The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed., July 10, 2024

The Local Paper

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024

MESSAGE TO SPRING STREET

Local Sport

Outer East Games

■ Premier Division. Round 13. Saturday, July 13. Narre Warren v Emerald. UpweyTecoma v Woori Yallock. Officer v Mt Evelyn. Berwick Springs v Pakenham. Wandin v Monbulk. Olinda-Ferny Creek v Gembrook-Cockatoo.

■ Division 1. Round 13. Saturday, July 13. Healesville v Belgrave. Yea v Yarra Glen. Yarra Junction v Warburton-Millgrove. Seville v Powelltown. Alexandra: Bye.

Goulburn Murray

■ Under 14 Seymour. Round 11. Sunday, July 14. Wandong v Broadford. Alexandra v Seymour. Tabilk: Bye. Yea: Bye.

■ Community pressure continues upon the Allan State Labor Government not to amalgamate local hospitals.

Following the packed public meetings at Mansfield, Yea and Alexandra, signatures continue to be collected for a petition that Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish plans to present to State Parliament.

Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher encourage the comnmunity to use its voice.

“None of these concerns is an island. As I explained to the Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas a few days ago, as passionate as we are, our communities are less fearful of hospital closures as they are of the disappearance of our rural towns, our wellbeing, and our way of life.

“To everyone, I ask that you continue to remain engaged, understand the facts, and use your valuable voice,” Cr Gallagher said.

Cr Gallagher was one of the speakers at the public meeting held at the Alexandra Shire Hall,. with Andrew Embling as Master of Ceremonies, and speakers including Ms McLeish, Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier, Mike Dalmau, Ray Mathieson and Caolan O’Connor.

The meeting thanked retired pharmacist Ian Davis, and Linda Davis, for their work in organising the petition.

Murrindindi Shire Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi told the latest Council meeting that recent advocacy efforts included correspondence and meeting with the Health Minister outlining the poor health outcomes in the Shire compared with the rest of the State.

She said the advocacy emphasised the importance of retaining full funding and local leadership and decision making for local hospitals.

Meanwhile, local Hospital Boards of Management are said to have been forced to sign

addresses the

Hospital public meeting at the Alexandra Shire Hall non-disclosure agreements, with speculation high about 30 per cent budget cuts to local health services.

In State Parliament, Nick McGowan MLC said that “time and again this government has betrayed them and acted in a callous way, and in particular what I am referring to of course is Maroondah Hospital

“Maroondah Hospital, as it ought to be called and will continue to be called in this place for as long as I am here – and other members, I am sure – was promised, and the people were promised, an emergency department for children in 2018. We all remember that.

“With great fanfare the then Premier went out there and made a great big deal of an emergency department and talked about how needy the children were – and they are and remain. Well, that was never delivered, and that was 2018,” Mr McGowan said.

NFNL Fixtures

■ Division 1. Round 13. Saturday, July 13. Heidelberg v Macleod. Montmorency v Banyule. Bundoora v North Heidelberg. West Preston-Lakeside v Hurstbridge. Eltham v Greensborough.

■ Division 2. Round 13. Saturday, July 13. Thomastown v Laurimar. Watsonia v Northcote Park. South Morang v Panton Hill. Diamond Creek v St Mary’s. Whittlesea v Lower Plenty.

■ Division 3. Round 13. Saturday, July 13. Lalor v Fitzroy Stars. Heidelberg West v Reservoir. Old Paradians v Kilmore. Old Eltham Collegians v Epping. Kinglake v Mernda. Ivanhoe: Bye.

Housing targets

■ Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi says that she believes the State Government housing targets are achievable locally.

“We have a target of 3200 new houses by 2051, from a current base of 8600,” Ms Bonazzi said.

“This is a compound growth rate of 1.14 per cent. Given that in the last four years we have experienced a 1.2 per cent growth this makes the target achievable.

“These targets can be exceeded in Alexandra, Yea and Eildon, while preserving their unique rural character, in order to support the retention and possibly the expansion of services,” Ms Bonazzi said.

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● ●

● Mike Dalmau

Alexandra

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Jack Russell dies

■ Beligerent, vexatious litigant John 'Jack' Russell, of Yea, diedon Tuesday, June 25.

We are torn between "never speak ill of the dead" and Hinch's mantra "all we owe the dead is the truth".

Jack did not have an easy life. He had profound tragedy in his time, he served time in jail (attempted murder, charges dropped), he sued many people, and he upset many more.

He was an angry man, and in his own words as submitted to a Court, he suffered from "chronic psychiatric conditions".

He took Police to Court and lost. He took Murrindindi Shire Council CEOs Margaret Abbey and Craig Lloyd to Court and lost.

He was at war with Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges Councils. He was repeatedly banned from their meetings. Fittingly, he was listed to appear in the same week as his death at Seymour Magistrates' Court (Criminal List).

He was not unknown there, or at the Supreme Court, or at the County Court, or at a number of other Magistrates' Courts.

Jack's worst behaviour badly hurt people who we know. He caused us a few sleepless nights. He tried to sue us too, but a visit to him one Sunday in Yea, explaining that win or lose, there would be nothing in it for him. That seemed to satisfy him, but he nonetheless pestered us with thousands of pages of Court documents.

Jack certainly had a high level of intelligence, but as the old saying goes, we wish he had have used his powers for good rather than bad.

He could have helped so many people, rather than hurting them. We hope that wherever Jack's spirit has gone that he finds peace. - Editor

Ticks & Crosses

✖Copperline’s website describes itself as a “community newspaper [that] is a free monthly publication available in print and online”. The Eltham group - supported by Nillumbik’s Cr Geoff Paine - sought and obtained ratepayer funds through Council grants, and money from the Bendigo Bank. No print copy of the newspaper appears to have been published in the first six months of the year.

?Cr Ilona Gerencser, Murrindindi Shire Councillor, sought another three months leave due to ill health.

Crs Lording and Carpenter moved for more leave until September 27, prior to elections.

✖Do Murrindindi Shire residents seek to put their local government under scrutiny? There were no questions to Councillors in the public forum section of the Council meeting held at Yea on June 26.

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● ● ● Email your news tips to: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Pay rises for Councillors Mini Ads

■ Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Sophie Todorov has been given a pay increase to $134,954 per annum ($2595 per week). And that will rise to $138,506 ($2663 per week) from December 18.

It’s good news too for Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Louise Bannister, and Nillumbik Shire Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan, who last week scored a 3.5 per cent increase to $109,114 per year ($2098 weekly). They will get a further increase to $111,987 ($2153 weekly) as an early Christmas present on December 18.

The Mayoral Allowance packet also rises for Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, and Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, to $84,498 ($1624 per week) each, with another increase on December 18 to $86,722 ($1668 per week).

On top of their annual allowance councillors receive superannuation, a computer, mobile phone and a training allowance of up to $16,000.

They can also claim travel, meals, childcare and technology costs.

The remote area travel allowance is equal to $47.50 per day for eligible Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Councillors, up to a maximum of $5937.50 per annum.

The December 18 pay bump is the third increase in 18 months.

Deputies score rise

Deputy Mayors share in the bonanza as well. At Yarra Ranges, Deputy Mayor Cr David Eastham will now receive $67,477 annually ($1297 weekly), rising to $69,252 annually ($1331 weekly) from December 18.

At Mitchell, Deputy Mayor Cr Nathan Clark will now be paid $54,558 annually ($1049 per week) and $55,994 ($1076 per week) from December 18. These rates also apply to Nillumbik Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Egan.

Mansfield Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe, and Murrindindi Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter, will now each be paid $42,248 annually ($812 weekly), with an increase to $43,360 ($833 weekly) from December 18.

Councillors will return to Strathbogie Shire and the City of Whittlesea after the October local government elections.

Crs don’t miss out

The 3.5 per cent increases, from each of July 1 also apply to all other Councillors.

■ Yarra Ranges. $40,768 annually ($784 weekly). Crs Jim Child, Fiona McAllister, Tim Heenan, Richard Higgins, Johanna Skelton, Andrew Fullagar, Len Cox.

■ Mitchell. $34,028 annually ($654 weekly).

Crs Bill Chisholm, Rhonda Sanderson, Fiona Stevens, Annie Goble, Bob Cornish, Rob Eldridge, David Lowe.

■ Nillumbik. $34,028 annually ($654 weekly).

Crs Richard Stockman, Natalie Duffy, Peter Perkins, Francis Eyre, Geoff Paine.

■ Mansfield. $27,291 annually ($524 weekly).

Crs James Tehan, Paul Sladdin, Rohan Webb.

■ Murrindindi. $27,291 annually ($524 weekly). Crs Ilona Gerencser, Karine Haslam, Eric Lording, Sandice McAulay, John Walsh.

Whose road is it?

■ Mitchell Shire Council has launched the ‘Whose Road Is It?’ tool, which provides an interactive map to easily identify the responsible authority for each road within the Shire

The tool, accessible on Mitchell Council’s website, offers a user-friendly interface to pinpoint road authorities, whether they fall under the jurisdiction of Mitchell Shire Council, the Department of Transport, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, or other government departments.

Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Cr Nathan Clark said the new tool had potential to streamline road maintenance queries and enhance community engagement.

Cr Clark acknowledged that some roads in Mitchell Shire are in need of repair and assured that the Council is actively working to resolve these issues.

■ Report urgent issues or incidents for Council-managed roads on 5734 6200.

● ● Cr Sophie Todorov, Yarra Ranges Shire Mayor

Tributes for David

■ A celebration for the life of David Purcell was held last Saturday (July 6) at the Healesville Racecourse.

The former Healesville Amateur Racing Club President was farewelled by family and friends.

Clerks of the course brought his ashes down the straight and spread him with his uncle Charlie Booth at the finishing post where David was happiest.

40 YEARS SERVICE TO MURRINDINDI, YARRA RANGES WHITTLESEA AND MITCHELL

In April 1984, Ash Long purchased the Yea newspaper business from Tom Dignam. Exactly 40 years on, throughout 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service as Publisher of The Local Paper.

Times change. For some in the 1980s, the definition of ‘local’ was being between the two bridges in the Yea township. The local government mergers of the 1990s saw the new Murrindindi Shire widen the scope to take in parts of the Alexandra, Broadford, Eltham, Whittlesea and Yea municipalities.

The reconstruction and recovery from the 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ fires again broadened the meaning of ‘local’.

By the 1990s, Ash Long could see that the concept of a paid-circulation local newspaper was already outdated.

In the early 2000s, The Local Paper and its progenitors were already developing an online presence, as well as growing the free printed editions.

Tom Dignam and Ash Long, 1984. Today, The Local Paper is still the largest local newspaper, with editions covering Mansfield, Mitchell Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), part of Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges. Decades on, Ash Long and his team remain committed to providing best possible service to readers and clients.

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday

Established September 14, 1969

in localised editions in 40 areas

Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:

• Regional/’Dindi Local’ Edition: Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, rural sections of Nillumbik and Whittlesea

• ‘Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express’ Edition: Yarra Ranges Shire

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

Phone: 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 0450 399 932, 5797 2656. Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 30 years)

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.LocalMedia.com.au

E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Editor@LocalMedia.com.au

‘Come clean on hospitals’

■ Regional communities are fighting to save their local hospitals in the face of potential health service amalgamations by the Allan Labor Government , says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

“Local health services are vital to smaller communities, providing local medical access, continuity in patient care, and jobs,” Ms McLeish said.

Ms McLeish has rallied with community members, including GPs and health care workers to call on the Government to properly fund health services and rule out amalgamations and closures.

“At the moment communities are living in the dark about future plans,” Ms McLeish said.

“The Healesville community know what it is like to fight to keep their hospital so they can have health services delivered locally.

Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist

Editor: Ash Long

Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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

Logistics: Peter Dodd, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

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

your email address each week: www.FreePaper.com.au

Long Shots

“Now towns further north are having that same battle.

“It was extraordinary to see 2000 people attended the rally in Mansfield

“Town halls in Yea and Alexandra were packed to the rafters during their rallies last month.

“Locals know it will be a real problem for their health services to be headquartered out of Shepparton if this merger goes ahead.

“By stealth the Government has embarked on a process to merge 76 health services across the state to six headquartered in the city and six in the regions,” Ms McLeish said.

“This comes after hospitals were notified they are required to dip into their budget reserves.

“City hospitals are also subject to budget constraints and have to tighten purse strings.

“There is growing concern that budget pressures will lead to blowouts in elective surgery wait times and bed closures.

“Some Yarra Ranges patients have already been waiting years to have vital surgery.

“Communities have been left completely in the dark as to the government’s intent. The minister needs to be clear and up-front,” Ms McLeish said.

Water prices go up

■ Goulburn Valley Water’s prices have risen.

An average residential bill for an owner-occupier will cost about $998 annually compared to $958 in 2023-24, an increase of $40.

This is equal to 4.2 per cent.

The new prices came into effect from Monday, July 1. GVW Managing Director Steve Capewell said the organisation had worked hard to create a balance between delivering efficiencies and fair prices.

There are two major infrastructure projects – the new 4.4km recycled water pipeline in Kilmore to the Kilmore Racing Club , and the new 250ML winter storage lagoon at Mansfield.

Local Photo Flashback

Regional Round-Up

Waste to Energy

■ The City of Whittlesea has received enquiries about a proposed Waste to Energy Facility at 510 Summerhill Rd, Wollert Cleanaway Operations Pty Ltd has applied for a Development Licence from the EPA, and a Planning Permit from the Department of Transport and Planning for this facility.

The State Government will handle the processing, notification, consultation, and decision-making for these applications.

“The City of Whittlesea is not responsible for making decisions on this project nor do we have any authority on this matter,” said a Council representative.

“Council, along with other interested parties, has provided submissions to the Victorian Government as part of the planning process and we will continue to strongly advocate for the best possible outcomes for our community,” the representative said.

New webinars

■ The second Winter Webinar from Murrindindi Food and Wine Inc., conducted by digital marketing specialist Jenn Donovan, is due to be held on Monday (July 15) from 7pm-8.30pm.

Not sustainable

Sir,

I was very surprised to read the headline article in the Local Paper, which I picked up in Broadford, pertaining to ‘Final Nail in Coffin’ for logging of native timber.

Does the public and editor and Wendy Lovell know about the death of Greater Gliders, other native marsupials and birds, and biodiversity ?

Do they understand the real cost (not profit for a few) of thoughtlessly removing our important trees and native vegetation? We need the temperature control, protection from desertification, and rainfall (trees do help rainfall)

It is basically silly to label tree-cutting as ‘sustainable’ as there is a loss of climate regulation, biodiversity, rain and oxygen production, and general wellbeing of the environment.

Why is there not more effort made to plant and regrow timber which would be more sustainable?

Quick profits are not beneficial except to a few. There are other better and more sensible options for employment.

Why do politicians not look at facts, and other sites of important information?

Tourists also wish to see natural bush and forests, not clearfelled destructio.

I am disappointed with lack of impartiality in your ‘news’ items.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Rourke, Film

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

The Local Paper, Mitchell Shire Edition.

Local Briefs

New Surveyor

■ A new Building Surveyor has been contracted to provide this mandatory local government service on behalf of Mansfield Shire Council.

In a confidential item at the Shire meeting on Tuesday, June 25, the Council awarded a contract to Government Shared Services for a period of three years. The new contract provides for a higher level of service than currently provided.

“Under the Building Act, Council is responsible for the administration and enforcement of building regulations in its municipal area,” a Council representative said.

“The building surveying service was previously provided under a contract with Murrindindi Shire for many years and has more recently been provided under a shortterm contract to another supplier (Schlueter Consulting Pty Ltd) over the past 12 months.”

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said award of this longer-term contract was a positive step and that Council was pleased with the tender result and the strong responses received.

“Our Building Surveyor is an important service that interacts with a wide range of local businesses and must be available to carry out building inspections following emergency events.

“We are listening to the community and hearing where our services can be improved,” said Cr Rabie

“Councils across Victoria all offer more than a hundred different services to their communities. Our Council considers how each and every one of those services can deliver the quality the community expects and for the lowest possible cost, giving you the best ‘bang for the buck’.

“Council’s new building surveyor also supplies services to Strathbogie Shire Council and Benalla Rural City Council and has demonstrated a strong track record and understanding of our local government areas” said Cr Rabie.

“We are also working on a collaborative project with Strathbogie, Benalla and Murrindindi Councils to implement a consistent, streamlined digital platform for providing building services.

“This will help small councils like ours operate a much higher quality service at a lower cost.”

Motion to MAV

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has proposed a motion to be put to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting to be held next month.

Crs John Walsh and Eric Lording successfully moved that the motion should be: “That the methodology used by the Victorian Grants Commission in determining the allocation of Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants be reviewed to place greater emphasis on the impacts of natural disasters and climate change, the limited alternate revenue options for rural Councils, and the increased demands of heavy transport and tourism impacting local roads.”

Engagement time

■ Cr Sandice McAulay is encouraging Murrindindi Shire residents to enagge in ‘Reflecting on Councils Progress’ sessions. The Council is inviting the community to reflect on the progress made to date on the 2021-2025 Council Plan and next four years.

The ‘Warm Bowls, Hot Topics’ sessions are being held at:

■ Yea Council Chambers. Thursday, July 10. 6pm– 8pm

■ Marysville Community Centre. Thursday, July 11. 12noon – 2pm.

■ Alexandra Shire Hall. Monday, July 15. 6pm – 8pm

“Please, I encourage people to participate. Your input is important. We want to know what you think of our progress, if we have focused on the right areas, and if there are different or additional priorities we should consider for the future,” Cr McAulay told the June 26 Shire meeting,

“Your input will inform the future priorities and direction of the next Council.”

Shire pays quarry owner for ads

■ Mitchell Shire Council has paid WallanBeveridge proposed quarry land owner Wally Mott to place another anti-quarry advertisement in his North Central Review newspaper.

A half-page advertisement, headed an ‘Urgent Plea To Save Our Communities’, was signed by Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Cr Nathan Clark, and Skye Forster, of the No Quarry Community Group.

The advertisement was placed beside an ad for a doughnut shop at Wallan’s Wellington Square shopping centre, which is also owned by interests associated with the Mott family.

The quarry land, owned by Mr Mott, is proposed to be operated as a basalt quarry for at least 20 years by Conundrum Holdings.

A decision by Sonya Kilkenny, the State Planning Minister, whether or not to permit the quarry, is expected soon.

Ms Kilkenny is a prominent member of the Allan State Labor Government. The Mott family have been supporters of the Liberal Party in the past.

The advertisement claims that local families are frightened for their future, their families and their health.

Mitchell Shire Council is said to have so far spent more than $1 million in legal and marketing costs in opposing the quarry.

Roadside issue feedback

■ Cr Karine Haslam, Murrindindi Shire Councillor, says that feedback is invited from the community on its updated Rural Roadside Conservation Management Plan and Guidelines.

The Plan guides how roadside vegetation is managed across the Shire and helps Council , the community and other agencies understand the conservation value of roadsides and how to carry out works or activities on them appropriately.

“These activities include utility works, roadside grazing, firewood collection, slashing, mowing and weed management.

The Council is seeking community feedback on the Plan and companion Guidelines to understand what’s important to local residents in maintaining and protecting native vegetation on rural roadsides.

New facilities at Kilmore

■ Kilmore racing participants and trainers have a new, safe and modern barn and tie-up stalls.

Anthony Carbines, Minister for Racing, last thursday (July 4) visited Kilmore Racecourse to unveil the completed project, which also includes a veterinary area, wash bays, an indoor parade ring and a dedicated area for trainers.

The State Government provided more than $2.2 million from its Victorian Racing Industry Fund to support the project.

Kilmore Racing Club also contributed more than $1.6 million, with Racing Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria providing $400,000 and $200,000 respectively – bringing the total value of the project to more than $4.4 million.

The modern facilities will provide additional weather protection, particularly during race meetings in the colder months between April and September. Designed with extra wide internal pathways to ensure sulkies can pass side by side safely, the new barn is ensuring best practice is maintained for the safety of drivers and horses.

The horse racing industry in the Hume region generates $206 million for the Victorian economy and helps sustain more than 1600 fulltime equivalent jobs locally.

“We’re proud to invest in these upgrades which are incredibly valuable for regional racing, the dozens of trainers and the 140 horses based at Kilmore,” Mr Carbines said. Kilmore Racing Club Chairman Ian Wood said: “We thank the Victorian Government for its significant investment in our new barn and tie up stables. This investment has allowed us to construct the modern infrastructure necessary to accommodate our horses and trainers.”

Saleyards men

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has appointed Cr Damien Gallagher and Cr John Walsh to the Yea Saleyards Community Asset Committee.

The composition of the Committee has been altered, rom the date of the Annual General Meeting due to be conducted in August.

There will be four farming/community representatives, one livestock transport representative, and two Murrindindi Councillors.

There will be a maximum term of three years for each member appointed, with staggered terms to avoid all positions spilling at the same time, to be determined by the Committee

Areport from the Committee on saleyard operations and finances is to be requested on a six-monthly basis

The two outgoing agent representatives are being formally thanked for their “valuable contribution to the Committee”.

3 Kilmore dwellings

■ A proposal for three dwellings at 56B Fitzroy St, Kilmore, was due to be discussed at Monday night’s ‘Community Questions and Hearings Committee’ of Mitchell Council, as this issue of The Local Paper went to press.

Five objections were received by the Council to Max Zhang’s development of the land.

Opponents say that the driveway is narrow, steep, lacks line-of-site views, cannot provide emergency vehicle access, and will be elevated above the roofline of the adjoining dwelling.

There were also concerns relating to garbage collection, pedestrian paths, a retaining wall, insufficient open space, excessive noise, and inconsistency with the heritage character.

A report on the planning permit application is likely to be prepared for a Mitchell Shire Council meeting.

Bridge history

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is seeking members of the Kirwans Bridge community willing to share their knowledge as part of steering committee members to build an emergency action plan for their community.

The creation of a Kirwans Bridge Local Emergency Action Plan builds on LEAPs previously developed Violet Town, Avenel, and Euroa , and those being developed in Nagambie and Strathbogie Tableland.

Administrator for Strathbogie Shire, Peter Stephenson, expressed his pleasure that another area within the Shire would benefit from focusing on what is needed during an emergency specifically for Kirwans Bridge

“I have seen the LEAP plans that have been completed, and it will give each community the security of having emergency directions and details documented.

“We know that talking through scenarios and documenting who may be at risk or how to exit your area in the case of a bushfire are all terribly important at the time of an incident.”

“I do hope that these plans, when in place, assist the community to feel confident that everything has been taken into consideration should disaster occur,” Mr Stephenson said.

Council spends

■ The latest meeting of Murrindindi Shire Council has heard from CEO Livia Bonazzi that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant for the Alexandra Streetscape, for new garden beds, street trees and signage “to enhance civic pride, liveability and community cohesion”.

“We also received $20,118 to upgrade signage in small towns across the Murrindindi Shire, directing tourists to local attractions and supporting increased visitation,” Ms Bonazzi said.

● ● ● Wally Mott

● ● Cr Karine Haslam, Murrindindi Shire

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

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Where

■

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, July 11

Local News

Lauries Field future

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

■ ■ 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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■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

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

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■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

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■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

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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.

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

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

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

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

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

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

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■ ■ WOORI YALLOCK. Woori Yallock Newsagency. Shop 4,1585 Warburton Hwy.

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

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

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■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

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

■ ■ ■ YARRA JUNCTION. Yarra Junction Newsagency. 2454 Warburton 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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■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

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

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

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ The City of Whittlesea is planning for some new features for Lauries Field in Doreen. Whittlesea Council is putting together a draft master plan for Lauries Field, on the corner of Lakeland Drive and Brookwood Avenue.

The draft master plan aims to improve environmental sustainability and enjoyment of the park, as well as enhance accessibility and the play experience.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the views of community were essential to helping shape the future of this valued green space.

"Lauries Field is a cherished part of our local community, and we are excited to hear how we can make it even better,” Ms Wilson said.

“Your input will be invaluable in helping shape the draft master plan. Together, we can create a beautiful open space that’s inclusive and meets the diverse needs of our residents.

“The draft master plan will be a 10-year roadmap for Lauries Field, and with your ideas, we can create something truly special,” Ms Wilson

■

■

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

■

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■

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

■

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

■

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■

■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

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

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ 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.

■ ■

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

■

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

■

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■

■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■

■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■

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

Housing planning

■ Nillumbik Council is addressing draft targets of new homes proposed to be built in each local government area by 2051.

For Nillumbik, a draft target of 12,000 new homes by 2051 has been set – an increase of almost 53 per cent on current levels.

“The State Government has determined these targets using a modelling process that takes into account future transport network improvements and accessibility, environmental constraints, including flooding and bushfire, heritage significance and access to jobs and education,” said a Nillumbik Council representative.

■

■

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

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

■

■

■

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

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

■

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

■

■ 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.

■

■

■ ■ 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.

■

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

Baker, Kye Ball, Berkley,JarrodJackson Bersey, Brooks,Cameron Jessica Jade Christie, Churchill,Corey Brett Coomans, Bradley Cowley, Samuel Davy, Dimech,AdamLuke Fang, Godwill,JiamingDavid Hall, Rodney Elliot Heinemann, Dane Hood, Glen Justin Izzard, Jaxon Regan Kaur, Macartney,Amandeep Kyle Lois Mccormick, Shane Ashley Monaghan, Zak Newman, Michael Petronio, Jaimie Dean Powell, Sciberras,JackJack Tait, Tegan Vicky Tweedie, Steven John Willis, Ben Friday, July 12 Ghajrawi, Hassan El Mckinnon, Siobhan Prowse, AndrewTuesday, July 16 Anderson, Benjamin Boots, Matthew Craig Butler, Jade Lynette Condello, Carmelo William Cracknell, John Michael Duong, Michael Elliott, Victoria June Frantzis, Gorman,Dimetrious Declan James Hetherton, Michael Jones, Victoria June Leahy, Denis Thomas Lovell, Trevor Robert Maconachie, Joel Mancino, Matakaca,Carmino Timoci Mcnaney, Nathan Merry, Orchard,DavidTristan Perosovic, Susan Ridley, Melanie Rowe, Adrian Selman, Skantzos,JaredJohn Tilson, Joshua Tom, Ritto Wattam, Sunta Wilcox, Leslie Patrick

“As the closest level of government to local communities, Councils play an important role in setting the strategic direction for local planning and development.

■

■ ■ ■ 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.

■ 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.

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

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

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

Wednesday, July 17

“We recognise the need to increase the number and types of available housing in areas where our community needs it most, close to infrastructure, services, jobs and transport.

“However, we need to do this in a way that supports what our community values so highly about living in the Green Wedge Shire, particularly the protection of Nillumbik’s unique character and environment.

■

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ 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.

■

■ ■ ■ 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.

Motolese, Cosimo Purcell, Thomas Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, July 10 Ahmad, Iftikhar Bamford, Bradley Anthony Blethyn, William Gordon Gardiner, Terrence Patrick Harris, Lisa Hayes-Moynihan, Reece Hota, Amel Mom, Habeeb Pojatic, Prosser,EdinGrant Paul Rogers, Ryan Jon Shakes, Olivia Matilda Shaw, James Henry Strongman, Matthew Tandy, Rodney Noel Tinsley, James A Turi, Sajid Hussain Wagg, Ashley JohnFriday, July 12

Kaev, Vito Perun Ward, Aaron Tuesday, July 16 Allen, Nicholas David Dash, Jack Wednesday, July 17

“Over the past few years, Council has been working on several key strategies to help guide future development in Nillumbik including the Neighbourhood Character Strategy, adopted in December 2023, Eltham and Diamond Creek MajorActivity Centre Structure Plans , adopted in 2020, and the draft Housing Strategy, which is currently being prepared.

“These strategies have been developed through robust consultation with our community who have told us what is important to them about living in the Green Wedge Shire

“More than 100 people provided a submission on our draft Housing Strategy, which was developed in collaboration with our Community Reference Group.

“The community is now invited to make a verbal submission on the draft at Council’s Planning and Consultation Committee Meeting on Tuesday, July 16.’ Applications to speak at the meeting can be made at Council’s website.

“The draft housing targets will have implications for some of our adopted strategies, particularly the draft Housing Strategy

“More will be known when the final targets are expected to be released later this year as part of the new Plan for Victoria

■

■ ■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

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

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

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

Antoniadis, Casey-Leigh Ayas, Mahmoud Ben Jemaa, Bilal Bevan, Christian Bishop, Corrie John Burchall, Braydon John Byrne, Costello,BrianLiylanne Crumpen-Dolheguy, Seth Culhane, Christopher James Dabbs, Robert Daly, Aaron Demamiel, Thomas Einsiedel, Luke Fraser, William Gove, James Thomas Gugliandolo, Lucia Kamoda, Nicholas Kanz, William Magnabosco, Rory Mccomb, Benjamin Mollica, William Thomas Nixon, Denver Poulter, Ricky Savari, Masoud Shiels, Jordan Stillman, Aaron

“While it was hoped the Housing Strategy would be adopted during this term of Council, the draft will need to be further updated to reflect the final housing targets and will be released for another round of consultation in 2025.

“Meanwhile, Council is preparing a submission to the State Government on the Plan for Victoria and the draft housing targets, and will be advocating strongly.”

Local Briefs

Sign at Cathkin

■ Murrindindi Councillor John Walsh told the latest Shire meeting: “The biggest event of the month was the now obvious but quiet installation of the Cathkin-Molesworth Cemetery sign on the Goulburn Valley Hwy

“I thank all those in the Infrastructure group for their efforts over a long period of time especially for traversing the maze of Vic Roads then Rural Roads Victoria application and approvals process.

“While concern has been expressed over the time taken for the sign to emerge, given the size of the structure the long gestation period is now understandable,” Cr Walsh said.

Community battery

■ A community battery will be installed in Yarra Junction to reduce pressure on the local energy grid, thanks to a partnership between Yarra Ranges Council and Indigo Power.

Indigo Power will be installing the battery in the region to absorb excess electricity during the day, and discharge renewable energy to the grid when the network needs it the most.

O’Shannassy Ward Councillor, Jim Child, said that the Council hosted an information session with Indigo about the topic.

“We had more than 30 community members join our Climate Action Team and Indigo at the Yarra Junction Library, with thoughtful questions and good dialogue,” he said.

“There’s a lot of positivity about the project, and this battery will reduce the demand on the grid in peak times, which will provide shared energy for the community, improve the resilience of the local network and increase the visibility of renewable energy locally.

“I’m looking forward to the conversations this battery starts, and seeing the results.”

The battery, which has received funding support from the Federal Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program, will be installed before the end of the year.

Indigo has secured a lease agreement with the Council for the battery’s installation, along with a connection agreement with AusNet.

High angle rescue

■ Twelve emergency service volunteers from across Victoria gained valuable experience simulating High Angle Rescue scenarios in Marysville.

The cohort, which was made up of both Victoria State Emergency Service and Country Fire Authority personnel from Alexandra SES, Wandin CFA and Monbulk CFA, was be put through their paces by a team of six VICSES High Angle Rescue Instructors in order to gain certification to respond to high angle emergencies.

VICSES High Angle Rescue Operators are often tasked with responding to precarious incidents in hard-to-reach, remote terrain throughout Victoria, alongside CFA and other emergency service partner agencies.

This includes working closely with specialist Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad members and general duties police to safely locate and access patients.

The four-day training block saw VICSES and CFA volunteers gain experience working closely together through a range of challenging High Angle Rescue scenarios in both wilderness and industrial settings, while developing important teamwork and interagency relationships.

The training sessions required volunteers to problem solve and work efficiently to safely traverse the terrain, while also navigating adverse weather conditions.

Libs pick Indi man

■ James Trenery has been chosen by the Liberal Party to be the candidate for the Federal seat of Indi. He will challenge independent MHR Dr Helen Haines.

The pre-selection at Benalla was contested by former logging industry man Michael McKinnell, and Travis Vincent.

Local crime rates up: MP

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell says that residents in Mitchell Shire and the City of Whittlesea continue to be less safe in their own homes and local communities as new data confirms the continued rise in serious criminal offending under the Allan Labor Government.

Independent Crime Statistics Agency data has confirmed significant increases in offending across the year ending March, with the number of criminal incidents in Mitchell Shire rising by 17.6 per cent, and in Whittlesea rising by 10.3 per cent.

The data on crime across Victoria shows:

■ 18.4 per cent increase in residential aggravated burglaries

■ 22.7 per cent increase in motor vehicle theft.

■ 34.5 per cent increase in theft from a retail store.

More than 20 per cent increase in criminal incidents committed by youth offenders aged 10-17. There was a 10.1 per cent increase in total recorded criminal incidents.

“This concerning spike in serious offending comes as almost 1,000 frontline Victoria Police positions remain vacant and 43 police stations across the state remain closed due to ongoing staffing shortages under the Allan Labor Government,” Ms Lovell said.

“More of the same from this tired Labor

Government will not keep Victorians safe or break the cycle of crime for a growing cohort of young offenders.”

“Whittlesea’s rise in crime shows that the new police station I have been advocating for is urgently needed.

“Mitchell Shire and Whittlesea need more police on the beat, but this Labor Government cannot deliver what the community needs.

“Labor cannot manage money, cannot keep communities safe and Victorians are paying the price,” Ms Lovell said.

Works at Lord’s Reserve

■ A suite of Mansfield Council upgrades at Lords Reserve promises to resolve drainage issues around the oval and provide better disability access.

The reserve has experienced longstanding issues with water pooling during wet weather instead of flowing into the stormwater network, making the ground unplayable at times.

Mansfield Council’s recent works have included underground piping to drain the playing area, renewed swale drains around the oval and concrete kerb and channel upgrades to Apollo St to prevent runoff into the reserve.

Two new disability parking spaces have also been created on Apollo St with a new concrete footpath link to the reserve’s toilet block.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the upgrades demonstrated the Council’s commitment to better infrastructure.

Barrabill House ‘refreshed’

■ A modern refresh has been deliverede at the Barrabill House Public Sector Residential Aged Care Service in Seymour.

Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Ageing, and local MLC Jaclyn Symes unveiled the $3.17 million upgrade that includes 10 new single rooms with ensuites and refurbished kitchen, dining and lounge areas, creating a home-like environment for residents.

These new facilities have increased the capacity of Barrabill House to 40 residents.

Barrabill House staff and community members have provided feedback on the facility’s design to ensure it meets the needs of residents and staff alike, thanks to a unique ‘real life’ design experience.

The revamp of Barrabill House was made possible through the State Government’s flagship $350 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund

An additional $300,000 grant through the Department of Health’s Significant Facility Refurbishment redeveloped the facility’s outdoor space, improving accessibility and incorporating a new central pavilion for residents to use in social and lifestyle activities.

Barrabill House also received $45,000 from

● ● ●

Ingrid Stitt, State Minister

PSRACS Community Kitchen Garden Grants program.

Barrabill House in Seymour is one of 171 PSRACS located across the state, offering Victorians an alternative to private aged care services.

“It was wonderful to see the residents of Barrabill House enjoying the benefits of the new and upgraded facilities, and it’s clear they are already making a meaningful impact on their mental and physical health,” said Ms Stitt.

Moor’bark victim

■ Police are appealing for information following an assault in Mooroolbark on Wednesday last week (July 3).

It is understood four unknown males assaulted another male about 4.50pm on Cardigan Rd

The victim is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, and is believed to be in his 40s.

Police attended the scene after a witness contacted Triple Zero (000), however were unable to locate the group of males or the victim.

Investigators believe the victim may have been injured in the assault and wish to identify him.

Inclusion thrust

■ Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher has spoken about recognising the powerful work of Aunty Angela ten Buuren, Aunty Lee Healy, and B uxton Primary School Principal, Sarah Irvine for their leadership of National Reconciliation Week commemorations across the municipality.

“The dedication to reconciliation is the realisation of Council’s core inclusion and resilience values.

“It was a distinct privilege to be present at the opening of The Dame, a Menzies Support Services and Foundation Murrindindi collaboration that brings people and quality boutique bargains together.

“The invitation is there, in the very centre of Alexandra, to support vital new opportunities for inclusion and a thriving new social enterprise,” Cr Gallagher said.

Walk proposal

■ A report was due to be presented last night (Tues., July 9) at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting to provide an update on implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo) and the Birrarung Valley Walk proposal.

An agenda item sought endorsement to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with Birrarung Valley Walk Inc. to support the Birrarung Valley Walk project.

“In addition to being an active participant in the Yarra Collaborative Committee alongside the other Responsible Public Entities, Council has completed or is progressing a number of projects along the Birrarung that contribute to the Yarra Strategic Plan,” said a report to Councillors.

“The Birrarung Valley Walk Inc., an incorporated association, is seeking to link existing walking tracks and paths from the mouth of the Birrarung (Yarra River) to the Upper Yarra Reservoir for the purpose of protecting, enhancing and promoting the natural environment and First Nations culture of the Birrarung Valley

“This is the first ‘whole of river’ project to be endorsed by the Yarra Collaboration Committee,” the report said.

Birrarung Valley Walk Inc. is asking each of the RPEs to enter a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly progress and support the Project.

No reports

■ Crs Eric Lording, Sue Carpenter and Karine Haslam each chose not to offer a Councillor’s Report at the June 26 meeting held by Murrindindi Shire Council.

Asbestos found

■ Works on the new Changing Places facility and public toilet block at Alistair Knox Park, Eltham, have been paused following the discovery of small, bonded (non-friable) asbestos fragments on site.

Alistair Knox Park is a former landfill site. Asbestos fragments that were found were buried and discovered during excavation works for the new path and toilet.

“Please be assured they are non-friable, and not considered a risk to users of the park,” said a Nillumbik Council representative.

Qualified asbestos specialists have been engaged to manage the removal of the fragments and check for further contamination.

● Wendy Lovell MLC

● ● Lord’s Reserve, Mansfield

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■ Soul and blues vocalist Mahalia Barnes will take on her first stage role as Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar, opening at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne in March next year. In the title role of Jesus will be international recording artist Michael Paynter. Michael is a member of classic Australian band Icehouse, as well as the guitarist and vocalist in Australian icon Jimmy Barnes’ band, Javon King, who astounded audiences last year for his role as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the Australian tour of Hairspray, will play Judas Priority access waitlist now at: www jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au

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Tooradin crash

■ Emergency services responded to a single vehicle fatal crash in Tooradin last Saturday night (July 6).

It is believed the vehicle may have been involved in a collision with another car prior to it losing control.

The vehicle left the road on South Gippsland Highway and rolled just near Baxter-Tooradin Rd just after 8.30pm on 6 July.

There were three occupants in the car and one died at the scene. The other two occupants were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

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

Body found

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating after the body of a woman was located at a waste management facility in Epping.

Staff at the Cooper St facility located a body while moving green waste on Wednesday, July 3, and subsequently contacted police.

Detectives will await a post-mortem to formally identify the woman.

An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death.

Investigators believe the woman was inside a bin that was picked up outside a property in Coolaroo on Tuesday, July 2, and then conveyed to the Epping facility.

A significant CCTV canvas of the Coolaroo area was underway and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage, particularly between Sunday June 23 and Tuesday , July 2.

Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around that time.

- Victoria Police

Victorian News

$300,000 for forestry transition

■ The State Labor Government says it is helping the Murrindindi Shire community to secure the region’s future with new jobs in emerging industries as part of the Forestry Transition Program.

Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture, late last week announced $300,000 for Murrindindi Shire Council to provide capacity building and upskilling for locals so they can begin implementing opportunities identified via their Local Development Strategy program.

The LDS program is designed to be community-led and reflect what locals want to see happen.

“Since last September, the Shaping Murrindindi’s Future project has consulted with locals, businesses and government agencies to identify and understand the region’s aspirations for their future and where skill shortages are,” a Government representative said.

The project has identified six key initiatives to explore, including farm forestry, renewable energy and the circular economy, health, aged care and social assistance, advanced manufacturing, tourism and sustainable agriculture.

The training will be delivered locally over the next 12 months and includes workshops, networking events, field trips and short courses.

The $22 million Community Development Fund and LDS grants provide medium- to longterm support for 11 native timber communities to identify new economies and create jobs.

Recently Baw Baw Shire Council received a grant from the Fund that will help the town of Noojee transition away from native timber harvesting, improve energy reliability in the region and investigate opportunities for a community hub and education center.

“This funding supports the Murrindindi Shire to provide training for community members to get the skills they need for their region’s future as they transition away from native timber harvesting,” said Ms Spence, Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern

Victoria, said: “I look forward to seeing and hearing about some of the great initiatives identified by the Murrindindi’s community as they shape their future and build an economy that plays to their strengths.”

Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said: “These funds will help our community maintain and build on the momentum created through the Shaping Murrindindi’s Future Project and our Local Development Strategy, ensuring impacted communities are supported through the transition away from native timber harvesting.”

Crossings removed

■ The last two dangerous and congested boom gates on the Lilydale Line have been removed.

It is the first rail line in Melbourne to be level crossing free, and it was achieved a year ahead of schedule.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson announced the level crossings at Dublin Rd in Ringwood East and Coolstore Rd in Croydon are gone for good.

Since 2017, nine level crossings have been removed and six new stations have been built along the Lilydale Line, which is the second busiest line on the network and is used by more than 72,000 passengers each weekday.

Getting rid of these crossings means boom gates are no longer down for more than five hours in the morning peak, reducing frustrating delays for the more than 123,000 vehicles every morning.

The new accessible East Ringwood Station will soon open to passengers and features lifts to each platform and parking for 460 vehicles, while the new premium Croydon Station is set to open later this month.

Serious accidents and fatalities had been previously recorded at several of the Lilydale Line level crossing sites, including Union Rd in Surrey Hills which was fast-tracked for removal after the deaths of two people.

Level crossings removed from the line include Blackburn Rd, Heatherdale Rd, Manchester Rd, Maroondah Hwy, Mont Albert Rd, Union Rd, Cave Hill Rd, Coolstore Rd and Dublin Rd, Ringwood East.

The Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines will be Melbourne’s next rail lines to be boom gate free next year, followed by the Frankston Line in 2029 and the Werribee Line in 2030.

These projects have delivered almost seven kilometres of new walking and cycling paths as well as new and upgraded open spaces – with more than 260,000 trees, shrubs and grasses planted.

●

● ● ● Ros Spence, State Minister

What’s On Observations

Last Train to Madeline

■ A scorching summer in a sleepy rural town.

Two children, eight-year-olds Maddy and Luke, interrogate each other.

Maddy (Ruby Maishman) bold and crazy-brave; Luke (Eddie Orton) shy, hesi- tant, and guarded.

We follow their friendship at eight, 17, and 23.

Gradually, they become friends and even- tually lovers.

At 23, the risk-averse Luke sees Maddy as a vestige of his past life, shared memo- ries, and first love.

Luke blames Maddy for leaving him behind.

His Irritation seems more fevered imagi- nation than reality.

It comes across as small-minded and judgmental.

The great conceit in Calum Mackay’s play is that we accept Maddy to be a Manic Pixie Dream Girl stock character, fickle and flighty.However, this is not how Maddy comes across to the audience.

It is clear Maddy is determined, ambitious, and talented if we are to believe the narrative of a big break and a ticket to London to record an album.

After all, Maddy has been clear in her plan to leave the town and pursue a music career since childhood.

Television monitors onstage ground Luke and Maddy’s past and the present as the dialogue flips back and forth between the three timeframes.

The monitors are necessary for the audi- ence as the time switches can become convoluted.

Savanna Wegman’s brilliant, ethereal set, a concrete railway overpass swallowed in vines, mimics ancient ruins, a metaphor for the lost Impressivefriendship.lighting by Spencer Herd and sound design by Oliver Beard adds atmosphere.

A great soundtrack featuring artists such as The Temper Trap and Missy Higgins pin- point the adolescent lovers in time.

Directed by Hayden Tonazzi, Maishman and Orton are excellent in this timeless coming-of-age story.

Maishman, in particular, tackles a some- what underwritten part, adding much subtlety and tone.

Presented at the Meat Market, Melbourne, by F103 Theatre

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

The Platypus

■ Richard and Jessica’s relationship has reached terminal decline in The Platypus by Francis Greenslade. Frustration and blame are doled out in equal measure, but what could have been a naturalistic account of domestic lives on the edge becomes a journey of theatrical styles which blurs the purpose of the performance.

John Leary and Rebecca Bower play the couple, but also their respective partner’s other romantic interests. And this is only the beginning of Greenslade’s efforts to conjure with theatrical form.

He appeals to blank verse, Oscar Wilde, stand-up comedy, Pinter and ventriloquism scrolling through a myriad of forms to relate the drama to the point where form super- sedes story, making the latter almost an af- terthought.

Leary and Bower are at their best with the naturalism. The tension and strain of their characters comes to the fore. They are less comfortable in the other genres with the ap- peal to musicals being the weakest.

The kitchen set (Sarah Tulloch) is clear and clinical and the proscenium curtain speaks of an audience viewing a slice of life.

Again, Greenslade has played on this convention with the couple attending a the- atrical performance as a prelude to the drama that will unfold.

But he repeats this conceit at the begin- ning of the second act where the couple ex- plain the reason for the change of styles they are witnessing. As a rule, the drama should speak for itself. Lighting (Clare Springett) and music (David Franzke) are used to good effect changing the viewing focus and setting the mood.

Ultimately, Greenslade has tried to do too much. An audience can accept a change of coat to create another character. Characters watching a play that will be about them is clever. But Lady Bracknell as a counsellor determining child custody is indulgent and anachronistic. It compromises both the story and the form. Neither are done justice.

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda - Review by David McLean

Entertainment

JOKES ABOUT THE TIME I WENT TO PRISON

■ In 2021, Andrew Hamilton spent four months in two of Sydney's maximum-security prisons for the supply of psychedelic drugs. While incarcerated, Andrew began noticing the transportive power of laughter. After all, if a joke can make you forget you’re in prison, what else can it do?

Upon his release, jailbird comedian Andrew took up stand-up comedy, initially under strict bail conditions where his parents had to come with him to shows, and he had to be home in time for curfew.

Fresh off the heels of his Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Best Newcomer (2023) nomination and sold-out shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival (2024) and Sydney Comedy Festival (2024); Andrew embarks on his first extended national tour with the show that launched his careerJokes about the Time I Went to Prison

Since 2023, Andrew has also featured as a member of the viral YouTube channel, YeahMadTV, gaining an international following.

Andrew’s autobiography Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison (Affirm Press, 2024) is due for release on July 30, with copies available for purchase after each show.

Victorian Performances of Jokes about the Time I Went to Prison

■ Tuesday, August 6 at The Deck, Geelong

■ Wednesday, August 7 at the Queens Arms Hotel, Bendigo

■ Thursday, August 8 at the Basement Comedy Club, Melbourne

Booking link for venues: alist.com.au/tours/ andrew-hamilton-jokes-about-the-time-i-wentprison/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Open House

Melbourne Weekend

■ This year's Open House Melbourne Weekend will be held on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, offering 170 unique experiences.

Over 60,000 people are expected to attend this year's event to re/discover their city and suburbs and explore some of Melbourne’s most fascinating buildings, places and spaces not normally open to the general public.

From private homes to forested water treatment plants and beloved sporting facilities there is something for everyone to re/discover.

New and notable to this year’s program include: a private home by renowned rrchitect Robin Boyd that has never been open to the public, a forest by environmental artist Agnes Denes at a water treatment facility not open to the public, a CBD tour to better empathise with people experiencing homelessness, a walk on the hallowed pitch of a city sports stadium, behind the scenes tours of Melbourne’s foremost medical research facilities, Australia’s oldest continuously operating artist collective, historic cemeteries, two former explosive storage facilities and ten modern and historical private homes open to the public.

Open House Melbourne’s Executive Director and Chief Curator, Dr Tania Davidge, explained this year’s theme, Re/Discover your City hopes to encourage Victorians to see Melbourne in a new light.

“

Open House Melbourne Weekend is a chance for the curious at heart and lovers of architecture to discover new places and spaces in their city, to re-examine what they have perhaps overlooked and reconnect with beloved favourites.

“This year we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Victorian Heritage Register; an important milestone for the many significant places and objects protected by the Register, many of which are in this year’s program,” said Davidge Some 172 treasured, varied and unique buildings are part of the 2024 program including new and returning favourites like the Essendon Incinerator, Carlton’s iconic Cairo Flats, the new Whitehorse Performing Arts Centre - The

Koorie Heritage Trust, Willsmere (formerly Kew Asylum), Truganina Explosives Reserve, Mount Burnett Observatory, Hawthorn Tram Depot and the former Williamstown Morgue Attendees are encouraged to plan their weekend as the most coveted experiences book out in advance.

A summary of the events:

■ Over 170 unique experiences in the program this year

■ 10 private Melbourne residences open to the public

■ 78 heritage buildings to explore

■ 27 exhibitions

■ 14 self-guided tours

■ two former explosive facilities

■ five sports facilities

■ 10 places of worship

■ three industrial sites

■ 28 talks with expert designers, artists more For the full program visit www.openhousemelbourne.org Tickets released on July 3 and July 6.

Dear Evan Hansen

■ The Sydney Theatre Company and the Michael Cassel Group have collaborated to present the Australian premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, the Broadway smash-hit musical which will tour Australian states, opening in Sydney.

The show will open in Melbourne in December at the Playhouse Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, and tells of socially anxious Evan Hansen being forced to make a decision: play along with the charade, receiving the attention he's always craved. Or speak out and risk losing it all.

Described as a 'raw, moving and inspiring story of a socially anxious highschooler who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he inadvertently invents an important role for himself at the centre of a tragedy', the multi-award-winning coming-of-age tale is also carrying the reputation as 'one of the most profound stories in contemporary musical theatre.'

Dear Evan Hansen features music from Grammy and Academy Award winning composers Benj Pasedk and Justin Paul. The Australian cast includes Verity Hunt-Ballard (Evan's mother, Heidi Hansen ), Natalie O'Donnell (Cynthia Murphy) with Martin Crews (Larry Murphy). Newcomer Georgia Laga'aia is Zoe Murphy and rising star Harry Targett plays Connor Murphy; Carmel Rodrigues is Evan's classmate Alana Beck, and Jacob Rozario plays family friend Jared Kleinman. Rounding out the cast are Lawrence Hawkins, Jesica Kok and Ariyan Sharma.

■ A new Australian musical looks at a littleknown episode in world history.

Castro’s Children is set in Cuba and America in the 1960s and the 1980s, and follows some of the 14,000 children who were sent away from Cuba for supposed safety in America when Fidel Castro came to power. It is written by Melbourne writer Peter Fitzpatrick and his musical collaborator, composer Simon Stone, and it is being produced by Music Theatre Melbourne for a short season from July 5 to 12 at Gasworks Arts Park in Albert Park.

Worried about the impact of Castro’s regime on their children, parents took part in Operation Pedro Pan, and sent the children away from what they thought would become a dangerous regime.

In Castro’s Children we see the children in the 1960s and then the adults they have become by the 1980s.

Writer Fitzpatrick is fascinated by this episode of history and feels it is ideal material for a strong dramatic musical.

“Castro’s Children has been an extraordinary labour of love for Simon Stone and me. The story of Operation Pedro Pan is one that really needs to be told.

“It may be set nominally in a country a long way away and quite a long time ago, but its complex moral questions are urgent and immediate ones – here, now and always,” Fitzpatrick says.

Featuring a large cast of adults and children, and with a beautiful score, this is one new Australian musical that is worth seeing. Book tickets at gasworkds.org.au or call 8606 4200

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ The Mount Players: A Bunch of Amateurs (by Ian Hislop and Nick Newham) July 12 at 7.30pm at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Craig Lenaine Smith. Audition Bookings: craigls@iinet. net.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Laramie Project (by Moises Kaufman) July 28 at 2pm; July 29 at 7pm at The 1812 Theatre (Bakery), 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchenson. Enquiries: mr_mitchinson@ hotmail.com or 0455 078 143

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Home I’m

Darling (by Laura Wade) August 11 at 2pm; August 13 at 7pm at Unit 8/ 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition enquiries: theatre@psrundle.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Movie Fest

■ Entries are now open for 10th Smart Phone Movie Fest. Local entrants are:

■ Ronald James Baculo, Caroline Springs, The Multiverse Syndrome

■ Maria Papas, Brunswick East, Contain Yourself

■ Mahesh Haris, Reservoir, Tail of the twilight cat

■ Himalaya Joshi, Balwyn North, (an entry in SF3 Kids - 18 years) The End and also by him: Pandemonium

■ Susie Sparkes, Blackburn South. (Feature Film) Diminished

■ Abbey Bryant, Knoxfield , Words Hurt

■ Tobias Turnbull, South Melbourne, Corona 19 with a lime twist.

SF3 has welcomed thousands of films from more than 80 countries the past decade, with entrants ranging in age from 5 to 76.

● ● Peter Fitzpatrick

● ● ● ● Comedian Andrew Hamilton

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Gemco Players: Night Watch (a Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs play) July 12–28 at the GEM Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: gemcoplayers.org.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Real Thing (by Tom Stoppard) Until July 13 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 – 4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: https://www.wlt.org.au/book-tickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Suite Surrender (by Michael McKeever) Until July 13 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Misery (by William Goldman) Until July 13 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong. Director: Greg Shawcross. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) Until July 13 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Dean Banova. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Peridot Theatre Company: A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking (by John Ford Noonan) Until July 14 at the Clayton Theatrette, 9-10 Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ Ballarat National Theatre: A Date With Death Until July 14 at 106 Albert St. Sebastopol, Ballarat. Bookings: https:// www.bnt.org.au/productions/342-a-date-withdeath

■ Theatrical. The Boy From Oz, Until July 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director/Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell; Musical Director: Alex Byrne. Musical Supervision: Matthew Hadgraft; Ass’t. Choreographer: Ellie Martin. Bookings: theatrical.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Into the Woods Jr. Until July 14 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Gareth Clarke. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Fab Nobs Jr: Nickelodeon, the SpongeBob Musical, Youth Edition, Until July 14 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) July 12 – 20 at Wyndham Theatre Company: Cnr Duncans Rd and Synnott St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Bookings: Trybooking

■ CPAC Musical Theatre: Make Me a Song cabaret, the music of William Finn. Conceived by Rob Ruggiero. July 12, 13, 14 at Beaconsfield Community Hall, 8 O’Neil Rd., Beaconsfield. BYO snacks. No BYO drinks (available from bar). Bookings: cpacmusicaltheatre.com.au

■ Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society (MMUDS): Kid Stakes (by Ray Lawler) July 19 – 27 at 15 View St., Mansfield. Director: Daryl Hunt. Bookings: mmuds.org.au

■ MLOC Productions: Alice by Heart, July 26 – August 3 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Chris Ryan; Choreographer: Molly Whytcross; Vocal Director: Diane O’Hare; Musical Director: Hannah Hunt. Bookings: mloc.org.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten), August 1 – 24 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Melbourne French Theatre: La Surprise De L’Amour (Lovestruck) (by Marivaux) August 6 – 17 at Melbourne French Theatre, La Maison de Maitre, 203-205 Canning St (cnr. Neill St.), Carlton. Director: Donald McManus. Bookings: https://melbourne frenchtheatre.org.au/la-surprise-de-lamour/

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Bridges of Madison County (by Robert James Waller), August 9 – 24 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Colin Armstrong. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

■ Pride and Prejudice - An Adaptation in Words and Music will be presented from September 27 in the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre

Melbourne

This new theatrical adaptation of Jane Austen's famous work by Gill Hornby, tells the enduring story of the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, presented in an intimate drawing-room setting, similar to the way Jane herself first read the story aloud to the Austen family and their closest friends.

Under the direction of Tyran Parke, film, television and stage performer Nadine Garner will bring Austen's most famous manuscript to life, with musical accompaniment from Carl Davis' score from the BBC TV drama series Pride and Prejudice

Two acclaimed musicians will join Nadine on stage to perform the Carl Davis score. Violin accompaniment will be performed by Madeleine Easton, the Australian musician whose solo performances were televised at the Coronation of King Charles III, and Melbourne born classical pianist Dan Le.

Performance Season: September 27 - October 3

Venue: Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre

Melbourne

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au/ whats-on/2024/theatre/pride-and-prejudice

- Cheryl Threadgold

Romeo and Julie

■ Red Stitch Actors' Theatre presents the modern and comedic love story Romeo and Julie from July 24 to August 18 at the Red Stitch Theatre, St Kilda.

Written by Welsh playwright Gary Owen and directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes, this brandnew story of Romeo tells of a single dad hanging on tight and Julie , a determined young woman fighting to follow her dream of studying physics at university.

Despite being raised only a few streets apart, the two teens come from entirely different worlds.

Crashing into first love, they are knocked off their feet when coming to a crossroad for the rest of their lives, and Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity.

Romeo and Julie is a story about the push and pull between sacrifice and the pursuit of personal dreams.

The Red Stitch production will feature two of its own 2023 acting graduates from the longrunning Hansen Graduate program, Shontane Farmer and Damon Baudin. They will be joined by Claudia Greenstone, Justin Hosking and Belinda McClory.

Award-winning director Kamarra BellWykes has previously been honoured with the Kate Challis RAKA Award and the Patrick White Playwrights Award from the Sydney Theatre Company.

Preview performances: July 20-23

Season: July 24-August 18 (visit redstitch.net for performance times)

Venue: Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda East

Bookings: www.redstitch.net

- Cheryl Threadgold

Exotic Lives of Lola Montez

■ Lola Montez once horsewhipped a journalist for a bad review but I’m in no danger.

Jackie Smith’s account, The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez, brings Lola to life on a music hall type set with Caroline Lee embodying the contradictions, myths and exploits of a woman who has etched herself into the fabric of society, not least of which are the goldfields of Ballarat.

Lee’s performance is gripping. She holds the stage, a deft change of accent allowing her to transition between Lola’s Irish childhood to her incarnation as a Spanish provocateur whose spider dance incited men to shower her with gold nuggets.

Smith’s script allows Lee to tease the audience but also challenge them with questions that are still pertinent today; freedom, independence

and identity. It is this depth and dimension that provides the substance for Lee who builds on the questionable truth associated with a woman who bedded a Bavarian king but also died of syphilis – the creeping spider becoming a metaphor for the disease that finally took Lola’s life.

A burlesque underpinning has been provided by director Moira Finucane which, though not of the same period, carries the same sentiment; Miss Maple Rose and her feather dance, Ivy Rosebud’s striptease and Piera Dennerstein’s diva operatics. ‘

Their performances punctuate the evening but also speak to the use of dramatic form. Lola is recounting her life taking off on flights of fancy only then to question what she has told the audience. The drama carries us away but has a similar capacity to challenge what we have just been told.

The simplicity of the set with its centrepiece chest is the only prop Lee uses. I was anticipating its opening but it is Lee who holds the key to this production's success. We follow the story she relates with fascination, wondering how it is Lola lived the life she did.

Performed at Chapel off Chapel.

- Review by David McLean

Wait Until Dark

■ Crime really doesn’t pay for the sinister criminals in Frederick Knott’s 1966 play Wait Until Dark, currently playing at Heidelberg Theatre, when they come up against blind and intelligent Susy Henderson.

Fresh out of prison, small-time thugs Mike (Sean Tessari) and Croker (Philip O’Brien) get caught up in a plot masterminded by ruthless conman Roat (Will Lopez) to uncover the whereabouts of a doll filled with heroin. Sam Henderson (William Deck), Susy’s husband, in a well-meaning but naïve get sture agreed to bring the doll back to London for a sick girl in hospital from a woman while on a business trip to Amsterdam

Roat tracks down the woman and the doll to Henderson’s basement apartment in Notting Hill Gate. The woman suspiciously dies and Mike, pretending to be an old friend of Sam’s, manipulates Susy (Ada Jean), who has recently become blind in a car accident, that without the doll, Sam will be implicated in the woman’s death (Sam, by the way, has also just departed on another business trip). Croker and Roat assume false identities to further deceive Susy and convince her to find and hand over the doll.

The cast does a good job. Ada Jean, in particular, shines with a compelling performance as Susy, portraying her vulnerability and intelligence with a commanding stage presence.

While this production may not fully capture the suspense of the original, it still offers some gripping moments and solid entertainment.

Performance Season: Until July 13

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: htc.org.au

- Review by Beth Klein

■ One of Melbourne’s finest orchestras is well and truly back after the impact of the COVID years.

And to celebrate, the Australasian Orchestra is having a grand mid-year concert featuring Dvorak’s beloved Symphony No 9, better known as ‘From the New World’.

Many music lovers will be familiar with the famous folk song ‘Goin’ Home’, the tune of which is used in the symphony.

Before the main event is a delightful musical entrée – ‘Les Toréadors’ from Bizet’s opera Carmen

The concert also includes Bruch’s double concerto for clarinet, viola and orchestra in E Minor, performed by two wonderful professional soloists, who also happen to be AO section leaders.

Clarinettist Aaron Klein and violist Rebecca Parfitt are the star soloists, and the orchestra is conducted by AO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Robert Dora Rebecca and Aaron have performed the Bruch work before, many years ago as young striplings in 2015, and both musicians are very much looking forward to playing together again.

The concert starts at 5pm on Saturday July 20 at James Tatoulis Auditorium, Methodist Ladies' College, 207 Barkers Road, Kew Booking is highly recommended for this popular concert through trybooking.com or you can take your chances and buy tickets at the door.

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ The Mount Players: A Bunch of Amateurs (by Ian Hislop and Nick Newham) July 27 at 10.00am at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Craig Lenaine Smith. Audition Bookings: craigls@iinet. net.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Laramie Project (by Moises Kaufman) July 28 at 2pm; July 29 at 7pm at The 1812 Theatre (Bakery), 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchenson. Enquiries: mr_mitchinson@ hotmail.com or 0455 078 143

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Home I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) August 11 at 2pm; August 13 at 7pm at Unit 8/ 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition enquiries: theatre@psrundle.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: An Ideal Husband (by Oscar Wilde), August 18 and 19 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Changes at 7

■ Seven West Media has announced the following appointments for 7SPORT: Chris Jones will assume the new role of Director, Network Sport. Gary O’Keeffe has been promoted to the new role of Head of AFL and Sport Innovation. Kirsty Bradmore will take on the position of Head of Sport Digital.

● ● ● ● Nadine Garner in Pride and Prejudice - An Adaptation in Words and Music.

● ● ● ●

Rebecca Parfitt

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

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

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

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

•Long-term agreements

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•Set amongst tropical landscaping

•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

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Gemco Players: Night Watch (a Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs play) July 12–28 at the GEM Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: gemcoplayers.org.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Real Thing (by Tom Stoppard) Until July 13 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 – 4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: https://www.wlt.org.au/book-tickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Suite Surrender (by Michael McKeever) Until July 13 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Misery (by William Goldman) Until July 13 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong. Director: Greg Shawcross. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) Until July 13 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Dean Banova. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Peridot Theatre Company: A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking (by John Ford Noonan) Until July 14 at the Clayton Theatrette, 9-10 Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ Ballarat National Theatre: A Date With Death Until July 14 at 106 Albert St. Sebastopol, Ballarat. Bookings: https:// www.bnt.org.au/productions/342-a-date-withdeath

■ Theatrical. The Boy From Oz, Until July 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director/Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell; Musical Director: Alex Byrne. Musical Supervision: Matthew Hadgraft; Ass’t. Choreographer: Ellie Martin. Bookings: theatrical.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Into the Woods Jr. Until July 14 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Gareth Clarke. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Fab Nobs Jr: Nickelodeon, the SpongeBob Musical, Youth Edition, Until July 14 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) July 12 – 20 at Wyndham Theatre Company: Cnr Duncans Rd and Synnott St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Bookings: Trybooking

■ CPAC Musical Theatre: Make Me a Song cabaret, the music of William Finn. Conceived by Rob Ruggiero. July 12, 13, 14 at Beaconsfield Community Hall, 8 O’Neil Rd., Beaconsfield. BYO snacks. No BYO drinks (available from bar). Bookings: cpacmusicaltheatre.com.au

■ Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society (MMUDS): Kid Stakes (by Ray Lawler) July 19 – 27 at 15 View St., Mansfield. Director: Daryl Hunt. Bookings: mmuds.org.au

■ MLOC Productions: Alice by Heart, July 26 – August 3 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Chris Ryan; Choreographer: Molly Whytcross; Vocal Director: Diane O’Hare; Musical Director: Hannah Hunt. Bookings: mloc.org.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten), August 1 – 24 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Melbourne French Theatre: La Surprise De L’Amour (Lovestruck) (by Marivaux) August 6 – 17 at Melbourne French Theatre, La Maison de Maitre, 203-205 Canning St (cnr. Neill St.), Carlton. Director: Donald McManus. Bookings: https://melbourne frenchtheatre.org.au/la-surprise-de-lamour/

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Bridges of Madison County (by Robert James Waller), August 9 – 24 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Colin Armstrong. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

■ Pride and Prejudice - An Adaptation in Words and Music will be presented from September 27 in the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre

Melbourne

This new theatrical adaptation of Jane Austen's famous work by Gill Hornby, tells the enduring story of the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, presented in an intimate drawing-room setting, similar to the way Jane herself first read the story aloud to the Austen family and their closest friends.

Under the direction of Tyran Parke, film, television and stage performer Nadine Garner will bring Austen's most famous manuscript to life, with musical accompaniment from Carl Davis' score from the BBC TV drama series Pride and Prejudice

Two acclaimed musicians will join Nadine on stage to perform the Carl Davis score. Violin accompaniment will be performed by Madeleine Easton, the Australian musician whose solo performances were televised at the Coronation of King Charles III, and Melbourne born classical pianist Dan Le.

Performance Season: September 27 - October 3

Venue: Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre

Melbourne

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au/ whats-on/2024/theatre/pride-and-prejudice

- Cheryl Threadgold

Romeo and Julie

■ Red Stitch Actors' Theatre presents the modern and comedic love story Romeo and Julie from July 24 to August 18 at the Red Stitch Theatre, St Kilda.

Written by Welsh playwright Gary Owen and directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes, this brandnew story of Romeo tells of a single dad hanging on tight and Julie , a determined young woman fighting to follow her dream of studying physics at university.

Despite being raised only a few streets apart, the two teens come from entirely different worlds.

Crashing into first love, they are knocked off their feet when coming to a crossroad for the rest of their lives, and Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity.

Romeo and Julie is a story about the push and pull between sacrifice and the pursuit of personal dreams.

The Red Stitch production will feature two of its own 2023 acting graduates from the longrunning Hansen Graduate program, Shontane Farmer and Damon Baudin. They will be joined by Claudia Greenstone, Justin Hosking and Belinda McClory.

Award-winning director Kamarra BellWykes has previously been honoured with the Kate Challis RAKA Award and the Patrick White Playwrights Award from the Sydney Theatre Company.

Preview performances: July 20-23

Season: July 24-August 18 (visit redstitch.net for performance times)

Venue: Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda East

Bookings: www.redstitch.net

- Cheryl Threadgold

Exotic Lives of Lola Montez

■ Lola Montez once horsewhipped a journalist for a bad review but I’m in no danger.

Jackie Smith’s account, The Exotic Lives of Lola Montez, brings Lola to life on a music hall type set with Caroline Lee embodying the contradictions, myths and exploits of a woman who has etched herself into the fabric of society, not least of which are the goldfields of Ballarat.

Lee’s performance is gripping. She holds the stage, a deft change of accent allowing her to transition between Lola’s Irish childhood to her incarnation as a Spanish provocateur whose spider dance incited men to shower her with gold nuggets.

Smith’s script allows Lee to tease the audience but also challenge them with questions that are still pertinent today; freedom, independence

and identity. It is this depth and dimension that provides the substance for Lee who builds on the questionable truth associated with a woman who bedded a Bavarian king but also died of syphilis – the creeping spider becoming a metaphor for the disease that finally took Lola’s life.

A burlesque underpinning has been provided by director Moira Finucane which, though not of the same period, carries the same sentiment; Miss Maple Rose and her feather dance, Ivy Rosebud’s striptease and Piera Dennerstein’s diva operatics. ‘

Their performances punctuate the evening but also speak to the use of dramatic form. Lola is recounting her life taking off on flights of fancy only then to question what she has told the audience. The drama carries us away but has a similar capacity to challenge what we have just been told.

The simplicity of the set with its centrepiece chest is the only prop Lee uses. I was anticipating its opening but it is Lee who holds the key to this production's success. We follow the story she relates with fascination, wondering how it is Lola lived the life she did.

Performed at Chapel off Chapel.

- Review by David McLean

Wait Until Dark

■ Crime really doesn’t pay for the sinister criminals in Frederick Knott’s 1966 play Wait Until Dark, currently playing at Heidelberg Theatre, when they come up against blind and intelligent Susy Henderson.

Fresh out of prison, small-time thugs Mike (Sean Tessari) and Croker (Philip O’Brien) get caught up in a plot masterminded by ruthless conman Roat (Will Lopez) to uncover the whereabouts of a doll filled with heroin. Sam Henderson (William Deck), Susy’s husband, in a well-meaning but naïve get sture agreed to bring the doll back to London for a sick girl in hospital from a woman while on a business trip to Amsterdam

Roat tracks down the woman and the doll to Henderson’s basement apartment in Notting Hill Gate. The woman suspiciously dies and Mike, pretending to be an old friend of Sam’s, manipulates Susy (Ada Jean), who has recently become blind in a car accident, that without the doll, Sam will be implicated in the woman’s death (Sam, by the way, has also just departed on another business trip). Croker and Roat assume false identities to further deceive Susy and convince her to find and hand over the doll.

The cast does a good job. Ada Jean, in particular, shines with a compelling performance as Susy, portraying her vulnerability and intelligence with a commanding stage presence.

While this production may not fully capture the suspense of the original, it still offers some gripping moments and solid entertainment.

Performance Season: Until July 13

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: htc.org.au

- Review by Beth Klein

■ One of Melbourne’s finest orchestras is well and truly back after the impact of the COVID years.

And to celebrate, the Australasian Orchestra is having a grand mid-year concert featuring Dvorak’s beloved Symphony No 9, better known as ‘From the New World’.

Many music lovers will be familiar with the famous folk song ‘Goin’ Home’, the tune of which is used in the symphony.

Before the main event is a delightful musical entrée – ‘Les Toréadors’ from Bizet’s opera Carmen

The concert also includes Bruch’s double concerto for clarinet, viola and orchestra in E Minor, performed by two wonderful professional soloists, who also happen to be AO section leaders.

Clarinettist Aaron Klein and violist Rebecca Parfitt are the star soloists, and the orchestra is conducted by AO Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Robert Dora Rebecca and Aaron have performed the Bruch work before, many years ago as young striplings in 2015, and both musicians are very much looking forward to playing together again.

The concert starts at 5pm on Saturday July 20 at James Tatoulis Auditorium, Methodist Ladies' College, 207 Barkers Road, Kew Booking is highly recommended for this popular concert through trybooking.com or you can take your chances and buy tickets at the door.

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ The Mount Players: A Bunch of Amateurs (by Ian Hislop and Nick Newham) July 27 at 10.00am at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Craig Lenaine Smith. Audition Bookings: craigls@iinet. net.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Laramie Project (by Moises Kaufman) July 28 at 2pm; July 29 at 7pm at The 1812 Theatre (Bakery), 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchenson. Enquiries: mr_mitchinson@ hotmail.com or 0455 078 143

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Home I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) August 11 at 2pm; August 13 at 7pm at Unit 8/ 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition enquiries: theatre@psrundle.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: An Ideal Husband (by Oscar Wilde), August 18 and 19 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Changes at 7

■ Seven West Media has announced the following appointments for 7SPORT: Chris Jones will assume the new role of Director, Network Sport. Gary O’Keeffe has been promoted to the new role of Head of AFL and Sport Innovation. Kirsty Bradmore will take on the position of Head of Sport Digital.

● ● ● ● Nadine Garner in Pride and Prejudice - An Adaptation in Words and Music.

● ● ● ●

Rebecca Parfitt

■ Bill Haley had started ‘rock and roll’ with his song Rock Around The Clock in 1955.

As we moved towards the end of the decade there were a lot of handsome young men in the USA who became teen idols such as Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Fabian.

Fabiano Anthony Forte was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1943. His father was a policeman but when he suffered a heart attack Fabiano had to get a job to support the family.

He was discovered in 1957 by Bob Marcucci and Peter DeAngelis, owners of Chancellor Records.

The record producers were searching for a "good looking" teenager to be groomed to be a rock and roll singer.

Over a period of two years he was given singing lessons, billed as ‘Fabian ’ and began working in concert tours - the fans loved him.

He had some minor hits before getting a spot on Dick Clark's national television show Bandstand

Fabian had top 10 hits with Turn Me Loose, Hound Dog Man and Tiger

He won the Silver Award as The Promising Male Vocalist of 1958.

In 1959 Fabian toured Australia at the age of 16 on The Lee Gordon Big Show with some of our best local rock and roll singers.

Fabian was supported by Johnny O'Keefe, Col Joye, Johnny Rebb, Johnny Devlin and

Magazine

Whatever Happened To ... Fabian

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

The Delltones . When Fabian arrived at Essendon Airport two thousand teenagers turned up to welcome him and broke down the barriers to run onto the tarmac.

Fabian and his managers got off the plane and fled on top of a yellow forklift truck with the teenagers in pursuit.

He was transferred to a truck by police and driven away from the airport to make his getaway.

Sabrina , the English actress, was also on the plane and took refuge from the fans in the TAA ladies restroom. Boy - it was great publicity for the shows.

He was signed to a film contract with Twentieth Century Fox studios and made Hound Dog

Man. He had a natural talent for acting. In 1960 Fabian was earning big money but continued his education and graduated from high school. His next film was with Bing Crosby in High Time and in a radio interview Fabian told me that Bing was very quiet and kept to himself. One of his best roles was in North To Alaska with John Wayne and Stewart Granger

In 1962 he was in Mr Hobbs Takes A Vacation with James Stewart and then played a small

role in The Longest Day. Fabian was involved in a stock car crash during a charity event in 1978 but was not badly injured.

He has made more that 30 feature films during his career and has guest starred in television shows such as Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Daniel Boone and Rebel Highway Fabian has been married three times and has three children. These days Fabian and his wife Andrea live on a 20-acre ranch in Pennsylvania and Fabian still manages to do about 30 concerts each year.

They are both actively involved in the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and have raised money for veterans with a celebrity golf tournament in North Carolina. I recall setting up the radio interview with Fabian many years ago and his wife said "Could you call back in about half an hour - he has gone out in the pick-up truck to collect an engine." Ah life goes on, even for a former teenage idol.

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

EMERGING ARTISTS AT PHOTOGRAPHY MUSEUM

‘A Piece Of’ at Tolarno

■ Tolarno Galleries is presenting Malaysian-born, Melbournebased baker Raymond Tan’s first solo exhibition A piece of ... from July 13-August 10.

On display in Gallery 2 are ‘cake’ sculptures. Breaking away from the conventional notion of cakes as purely edible treats, this exhibition pushes the boundaries of creativity and challenges the traditional definition of sculpture.

Displaying daring cakes designed not to be devoured but to be viewed (and collected) as magical and innovative works of art.

Raymond Tan’s story begins in Selangor, where he spent his formative years before relocating to Australia in 2006 to pursue higher education.

While completing an MA in Accounting, Tan discovered baking as a creative outlet.

His inventive bakes, including whimsical cake pops, intricately decorated fortune cookies, and stunning celebration cakes, quickly gained attention on Instagram.

Tan’s cake pops, featuring designs such as cacti, drippy watermelon, iconic landmarks and figures such as Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld , became an internet sensation.

His work was featured in Vogue, reposted by the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York and highlighted in numerous other prestigious publications.

In 2019, following Melbourne’s first COVID lockdown, Tan founded Raya, a bakery on Little Collins St, that has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Raya is celebrated for its innovative cakes, which blend traditional techniques with contemporary twists, reflecting Tan’s artistic flair and global inspirations.

Raymond Tan’s journey from self-taught baker to a globally recognized culinary artist is a testament to his passion and creativity.

■ Develop - an exhibition of Melbourne’s emerging photomedia artists at MAPh

An exhibition that brings together a select showcase of 2023 Bachelordegree graduates from Melbourne’s tertiary institutions, presenting work by emerging photographic artists. The annual exhibition provides a vital platform for each of the artists to exhibit their work as they develop their practice and move towards the next stag of their career.

Exhibition: July 25 – August 25. Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) 860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

At Benalla

Light Shines. Shadow Falls – Hans Heysen and Matthew MacNally

Drawn from the Benalla Art Gallery Collection, Light Shines, Shadow Falls presents a selection of landscapes by two of Australia’s finest watercolourists, Hans Heysen and Matthew McAnally.

The exhibition is a celebration of both artist’s mastery in rendering the Australian countryside and the atmospheric shifts across the day as the sun rises and sets, shining its light for shadows to fall.

Exhibition closes July 28.

★

Growing up with you- Mimi Leung

The title of the show refers to both Leung’s relation ship with her art practice, and with her children – reflecting on how her attitudes from her own practice have changed as she has grown up and had kids.

Starting with a selection of works from early in her illustration career, this exhibition broadly shows the shift in focus and the artist’s growing up –as an artist, as a mother, as a human – and tracers her journey from trauma to healing through both commercial and non-commercial work.

Exhibition closes August 18.

★

Embrace the Eucalypt – Ruth Johnstone and Leslie Duxbury

The ubiquitous eucalyptus has come to mean many things to us, it is honoured when it survives to a great age, yet its size and materiality has caused it to be felled for human

The Arts

needs, and f course it is renowned for fueling raging bushfires.

Utilising paper based media and contemporary art approaches, Ruth Johnstone and Leslie Duxbury address the cultural significance of the eucalypt.

Exhibition closes July 28.

★

Smells Like Rain –Claire Beausein.

Encapsulates the promise and renewal and transformation.

The exhibition showcases a recent collection of assemblage and mixed media works on wash paper, all engaging the theme of metamorphosis.

Growing up in the Warby Ranges close to nature has left an indelible mark on Claire Beausein’s artistic sensibilities, and the subdued palette and intricacies in her work are borne out of her profound connection to home.

By combing these forma and textures with other media such as graphite, indigo dye, thread and Suminagashi (floating ink), the works speak to the mysteries of nature and change using water as a metaphor for transformation.

Exhibition closes July 28.

Benalla Art Gallery Botanical Gardens Bridge St. Benalla.

- Peter Kemp

Pink cancels concert

■ The ever-energetic Pink was forced to cancel her July 3 concert in Switzerland on doctors' advice . Following a short break Pink is hopeful of continuing her mammoth world tour.

New Melbourne radio station?

■ Westsider FM is name of a new internet radio station planned for Melbourne's western suburbs . A working committee is being formed and those with creative aspirations are invited to contact Barbara Haggen: editor@thewestsider.com.au

Marty Sheargold eases back

■ Triple M has announced Marty Sheargold is to ease back on his radio exposure. No longer will Marty be heard on Triple M national brekkie show, but remain on air in the 3pm-4pm arvo drive shift, plus continued involvement with the station podcast. Marty feels it is time to lead a normal life with space to balance family time with his broadcasting/stand-up commitments.

Welcome back Suzi

■ Possibly Australia's favourite rock chick, Suzi Quatro has confirmed her next Australian tour in early 2025. Suzi, aged 74, and her band will rock all states with a one-night stand January 26 in Melbourne at the Palais. This tour will be her 40th visit to Australia, a country she loves, and so do we when Suzi belts out Devil Gate Drive, Can the Can, and the like.

Lisa can sleep in

■ For the past five years Lisa Miller has got up on week mornings at some ridiculous hour to present ABC News Breakfast. Lisa has moved on within the ABC to be involved in presenting Muster Dogs, Back Roads and other projects. A new brekkie presenter is yet to be announced. - John O’Keefe

with Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

1. Able to be modified

6. Run away (4,3)

10. Crumpling

16. Drunkard

17. Canary Islands port, ... Palmas

19. Endure

20. Sheep fibre

21. Brass instrument

22. Snatched

23. Wallop

26. Church senior

28. Alliance

30. Smiles

31. Recite

33. Composer, Sir Edward ...

35. Serviceable

37. Wild grass

38. Fork point

39. Espionage agents

41. Mountain call

43. Supplement, ... out

44. Fragrant flower

45. Scornfully disobey

46. Corrosive substance, ... soda

48. Aquatic mammals

50. Contributes

51. Devout

52. Small fenced-in area

53. Sore secretion

55. Ice-cream server

57. Respectful

60. Ethnic bigots

62. Young man

64. Fire-fighting fixtures

67. Mass

68. Damages (bodywork)

69. Public pool

71. Achiever

72. Endorse (motion)

74. Camouflage colour

75. Italian farewell

77. Naked rider, ... Godiva

79. Bravery badges

82. A single entity

83. Peruses

85. Betray, ... on

87. OK (informal)

89. Tennis barrier

90. Ashen

91. Epsom annual horse race

92. Actor, ... Gibson

94. German Mrs

96. Distort

98. The N of NB

99. Synagogue scholar

100. Send back

102. Sort (through)

104. Cut (timber)

106. Gets

107. Tout

109. Cargo

111. Be unfaithful to (3-4)

112. Nothing

113. Milkshake ingredient

114. Ship's spine

116. Fraud

118. Frog relatives

119. ... of Carpentaria

121. Incursion

123. Woodwind instrument

125. Fibbed

127. Can metal

128. Excursion

130. Sunbeams

132. Truck compartment

134. Palm cereal

136. Tanzania's ... es Salaam

137. Squalid

139. Large racing yacht

140. Tennis ace, ... Nastase

141. Fishing-line fibre

143. Convict's ball & ...

Across Down Down

145. Mortuary table

147. Lawyer's charge

148. Wound with dagger

149. Ready for picking

150. Pledge

152. Put strain on

154. Writer, ... Blyton

156. Basketball shot, ... dunk

158. Flavouring herb

159. Oxlike antelopes

161. Acorn bearer

163. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex

165. Spicy lentil dish

167. Hunger pain

169. Restate

171. Fabric join

173. Cropping up

175. Silver bars

177. Pet's parasites

179. Ills

181. Nipples

182. Lion's neck hair

183. Honey wine

185. Positive replies

187. Dismiss

189. ... & downs

190. Kitchen flooring

191. Female opera singer

192. Cloth remnant

194. Security lapses

196. Non-clergy

197. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea

198. Judo level

199. Beijing's former name

202. Deplete

204. Cycled

205. Fast planes

206. Counterfeited

208. Auction

210. Knight's mount

212. Filled pastries

213. Sports team

214. Infant babble (4,4)

216. Happily ... after 217. Contactable (2,4)

219. Realms

221. Devonshire tea cake

223. Red-rind cheese

225. Perform

226. All-in fight

227. Open tart

230. Long films

232. Snowfields elevator (3,4)

235. Shopping precincts

236. Mother

238. Smash into

240. Anaesthetic gas

242. Exclusive group

243. Dispatches

244. Town plan

245. Physician

246. Attacked (3,2)

247. City, ... Angeles

248. Nursemaid

249. Ring-throwing game

251. Hallucinogenic drug (1,1,1)

253. Electricity power source

255. Greener

256. Revise (text)

258. Cash disc

259. Cases

260. Belonging to us

261. Beer

262. Divorce order (6,4)

263. Gizmos

264. Armless (dress)

1. Marriage cheat

2. Vibrates

3. Pixie

4. Very eager

5. Radiant

6. Destines to grim fate

7. At summit of

8. Smoke vent

9. Tale

11. False pretences

12. Push for

13. Unrefined

14. Partook of liquor

15. Aphrodite & Athena

16. Moved to & fro

18. Regrettably

24. Clue

25. Low platform

27. Swollen heads, big ...

29. Yes vote

30. Tile mortar

31. Potatoes

32. Even so

34. Stretch

36. Alias (1,1,1)

38. Cheap booze

39. Indian gowns

40. Drink delicately

42. Windies batsman, Clive ...

45. Pasture

46. Desert plants

47. Kill selectively

49. ... & Gomorrah

51. Dried plum

52. Jerks

54. Voyage

56. Primp & ...

58. Peeper

59. Black wood

60. All set

61. Neck warmer

63. Date of offensive (1-3)

65. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...

66. Israeli city, ... Aviv

68. Sheikhdom, Abu ...

70. Dedicatory verses

72. Cloyingly sweet

73. Duress

74. Roadway edgings

76. Rowing aids

78. Jabbers

80. Vaporised

81. Removes whiskers

83. Resist openly

84. Half

86. Fox brush

88. High temperature

91. Actor/singer, Sammy ... (5,2)

92. Fade (away)

93. Touch with tongue

95. Flying saucers (1,1,2)

97. World Wide Web (1,1,1)

99. Cheese skin

100. Entertainer, ... Harris

101. Layers

103. Mexican food shell

105. Carol, The First ...

107. Common seasoning

108. Afternoon meal

110. Gentle strokes

113. Humdrum

115. Lawful

117. Groaning

118. Close-fitting

119. Cunning

120. Polishes (car)

122. Tibet's ... Lama

124. Pyramids country

126. Blowpipe missiles

129. Commercials

130. British flying force (1,1,1)

131. Produce

133. Overalls, ... & brace

135. Bullfight cry

137. Big cricket hit

138. Unique model (3-3)

142. Persona ... grata

144. African anteater

146. Inclination

148. Clever

149. Betrothal token, engagement ..

151. Scrutinising (accounts)

153. Every day

155. Sketched

157. So!

158. Provides with personnel

159. Squall

160. Obtain (support) (4,2)

162. Bend to pray

164. Mekong valley nation

166. Holidays owed, time in ...

167. Coal mines

168. In attendance (2,4)

170. Abated

172. Breakfast or dinner

174. Enervates

175. Forbids

176. One, numero ...

178. Browns (meat) quickly

180. Disfigure

182. Feel the loss of 184. Michaelmas ... 186. Skim on ice

188. Environmental treaty, ... Protocol

190. Plenty

191. Challenged

193. Midges

195. Filter

197. Cotton spool

198. Avoid 200. Age

201. Candied

203. Requires 205. Abandon (lover)

206. Financial penalties

207. Shady tree

209. Flee to wed 211. Duck's mate

212. Agreement

213. Window ledges 214. Confused

215. Fuses (of bones)

218. Coffee lounge

219. Surfer, ... Slater

220. Sailors

222. Troop formations

224. Flour factory

226. Yacht's principal canvas

228. Antiquated

229. Crooner, ... King Cole

231. Hardens

233. Leo animal

234. 'Tis (2'1)

235. Death in Venice author, Thomas

236. China's ... Zedong

237. Pacify

239. Portable

241. Horse-riding show

243. NE US state

244. Corpse repository

248. Fixes with hammer

250. Ayatollah's land

252. Former Italian currency

253. Castle ditch

254. Model, ... Macpherson

257. Used spade

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

MP Music Summit

■ Mornington Peninsula Shire will host a day of collaboration, conversation and connection.

The music summit is a one-day event which aims to draw together a creative community of musicians, songwriters, industry professionals and emerging talent that will also include songwriting workshops.

Tickets and enquiries: phone: 5950 1000 or email: artsandculture@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Punters Club

■ Fitzroy’s legendary music venue The Punters Club is reopening in August with its original décor as reported by Beat Magazine.

It’s been a restaurant in recent times but the new owners say they plan to focus on music and events but also create a community for all musicians.

Everybody Knows

■ Singer-songwriter Cathy Dobson has released her new single Everybody Knows.

It’s from the album Sundowner Drive, an eight-track concept project co-written with Angus Gill and based around the people who live there.

https://www.facebook.com/cathy.dobson.7

GREAT MOSCOW CIRCUS EXTREME

■ The circus is in town. The Great Moscow Circus presents a heady mix of death-defying, skilful, and comedic acts under the Big Top.

The Russian connection is in name only as the circus is Australian-owned, bought by the Edgley and Weber families in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

A pyrotechnic display heralds the arrival of the first acrobat who risks life and limb on the giant spinning wheel.

A choreographed stumble sets the crowd gasping.

Much to the audience's delight, the acrobat soon rights himself before picking up the pace.

Next, a giant see-saw, worryingly covered in gaffer tape, is wheeled into place.

Another adrenaline rush as three tumblers flip back and forth metres into the air.

Accompanied by a rousing soundtrack, an aerialist amazes us on the trapeze.

Daredevil BMX and Pro Scooter riders follow, performing stunts such as air tricks and double tail whips to the audience's delight.

At intermission, those of us who remember to bring cash stock up on hot dogs, popcorn, and fairy floss while the kids spin around on the cup-and-saucer ride or try for a prize with the laughing clowns.

Ukrainian trampoliners bounce and tumble with incredible skill and grace, followed by an aerialist effortlessly flying on the Tissu/Silk.

Crossword Solution No 19

Award-winning Duo Acero demonstrate their extraordinary acrobatic strength on the pole, leaving the audience in awe of their talent.

Motorcycle cage riders follow, featuring the world’s youngest rider, nine-year-old Cruz Weber, spinning around incredibly missing each other.

Clown Gagik, a Charlie Chaplin lookalike, keeps the audience entertained at each changeover.

After two action-packed hours, we spill out into the frosty night, thrilled and in awe of the performers.

Performance Season: Until July 14

Venue: J. L. Murphy Reserve, Grahams and Williamstown Rd., Port Melbourne Bookings: greatmoscowcircus. com.au

- Review by Kathryn

Keeble

Workshops

■ A aseries of Understanding Autism Workshops are to be held in in Melbourne These workshops will take place on August 6-7 at Ross House in the CBD Organiser Bryce Pace says these workshops will focus on providing participants with resources and tips to assist in making employment, tourism and the community more accessible for autistics.

RACISTS LAD HYDRANTS Y BULK DENTS C LIDO DOER E SECOND KHAKI CIAO LADY MEDALS U ONE READS S RAT YEAH NET H GREY DERBY MEL FRAU SKEW NOTA

DAR G SORDID MAXI ILIE NYLON R CHAIN SLAB FEE STAB RIPE OATH TAXED ENID SLAM I MINT GNUS

D R OAK EARL DHAL PANG A D O REDEFINE SEAM ARISING BULLION

U V FLEAS WOES TEATS MANE T H MEAD YESES SACK UPS LINO DIVA U RAG LEAKS LAY S ROSS DAN N PEKING DRAIN RODE JETS FORGED R SALE STEED T PIES SIDE L BABYTALK EVER ONCALL KINGDOMS

E SCONE EDAM ACT MELEE E FLAN EPICS SKILIFT MALLS MAMA

U RAM ETHER ELITE MAILS MAP F DOCTOR SETON LOS NANNY HOOPLA

D H B I LSD L N MAINS E R E R LEAFIER O EDIT COIN A LUGGAGE E I L A N

Observations

Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Armenian clown Gagik Avetisyan in The Great Moscow Circus. Photo: Chowie Photography.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Eastern

■ Premier Seniors. Doncaster East 18.12 (120) d Norwood 10.5 (65). East Ringwood 7.20 (62) d Balwyn 7.3 (45). Noble Park 13.14 (92) d Berwick 4.7 (31). Blackburn 13.11 (89) d South Croydon 5.10 (40). Rowville v Vermont.

■ Premier Reserves. Doncaster East 33.24 (222) d Norwood 0.0 (0). East Ringwood 12.13 (85) d Balwyn 4.2 (26). Noble Park 20.16 (136) d Berwick 0.2 (2). Blackburn 13.16 (92) d South Croydon 1.4 (10). Rowville v Vermont.

■ Premier Under 19.5. East Ringwood 26.15 (171) d Balwyn 0.1 (1). Berwick 11.12 (78) d Noble Park 5.5 (35). Doncaster East 7.9 (561) d Norwood 5.6 (36). Rowville v Vermont. Blackburn: Bye.

■ Division 1 Seniors. Mitcham 13.7 (85) d Bayswater 5.7 (37). South Belgrave 9.11 (65) d Beaconsfield 4.9 (33). Doncaster 12.8 (80) d Wantirna South 10.5 (65). Park Orchards 13.12 (90) d Montrose 10.22 (82). Mooroolbark 12.7 (79) d North Ringwood 9.6 (60).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Mitcham 6.6 (42) d Bayswater 3.6 (24). South Belgrave 1.12 (78) d Beaconsfield 1.4 (10). Wantirna South 6.12 (48) d Doncaster 2.8 (20). Montrose 18.10 (118) d Park Orchards 5.2 (32). North Ringwood 19.11 (125) d Mooroolbark 1.3 (9).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Mitcham 14.10 (94) d Bayswater 0.4 (4). Beaconsfield 7.4 (46) d South Belgrave 4.10 (34). Park Orchards 14.11 (95) d Montrose 6.13 (49). North Ringwood 18.6 (114) d Mooroolbark 2.6 (18). Surrey Park 15.10 (100) d Wantirna South 2.6 (18).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Boronia 23.16 (154) d East Burwood 3.8 (26). Lilydale 10.2 (62) d Heathmont 6.19 (55). Ringwood 7.13 (55) d Waberley Blues 2.7 (19). Templestowe v Croydon. The Basin v Mulgrave.

■ Division 2 Reserves. Boronia 18.6 (114) d East Burwood 4.4 (28). Lilydale 6.9 (45) d Heathmont 4.9 (33). Waverley Blues 6.3 (39) d Ringwood 2.10 (22). Templestowe v Croydon. The Basin v Mulgrave.

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Croydon 9.6 (60) d The Basin 7.13 (55). East Burwood v Waverley Bluesw. Heathmont 8.9 (57) d Lilydale 8.8 (56). Mulgrave: Bye.

■ Division 3 Seniors. Donvale 16.11 (107)

d Coldstream 9.6 (60). Surrey Park 13.7 (85)

d Ferntree Gully 3.9 (27). Knox 19.12 (126)

d Upper Ferntree Gully 2.2 (14). Oakleigh District 16.12 (108) d Silvan 12.12 (84). Fairpark 15.9 (99) d Warrandyte 7.7 (49).

■ Division 3 Reserves. Donvale 15.9 (99)

d Coldstream 3.0 (18). Surrey Park 8.5 (53) d Ferntree Gully 3.3 (21). Knox 10.7 (67) d Upper Ferntree Gully 9.4 (58). Oakleigh District 16.15 (111) d Silvan 3.6 (24). Warrandyte 6.14 (50) d Fairpark 6.8 (44).

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Knox 11.14 (80)

d Warrandyte 5.5 (35). Donvale 14.5 (89) d Coldstream 6.5 (41). Ferntree Gully 10.17 (77) d Surrey Park 3.6 (24). Fairpark: Bye. Upper Ferntree Gully: Bye.

■ Division 4 Seniors. Chirnside Park 13.12 (90) d Croydon North MLOC 11.11 (77). Kilsyth 19.29 (143) d Forest Hill 0.4 (4). Whitehorse 12.25 (97) d Nunawading 8.4 (52). Scoresby: Bye.

■ Division 4 Reserves. Chirnside Park 6.9 (45) d Croydon North MLOC 6.5 (41). Kilsyth 11.14 (80) d Forest Hill 3.6 (24). Whitehorse Pioneers 25.12 (162) d Nunawading 4.1 (25). Scoresby: Bye.

■ Division 4 Under 19.5. South Belgrave 6.11 (47) d Berwick 3.6 (24). Blackburn v Scoresby. Chirnside Park v Mitcham. Kilsyth 18.17 (125) d Ferntree Gully/South Croydon 2.2 (14).

Northern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Heidelberg 20.7 (127) d Banyule 4.9 (33). Macleod 10.17 (77) d West Preston-Lakeside 11.10 (76). North Heidelberg 18.2 (110) d Greensborough 14.10 (94). Bundoora 14.10 (94) d Hurstbridge 13.13 (91). Montmorency 12.19 (91)_ d Eltham 10.8 (68).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Heidelberg 19.12

(126) d Banyule 3.2 (20). West Preston-Lakeside 20./13 (133) d Macleod 7.8 (50). Greensborough 32.14 (206) d North Heidelberg 5.4 (34). Hurstbridge 17.21 (123) d Bundoora 3.6 (24). Montmorency 17.5 (107) d Eltham 9.6 (60).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Diamond Creek 17.10 (1123) d Banyule 5.5 (35). montmorency 9.4 (58) d Eltham 6.14 (50). Greensborough 9.12 (66) drew with North Heidelberg 10.6 (66).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Lower Plenty 10.9 (69) d St Mary’s 9.14 (68). South Morang 17.11 (113) d Laurimar 10.9 (69). Whittlesea 19.11 (125) d Thomastown 6.9 945). Panton Hill 9.20 (74) d Watsonia 4.9 (33). Diamond Creek 14.11 (95) d Northcote Park 8.5 (53).

■ Division 2 Reserves. St Mary’s 18.13 (109) d Lower Plenty 12.2 (74). South Morang 17.18 (118) d Laqurimar 4.7 (31). Whittlesea 8.14 (62) d Thomastown 4.13 (37). Watsonia 9.11 (65) d Panton Hill 6.14 (50). Diamond Creek 23.15 (153) d Northcote Park 2.3 (15).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Hurstrbridge 15.8 (98) d Lower Plenty 9.8 (62). Whittlesea 14.17 (101) d Thomastown 3.9 (27). South Morang 15.20 (110) d West Preston-Lakeside 5.3 (33). St Mary’s 22.11 (143) d Laurimar 3.2 (20).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Epping 8.6 (54) d Kinglake 7.6 (48). Fitzroy Stars 15.9 (99) d Old Paradians 6.10 (46). Ivanhoe 23.11 (149) d Heidelberg West 5.4 (34). Mernda 11.9 (75) d Old Eltham Collegians 8.10 (58). Reservoir 18.9 (117) d Lalor 13.8 (86). Kilmore: Bye.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Epping 15.14 (104) d Kinglake 9.6 (60). Fitzroy Stars 12.15 (87) d old Paradians 7.5 (47). Heidelberg West 23.4 (142) d Ivanhoe 6.9 (45). Lalor 10.9 (69) d Reservoir 5.13 (43). Mernda 22.15 (147) d Old Eltham Collegians 3.2 (20). Kilmore: Bye.

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Macleod 9.9 (63) d Banyule 6./8 (44). Panton Hill 13.7 (85) d Bundoora 12.10 (82). Diamond Creek 15.7 (97) d Mernda 7.11 (53). Old Paradians 10.12 (72) d Greensborough 8.5 (53).

Outer East

■ Premier Division Seniors. Olinda-Ferny Creek 13.14 (92) d Emerald 12.10 (82). Woori Yallock 8.12 (60) d Officer 8.9 (57). Berwick Springs 14.5 (89) d Gembrook-Cockatoo 9.14 (68). Narre Warren 9.10 (64) d Pakenham 3.6 (24). Wandin 15.10 (100) d Mt Evelyn 13.6 (84). Monbulk 15.12 (102) d UpweyTecoma 5.2 (32).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Emerald 8.6 (54) d Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.7 (43). Officer 10.6 (66) d Woori Yallock 9.9 (63). Gembrook-Cockatoo 10.7 (67) d Berwick Springs 4.9 (33). Narre Warren 6.10 (46) d Pakenham 7.3 (45). Mt Evelyn 9.9 (63) d Wandin 5.6 (36). Upwey-Tecoma 13.18 (96) d Monbulk 0.2 (2).

■ Division 1 Seniors. Seville 15.12 (102) d Belgrave 8.8 (56). Healesville 11.14 (80) d Warburton-Millgrove 5.7 (37). Alexandra 20.17 (137) d Powelltown 8.6 (54). Yarra Junction 10.9 (69) d Yarra Glen 6.7 (43). Yea: Bye.

■ Division 1 Reserves. Yarra Glen 7.7 (49) d Yarra Junction 6.9 (45). Belgrave 6.12 (48) d Seville 5.9 (39). Warburton-Millgrove 7.5 (47) d Healesville 6.7 (43). Powelltown 11.10 (76) d Alexandra 9.6 (60). Yea: Bye.

■ Under 19 Boys. Upwey-Tecoma 13.14 (92) d Wandin 0.5 (5). Officer 10.9 (69) d Gembrook-Cockatoo 9.1 (55). Narre Warren 11.10 (76) d Pakenham 4.6 (30).

■ Under 18 Boys. Olinda-Ferny Creek 9.14 (68) d Seville 6.4 (40). Healesville 11.5 (71) d Woori Yallock 7.10 (52). Mt Evelyn 13.20 (98) d Upwey-Tecoma 2.7 (19).

■ Women’s Division 1 Seniors. Healesville 13.17 (95) d Berwick Springs 0.0 (0). Pakenham 9.11 (65) d Belgrave 0.2 (2). OlindaFerny Creek: BGye. Upwey-Tecoma: Bye.

■ Women’s Division 2 Seniors. Warburton Wesburn 12.7 (79) d Wandin 4.2 (26). Monbulk 8.10 (58) d Thornton-Eildon 1.1 (7). Emerald 11.10 (76) d Seville 3.5 (23). Woori Yallock 8.7 (55) d Officer 3.1 (19).

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Cheltenham 24.12 (156) d Chelsea Heights 3.1 (19). Cranbourne Eagles 15.12 (102) d Port Melbourne Colts 3.3 (21). Din gley 16.12 (108) d East Brighton 5.9 (39). Springvale Districts 15.10 (100) d Bentleigh 9.13 (67). St Paul’s McKinnon 20.9 (129) d Mordialloc 9.1 (55).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Highett 11.9 (75) d Caulfield Bears 10.11 (71). Doveton Doves 14.7 (91) d Murrumbeena 8.4 (52). Endeavour Hills 15.12 (102) d Skye 3.7 (25). Keysborough 19.9 (123) d St Kilda City 8.16 (64).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Frankston Dolphins 15.16 (106) d Ashwood 9.4 (58). Heatherton 14.19 (103) d South Mornington 6.4 (40). Lyndhurst 17.10 (112) d Narre South Saints 6.2 (38). Carrum Patterson Lakes 22.19 (151) d Black Rock 2.7 (19).

■ Division 4 Seniors. Lyndale 14.14 (98) d Clayton 4.9 (33). Hampton 20.16 (136) d Dandenong West 6.6 (42). Hallam 15.12 (102) d Moorabbin 13.9 (87). Doveton Eagles 10.8 (68) d South Yarra 8.8 (56).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Caroline Springs 13.15 (93) d Point Cook 5.4 (34). Point Cook Centrals 7.10 (52) d Spotswood 4.11 (35). Altona 9.7 (61) d Yarraville Seddon Eagles 4.7 (31). Hoppers Crossing 7.6 (48) drew with Parkside 6.12 (48). Werribee Districts: Bye.

■ Division 1 Reserves. Caroline Springs 15.12 (102) d Point Cook 2.3 (15). Spotswood 20.18 (138) d Point Cook 2.5 (17. Hoppers Crossing 12.10 (82) d Parkside 5.9 (39). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 8.8 (56) d Altona 6.10 (46). Werribee Districts: Bye.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Braybrook 14.16 (100) d Sunshine Heights 4.4 (28). North Footscray 28.20 (188) d North Sunshine 5.7 (37). Sunshine 29.27 (201) d Western Rams 3.3 (21). Albanvale 19.16 (130) d Tarneit 2.4 (16). Albion 14.5 (89) d Wyndhamvale 4.4 (28). West Footscray 18.17 (125) d Laverton 9.10 (64).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Braybrook 17.15 (117) d Sunshine Heights 2.5 (17). North Footscray 27.13 (175) d North Sunshine 0.34 (4). Sunshine 21.14 (140) d Western Rams 1.1 (7). Albanvale 25.11 (161) d Tarneit 2.2 (14). Newport 12.14 (86) d Suns 2.4 (16). Albion 12.4 (76) d Wyndhamvale 4.7 (31). West Footscray 11.5 (71) d Laverton 4.1 (25).

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Mooroopna 17.12 (114) d Benalla 10.8 (68). Shepparton 23.11 (149) d Mansfield 10.8 (68) Kyabram v Rochester. ■ Reserves. Mooroopna 15.15 (105) d Benalla 3.2 (2). Mansfield 11.7 (73) d Shepparton 9.6 (60). Kyabram v Rochester.

■ Under 19. Mooroopna 9.12 (66) d Benalla 3.9 (21). Shepparton 14.9 (93) d Mansfield 4.2 (26). Kyabram v Rochester.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Macedon 8.9 (57) d Kyneton 8.5 (53). Romsey 11.12 (78) de Melton Centrals 5.2 (32). Diggers Rest 12.7 (79) d Wallan 6.11 (47). Riddell 8.11 (59) d Woodend 8.5 (53). Lancefield: Bye.

■ Reserves. Kyneton 9.8 (62) d Macedon 7.5 (47). Romsey 19.16 (130) d Melton Centrals 0.4 (4). Wallan 4.3 (27) d Diggers Rest 2.10 (22). Riddell 16.7 (103) d WoodendHesket 4.6 (30). Lancefield: Bye.

■ Under 19.5. Lancefield 7.13 (55) d Riddell 5.1 (31). Macedon 14.8 (92) d Kyneton 4.6 (30). Gisborne Giants 11.14 (80) d Romsey 3.3 (21). Wallan 9.5 (59) d Diggers Rest 9.5 (59).

Geelong

■ Seniors. East Geelong 10.9 (69) d Thomson 7.11 (53). Winchelsea 17.7 (109) d Bannockburn 10.13 (73). Werribee Centrals 16.15 (111) d GW Giants 6.4 (40).

■ Reserves. East Geelong 11.11 (77) d Thomson 3.5 (23). Bannockburn 8.16 (64) d Winchelsea 5.8 (38). Werribee Centrals 7.15 (57) d GW Giants 3.6 (24).

Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.45.5.

This is a period in which you could meet only, but make sure your previous relationships are sorted out. You will be very busy socially, and everyone should have fun.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6.7.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 3.12.23.24.35.44 It's time to get going and finish the jobs that have been left until later. Some of your plans might not work as they were supposed to, but things will settle soon, and your mind will be at peace.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.23.23.34.43.44. You could return to old paths and meet long-lost friends. Most of your plans should work well if you have done your homework and do not rely on others to get things going.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 6.7.23.34.41.33. Do not waste your time worrying about something that probably will never happen. Ensure you do the right thing about your health and then forget it. Something happy is about to happen.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.35.28.6. There will be many happy moments with loved ones; you could be a sought-after guest during this period. With your natural good humour and talent for diplomacy, you will overcome problems.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.35.7. Surprises and changes of direction could happen now. Your travel plans could be cancelled or deferred, and you could be tempted to overspend when not so sensible.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.37.45.9. People will be pleased if you tell them how you feel about them. Communication is the keyword for this period. You could find a small way to improve your financial situation, which could keep you busy for some time.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.6.7. Lotto Numbers: 5.7.23.34.33.44. You might be critical to someone, and your help is vital to this person in the future. Excellent news from far away should boost your ego and bank balance—some good vibes from a Virgo.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.4.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.34.42.11. If you are planning travel, make sure all your appointments and bookings are double-checked, as there could be some cancellations or deferrals. It's no good starting an argument with a well-known pig-headed person.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.3.5.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.45.22 It's not a good time to exchange secrets. If you want to keep something confidential, you better keep quiet. You should be much more successful in your romantic life than you have been.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4.

Lotto Numbers: 1.3.23.25.34.44. You could be offered a holiday out of the blue, and someone could show a particular interest in your ideas. In business, you might need to consult an expert for problems you cannot handle yourself.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.4.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.24.34.35. Make sure you do an excellent job of doing particular chores given to you by people in authority; this could lead to something more profitable. Someone is waiting to hear from you.

REBELS ON WINNERS’ LIST

NFNL Netball

Bulldogs hold firm despite surge

■ North Heidelberg 5 returned to the winners list in the NFNL Division 5 senior netball competition, holding off an impressive Laurimar 2 outfit in the final quarter to prevail by three goals at RMIT University.

After producing a seven-goal advantage at both half time and during the final break, the Bulldogs were forced to hold on to their lead against a Power side who surged home in the last quarter with eight goals.

But North Heidelberg were able to find the net when it mattered and did enough to finish 28-25 winners.

The Bulldogs’ scoring was split by competition leading star shooter Josie Beattie (15 goals) and goal shooter Elise Pullybank (13).

Danni-Elle Eloff was another who had an impact on the result, playing multiple positions during the game in the midcourt, while Rhianna Yelland was incredibly influential in goal defence, and conceded just four goals to direct opponents throughout the match.

Bronwyn Capp did all she could for Laurimar and scored 12 of her side’s 15 goals in the second half to almost help her side produce a great comeback. She finished the game with 21 goals, meanwhile, Olivia Morales was another that stood out for the Power despite the defeat.

The match opened with a solid first quarter from both teams. Beattie and Capp were kept busy in the attacking circles for their respective sides and combined 11 of the 14 goals to come from the quarter.

It created a small two-goal lead for the Bulldogs at quarter time, with Laurimar being able to keep up for most of the term, but it was the second quarter in which North Heidelberg threatened to break the game open.

They produced a nine-goal term, with their transition work a particular highlight.

Defensive pair Elodie Williamson and Rhianna Yelland lifted their work rate to another level during the quarter and were able to restrict the Power to four goals, helping extend North Heidelberg’s lead to seven by half time.

But Laurimar responded well in the third quarter to not allow their opponents to run away with the match. Sheena Becker at wing attack and Eleanor Shephard at centre were terrific in getting the ball down the court quickly in an attempt to put the Bulldogs’ defenders on the backfoot.

With the help of the additional pace, Capp was able to make the most of her chances on goal and scored all seven of the Power’s goals in the third term.

North Heidelberg however were able to match the intensity and scored seven goals of their own to still maintain their half time advantage approaching the final term.

In one final push to reduce the margin, Laurimar impressed during the last quarter, and produced their highest scoring term of the game with eight goals. On top of that, they kept the Bulldogs to just four goals as they surged hard to turn the result around. But as time wound down, the work that had been done in the previous three quarters proved to be enough for North Heidelberg to hang on to their lead and finish threegoal victors.

- Elly Kirlis/NFNL

■ Alexandra Seniors 20.17 (137) recorded an 83-point wion against Powelltown 8.6 (54) in last Saturday’s Outer East Round 12 mtach at the Powelly oval.

The Club will host Healesville on Saturday, July 20, the Rebels celebrating 140 years since inception in 1884, also recognising Life Members and Sponsors.

On Saturday, August 10, Alexandra Football Netball Club will host Yarra Junction as part of Ladies Day celebrations.

2024 Club memberships are available: $200 – Patron, $150 – Family and $100 – Members. $600 Rebel Raiser Sponsor together with Business, Corporate, Executive and Major Sponsor packages available, so if you would like to support the Club, please contact Ray Steyger on 5772 2627.

Supporters can order your merchandise –polo shirts, warm up shirts @ $50, hoodies, vests @ $70, casual shorts, netball top @ $40, Club stubby holders @ $10, travel mugs @ $15, peaked caps and beanies @ $25, visors @ $20, bumper stickers are free.

Thursday night dinners are available after training with main course and sweets – adults $20 and kids $15, everyone is welcome.

Supporters have been impressed with the new First Nations jumpers and netball dresses which were designed by Aunty Irene.

Club President Ray Steyger said: “A big thank you to the Club sub-committee that worked very hard to make it all happen, to our sponsors Hedger Constructions, Eildon Bakery Café, Peers Earthmoving and Murrindindi Council.

Kinglake scores

SENIORS

EPPING ............ 1.3, 2.5, 4.5, 8.6 (54)

KINGLAKE ........ 1.1, 3.2, 5.5, 7.6 (48)

Best Players. Epping: Liam Waldren, Corey Middleton, James Tadd, Cooper Scott, Jordan Hollow, Jake Conway. Kinglake: Bailey Robinson, Shane Harvey, Corey Shenholds, Roray McIntyre, Kristopher Douglas, Mitchell Skipper.

RESERVES

EPPING ...... 0.3, 2.3, 9.8, 15.14 (104)

KINGLAKE ........ 4.1, 6.2, 9.4, 9.6 (60)

Best Players. Epping: Finnen Hoare, Adam Rose, Jason Stavely, Tarkin Kunelius, Dean Bubis, Jaedyn Kearney. Kinglake: Brent Freeman, Logan Campbell, Bailey Lawrenson, Adam Wiseman, Matthew Newton, Jackson Dwyer.

AFL fixtures

ROUND 18

Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14

Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda (AO)

Collingwood vs. Geelong Cats (MCG)

Gold Coast SUNS vs. Port Adelaide (HBS) Hawthorn vs. Fremantle (UTAS)

Melbourne vs. Essendon (MCG) Richmond vs. GWS GIANTS (MCG)

Sydney Swans vs. North Melbourne (SCG) West Coast Eagles vs. Brisbane Lions (OS) Western Bulldogs vs. Carlton (MRVL)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2024 Free in The Local Paper

OUTER EASTERN LADDERS

PREMIER DIVISION

SENIORS. 1. Narre Warren, 44. 2. Woori Yallock, 44. 3. Wandin, 40. 4. UpweyTecoma, 32. 5. Olinda-Ferny Creek, 28. 6. Mt Evelyn, 20. 7. Monbulk, 20. 8. Officer, 20. 9. Pakenham, 12. 10. GembrookCockatoo, 12. 11. Emerald, 8. 12. Berwick Springs, 8. RESERVES. 1. Upwey-Tecoma, 44. 2. Officer, 36. 3. Narre Warren, 36. 4. Wandin, 32. 5. Gembrook-Cockatoo, 32. 6. Mt Evelyn, 28. 7. Pakenham, 20. 8. Monbulk, 16. 9. Woori Yallock, 12. 10. Olinda-Ferny Creek, 12. 11. Berwick Springs, 12. 12. Emerald, 8.

DIVISION 1

SENIORS. 1. Healesville, 270.79, 40. 2. Seville, 213.82, 38. 3. WarburtonMillgrove, 134.69, 36. 4. Alexandra, 191.37, 32. 5. Belgrave, 171.24, 30. 6. Yea, 94.18, 28. 7. Yarra Glen, 46.85, 16. 8. Yarra Junction, 41.71, 12. 9. Powelltown, 23.33, 8. RESERVES. 1. Belgrave, 488.40, 48. 2. Seville, 323.65, 40. 3. Healesville, 321.53, 38. 4. Warburton-Millgrove, 195.87, 32. 5. Yea, 85.74, 24. 6. Alexandra, 50.96, 20. 7. Powelltown, 38.30, 18. 8. Yarra Glen, 18.28, 12. 9. Yarra Junction, 40.50, 10. BOYS

UNDER 19. 1. Narre Warren, 44. 2. Pakenham, 28. 3. Upwey-Tecoma, 24. 4. Officer, 24. 5. Gembrook-Cockatoo, 4. 6. Wandin, 0. UNDER 18. 1. Mt Evelyn, 38. 2. Healesville, 32. 3. Woori Yallock, 30. 4. UpweyTecoma, 16. 5. Olinda-Ferny Creek, 12. 6. Seville, 0. WOMEN

DIVISION 1. 1. Pakenham, 40. 2. Healesville, 36. 3. Upwey-Tecoma, 24. 4. OlindaFerny Creek, 16. 5. Belgrave, 8. 6. Berwick Springs, 8.

DIVISION 2. 1. Warburton-Millgrove, 42. 2. Monbulk, 40. 3. Woori Yallock, 36. 4. Emerald, 30. 5. Wandin, 22. 6. Officer, 18. 7. Seville, 4. 8. Thornton-Eildon, 0.

Scoreboard

Outer East

SENIORS

SEVILLE .. 5.5, 7.7, 13.8, 15.12 (102)

BELGRAVE ..... 2.2, 3.4, 5.4, 8.8 (56) Best Players. Seville: Jack Nolan, Jake Roe-Duggan, Shaun McMillan, Daniel Iacuone3, Jsutin Myers, Sonny Saninga. Belgrave: Aaron Green, Joshua Brown, Josh Wynen, Robbie Bertalli, Daniel Noy, Taj Pentland.

HEALES. ... 4.1, 6.8, 7.12, 11.14 (80) WARB-MILL. .... 1.2, 1.3, 4.6, 5.7 (37) Best Players. Healesville: Nick Mende, Dale Senior, Luke Potts, Jason Savage, Connor Ballingall, Charlie Warren. Warurton-Millgrove: Shawn Andueza, Timothy McKail, Dylan Walker, Thomas Baker, Nelson Aldridge, Jake Byrush.

ALEX. ... 6.3, 8.7, 14.10, 20.17 (137) P’TOWN ........ 2.1, 4.2, 5.6, 8.6 (54) Best Players. Alexandra: Harry Reed, Harrison Kelly, Lachlan Nankervis, Ben Jack, Riley Frankcombe, Stephen Steiner. Powelltown: Ben Wratten, David Wallace, Nathan Moody, Mitchell McLaughlin, Dean Roy, Kane McDonald.

Y. JUNC. ... 4.4, 7.5, 10.9, 10.9 (69) Y. GLEN ........ 0.1, 1.3, 3.3, 6.7 (43) Best Players. Yarra Junction: Luke Spaulding, Leigh McCombe, Adam Gleeson, Cooper Holmes, Jake Robertson, Coryn Reiffel. Yarra Glen: Noah Battle, Marcus Kikidopoulos, Caleb Surplice, Chris Webber, Sam Wood, Chris Beattie. Yea had the bye.

Y. GLEN ......... 1.0, 3.4, 5.4, 7.7 (49) Y. JUNC. .......... 2., 3.4, 5.8, 6.9 (45) Best Players. Yarra Glen: Willioam Duff, Daniel Kelly, Taylor Bryans, Kobey Jarvis, Lachlan rawford, Luke Harris. Yarra Junction: Bryuce Woollard, Caylen Forbes, Daynen Barclay, Paul Young, Sean Jordan, Brendan Ganson.

BELGRAVE .. 2.6, 2.7, 3.12, 6.12 (48) SEVILLE ........ 1.2, 5.6, 5.6, 5.9 (39) Best Players. Belgrave: Alex Harvey, Ryan Hurst, Nicholas Boundy, Zacv Walden, Mark Abson, Nicholas Somerville. Seville: Luke D’Antini, Tyler Pereira, Darcey Boprhauer, Rhys Djohan, Christopher Unmack, Nathan Clements.

WARB-MILL. ... 5.2, 5.3, 7.4, 7.5 (47) HEALES. ........ 0.2, 2.2, 4.3, 6.7 (43) Best Players. Warburton-Millgrove: Ricky Andueza, Liam Barnard, David Bedggood, Mitchell Gordon, Daniel Schlueter. Healesville: Jack Methven, Kobe Brown, Michael Evans, Daniel Ebbels, Rocky Hay, Max Renouf.

P’TOWN .... 4.2, 8.7, 10.8, 11.10 (76) ALEX. ........... 3.1, 4.2, 7.5, 9.6 (60) Best Players. Powelltown: Mitchell McLaughlin, Grant Newing, Rhys Goodinson, Dan McInnes, William Rogers, Steven Sanders. Alexandra: Joshua Crane, Tony Ward, Luke Wal, Nathaniel Kerle, Cooper Phillips, Lachlan Collard.

NFNL Women’s

Next Weekend’s Matches

■ Division 1. Friday, July 12. Montmorency v Diamond Creek. Sunday, July 14. St Mary’s v Heidelberg. Darebin v Banyule.

■ Division 2. Saturday, July 6. Fitzroy Stars 15.6 (96) d Thomastiown 0.3 (3). Sunday, July 14. Darebin v Whittlesea. West Preston-Lakeside v Greensborough. Lower Plenty v Montmorency. Mernda v Ivanhoe.

■ Division 3. Epping v Panton Hill. Hurstbridge v Diamond Creek. Wallan v Heidelberg West. Laurimar v North Heidelberg. South Morang: Bye.

● ● ● ● Alexandra’s D-Grade netballers in late June at Warburton. Photo: Rebels.

Scoreboard

NFNL Netball

June 28 Results

Netball resumes Friday, July 12

■ Division 1. Whittlesea 1`48 d Bundoora

1 38. Heat 1 45 d Fitzroy Stars 1 34. North Heidelberg 1 67 d North Heidelberg 2 39,. Diamond Creek: Bye.

■ Division 2. Greensborough 1 50 d Montmorency 1 37. North Heidelberg 3 41 d Hurstbridge 1 23. Heat 2 46 d Hume 1 38. Watsonia 1 45 d Bundoora 2 35.

■ Division 3. Old Eltham Collegians 1 43 d Bundoora 3 41. Kinglake 1 52 d Whittlesea 2 32. South Morang 34 d Heat 3 31. Thomastown 12 40 d Heidelberfg West 1 34. Fitzroy Stars 2: Bye.

■ Division 4. North Heidelberg 4 41 d Diamond Creek 2 26. Kilmore 1 34 d La Tropbe 1 30. Heat 4 34 d Montmorency 2 24. Laurimar 1 26 d Greensborough 2 20. Hazel Glen 1 27 d St Mary’s 1 14. West Ivanhoe 1: Bye.

■ Division 5. Heat 5 48 d Laurimar 2 17. Bundoora 4 29 d Hume 2 28. Broadford 2 33 d Hurstbridge 2 26. Oak Park Flyers 1 38 d North Heidelberg 5 31. Greensborough 3 44 d Epping 1 18. Diamond Creek 3: Bye.

■ Division 6. Panton Hill 1 40 d Bundoora 6 26. Heat 6 40 d Bundoora 5 25. Thomastown 2 30 d Watsonia 3 26. La Trobe 2 26 d Watsonia 2 24. Broadford: Bye.

■ Division 7. Heidelberg 1 23 d Kinglake 2 19. Old Eltham Collegians 29 d Kilmore 2 24. Epping 4 40 d Hazel Glen 2 16. Whittlesea 3 22 d South Morang 2 22. Hurswtbridge 3: Bye.

■ Division 8. Diamond Creek 4 42 d Kilmore 3 24. Epping 2 24 d Kilmore 4 21. Montmorency 3 29 d Hazel Glen 3 18. Greensborough 4 27 d Hurstbridge 4 19. Bundoora 2: Bye.

■ Division 9. St Mary’s 2 18 drew with Greensborough 7 18. Epping 3 29 d Heat 8 11. Thomastown 3 33 d Heat 7 21. Hurstbridge 6 22 d Old Eltham Collegians 3 20. Watsonia 4 25 d South Morang 3 12. Hurstbridge 5: Bye.

■ Division 10. Greensborough 5 17 d Whittlesea 4 13. Diamond Creek 5 32 d Bundoora 8 28. Kinglake 3 32 d Kilmore 4 23. La Trobe 3 39 d Hurstbridge 7 11. Lauirmar 4: Bye.

■ Division 11. Lauirmar 3 33 d Fitzroy Stars 3 27. West Preston-Lakeside 1 29 d Kilmore 7 21. Kilmore 6 23 d Montmoirency 4 17. Broadford 3 29 d Heat 9 23. Northcote Park 1: Bye.

■ Division 12. Watsonia 5 22 d Lalor 1 18. Bundoora 11 55 d Fitzroy Stars 4 10. Kilmore 8 32 d Bundoora 10 15. West Ivanhoe 2: Bye.

■ Division 13. Heidelberg West 2 21 d Bundoora 9 18. La Trobe 4 23 drew with Thomastown 4 23. Greensborough 6 23 d South Morang 4 20. Epping 5 29 d Montmorency 5 10.

■ Division 14. Epping 2 38 d Hurstbridge 8 9. Hazel Glen 4 23 d South Morang 5 9. Epping 6 29 d Hazel Glen 5 4. Kilmore: Bye.

NFNL Juniors

■ Two games were played in Under 18 Girls, with Montmorency Park North Oval hosting the Montmorency and Research clash. The ladder leading Searchers produced a fourgoal to nil opening term, and never looked back thereafter on their way to a 56-point victory to move to 11-0 for the season. For the third time in the last four weeks, Ally Pilakis nailed five majors, while teammate Alli Allen starred for the winning side. Lily Stubbs had another great performance for the Magpies.

Diamond Creek Women’s made the trip to take on Eltham at Susan Street Reserve. The Creekers were comfortable 25-point winners when these two sides last met, but this time the Panthers looked in control for most of the afternoon, leading by as much as 27 points at half time before going on to prevail by 13 points. Livi Herrick’s terrific patch of form for the home side continued with another solid performance while Shelby Earps kicked two goals. For the sixth straight match, Willow Priest got on the scoreboard for the Creekers. - NFNL

Local Sport STARS DOMINANT OVER BEARS

■ The Fitzroy Stars continue to stake their claim as a 2024 NFNL Division 2 women’s premiership hopeful, after a big 93-point triumph over Thomastown at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval on Saturday.

Booting 10 goals in the opening half, the Stars ensured the ball barely went in their defensive half, finishing the game with their second highest score of the season in a 15.6 (96) to 0.3 (3) win.

With her side securing the NAIDOC Cup, Natarsha Bamblett received the Esme Bamblett Medal after another excellent performance which included two goals, while Northern Knights listed star Amina Keegan led the way with four majors inside forward 50 to make it 10 goals in four Stars games.

Medika Bonney and Stephanie Briggs controlled proceedings in midfield and were a hard duo to keep a handle on with their pace and burst from stoppages, while Alli-Jade Briggs had a 50th game to remember, and also got on the scoreboard with a fourth quarter major.

With multiple key players out of the side, Thomastown struggled to keep up with their opponents but still produced some great contributors.

They were a better side when Chiara Nardo was on the field, who in the three quarters she played, was at her electric best in midfield and in the attacking half.

Cara Mazzarella was also impressive, with her booming long kicks often getting the Bears out of danger in defensive 50; meanwhile Sierra Te’o got better as the game went on and was one of the side’s more efficient players.

The Stars had the ascendency to start the match and were eager to pressure their Thomastown opponents and put damage on the scoreboard early.

They booted three goals inside the opening 10 minutes, with both Bonney and Briggs catalysts behind the home side’s brilliant start to the contest.

Thomastown soon arrested the momentum that was trending the Stars’ way and were able to maintain the ball inside their attacking half with repeat inside 50 entries, but they were unable to get good looks on goal, despite Nardo’s solo runs from the centre square.

Eventually the Fitzroy Stars got on the board again as they slowly moved the footy back towards their attacking 50 to take a 25-point lead into quarter time.

Nardo sat out during the second term due to injury, and it was apparent that her side were unable to maintain possession of the ball in the quarter.

Mazzarella did all she could for the visitors, but the Fitzroy Stars had an answer to every challenge thrown their way and went on to have a terrific six-goal quarter, five of which coming in the first 12 minutes of the term.

Three of those came from Keegan, who’s forward craft always put Thomastown defenders under pressure, while the hosts’ midfield group ensured nothing got past the halfway point of the ground, with their rebound work and ball winning ability excellent.

Leading by 63 points at the main break, the Fitzroy Stars were keen to inflict more pressure on their opposition, but with Chiara Nardo back on the field, Thomastown looked like a more settled lineup, and were starting to wrestle back momentum of the game.

The visitors were unable to produce any attacks forward however, and were kept to one behind for the quarter, while the Stars eventually broke through and kicked three majors in four minutes to extend the margin to 80 points.

The best of the three goals was produced by Natarsha Bamblett, who on the run, got the onetwo handball from a teammate, and delivered a classy finish from close range.

In the final term, the match started to slow down with the hosts looking to play a more possession-based game, while still applying pressure to the Thomastown ball carrier on every occasion.

Two more majors from the Stars secured a strong 93-point victory, as they look to book another finals berth with two home and away games to play.

- Nicholas Sacco/NFNL

Roos keep season alive

■ Macleod pulled off a brilliant upset to keep their hopes of remaining in the NFNL Division 1 competition alive, after a nail-biting one-point win over West Preston-Lakeside at De Winton Park.

Seven majors were kicked between the two sides in an entertaining final term, with scores level in the last minute of the match.

Macleod’s William Tsitsis found himself in space close to goal with seconds remaining, and managed to put through a behind, and despite the Roosters’ best efforts to surge forward with urgency, time ran out with the Roos prevailing 10.17 (77) to 11.10 (76).

After Bundoora pulled off an upset of their own on the same day, Macleod still occupy bottom spot and sit a game behind the Bulls, but also Eltham, meaning they keep themselves in the hunt to avoid relegation with six games to play.

Mackenzie Hogg returned to Macleod’s side and excelled again in midfield, always driving his side in attack, while Darcy Barden’s incredible campaign continued again, and kicked four important goals in an inspirational performance to get the home side over the line.

The Roosters were led by Matthew Harman in ruck and around the ground, while Kobe Brown was the away side’s most dangerous forward during the afternoon, kicking three goals.

Jake Chiminello got things underway for Macleod within a minute and half after converting his set shot from a free kick, before both sides had opportunities to kick majors over the next 10 minutes but were unsuccessful.

But the goals soon flowed again as Anthony Doherty and Callum Gibson found the big sticks for the Roos and Roosters respectively before Barden began to assert his dominance inside 50, with a strong one-on-one mark and set shot conversion.

Macleod then had a fourth when Doherty ran onto the loose ball inside 50 and nailed the running shot. It was the second time the home side had capitalised off a turnover in the middle of the ground, with their pressure on West PrestonLakeside’s midfielders allowing them to take an early advantage into quarter time.

The Roosters managed a late major to end the opening term and started to reduce the deficit even further in the second quarter, as Kobe Brown kicked back-to-back goals to make it a two-point match at the eight-minute mark.

Craig Hayes’ men responded by creating a goal-for-goal period of the match midway through the second quarter, with Chiminello and Barden for the hosts, and Gibson and Dante Colosimo for the Roosters keeping the scoreboard ticking.

West Preston-Lakeside would hit the front for the first time late in the term, when 2022 Frank Rosbrook Medallist Matthew Harman took a strong contested mark and nailed his set shot

at the 24-minute mark, helping his side establish a six-point half time lead.

The third term would dry up scoring wise, with Macleod particularly missing a huge opportunity to produce a big advantage by three quarter time.

They would kick eight behinds and no goals during the term, with all their behinds coming in an 11-minute period.

After their eighth behind, the Roos led by a point, but with only their second shot on goal for the term, Ian Aitken’s men did find the big sticks, courtesy of Nick Baring, who was playing his second game of the season.

Trailing by six points again heading into the final term, Macleod remained determined to produce multiple inside 50 entries and were starting to get reward for effort.

Barden kicked things off with consecutive majors inside the opening three minutes to regain the home side’s advantage before Zac Hudson also converted his set shot moments later, to see the Roos in complete control of the contest.

West Preston-Lakeside didn’t let the margin extend any further however, following goals from Brown and Colosimo to bring the deficit back to a point approaching time on.

Kurt Manuel and James Stepien then traded majors for either side before an Adam Valeri behind at the 26-minute mark tied things up.

The ball than lived inside Macleod’s front half for the remainder of the game, with Tsitsis getting boot to ball to produce the match-winning point and his side’s second win of the 2024 campaign. - NFNL

● ● ● ● Fitzroy Stars 15.6 (96) d Thomastown 0.3 (3). NWM Studios.

Macleod 10.17 (77) d West Preston-Lakeside 11.10 (76).

Photos: NWM Studios

Sport

Mustangs prevail to end drought

Premiership credentials

■ The Fitzroy Stars were at their scintillating best in their top of the table NFNL Division 3 clash with Old Paradians, winning by 53 points to claim the NAIDOC Cup at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval.

After conceding the first two goals of the game, the Stars became relentless in attack, and produced 10 consecutive majors, which set up a very impressive 15.9 (99) to 6.10 (46) triumph, to win the NAIDOC Cup for the first time since 2017.

The Stars now sit on top of the ladder with a game in hand and are in the box seat to claim the minor premiership for the first time in club history. Old Paradians sit in third on the same points but are still favourable to solidify a top three position by season’s end.

There were multiple contributors in the victory for Lionel Proctor’s men. His son Kain showcased his best skills from the opening siren and maintained his form throughout the afternoon.

Allan Norris performed admirably in the ruck but impressed around the ground to earn the Esme Bamblett medal, while Gordon Bamblett and Jordan Proctor were excellent with their rebounding off half back.

The return of Patrick Farrant from VFL duty saw him immediately regain the form that saw him kick 18 goals in three matches earlier this season, kicking four majors for the afternoon. He was joined by Tyson Pickett with four of his own, while also playing multiple roles for the home side.

Sam Gilmore did have his way in the ruck for most of the match for the Raiders, winning hitouts on most occasions while also playing a key role as the extra man in defence when required.

Kyle O’Sullivan was again strong in midfield and did everything he could to win the ball for his side while Lachlan Murdoch was another who produced some great moments in what was otherwise a disappointing day for the visitors, who were missing many key players.

The first 10 minutes of the game saw Ben Turner’s men at their best, with both Murdoch and O’Sullivan finding the big sticks to get out to a 14-point lead.

The Fitzroy Stars had barely gained a possession in that time but as soon as they started to win the football, the tide immediately turned.

Kain Proctor provided the initial spark after kicking a remarkable goal on the run, despite practically being on the boundary line.

It sent the big home crowd into raptures and from then on, it was all the Stars.

The other highlight of the opening term was Patrick Farrant, who kicked three of his side’s five first quarter goals by illustrating the talent that has seen him been selected by Collingwood’s VFLteamonsixoccasionsin2024.

● ● Fitzroy Stars 15.9 (99) d Old Paradians 6.10 (46). NWM Studios.

Their five majors came in a 15-minute span which saw them lead by 18 points at quarter time.

The onslaught continued in the second, with Farrant kicking his fourth inside the first three minutes of the term.

Pickett then got involved and produced a three-goal quarter of his own, meanwhile Williamson’s second became another highlight to savour for the Fitzroy Stars, when he dribbled one through the big sticks from a tight angle.

The speed exuberated from the likes of Josh Close and Jordan Proctor was proving too hot to handle for Old Paradians, who could barely gain possession for seconds before losing the football or being held up by the Stars’ strong pressure.

Rufus Jones, who was swung up forward from quarter time, ended a 10-goal run by the home side late in the term, but were faced with a 50point deficit to chase at the main break.

Coming into the game, the Raiders had conceded the least number of points in the competition this year and started to show their defensive capabilities in the third quarter.

Despite Pickett kicking his fourth after oneminute of play, Old Paradians identified that the Stars were looking to hit Farrant with every inside 50 entry and whether it was Sam & Will Gilmore, or Declan Brunskill playing as the loose in defence, they were able to cut off more chance on goals from the home side.

It meant they conceded just eight points for the term, but they were unable to gain any ascendency forward themselves, despite majors from Lachie Kerr and second gamer Josh Lamers.

The final term was a slower quarter compared to the previous three, with the opening goal of the term not coming until the 11-minute mark, when Kerr kicked his second to make it a 37-point game.

But the Stars had the last laugh, with three goals in seven minutes to confirm one of the club’s best wins of the season.

- Nicholas Sacco/NFNL

■ Reservoir have opened their account in the 2024 NFNL Division 3 season, ending a 343- day winning drought after defeating Lalor by 31 points at Crispe Park.

After an even opening 20 minutes to the match, the Mustangs piled on nine consecutive majors in the first half to lead by as much as 44 points at the main break.

Despite the Bloods mounting a comeback to trial by just 10 points early in the last term, Res- ervoir held their nerve with six of the last nine goals of the match to register an 18.9 (117) to 13.8 (86)

Dominanttriumph.performances inside the forward half from Samuel Boyd, Mark Ferraro and Jamie Koutoufides helped the hosts get over the line, kicking five, four and four goals respectively.

The trio helped the club produce their high- est score since the 2015 Division 3 second semi-

Robert Holland was also influential and finished in his side’s best for the seventh consecutive game.

Victorious coach Rohan Davies was full of praise for his team’s ability to respond when Lalor challenged throughout the second half.

“We just had a couple of huge stand-up play- ers who swung it back in our favour and changed the momentum, we consolidated with a couple goals,” he Haydensaid.Chapman and Hayden Hunt per- formed well for Lalor, gaining plenty of dispos- als between them, while an equal season-high of six majors from Sam Rexhepi helped keep the Bloods in the hunt. His 2024 tally now moves to 41 majors, which is the most he has kicked in a year in Lalor colours.

Reservoir’s Adam Jacklin registered the first goal of the day, slotting a classy major with a snap out of a stoppage before the Bloods re- sponded strongly with the next three goals through Marc Demaria (who ended the game with four majors) and Rexhepi who produced two goals within a minute of each other.

The Mustangs dominated territory early, but poor entries and shots at goal lead to them fail- ing to make an impact on the scoreboard. On the flipside, Lalor were clinical with ball in hand and made the most of their opportunities, with Rexhepi being the main beneficiary by finding the big sticks three times in the first quarter.

But with a 10-point deficit staring at them late in the first, the Mustangs displayed their best patch of football in a long time and kicked nine straight majors which lasted until half time.

Boyd got the ball rolling, lunging forward and claiming a mark inside 50 before making no mistake with his set shot.

After an early injury scare, Mustangs star James El Moussalli returned to the field and provided some magic in the forward pocket, weaving his way in and out of traffic before completing the highlight with six points.

Jamie Koutoufides also had a strong second term, slotting two goals in the period.

Hayden Chapman had the chance to break a run of eight straight goals, but unfortunately for Lance Whitnall’s men, the kick only registered a minor score.

El Moussalli capped off a dominant first half for the hosts, slotting a goal after the half-time siren to hand the Mustangs a game high 44- pointLaloradvantage. drew first blood in the third term, thanks to Rexhepi who saw an open goal square when he wheeled around quickly from outside 50 and drilled it.

Chapman then made amends for his second term miss, when he found Scott Morrisson open on the fat side of the ground with a clever kick which resulted in another goal for the Bloods.

The visitors continued their dominance and slowly reduced the deficit. Rexhepi brought the margin to within five goals after he was the ben- eficiary of a down field free kick, before two late goals from Marc Demaria saw the margin sit at just 22 points heading into the final change.

Luke Decarne gave Lalor plenty of belief when he slotted the all-important first goal of the final term. His goal was followed by Rexhepi, who read the inside 50 entry best and produced his fifth major of the day, also reducing the mar- gin to just 10 points in the process.

But despite the Bloods having all the mo- mentum, the Mustangs fought hard to get the game back on their terms.

Mark Ferraro broke the run of Lalor goals when he got on the end of a handball receive and drilled a much-needed major from the boundary, giving the hosts a 16-point advantage nine minutes into the final term.

With the game in the balance, it was Samuel Boyd who stood tallest and asserted his author- ity on the contest, managing his fifth goal of the day just minutes later, before Ferraro completed his strong performance by slotting the sealing major to cue terrific scenes by the Reservoir faithful.

- Jack Ryan/NFNL

Outer East Netball

■ 13&U East. Narre Warren 34 d Pakenham 19. Bye: Berwick Springs, Beaconsfield, Berwick, ROC.

■ 13&U West. Narre Warren 30 d Pakenham 25. Bye: Berwicvk Springs, Beaconsfield,. Berwick, Cranbourne, Hampton Park, ROC.

■ 15&U East. Pakenham 27 d Narre

Warren 26. Bye: Beaconsfield, Berwick, Monbulk, ROC, Woori Yallock.

■ 15&U West. Narre Warren 35 d Pakenham 18. Bye: Berwick Springs, Beaconsfield, Berwick, Crambourne, Hampton Park, ROC, Victoria Samoa.

■ 17&U West. Narre Warren 37 d Pakenham 17. Bye: Beaconsfield, Berwick, Cranbourne, Hampton Park, ROC.

■ 17&U Premier Division. Wandin 49 d Mt Evelyn 11. ROC 54 d Woori Yallock 14. Pakenham 32 d Narre Warren 30. Berwick: Bye.

■ Premier Division A-Grade. Wandin 47 d Mt Evelyn 45. Emerald 70 d Olinda-Ferny Creek 44. Woori Yallock 56 d ROC 50. Gembrook-Cockatoo 49 d Berwick Springs 23. Narre Warren 57 d Pakenham 50. Monbulk 28 d Upwey-Tecoma 22.

■ Premier Division B-Grade. Mt Evelyn 47 d Wandin 45. Olinda-Ferny Creek 52 d Emerald 48. Woori Yallock 53 d ROC 52. Gembrook-Cockatoo 51 d Berwick Springs 30. Narre Warren 49 d Pakenham 44. Monbulk 52 d Upwey-Tecoma 34.

■ Premier Division C-Grade. Wandin 36 d Mt Evelyn 29. Emerald 34 d Olinda-Ferny Creek 16. ROC 51 d Woori Yallock 23. Gembrook-Cockatoo 37 d Berwick Springs 26. Narre Warren 44 d Pakenham 34. Monbulk 36 d Upwey-Tecoma 24.

■ Premier Division D-Grade. Wandin 23 d Mt Evelyn 21. Emerald 36 d OlindaFerny Creek 19. ROC 46 d Woori Yallock 21. Berwick Springs 22 d Gembrook-Cockatoo 21. Narre Warren 36 d Pakenham, 15. Monbulk 25 d Upwey-Tecoma 24.

■ Division 1 A-Grade. WarburtonMillgrove 61 d Healesville 34. Seville 63 d Belgrave 32. Yarra Glen 65 d Yarra Junction 47. Alexandra: Bye. Yea: Bye. ■ Division 1 B-Grade. WarburtonMillgrove 54 d Healesville 20. Powelltown 47 d Alexandra 34. Seville 52 d Belgrave 39. Yarra Glen 56 d Yarra Junction 24. Yea: Bye.

■ Division 1 C-Grade. WarburtonMillgrove 61 d Healesville 7. Seville 39 d Belgrave 32. Powelltown 30 drew with Alexandra 30. Yarra Glen 37 d Yarra unction 19. Yea: Bye.

■ Division 1 D-Grade. Seville 40 d Belgrave 20. Alexandra 54 d Powelltown 12. Yarra Glen 35 d Yarra Junction 5. Warburton-Millgrove: Bye3. Yea: Bye.

NFNL Ladders

■ Division 1 Seniors. 1. Heidelberg, 48. 2. Banyule, 32. 3. Montmorency, 28. 4. Greensborouigh, 28. 5. Hurstbridge, 28. 6. North Heidelberg, 28. 7. West PrestonLakeside, 16. 8. Bundoora, 12. 9. Eltham, 12. 10. Macleod, 8.

■ Division 1 Reserves. 1. Greensborouigh, 44. 2. Heidelberg, 40. 3. West Preston-Lakeside, 40. 4. Montmorency, 36. 5. Eltham, 20. 6. Hurstbridge, 20. 7. Banyule, 20. 8. Macleod, 18. 9. North Heidelberg, 4. 10. Bundoora, 0.

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. 1. Heidelberg, 32. 2. Diamond Creek, 32. 3. North Heidelberg, 30. 4. Eltham, 20. 5. Banyule, 16. 6. Greensborough, 14. 7. Montmorency, 8.

■ Division 2 Seniors. 1. Whittlesea, 52. 2. Diamond Creek, 44. 3. South Morang, 44. 4. St Mary’s, 28. 5. Lower Plenty, 22. 6. Thomastown, 20. 7. Panton Hill, 20. 8. Watsonia, 14. 9. Northcote Park, 12. 10. Laurimar, 4.

■ Division 3 Seniors. 1. Fitzroy Stars, 36. 2. Mernda, 36. 3. Old Paradians, 36. 4. Ivanhoe, 32. 5. Epping, 12. 6. Kilmore, 24. 7. Old Eltham Collegians, 24. 8. Heidelberg West, 16. 9. Kinglake, 12. 10. Lalor, 8.

■ Division 3 Reserves. 1. Kilmore, 44. 2. Mernda, 36. 3. Old Eltham Collegians, 36. 4. Fitzroy Stars, 28. 5. Old Paradians, 28. 6. Ivanhoe, 28. 7. Heidelberg West, 24. 8. Epping, 20. 9. Lalor, 12. 10. Kinglake, 4.

● ● Reservoir 18.9 (117) d Lalor 13.8 (86). Photo: NWM Studios.

6-Y-O WINS MEMORIAL AT TERANG

■ Western District racing commenced the week on Monday July 1 when Terang held an eight event card of interesting racing highlighted by the victory of 6Y0 Muscle Mass- Nice One Kenny gelding Here Comes Kyvalley in the Dick Benger Memorial Trotters Handicap over 2180 metres.

Trained by Brent Lilley at Bolinda and driven by the stable’s Tristan Larsen who without doubt was responsible for the ‘drive of the night’.

Spending most of the race exposed from 10 metres as Majestic Connies led from barrier six for Michael Bellman and Katrina Fitzpatrick, Here Come Kyvalley was so brave after dropping to the back of the leader on turning.

Despite being hard driven under extreme pressure in the straight, Here Come Kyvalley would not relent, gaining the day by a half neck over the pacemaker, with Sonarmi Joh (one/ one) running his usual honest race for third 3.7 metres away after following Ten No Spur in the breeze which galloped on the home turn. The mile rate 2-05.4.

■ Dick Benger was a former South Australian who made many successful raids on Victorian tracks before re-locating to Eddington.

■ Michael Bellman was to land a driving double on the night winning the last two races on the program – 7Y0 Roll With Joe-Mama Tembu mare She Will Wantano trained at Heywood by Bec East leading throughout from gate six to land the 1680 metre VHRC/Benstud Mares Pace, recording a 1.9 metre victory over Arklow which trailed and Ona Merry Dance which followed the pair third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate 159.4.

Michael then handled Burrrumbeet trainer David Barbetti’s 7Y0 Stonebridge Regal- Maisie Mouse gelding Micton Mouse to do the same in the 2180 metre VHRC Pace, accounting for polemarker They Call Me Al which trailed. Rockin Charmer after following the pair was third 3.8 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.1.

■ Kerryn Manning also snared a double with two four year old mares – Shikoba (A Rocknroll Dance-Calico Cat) in the VHRC/Renown Silverware Maiden Pace over 2180 metres and Efficiently (Creatine-Efficacious) in the Dick And Anne Box Memorial Maiden Trotters Mobile over the same trip. Shikoba (one/two) trained by AJ and Beau Tindale won on protest after being carried wide in the run to the wire by a death-seating Quick Decision who had held on to score by a head.

Adora Joh was third 11.8 metres back after following Shikoba all of the way. It was a different story with Efficiently who led throughout from gate five to effortlessly record a 13.5 metre margin over Maximez (one/two – three wide home turn) and first start polemarker Lady Suspicious (three pegs) who was a metre back. The mile rate 2-04.

■ It wouldn’t be a Terang meeting without local Marg Lee winning a race and 3Y0 Sweet Lou-Keayang Torah gelding Keayang Taco with son Jason in the sulky led all of the way from gate six in the Terang Co-Op Super IGA 2Y0 & 3Y0 Pace over 1680 metres to account for Resurrects (three pegs) by 2 metres giving the stable the quinella. Eastwood Chrissie was third a head back from mid-field. The mile rate 1-58.5.

Memories of Gordon

■ It would be remiss of me not to mention the annual Gordon Lockman Memorial Pace for a stake of $10,000 which was held at Cranbourne the night before taken out by Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke’s 6Y0 Sportswriter-Mon Soie mare Written In Silk.

It was a race restricted to concessional reinspersons and driven by daughter Reagan, Written In Silk led throughout from the pole and never looked like being beaten, scoring by 5 metres in 1-56.5 from Rocknroll Gronk which trailed and the consistent Lorimarmajor (three pegs) who was 1.5 metres away third. Gordon did so much for the club during his time there as Secretary. His daughter Paulette Buxton, grand daughter Holly and son Maurice were in attendance.

At Shepparton

■ Shepparton raced on Tuesday and what a

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

night it was for the Goulburn Valley and areas in close proximity winning all but one race on the big 9 event program including a training and driving double to Kialla’s Bec Bartley with both Sassiness and Cabin Crew. Sassiness, a 5Y0 Betterthanchedder-Bold Comment Lombo mare led throughout in the 2190 metre Neatline Homes Pace, defeating She Haunts Em (one/two) and Watch It Happen which trailed the winner. The margins 4.2 by 1.2 metres in a mile rate of 159.4.

Stablemate 7Y0 Quaker Jet-The Quiet Storm gelding Cabin Crew snared the Central Tyre Service Maiden Trotters Mobile over the same trip.

Despite racing uncovered for most of the journey from gate three, Cabin Crew was too tough at the finish, scoring by 6.5 metres from That’s Your Opinion (one/two) returning a mile rate of 2-04.8. Col Du Granon (one/one) was a nose away third. Both races giving Shepparton the quinella.

■ Bec’s former employer Stephen O’Donoghue landed the 1690 metre Cottrells Electrical Maiden Pace with 6Y0 ChangeoverLombo Mini Lamouch gelding Frugal Fare whem making his second race appearance.

In an all family affair, Frugal Fare driven by son Corey was slowly out from gate four being trapped wide before going forward to slide past the poleline leader Ive An Idea and was never headed, accounting for Mussel Shoals (one/two) by 2.2 metres, with Royle Blood using the sprint lane from three pegs third 1.1 metres back in an all GV trifecta. The mile rate 1-57.2.

■ Kialla’s Mitchell Frost was successful with 4Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Holdmehat entire Cornishtown Kid in the 1690 metre Your Sold Real Estate Pace for Mitchell Frost and Tasmyn Potter.

Beginning fast from gate four, Cornishtown Kid led all of the way to register a half head margin over Major Bert (three wide last lap from mid-field) and local Followtheace from the tail after a slow beginning from gate five and trailing up Major Bert home before pulling five wide on the final bend to be 1.4 metres away third.

The mile rate 2-02.

■ Ardmona trainer/driver Donna Castles’ 7Y0 Rock N Roll Hanover-Soho Joplin gelding Arraps led most of the way from gate five in the Alabar Pace over 1690 metres.

Taking over from Rebel With A Grin (gate three), Arraps had 5 metres to spare on reaching the wire, defeating a death-seating Treacheroustimes and Bronski Moment (one/ three) who was 2.5 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.4.

■ Torrumbarry part-owner/trainer Faye McEwan’s very honest 5Y0 Skyvalley-Misty Elle gelding Watch And Act greeted the judge in the Brian Firth Memorial Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres and in doing so, chalked up his 11th victory in 89 outings.

Driven by Heathcote’s Sean O’Sullivan, Watch And Act starting from the extreme draw was slowly away settling at the rear as Montana Muscle led from the pole. Following up Chris Alford aboard Naked Truth three wide in the last lap with Silver Spoon between the pair and Montana Muscle was giving plenty on the inside to lead into the straight only to gallop under pressure shortly after, Watch And Act finished best out wide to score by 1.3 metres from a game

Silver Spoon and Majestic Tooth who used the sprint lane from three pegs to be 3.3 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.5.

■ Kyabram trainer Mick Blackmore’s team is back in form and 4Y0 Hes Watching-Just Look At Me gelding Eye See Philtra driven by James Herbertson was successful in the 1690 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Pace.

Given an easy time three back along the markers from inside the second line as Cheeki Philtra led from gate two, Eye See Philtra was extricated three wide in the straight and finished fast to prevail by 1.6 metres from a death-seating Cresco Threepeat and Don Rudd’s I Like What I See which used the sprint lane off the back of the weakening leader finishing 2.4 metres back in another GV trifecta. The mile rate 1-58.3.

■ Rochester’s Caitlin Guppy snared the quinella in the 1690 metre JDC Contractors Pace with 8Y0 Julius Caesar-Dillon Daffodil mare Noble Julia driven by Bendigo’s Liam Older defeating Mynameisruby in a mile rate of 159.5.

Enjoying a cosy passage from gate two trailing Mynameisruby (gate three), Noble Julia used the sprint lane to perfection, scoring by 3.2 metres. Roberts Delight (one/two) was third 7.1 meres away. It was Noble Julia’s first success since May 2022.

Double Day

■ Wednesday was double day with Charlton racing in the afternoon and Bendigo at night. At Charlton Robinvale owner/trainer Noel Walsh has faced lots of adversity over the years, but keeps on going and was successful with 7Y0 Sunshine Beach-Ronzel Gem gelding Ronzel Sonny in the Celebrating 4th Independence Day Pace over 1609 metres.

In a fantastic drive by Liam Older, Ronzel Sonny from the extreme draw settled four pegs as Rocknroll Ranger (gate two) led, Sweet Face (gate three -outside him), Mister Rebel (gate five – one/one) and polemarker Asharah trailing the pacemaker.

Taking inside runs to trail Rocknroll Ranger on the home turn, Ronzel Sonny sailed home along the sprint lane to record a 4.1 metre margin in a mile rate of 1-59.1 from Areuohkay (three pegs from inside the second line) which angled wide, with Rocknroll Ranger holding third a nose away after shifting ground on turning.

■ Kilmore’s Billy Millner bred, raced and trained honest 6Y0 Used To Me-Auravalley mare Luna to land the 2100 metre Land Of The Free Trotters Mobile in 2-03.8.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Luna (gate three) after following Bellmac Bambi which flew away from outside the front line was able to move around him shortly after the start to lead most of the way and record a 2 metre victory from Bellmac Bambi along the sprint lane , with the heavily supported Playa Del Carmen third a head back after racing exposed.

■ Lawrence trainer Ken Whelan’s 8Y0 Louey Louey Louey-Telern Tilly gelding Charlie Walker notched up his 16th success in 129 outings (31 placings) by taking the 1609 metre All American Trotters Mobile.

Raced by Ken, wife Merna and great friend Geoff Walker the breeder, Charlie Walker after renewing acquaintances with Michael Bellman was given a sweet passage from gate four dropping down to trail the speedy leader Jessicas Story (gate three).

Travelling kindly, Charlie Walker used the sprint lane to gain the day by 1.3 metres over Jessicas Story and the surprise favourite Diamond Creek which raced exposed from outside the front line and boxed on well for third 1.1 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.9.

■ Eighty-five-year-old Bet Bet part-owner/ trainer Ray Cross is enjoying his best season ever and captured the 1609 metre Ames Australasia Trotters Mobile with 4Y0 Centurion Alm-Kumbya mare Romantic Nina bringing up a double for Liam Older.

Despite racing uncovered from gate three outside Peter Mannings Onestep Ahead (gate five), Romantic Nina was too tough at the finish, winning by 3.1 metres from Onestep Ahead and Poppy Popstar which trailed the pacemaker finishing a head back. The mile rate 2-00.8.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Meetings for the week: Tuesday –Shepparton, Wednesday – Hamilton/Bendigo, Thursday – Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton.

Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth can do no wrong at present and 6Y0 Shadow Play-Gamehigh mare Tallaras Shadow won her 9th race in 66 outings by taking the 1609 metre We Salute Aussies Racing In America Pace much to the delight of partner Natasha Raven.

Given an easy time three back in the running line from gate three, Tallaras Shadow must have made the final bend seven wide before unleashing a brilliant turn of speed to register a neck margin over Valiente (gate two) ahead of her and Tooram Cee Cee (gate five) which worked forward after being trapped wide to park outside the poleline pacemaker James Garner at the bell finishing a neck back in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 1-56.6.

■ There were cries of delight at Bendigo when Vincent-Live On The Beach filly Aim To Please raced by HRV Board member Judy Rothacker greeted the judge in the Prydes Easifeed 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2150 metres when making her race debut.

Trained at Tatura by Craig Turnbull and driven by daughter Abbey, Aim To Please carrying the famous Rothacker silks of Red with a Dark Blue V settled three back along the markers from gate two as Majors Creek led from gate three before Vince Lombardi with a rush forward from gate two on the second line crossed her.

Coming away from the inside to be one/two approaching the home turn, Aim To Please four wide in the straight ran home strongly to register an impressive head victory over Vince Lombardi which fought on courageously, with Smokescreen (one/one – three wide home turn) a half neck away third. The mile rate 2-00.1.

■ Bolinda’s Brent Lilley snared the Forty Winks Bendigo Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with 5Y0 Love You-Chevron Express gelding Kyvalley Picasso following another great drive by Tristan Larsen.

Beginning fast to lead from gate five as did Highpoint outside him, Kyvalley Picasso was restrained to allow Highpoint to assume control.

With runners spread right across the track in the straight, Kyvalley Picasso using the sprint lane gained the day by a neck over Highpoint, with Soso Majestic coming from a mile back for third a half head back third in a thrilling finish.

Prettyboy Harry looked a possible winner when putting in a claim out wide before going off stride approaching the finish. The mile rate 2-01.5. ‘Lil’ was to bring up a double after 3Y0 Muscle Hill-Aldebaran Turnpike gelding Aldebaran Campbell (Chris Alford) was an easy victor of the Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile in 201.1.

■ Kialla’s Isabel Walsh was in the winners circle when 6Y0 American Ideal-Invisage gelding American Legacy driven by Chris Alford landed the Garrards Horse and Hound Pace over 1650 metres.

Raced by a large group of well known owners including John Wilkinson, Gary Dowling, Bruce Morrison and Diane Reilly, American Legacy (gate three) was driven hard to cross polemarker Rakajed on the first turn using up plenty of petrol.

Kicking clear on straightening as The Sports Star after trailing used the sprint lane, American Legacy defied all challengers to record an easy 7.8 metre margin in advance of The Sports Star, with Rakajed holding third a nose away. The mile rate a brilliant 1-52.8.

- Len Baker

CLASS FIELD TO CONTEST THE MEMSIE

Observer Racing Observer Racing

■ The field for the classic Memsie Stakes to be run at Caulfield looks likely to be possibly the best field you could get to tackle an important race.

Before nominations it looks like a Who’s Who among the very best that we can race.

The early market with Neds Betting has the top galloper from the Moody Camp, I Wish I Win, on top, and rightly so.

Most of the early noms will be racing over the next weeks getting ready for the rich races over the Spring and on.

The favourite, I Wish I Win, hasn’t raced much over this period being out for a long spell. He was a bit stiff when he went down narrowly in the Everest.

Peter Moody said he was likely to have a couple of runs in Melbourne, possibly the Manikato Stakes on Cox Plate Eve

The race works in well with having another crack at the Everest.

He impressed on his return with a good win in the Kingsford Smith Cup over 1300 metres at Eagle Farm on June 1.

That was after he was nutted by the good mare, BelllaNipotina, in the Doomben 10,000. He certainly is the one to beat, he is all class.

The Hayes team trained Mr Brightside hasnot raced for some time prior to going out, he ran a good third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 13.

Like this field on its day he puts in.

An interesting runner, if he does go around, is the Les Bridge trained horse, Celestial Legend, by Dundeel; he is smart and will have a crack at them here.

Next is the good mare, Bella Nipotina, trained by Victorian top trainer, Ciaron Maher, a recent winner of the Tatts Tiara at Eagle Farm in good style.

She ran a great second to the lightly weighted StefiMagnetica in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 15, and is one of the most consistent horses going around and always puts in.

A six-year-old mare she now has had 52 starts and has recorded nine wins with 11 seconds, and 11 thirds.

Probably the most interesting runner, if he goes around, is the youngster Broadsiding, still only two, but goes to three on August 1.

Some of his runs have been incredible, two starts back he missed the kick badly yet was able to gather them in quickly and win running away.

Ted Ryan

His trainer, James Cummings, has put big raps on the son of Too Darn Hot, and he is showing all the style of a coming champion.

He has won his last three all in terrific fashion, but he is mixing it here with the top notches.

The next horse is one who is right up there the electric Victorian sprinter, Giga Kick, a winner of the classic Everest.

He has been out for sometime with a leg injury, but is looking good under his young trainer, Clayton Douglas

His record speaks for itself, if he can get him right with time ticking away.

Then we move to a bunch of some of the best in the land too.

We will start with In Secret, the Newmarket winner, and one of the best sprinting mares in the land.

Prepared by James Cummings she is all class, but the 1400 metres, if she starts, may test her against this classy field.

Then we have the Golden Slipper winner, Lady of Camelot, having a go, but this is the best class you can get, she is good, but I feel the top echelon might be too strong. Don’t tell Gai I said that, she will even up with me.

Princess Grace is a talented mare, who hasn’t raced for sometime, having finished seventh in the Empire Rose for the mares over the last Melbourne Cup Carnival. She is class, but not yet.

The evergreen sprinter, Private Eye, keeps battling on, but is getting on in years, and it’s getting tougher.

I feel the others may have the wood on him regarding age.

Where do you look for the winner I am sticking with I Wish I Win, Giga Kick, Celestial Legend and Broadsiding

Registrations open

■ Thoroughbred Breeders Australia is calling for industry participants to register for its upcoming management workshops, which offer Stud Farm workers the opportunity to advance their leadership and communication skills.

The trainings consist of a two-day delivery, by Juliet Robinson from Big Goals, who has coached more than 150 Industry participants since the program was inaugurated in 2022.

“We’ve had great success from the past management skills workshops.

These sessions are key to developing our industry’s workforce, ensuring farm managers and senior management have the skills to deal with challenging situations on farm,” said Madison Timms, TBA Education and Projects Manager.

More than 90 per cvent of past participants said they would recommend the workshop to other managers.

The opening day will focus on how to motivate and manage a team, respond appropriately under pressure, and navigate difficult conversations in the workplace.

This workshop is only available to people who have attended the opening session either this year or in previous years.

The 2024 Workshops will take place from July 11 through until August . The Workshops run from 9am to 5pm. They cover, Launceston, Toowomba, Scone, Nagambie, and Hahndorf in South Australia. For more information contact Madison Timms on 0405 535 436.

● ● ● ● Mr Brightside. Racing Photos.

Statewide

PORT FAIRY

Scooter tragedy

■ Police are investigating after a fatal collision in Port Fairy on Wednesday afternoon last week (July 3).

Emergency services responded to a collision between a truck and an e-scooter on Toolong Rd just after 4.30pm.

The male scooter rider died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined at this stage.

KYNETON

Cyanide probe

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Kyneton on Tuesday last week (july 2).

Officers attended a property in Windridge Way about 2.30pm on July 2 as part of an investigation.

A 27-year-old Kyneton man was arrested at the address and shortly after appeared unwell and became unresponsive.

Police immediately called for medical assistance and performed CPR on the man, however he was unable to be revived.

It appears the man may have ingested some sort of substance. As a result, five police officers who attended the scene were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad will investigate the incident with oversight from Professional Standards Command, as per standard practice when a person dies in police custody.

WODONGA

Road rage assault

■ Wodonga Police officers are investigating an assault following a road rage incident in Wodonga on Friday, June 21.

It is understood a dark-coloured Ford Ranger cut off another vehicle on the Hume Highway before the Ranger stopped in the middle of the Melrose Drive off ramp about 3.15pm.

Investigators were told two males exited the Ranger and assaulted the 33-year-old male victim on the road.

They got back into the Ranger and fled the scene towards Maloney Drive.

The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The Ford Ranger is described as a dualcab utility, black or charcoal grey in colour, with a tub.

The driver of the Ranger is described as about 180cm tall, aged mid to late 30s, with an olive complexion, short dark hair, unshaven, and dark-coloured eyes.

He was wearing an orange hi-vis jumper or hoodie, black pants and work boots.

The passenger is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance and about 177cm tall.

He was wearing a white cap, brown hoodie, black shorts, and white Nikes.

CAR DAMAGED DURING HORSHAM BURNOUTS

■ Police are appealing for public assistance after a vehicle was damaged near Horsham Cemetery.

It is understood a grey Holden VE SS Commadore Station Wagon did burnouts on Wawunna Rd whilst a service was taking place about 2.55pm on Monday, June 24.

The car then continued along Davis Drive, where it left the road, causing large rocks to be flicked up at parked vehicles.

Police were told a woman was sat inside one of the cars when the rocks smashed the back window. She was not physically injured during the incident.

They confronted the driver of the Commodore, who refused to provide their details and fled the scene.

The Holden VE SS Commadore was not displaying registration plates, and had a distinctive yellow rim on the front tyre.

Investigators have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries, as well as a photo of the vehicle.

The man is described as being of medium build with short brown hair and a short beard.

He was wearing black pants, a black jacket and sunglasses.

WESTERN VICTORIA

Drivers caught

■ Police detected 165 offences during a major road safety operation across Victoria’s west in June.

Operation West Connect saw highway patrol units enforcing across major arterials in Western Victoria targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It comes as 141 lives have been lost on the state’s roads so far this year, with 35 of those occurring on roads in Western Victoria Bendigo, Campaspe and the Macedon Ranges division has been the worst affected area in the state’s west with 10 lives lost this year, followed by the Ballarat and Moorabool division with a further nine lives lost.

There have been six fatalities in the Horsham/Northern Grampians division, four fatalities in both the Geelong/Surf Coast and the Mildura/Swan Hill divisions, and two fatalities in the Warrnambool/Southern Grampians division.

There were three fatal collisions on roads in Western Victoria in June, and a further six during the previous month in May – three of which were motorcyclists.

Operation West Connect is an ongoing operation focused on detecting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

Some 60 per cent of offences detected in June were for speeding, with two thirds of speeding drivers detected between 10-kmh and 25kmh over the speed limit.

Police conducted 338 preliminary breath tests and 50 preliminary oral fluid tests for drugs, detecting three drug driving offences and two drink driving offences.

The total 165 offences detected during Operation West Connect on Friday, June 8, included:

■ 100 speeding offences;

■ 20 unregistered vehicles;

■ eight disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

■ four heavy vehicle offences;

■ three drug driving offences from 50 roadside drug tests;

■ two drink driving offences from 338 preliminary breath tests;

■ two mobile phone offences;

■ two seatbelt offences;

■ one vehicle impoundment; and

■ one disobey traffic signal

Operation West Connect will continue across Western Victoria – encompassing major arterial roads from Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo and Echuca as far west as the SA Border, and from the Surf Coast, Warrnambool Western Region Road Policing Inspector, Justine Ryan said: “While road trauma is actually down on roads in Western Victoria compared to last year, 35 lives lost is still far too many, and we know first-hand the ripple effect this has across our communities.

● Police want to speak with this man.

“Operation West Connect is just one road policing initiative we’ve implemented to help keep all road users safe on roads out in the state’s west.

“Our highway patrol members are always actively on the look out for motorists who flout the rules and make dangerous choices that put all road users lives at risk.

“Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to serious injury and fatal collisions on regional roads, and yet we continue to catch so many people going over the speed limit.

“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit, as well as avoiding distractions behind the wheel, are things we can all do to help make our roads safer and prevent further tragedies.”

ROCHESTER

Aggravated burglary

■ Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a Suzuki Swift was stolen during an aggravated burglary in Rochester.

Detectives have been told a 30-year-old woman and her 37-year-old partner were asleep at their home on Baynes Rd when offenders gained entry to the premises between 7pm on June 18 and 2.30am on June 19.

It is believed the offenders stole the keys to a black 2023 Suzuki Swift and took off in the vehicle.

The Suzuki was later seen at a service station on the Murray Valley Highway in Echuca about 2.30am.

A man got out of the passenger seat, filled the car with fuel and drove off without paying.

The following day, two people were spotted on board the Suzuki on Kooringal Road in Upwey at 12.04am.

It is understood the Suzuki was ditched by the offenders and located by officers on Forest Park Rd in Upwey about 4.50am on June 20.

The man is perceived to be Caucasian, in his early 20s, with a slim build and blonde hair. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, black pants, black shoes, and sunglasses on his head.

Across Victoria

ROCHESTER 2 die in smash

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after two people died following a fatal collision in Rochester on Friday afternoon (July 5).

Emergency services responded to reports two vehicles had collided head-on on the Northern Highway about 5km south of Rochester about 1.30pm.

The male driver of one vehicle died at the scene. His female passenger was extracted from the car and given medical assistance. She died at the scene a short time later.

The female driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Two passengers of that vehicle, both teenage girls, were taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

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

GEELONG

Carjacking scare

■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three people following two carjackings in the southeast suburbs of Geelong on Monday last week (July 1).

It is alleged two males and a female entered a parked car in High St, Belmont, just after 4pm.

The trio allegedly produced a knife before demanding the 24-year-old male inside the car to drive.

They were driven to Woods Rd, St Albans Park, where they approached a second car about 4.30pm.

Investigators were told the group allegedly assaulted a woman inside the second car before fleeing the scene in her white Suzuki Vitara wagon.

The 18-year-old woman sustained slash wounds during the incident and was treated at the scene. She later attended hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The male victim did not sustain any physical injuries.

A 24-year-old man of no fixed place of abode was arrested on July 3. He has been charged with aggravated carjacking, false imprisonment and assault causing injury. He will appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on August 7.

A 20-year-old man of no fixed place of abode was also arrested on July 3. He has been charged with the same offences, as well as possess a drug of dependence. He was to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 5 July.

A 17-year-old Wandana Heights girl was arrested. She has also been charged with aggravated carjacking, false imprisonment, assault causing injury and possess a drug of dependence. She was to appear at a children’s court.

The Suzuki remains outstanding.

GORDON

Explosives seized

■ Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have charged a man and seized a firearm, ammunition, drugs and fireworks as part of an investigation into the manufacturing of firearms.

With assistance from the Critical Incident Response Team, a 47-year-old Gordon man was arrested at his rural property. He was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, manufacture category A longarm, possess instruction manual to manufacture a firearm, prohibited person possess firearm, cultivate narcotic plant, possess methylamphetamine, possess unsecured ammunition and possess commercial explosive firework. He was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

During the search of the property, police allegedly located and seized a manufactured longarm, ammunition, 29 cannabis plants and commercial fireworks.

An initial investigation by the Illicit Firearms Squad into firearm manufacturing led to a Criminal Proceeds Squad investigation into the assets of the 47-year-old man suitable for restraint.

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The Local Paper’s Melbourne Press Network publishes localised editions for 40 local government areas including:

■ North. Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban).

■ 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).