidden frame. Flexi net. VGC. $320. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

VACUUM POULTRY MANUAL. Approx 1940s. FC. $20. Macleod. 0458 639 380. XX

WEEKLY TIMES. 1970. GC. $20. Macleod. 0458 639 380. XX

WELLBEING Circulation Stimulator. VGC. $150. Frankston. 0421 461 377. VV-YY

WHEELBARROW. VGC. $75. Mill Park. 9436 8935 XX

in small apartment. Kitchen, bathroom, separate toilets. Lounge room. Animal friendly. Close to train station, bus, all shops. $250 per week. Bond upfront. South Morang. 0408 885 413. VV-YY

LOOKING for a green thum person who enjoys gardening. My front yard has been taken over by weeds. Pruning needs to be done and some light tree branches to be chopped. Not looking for gardener. Balwyn North. 0425 889 747. VV-YY

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P24/1739

The Land affected by this application is located at:

60 GLEN SHIAN LANE, MOUNT ELIZA LOT 1 PS 633889 VOL 11486 FOL 459

The application is for a permit to:

A PERMIT IS REQUIRED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE OF THE PLANNING SCHEME:

Vary a restriction MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

Clause 52.02

Proposal summary: Vary restrictive covenant

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 18 DECEMBER 2024

How can I find out more? You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRER. For two sewing machines. One is a domestic Singer, the second is an industrial Jenome. Rosanna. 9455 1015. VV-YY

FISHING RODS.

reels unused. $12 each. Seaholme. 9398 2531. VV-YY

GRANDFATHER CLOCK. 1950s. Needs reset. $700 negotiable. Seaholme. 9398 2531. VV-YY

Classifieds

Private sellers can list non-commercial items, without any advertising costs. Deadline: 4pm Fridays.

Classified ads are available each issue 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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PRAECIPE. Michael Charles Anderson© of Dandenong, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names MICHAEL ANDERSON, M.C. ANDERSON, M C ANDERSON, Michael ANDERSON, ANDERSON Michael, MICHAEL. C. Anderson, Michael Anderson, Michael C. ANDERSON, Michael Charles Anderson, MICHAEL C. Anderson, ANDERSON MICHAEL CHARLES, Michael Charles ANDERSON, MICHAEL CHARLES ANDERSON, Michael, MICHAEL, Michale C, Michael C., ANDERSON MICHAEL, M.A., MA, MCA, M.C.A., and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil Jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number

RPP:44 63900 05100 30408 63602, proclamation date the 28th Day, June,2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon this copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Michael Charles Anderson© in fraudulent debased DotLatin, GLOSSA.

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Conveyance

Roberto Leereveld© i n c a r e of Upwey, Victoria State is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names ROBERTO LEEREVELD since unrebutted lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 30274 45609, Proclamation Date 2nd Day of October in the year 2024. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Roberto Leereveld© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Notice of Praecipe

Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© of Marysville, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names REBECCA PARKER, R.A. PARKER, R A PARKER, Rebecca PARKER, PARKER Rebecca, REBECCA A. Parker, Parker, Rebecca A. PARKER, Rebecca Ann Parker, REBECCA A PARKER, REBECCA A. PARKER, Rebecca A. Parker, Rebecca A. Parker, PARKER REBECCA ANN, Rebecca Ann PARKER, REBECCA ANN PARKER, Rebecca, REBECCA, Rebecca A, Rebecca A., PARKER REBECCA, R.P., RP , RAP , R.A.P., and REBECCA ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA ANN, REBECCA ANN ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A. ZVIRBULIS, R.A. ZVIRBULIS, R A ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA, Rebecca A. ZVIRBULIS, Rebecca ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS Rebecca, REBECCA A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca Zvirbulis, Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, R.A, RFA, R.F.A., and becaboo.no2@gmail.com., becaboo22@protonmail.com, Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker Public Recording Number PRPP4463900051003040453605, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker Public Recording Number RPP4463900051003040452608, and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP4463900051003040454602, Proclamation date the 3rd day of June 2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker©TM, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker©TM in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Praecipe

Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© of Marysville, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names REBECCA PARKER, R.A. PARKER, R A PARKER, Rebecca PARKER, PARKER Rebecca, REBECCA A. Parker, Parker, Rebecca A. PARKER, Rebecca Ann Parker, REBECCA A PARKER, REBECCA A. PARKER, Rebecca A. Parker, Rebecca A. Parker, PARKER REBECCA ANN, Rebecca Ann PARKER, REBECCA ANN PARKER, Rebecca, REBECCA, Rebecca A, Rebecca A., PARKER REBECCA, R.P., RP , RAP , R.A.P., and REBECCA ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA ANN, REBECCA ANN ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A. ZVIRBULIS, R.A. ZVIRBULIS, R A ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA, Rebecca A. ZVIRBULIS, Rebecca ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS Rebecca, REBECCA A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca Zvirbulis, Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, R.A, RFA, R.F.A., and becaboo.no2@gmail.com., becaboo22@protonmail.com, Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker Public Recording Number PRPP4463900051003040453605, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker Public Recording Number RPP4463900051003040452608, and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP4463900051003040454602, Proclamation date the 3rd day of June 2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker©TM, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker©TM in fraudulent debased DogLatin, GLOSSA.

This is the final print issue of The Local Paper for 2024. The first issue for 2025 will be on Wednesday, February 5.

info@chris-tv.com.au

Whether

The Local Paper’s giant Regional Edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

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■ South. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra.

■ East. Boroondara (north), KnoxSherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse.

■ West. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Wyndham.

■ South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula (inc. Southern Peninsula and Western Port).