The Local Paper. North-West Edition. Wed., Feb. 5, 2025

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WERRIBEE ELECTION THIS SATURDAY

■ Polling booths will be open from 8am-6pm this Saturday (Feb. 8) for the Werribee by-election caused by the resignation of former local MLA Tim Pallas.

There are 12 candidates for the seat, previously regarded as ‘sale Labor’:

■ A. Raheem Rifai, Australian Greens

■ Steve Murphy, Liberal

■ Matthew Emerson, Family First Victoria

■ Xavier Menta, Legalise Cannabis Victoria

■ Munish Joshi

■ Sue Munro, Victorian Socialists

■ Shohre Mqansouri Jajaee, Animal Justice

■ Kodei Mulcahy

■ Aidan McLindon

■ Paul Hopper

■ John Lister, Australian Labor Party

■ Aijaz Moinuddin

A surprise element has been the nomination of Aidan McLindon, who is Mayor of the City of Whittlesea, which has headquarters at South Morang, 59 kms away.

COUNCIL CEO SUSPENDED

■ Hobsons Bay Council CEO has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Aaron van Egmond

An unscheduled meeting of Councillors was held on Saturday, January 25, after becomingaware of concerns about safety in the workplace and the CEO’s fulfilment of his duties more broadly.

“Councillors take these matters very seriously and have made this decision following thorough and careful consideration, pending further investigations,” said Mayor Cr Daria Kellander.

“Given the sensitivity of these matters for all concerned, Council can make no further comment at this time.”

Mr van Egmond holds a Bachelor Business (Marketing and International Trade), Certificate IV (Business Excellence). he commenced his role as CEO at Hobsons Bay

and Crosses Local News

✖Major Collision Investigation Unit de tectives are investigating a fatal collision in Wyndham Vale on Friday night, January 24. It is believed the male driver of a Mitsubishi SUV was travelling along Armstrong Rd when he collided with a cyclist at the intersection of Black Forest Rd about 11.50pm. The male rider was located deceased at the scene. The driver, a 19-yearold Wyndham Vale man, stopped at the scene. He was arrested and was to be interviewed by police. Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

✖Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a large grass fire in Maribyrnong on Sunday, January 26. Emergency services were called to reports of flames seen coming from grassland near La Scala Avenue about 12am. Police were told a group of youths were setting off fireworks shortly before the fire started. The offenders fled the scene on foot. There were no reported injuries and several hectares of grassland were burnt. Police are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.

ARREST OVER

SERIAL CAR THEFTS

■ An alleged serial car thief who allegedly broke into almost 40 vehicles across multi-level CBD carparks over the past several months has been arrested.

The 34-year-old Collingwood man was arrested by officers from the Melbourne Proactive Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Team on Tuesday morning (Jan. 28) and is facing 70 charges.

The arrest comes as part of a targeted operation in the CBD, following a 70 per cent increase in reports of thefts from cars across Melbourne, with most occurring through unlocked doors or open windows.

As part of the operation, officers saturated Melbourne’s car parks over two nights, providing both a highly visible and covert presence.

Police will allege the arrested male is a prolific thief who scoured several multi-level car parks to try and break into cars.

It is alleged he was responsible for nearly 40 thefts of both cars and other items located inside cars, with the combined total of all the items he stole being $60,000.

Police will also allege he caused $15,000 worth of criminal damages through his crimes.

The 34-year-old man from Collingwood was located with an angle grinder, bolt cutters, pliers and a multi-tool which was seized by police.

He was charged with approximately 70 charges in total, including burglary, theft of motor vehicle, loiter with intent to steal, criminal damage, and 38 counts of theft from motor vehicle. He was directly presented to the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded until Minday, February 3.

Police will continue to patrol car parks and other populated areas across the city.

$½m Ferrari stolen

Fatal collision at Wyndham Vale

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Wyndham Vale on Friday night, January 24.

It is believed the male driver of a Mitsubishi SUV was travelling along Armstrong Rd when he collided with a cyclist at the intersection of Black Forest Rd about 11.50pm.

The male rider was located deceased at the scene.

The driver, a 19-year-old Wyndham Vale man, stopped at the scene.

He was arrested and was to be interviewed by police.

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

‘Pam The Bird’ arrest at Y’ville

■ Members of Victoria Police’s Transit Divisional Response Unit have charged a man over a series of ‘Pam the Bird’ images graffitied on city landmarks.

Jack Gibson-Burrell, 21, from Yarraville, was arrested on Thursday (Jan. 30), and was due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

He was due to more than 50 charges including criminal damage, burglary, shop theft and theft of a motor vehicle.

In one of the most high-profile incidents, it is alleged the man scaled and defaced the heritage-listed n clock tower on July 10, 2024.

It is alleged he is also responsible for graffiti plastered across the rail network as well as the ‘Cheese Stick’ column on CityLink, a television station building in Docklands and concrete silos on Mercer St in Geelong

In the latest incident graffiti was daubed across a hotel in South Wharf

Total damage of the offending is estimated at more than $100,000.

The man has also been charged over an incident in Footscray where an allegedly stolen car was driven through the front window of a Barkly St restaurant early on December 20.

Police also arrested a 39-year-old man from Abbotsford

He is facing more than 20 charges of criminal damage.

■ Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after four cars, including a $500,000 Ferrari, were stolen in Truganina last week.

It is understood three unknown offenders attended the first property on Cottee Rd about 1.40am on Wednesday (Jan. 29).

The offenders entered the victim’s home through an open garage and stole the victim’s 2010 white Toyota RAV4 wagon, with registration XRR797, and 2012 maroon Toyota Kluger, with registration ZAG867.

Shortly after, unknown offenders gained entry to a home on Everton Rd between 2am and 9am.

The offenders stole the victim’s headphones, house keys and wallet before stealing the victim’s 2014 white Lexus with registration KIENG.

The following night, it is believed four unknown offenders attended another home on Semaphore Rd in a stolen white Lexus GS250 on January 30 about 2am.

The offenders forced entry into the victim’s home and stole a black Ferrari with registration 488OO.

The white Lexus is believed to be the vehicle stolen from Everton Rd

Death at A. Vale

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Ascot Vale on Friday (Jan. 31).

Police were called to an address on Ormond Rd just after 4pm after the deceased was located inside the property.

Exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and the investigation is in its infancy.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

1000 new Aussies

■ Melton City Council hosted three citizenship ceremonies leading up to and on Australia Day to welcome the City’s newest Australian citizens. Nearly 1000 residents officially becsme Australian citizens during the ceremonies held at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium. The Australia Day event included a range of community activities following the ceremony including a barbecue, face painting and craft activities.

The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

Price: $220 TOTAL for all remaining 2025 issues. Book your ad: 1800 231 311.

In 1983, Ash Long was Editor of the Bacchus Marsh-Melton Express newspaper.

In earlier years, he had been Manager of a number of local newspapers including the Brunswick Sentinel and Coburg Courier.

Later, he was approached to be Editor of the Western News, and he also was in charge of the Advertiser and News-Pix Weekender titles.

Ash Long has wide knowledge of the people in the North-West.

Some 40 years on, in 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service, as Publisher of The Local Paper group, which has localised newspapers across 40 local government areas covering all Melbourne suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

He was involved with the Australian Suburban Newspapers’ Association, later becoming a National Judge.

In 1983, he branched out on his own, developing newspapers across Victoria.

In the intervening years, there have been successes (and a few stumbles!)

In 2002, Long reinvograted the

Barry Browne and Ash Long at the Bacchus Marsh-Melton Express in 1983. Melbourne Observer newspaper. It continues today as a free section within all editions of The Local Paper. There have been other involvements with TV, radio and online projects. Decades on, Ash Long and his Local Paper team remain committed to providing the best possible service to readers and clients.

● ● Pam The Bird

● ● One of the cars stolen last week

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

Statewide

Driver dies

■ Police are investigating after a man was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision in Altona North on January 31.

It is believed that two vehicles collided on Millers Rd about 4.30pm subsequently one of the vehicles caught on fire.

The driver of one of the vehicles, an 87year-old man, was transported to hospital in a critical condition but he has since died.

The driver of the other vehicle was treated for minor injuries.

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

ASCOT VALE

Death investigated

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Ascot Vale on Friday (Jan. 31).

Police were called to an address on Ormond Rd just after 4pm after the deceased was located inside the property.

Exact circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and the investigation is in its infancy.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

TUBBUT

Fatal smash

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a fatal collision in Wendouree on Thursday morning (Jan. 30).

Emergency services were called to Creswick Rd where a ute and motorbike collided about 6am. The rider, a 50-year-old Brown Hill man, died at the scene. The driver of the ute, a 38-year-old Miners Rest man, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Across Victoria GANGLAND KILLING IN HIGH ST, PRESTON

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Preston on Tuesday morning (Jan. 28).

Emergency services were called to reports a man had been shot in a car park on High St in Preston shortly after 10.30am.

A man died at the scene. He was Sam Abdulrahim, known as ‘The Punisher’.

Police cordoned off the area and a crime scene was in place. Police believe the incident was targeted.

GISBORNE

Plaques stolen

■ Police are investigating after heartless thieves stole memorial plaques from a cemetery in Gisborne.

Investigators believe eight plaques were stolen from the cemetery on Aitken St sometime between 10am on January 23 and 12 Noon on January 28.

The plaques, worth approximately $250 each, are thought to be made out of cast bronze.

Police are investigating the incidents and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives warn scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques.

Statewide

PRINCETOWN

Double fatality

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Princetown on Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 28).

Emergency services were called to the Great Ocean Road after two vehicles collided head on about 3.40pm.

The the driver of the first vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Their passenger died at the scene.

A passenger of the second vehicle also died at the scene.

The driver and another passenger of the second vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

BUNDALONG

Highway death

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Bundalong on Australia Day evening (Sun., Jan. 26).

Investigators have been told that a ute crashed into a parked truck on the Murray Valley Hwy about 7pm.

The male driver of the ute was treated at the scene but could not be revived.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

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

NHILL

Controller killed

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a fatal collision in Nhill on Thursday, January 23.

It is believed a truck was travelling on the Western Hwy just after 6pm when a male performing traffic control duties for road works in the area was struck.

The man died at the scene.

ALTONA NORTH

● ● ● ●

Sam Abdulrahim

Statewide

LYNBROOK Scooter collision

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Lynbrook on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 2).

Emergency services were called to Evans Rd and Damper Way about 1pm after reports a mobility scooter and a car had collided.

The male rider died at the scene. The driver of the car was transported to hospital for assessment.

DEVON MEADOWS

Solo speedster

■ South East State Highway Patrol officers impounded a motorcycle after it was detected allegedly travelling at double the speed limit in Devon Meadows on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 2).

Officers on patrol detected the rider travelling at speeds up to 163-kmh in the 80-kmh zone along Fisheries Rd just after 12 Noon.

Quickly intercepting the rider, officers impounded the 26-year-old man’s bike for 30 days at a cost of $1115.

He is expected to be charged on summons with traffic related offences including exceeding the speed limit by 45 km-h or more, fail to display P plate when required, and fail to comply with standards of registration.

EASTERN SUBURBS

(Fast) Sunday drive

■ Police have nabbed a 31 year-old man who was allegedly clocked travelling at 130kmh early on Sunday morning (Feb. 2).

Nunawading Highway Patrol members came across white Hyundai allegedly speeding in a 100km/h zone along the Eastern Freeway about 7.50am.

The man underwent a preliminary breath test before undertaking an evidentiary breath test, returning an alleged reading of 0.136. His licence was immediately suspended, and his car was impounded at a cost of $1014.90.

Across Victoria SEARCH CONTINUES FOR SAMANTHA MURPHY

■ Ahead of the one-year anniversary of her disappearance, detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have reaffirmed their commitment to finding the body of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy.

Samantha was last seen leaving her Eureka St home about 7am on Sunday, February 4, 2024.

She had planned to go for a run and was known to regularly run through the Canadian Forest area.

A 23-year-old man was subsequently charged on March 6, 2024, with murder.

Over the past 12 months, a number of extensive searches for Samantha’s body have taken place with particular focus on the Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest and Buninyong Bushland Reserve.

These searches have involved a range of units from across Victoria Police including Missing Persons Squad detectives, Crime Command detectives, local police, Dog Squad, Mounted Branch, Search and Rescue, Public Order Response Team, Transport Branch, Air Wing, Intelligence and Covert Support Command and Road Policing Command.

Police are also continuing to liaise with the Murphy family.

Statewide

WARRNAMBOOL

Death investigated

■ Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Warrnambool on Saturday evening (Feb. 1).

Emergency services were called to a report of a vehicle submerged in water off Motang Drive just after 8pm . A man was located deceased in the water. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. RYE

Third man charged

■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a third man following the death of two people in Rye last year.

Emergency services were called to a property on Parson St shortly after 4am following reports of an alleged altercation on December 2.

It is alleged a man and a woman had attended the address and became involved in an altercation with the residents of the property.

A male resident of the property and the female who attended the property were allegedly located with gunshot wounds.

Medical treatment was provided however a 29-year-old Rye man and a 19-year-old Mornington woman died at the scene. It’s alleged the parties involved were known to each other.

Detectives have charged a 28-year-old Narre Warren man with murder, aggravated home invasion and armed robbery. He was to be direct presented to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Saturday (Feb. 1).

Detectives had previously charged two Narre Warren men, one aged 24 and the other aged 25, with murder, aggravated home invasion and armed robbery.

● ● Samantha Murphy

Bicentenary of pair’s expedition

■ It is 200 years since Hamilton Hume and William Hovell began an expedition south-west of Sydney into the unknown.

Their journey covered areas including Molesworth, Yea (to be first known as Muddy Creek), Flowerdale, Mount Disappointment, Broadford, Sunday Creek and Wandong.

They then reached Mt Macedon and crossed the Werribee River. At last they reached the sea: they were at Corio Bay, the place that is now the city of Geelong

Hume and Hovell were accompanied by six convicts. Their friendship with and assistance from local Aboriginal groups throughout the journey enabled the opening up of some of the most pristine land in New South Wales and Victoria

The pair returned to Sydney in early 1825.

On October 2, 1824, Hovell and Hume met at Hume's house in Appin, and started upon their expedition.

The party, when complete, consisted of eight people, Hume and his three men, Claude Bossowa, Henry Angel and James Fitzpatrick

Hovell’s three men were Thomas Boyd, William Bollard, and Thomas Smith.

The weather became warmer, and they were pestered by flies, mosquitoes, ticks and leeches.

By November 16 they reached another river, which they named the Hume, but which was later renamed the Murray

They saw large numbers of water birds such as pelicans and swans feeding on seafood which was plentiful.

The river was very wide and the water was clear and deep. In order to cross this river, they made a boat from some poles and tarpaulins, and pulled the animals across on ropes.

Near the Murray, at the place that is now Albury, the explorers carved their names on a tree on November 17, 1824. The tree was called the Hovell Tree

They continued on to the southwest, travelling through forest country. They saw a snowy peak to the east, and named it Mt Buffalo Travelling through the Ovens Vall-

ey, Hovell wrote: “There are fine hills and grassland...as pretty a spot and as valuable as any I have seen since leaving home.”

Hume wrote: “The honeysuckle and grass trees are growing here well – we find the land to be good.”

Four days after crossing the Goulburn River, impassable country around Flowerdale was reached.

The party spent three days attempting to cross the Great Dividing Range at Mt Disappointment but were thwarted.

Four days after crossing the Goulburn River, impassable country around Flowerdale was reached.

● ● Continued on next page

Expedition over 3

months

● ● This map, at left, shows some of the areas near Alexandra and Yea traversed by Hume and Hovell in 1824.

■ In 1824, Governor Thomas Brisbane asked Hume to join forces with Hovell, to go from Lake George to the Spencer Gulf (in what is now South Australia). Hovell was older than Hume, with little bush experience, but he was a good navigator.

The expedition left Lake George on October 17,1824, with a party of six, enough supplies to last 16 weeks loaded onto bullock carts, and horses and dogs (which they used to hunt kangaroos).

Hamilton Hume was an Australian-born explorer. He was born in Parramatta, New South Wales, on June 18, 1797. He had a good knowledge of bushcraft, and by the age of 17 was exploring, first to the Berrima district (between Sydney and Canberra), then with Surveyor Meehan to the Goulburn Plains and Lake Bathurst

Over the next few years he was a member of several exploring parties, to Yass Plains and the tablelands near Braidwood. William Hovell was born in Norfolk, England. He joined the Royal Navy and became a captain.

William Hovell died on November 9, 1875, at Goulburn, New South Wales

● ● William Hovell

● ● ● ● Hamilton Hume

●

● From previous page

The party spent three days attempting to cross the Great Dividing Range at Mt Disappointment but were thwarted.

Hume shifted direction to the west and, on December 12, reached less hilly country at the future township of Broadford, where they camped.

Hume headed towards similarly low ranges to the south and found a pass in that direction next day.

He led the party across the Dividing Range at Hume’s Pass, Wandong , and, on December 16, 1824, reached Corio Bay, at Bird Rock, Point Lillias, north of the future site of Geelong Hovell claimed that he had measured their longitude on the same day but, in reality, he had read it off the sketch map that they had drafted

themselves during the trip.

In 1867, Hovell admitted that he did not take any longitude measurements and blamed Hume for it.

On December 18, 1824, the party turned back towards New South Wales. Hume chose to travel more to the west to avoid the mountainous country and save considerable time. It was a sound decision because, on January 16, 1825, just as their flour ran out, they reached the carts they had left behind. Two days later, they arrived at Hume's station at Gunning Relations between the ‘currency lad’ (first-generation Australian) Hume and the aloof Englishman Hovell had deteriorated, and they raced each other back to Sydney to claim credit for their discoveries.

They arrived in January, 1825,

Hovell’s view of Indigenous peoples

■ William Hovell's journal of his 1824 expedition with Hamilton Hume was kept in a small field notebook. He describes the landscape and the tough conditions under which the men and beasts had to travel.

These included navigating through rough, mountainous country, swollen rivers, impenetrable bush and dealing with plagues of mosquitoes, sandflies and the irregular supply of fresh game, such as kangaroos and waterbirds. He also makes several references to the importance of the animals which accompanied the party.

The bullocks, which struggled up and down uncleared hills with heavy loads, and the dogs which which were essential in killing kangaroos to feed the expedition. Hovell documents the kills made by the dogs, the many injuries inflicted on them by the kangaroos, and their emaciated condition during periods of low food supply when the dogs could only be fed on boiled flour.

William Hovell regularly recorded encounters with the Indigenous peoples of the region, commenting on their methods of food gathering, tools used and land management techniques, such as grass burning and damming of rivers to catch fish. He seems to have been respectful and perhaps a little envious of the ability of the local people to live in a landscape he found hostile. The local clan, Waring-illam-balluk of the Taungurung people of the Kulin Nation, have lived on this land for 60,000 years

They arrived in January, 1825, and were both rewarded with large land grants by Governor Brisbane. They later published conflicting accounts of the journey, each claiming leadership.

The Hume and Hovell expedition disproved the widely held view that the interior of Australia was an uninhabitable wilderness.

They found abundant well-watered grazing land between the Murrumbidgee and the Murray, on the huge fertile coastal plains around Port Phillip, and then on the plains across North Eastern Victoria all the way to the Murray River during their return journey.

It took another 13 years for settlers from New South Wales to follow their route in 1837, and only after the richness of the territory was confirmed by Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1836.

On November 18, 1826, based on the discoveries of Hume and Hovell, Colonel Stewart, Captain S. Wright, and Lieutenant Burchell were sent in HMS Fly (Captain Wetherall), with the brigs Dragon and Amity , under orders to proceed to Western Port and establish a colony there.

They took a number of convicts and a small force of troops from the 3rd and 93rd Regiments

Hovell was sent with the party as guide. While exploring Western Port, it became apparent to Hovell that he had not reached it on his earlier trip.

Both Hovell and Hume were publicly rebuked for their error in incorrectly identifying Western Port.

They had become implicated by association with the wasted expense of setting up a new settlement there, based upon their fulsome recommendations of the value of the region.

The expedition reached some of its most challenging moments in what was to become the local NorthEastern Victoria region.

Two months into their expedition, Hume and Hovell reached Molesworth, camping there on December 3, 1824, after crossing the Goulburn River.

The team then crossed a stream

they called Muddy Creek , upon which a township was founded. In 1879 the town name was changed to Yea.

Hamilton Hume wrote in his diary: “On the 30th we descended into a fine forest Country abounding with kangaroos; we proceed S W through an open country until the 3rd of December, when we arrived at a river 60 or 70 yards broad.”

● ● This monument to explorers Hume and Hovell was erected at The Semi-Circle, Yea, 100 years ago in November 1924. It reads: ‘Hume and Hovell. The first explorers of Victoria, passed near this spot December 1824. They induced the subsequent settlement of the colony. Erected Nov. 1924.’

The Local Paper

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:

• Merri-bek Courier

• Hume Observer

• Moonee Valley Gazette

• Maribyrnong Edition

• Hobsons Bay Edition

• Brimbank Messenger

• Werribee Express

• Bacchus Marsh Examiner

• Sunbury Regional News

• Western News

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 31 years)

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

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E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

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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, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Graeme McCoubrie, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Lucy Nicolson, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

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

■ Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV of a vehicle as part of their investigation into a fatal shooting in Burnside Heights last year.

Emergency services were initially called to reports of a man with a gunshot wound outside a property on Tenterfield Drive about 9.10pm on August 2.

A member of the public was flagged down by a man who asked him to call emergency services before leaving the area.

The member of the public subsequently located a white Suzuki Swift nearby with several bullet holes and a man deceased in the front passenger seat.

The victim was subsequently identified as 34-year-old Wallan man Jason Filippi.

Over the past six months, detectives have worked to establish the circumstances of the shooting including combing through hours of CCTV footage.

It is believed that the Suzuki Swift , which had the victim as a passenger, converged with a dark grey Ford Ranger in the area of Connor Drive and Remington Street in Burnside Heights shortly before the shooting.

The occupants of the Suzuki Swift have attempted to drive away, however they were pursued by those inside the Ford Ranger.

A firearm was subsequently used and possibly fired from the Ford into the Suzuki, resulting in Jason being fatally shot.

The Ford Ranger

Long Shots

was then driven from the area and is believed to have headed along Taylors Rd towards the Kings Park area.

The Suzuki Swift then drove to Tenterfield Drive , where the driver flagged down the member of the public.

Detectives have released footage of the Ford Ranger , which was captured in the Burnside Heights area, in the hope anyone may have seen it on the night or has knowledge of the occupants at the time of the fatal shooting.

Police are also keen to speak to anyone who may still have CCTV or dash cam footage from the While the exact circumstances of the shooting are still being established, investigators are continuing to treat it as a targeted attack.

Detectives executed warrants on Wednesday (Jan. 29) in West Sunshine and Aintree as part of the investigation.

A 24-year-old West Sunshine man was arrested and subsequently interviewed by police.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad said: “Over the past six months, police have worked tirelessly to try and determine what happened to Jason and try and provide some answers for his grieving family.

“We do believe he was targeted, however it’s still unclear as to who was involved and why.

“Detectives have spoken to a number of people as part of the investigation and identifying the occupants of the Ford Ranger remains key to that investigation.

Local Photo Flashback

The Local Paper

BRIMBANK

Incorporating the traditions of the Brimbank Messenger (Est. 1956). Brimbank comprises Albanvale, Albion, Ardeer, Brooklyn (part), Cairnlea, Calder Park, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut, Hillside (part), Kealba, Keilor (part), Keilor Downs, Keilor East (part), Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Keilor Park, Kings Park, St Albans, Sunshine, Sunshine North, Sunshine West, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Tullamarine (part). Brimbank is home to more than 194,319 people, living in approximately 69,275 homes.

HOBSONS BAY

Hobsons Bay comprises Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown North. Hobsons Bay is home to more than 88,788 people, living in approximately 37,183 homes.

HUME

Incorporating the traditions of the Hume Observer (Est. 1956). Hume comprises Attwood, Broadmeadows, Bulla, Campbellfield, Clarkefield (part), Coolaroo, Craigieburn, Dallas, Diggers Rest (part), Fawkner (part), Gladstone Park, Greenvale, Jacana, Kalkallo, Keilor (part), Meadow Heights, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Roxburgh Park, Somerton, Sunbury, Tullamarine (part), Westmeadows, Wildwood and Yuroke. Hume is home to more than 197,376 people, living in approximately 67,399 homes.

MARIBYRNONG

Maribyrnong comprises Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville. Maribyrnong is home to more than 82,288 people, living in approximately 35,757 homes.

MELTON

Melton comprises Aintree, Bonnie Brook, Brookfield, Burnside, Burnside Heights, Caroline Springs, Cobblebank, Deanside, Diggers Rest, Exford, Eynesbury, Fieldstone, Fraser Rise, Grangefields, Harkness, Hillside, Kurunjang, Melton, Melton South, Melton West, Mount Cottrell, Parwan, Plumpton, Ravenhall, Rockbank, Strathtulloh, Taylors Hill, Thornhill Park, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Weir Views. Melton is home to more than 193,1557 people, living in approximately 60,363 homes.

MERRI-BEK

Incorporating the traditions of the Brunswick Sentinel (Est. 1936) and Coburg Courier (Est,. 1932) Merri-bek comprises Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Coburg, Coburg North, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, and Pascoe Vale South. Merri-bek is home to more than 184,707 people, living in approximately 70,709 homes.

MOONEE VALLEY

Incorporating the traditions of the Moonee Valley Gazette (Est. 1888) Moonee Valley comprises Aberfeldie, Airport West, Avondale Heights, Ascot Vale, Essendon, Essendon Fields, Essendon North, Essendon West, Flemington, Keilor East, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Strathmore, Strathmore Heights and Travancore. Moonee Valley is home to more than 129,739 people, living in approximately 48,000 homes.

MOORABOOL

Moorabool comprises Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Balliang, Balliang East, Barkstead, Blackwood, Bungaree, Clarendon, Dales Creek, Dunnstown, Elaine, Gordon, Greendale, Korweinguboora, Lal Lal, Mount Egerton, Myrniong, Wallace and Yendon.. Moorabool is home to more than 38,506 people, living in approximately 15,469 homes.

WYNDHAM

Incorporating the traditions of the Werribee Express (Est. 1896) Wyndham comprises Cocoroc, Eynesbury (part), Hoppers Crossing, Laverton (part), Laverton North, Little River (part), Mambourin, Mount Cottrell (part), Point Cook, Quandong, Tarneit, Truganina (part), Werribee, Werribee South, Williams Landing and Wyndham Vale. Wyndham is home to more than 309,125 people, living in approximately 100,366 homes.

● ● Police released this photo.

Cheryl Threadgold,

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Rourke,

Ryan, Horse Racing

Baker, Harness Racing

Local Briefs

MARIBYRNONG

Arts worth $639m

■ Maribyrnong’s arts sector contributes $639 million into the local economy, which is why it is important to have a robust strategy in place to support it into the future, said a Council representative.

“Council has developed a draft Creativity Strategy 2030 to address barriers, including accessibility, for people wanting to participate and enjoy arts and culture, and to support the creative community and our creative values – which is now available to view and provide comment on.

“The arts and culture sector already provides 2800 jobs in the City of Maribyrnong, and through proper planning and working with the community, it is anticipated a finalised Strategy could guide investment and opportunities that could add more than 3000 additional jobs in the coming decades.

City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Pradeep Tiwari said creativity, and the arts, were key to building a more resilient and well-resourced society and economy.

HUME

Dumping focus

■ Illegal dumping is once again under the spotlight as Hume Council ramps up its campaign to stamp out behaviour that turns towns into tips.

The Council says residents will notice a renewed push toward a clean and safe Hume as Council targets offenders dumping their trash on the streets.

Fines rangefrom $385 to $9616, depending on the severity of the offence.

If you witness illegal dumping or any suspicious activities in the community, you can report it online, through the Snap Send Solve app.

Residents have access to several free resources for waste disposal, including hard waste collection, access to the Resource Recovery Centre

SECOND MAN CHARGED AFTER GLENROY INCIDENTS

■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a second man ollowing an assault and two firearms incidents in the Glenroy area on January 23. A 45-year-old Glenroy man was arrested.

He was subsequently charged with intentionally cause serious injury, prohibited person possess firearm and possess drug of dependence. He was remanded overnight and was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

On Friday, January 24, a 37-year-old Craigieburn was charged with 18 offences including make threat to kill, common law assault, two counts of prohibited person possess firearm, three counts of reckless conduct endanger serious injury, two counts of prohibited person use a firearm and two counts of discharge firearm at vehicle.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 16.

The charges follow an incident where police will allege a woman was assaulted by a man known to her at a property in North Essendon about 7.50am on Thursday, January 23.

The woman, a 27-year-old from North Essendon, was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers were later called to reports of shots fired at two separate vehicles on Tullamarine Freeway, Glenroy and Pascoe Vale Road in Jacana about 9.15am.

A few hours later, a 38-year-old Roxburgh Park man presented to a hospital in Coburg with a gunshot wound, where he remains with serious injuries.

With the assistance of officers from Special Operations Group, a 37-year-old Craigieburn man was located and arrested in a Glenroy Rd car park about 9.50pm on Thursday ( January 23).

FromPagesThe Past FromPagesThe Past

From Our Files - 100 Years Ago Friday, February 7, 1925

BRUNSWICK Stolen brass

■ On Friday afternoon Plainclothes Constables Morgan and Smedley, of Williamstown, in company with Plainclothes Constables Heard and Harding, of: Brunswick, and Special Inquiry Officer Veale, of the Railway Department, visited a house at Haloway-road, Brunswick

In a cupboard in a washhouse they found a quantity of brass fittings, and in making a further search of the back yard found in a bag under a hedge another batch of brass fittings.

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■ Melton. Caroline Springs, Melton, Ravenhall, Truganina.

■ Merri-bek. Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale.

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Local News

Night markets

PRINT ONLINE AND NORTH-WEST

■ Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre will come alive on the first Friday in February, March and April with night markets featuring live music, traditional performances, market stalls and mouthwatering cuisines from around the globe.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy. The Asian Market will kick-off the events on Friday (Feb. 7) featuring a range of spectacular performances including Chinese Lion dancing, Japanese drumming, and Bollywood beats.

Feast on a range of food including Asian street food, Chinese dumplings, Sri-Lankan Kottu, Vietnamese Banh Mi, Indian curries and more!

European charm will transform the town centre on Friday, March 7, with everything from Moulin Rouge shows to Oompah music, as well as a range of European fare on offer.

An Oceania theme will cap off the night markets on Friday April 4 with Polynesian dancing including the Haka and Hula , and more cuisines to try. Each market will run from 5pm to 9pm.

This event is supported by the Suburban Revitalisation Board and the State Government.

City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi said: “The Melton Night Markets are a fantastic way to celebrate cultural diversity in the City of Melton and to come together as a community to learn more about each other.

“Immersing ourselves in other cultures and traditions is the best way to learn and build respect for one another.

“Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the shared joy of diversity through food, music, and culture,” Cr Abboushi said.

MOORABOOL

Top citizens

■ Moorabool Council presented the 2025 Australia Day Awards at the ceremony held on Sunday, January 26:

■ Citizen of the Year – Russell Hendry

■ Young Citizen of the Year – Jay Bamford

■ Community Event of the Year – Marsh Rodders Show’n’Shine Swap Meet

■ Mayor Award – Emma Seeger

Russ Hendry has a strong volunteering background and has been involved in a number of community groups and sporting clubs.

Later, at the Brunswick police station, James McIntosh, 32, an employe of the Newport Workshops, was charged with having had in his possession a quantity of brass fittings, valued at £15, suspected of having been stolen.

McIntosh appeared kbefore Mr. Conlon, P.M., at the Brunswick Court on Wednesday, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment. The P.M. [Petty Magistrate] said the evidence proved that accused has been systematically thieving for some time.

NORTH WILLIAMSTOWN School works

■ The contractors (Messrs. McDonald and Blair) are making good progress with the improvements to the North Williamstown State School . Two up-to-date: class rooms and a teachers' room are being erected, all woodwork is being painted, and a large area is being asphalted.. By means of funds gained at the Jubilee effort, last year, 1000 .books have been added to the school li brary. The Jubilee Committee will mieet next Wednesday to hold a meeting to arrange for a.a school picnic.

NEWPORT

Sunday tennis

■ The decision of members of the Newport Tennis Club to engage in Sunday play on the recently con structed public courts laid down by the council was responsible for a lengthy discussion at Tuesday night's meeting of the council. was-received

A letter of protest was received from the local Ministers' Association urging the council. to take action to prohibit the. use of thecourts on Sundays oni' the ground "that any further lowering of the standard o'f public observance of the Lord's', Day. by en-' couraging Sunday sport will be very detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare' of the community."

Cr. Lydiate said: that tennis was being played on Sundays on the council's courts at Newport ivithout the sanction of the council. The courts had been erected for the ratepayers, and ,the feelings of all should be: conrisidered. He moved that the council: take steps to prevent the playing of any games or matches on any reserve or court owned or controlled by the City` of Williamstown between mid nighti on Satuidays and: midnight on Sundays, persons so offending. to be liable to prosecution and a ifine of £10.

There were no greater facilities for sport in any part of the world than in Australia, buthe thought it should be confined to six days in the week.

He was sorry that the good sense of the people of Newport had not made it unnecessary for him to move in the direction which he had. .-..- .,:,

Cr. Jones seconded the motion. The council was the guardian of the proerty of the citizens and should strive to preserve both the physical and moral health of the communiuity. It had already taken steps to prohibit Sunday picture shows.

- The Chronicle

● ● Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

MELTON

● ● ●

● Author Julie Holland has penned ‘Full Circle’, in which your past can become your future. Observer columnist Julie Houghton pens her review. See inside the Observer section.

‘PAM THE BIRD’ GRAFFITI: MAN, 21, CHARGED

■ Members of Victoria Police's Transit Divisional Response Unit have charged a man over a series of ‘Pam the Bird’ images graffitied on city landmarks.

The 21-year-old man, from Yarraville, was arrested on Thursday (Jan. 30), and due to face Melbourne Magiostrates’ Court on Friday.

He was due to more than 50 charges including criminal damage, burglary, shop theft and theft of a motor vehicle.

In one of the most high-profile incidents, it isd alleged the man scaled and defaced the heritage-listed n clock tower on July 10, 2024.

It is alleged he is also responsible for graffiti plastered across the rail network as well as the 'Cheese Stick' column on CityLink, a television station building in Docklands and concrete silos on Mercer St in Geelong.

In the latest incident graffiti was

daubed across a hotel in South Wharf

Total damage of the offending is estimated at more than $100,000.

The man has also been charged over an incident in Footscray where an allegedly stolen car was driven

through the front window of a Barkly St restaurant early on December 20.

a 39-year-old man from Abbotsford

of criminal damage.

● ● Pam The Bird graffiti on a Melbourne train. Instagram

Police also arrested

He is facing more than 20 charges

Other People’s Gossip

Patti sidelined

■ Illness sidelined Patti Newton, 79, from the preview shows of Grease The Musical, which has moved from Adelaide to Brisbane.

Patti has been plagued with COVID and laryngitis at several season starts.

The news came as the Newtons suffered a negative Womans Day report with a socalled family friend speculating with the magazine that one of the reasons why son Matthew Newton had not returned to Australia, was because of sibling rivalry issues with his sister Lauren.

Placed on bond

■ Which Victorian showbiz personality has been placed on a good behaviour bond, due to re-appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on December 9?

Vale Clive Robertson

● Clive Robertson

■ The passing of mercurial TV-radio man Clive Robertson over the summer break saw a social media message from Angela McGowan, widow of former 3AW broadcaster Keith McGowan.

“I am so sorry to hear this. Clive was so kind to me when I lost Keith . He sent me many emails which were insightful and interesting and so very kind . I will miss knowing that he is there . RIP my friend x,” Angela posted.

At Bunjil Place

■ Frock A Whanaungartanga is a new exhibition presented in association with Asia TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne, currently on display at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren, until March 9.

Curated by the Pacific Sisters and Jade Hadfield, this marks the Pacific Sisters’ first solo exhibition in Australia

The exhibition celebrates their legacy through fashion, performance, film, and music, exploring themes of ancestral connection and kinship. It brings the artistic traditions of the Moana to life .

Formed in Aotearoa, New Zealand, in 1991, the Pacific Sisters are a groundbreaking Tagata Moana art collective. They play a crucial role in the Moana arts community by mentoring emerging talent.

PUBLIC SHAMING, ABUSE, WAS BRUTAL Observer National

■ Melbourne stage and television actress Christie Whelan Browne has revealed the pain that accompanied her legal action against the producers of Rocky Horror Show and its lead actor Craig McLachlan.

In a written piece titled ‘Scar Tissue’, Ms Whelan Browne speaks of the court case and the toll that it had on her professional and personal life.

“I was very publicly sued for defamation after speaking out against a co-worker’s inappropriate behaviour, and the public shaming and abuse was absolutely brutal,” Ms Whelan Browne said.

“My face spread over the papers, words like ‘sexual deviant’ and ‘foul mouted’ used against me.

“Not that I am ashamed of being foulmouthed - I certainly am, but it was the way being a female who was foul mouthed was used as ammunition to discredit and humilate me, to somehow try and prove I was never a victim of anything.

“Sexual deviant couldn’t have been further from the truth. I’m sure my husband was thinking ‘Hey? Where is this sexual deviant that I’m hearing about?’

“They said a lot of things about me. Called me a lot of names.

“You have to try with all your might to hold on to what is true of you, and lean on those who know you better than the ones who are trying to frighten you into silence.

“This was a difficult time and it lasted many years. It was also trying to have a baby, and had found out at this same time that I was infertile.”

Ms Whelan Browne says that she will be forever changed: “I feel passionate about sharing a story of recovery.”

● ● Black-eyed Derryn Hinch

■ Retired broadcaster Derryn Hinch was in the wars over the summer break, suffering two severe black eyes. Whilst staying at the Sydney apartment of partner Lynda Stoner. Hinch had a pre-Christmas fall, smacked hisnose and, as a consequence, blacked both hiseyes. “Looked like I lost 10 rounds with Lionel Rose,” said the Human Headline, who is thousands of words into his update of the Human Headlines book which was published 15 years ago.

●

on

VERITAS VERITAS

■ Sofitel Melbourne on Collins was serving up star power during the Australian Open, with Olympic gold medallist Qinwen Zheng

The hotel hosted an exclusive VIP event for their high-valued guests and partners prior to the world’s fifth-ranked tennis player’s appearance at the Australian Open

Qinwen was a special guest for an exclusive Q&A conducted by Samuel Begg. She is now the global ambassador for French fashion house Dior. The Sofitel team is trained to cater to the specific needs of high-performance athletes.

Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest

Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest

Power point

■ Every summer, 3AW trials its B- and C-Grade lists of wannabe presenters. They are effectively live auditions during the holiday break. Most impressive was Emily Power, who handled the afternoon

shift, in the absence of Tony Moclair and Jacqui Felgate. With Ms Felgate over bringing in low 8 per cent ratings in the Drive shift, perhaps the former Channel 7 sporstcaster might be needing to look over her shoulder.

Pappas at SBS

■ The SBS Board and Executive have welcomed the appointment of Dr Nicholas Pappas as a Non-executive Director.

Dr Pappas fills the vacancy arising following the departure of Peeyush Gupta who concluded his second term last October.

New boss at ARN

■ ARN has appointed Michael Stephenson as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for leading the company’s commercial strategy and operations. The former Channel Nine boss will join ARN as COO in the first quarter of 2025. ARN runs the KIIS and Gold networks.

Better Men

■

The pop-up event was attended by approximately 12,000 people. “What a showman, what a star. He played for 45 minutes. We had a good chat on stage and privately afterwards. My incredible workmates did an amazing job putting this together in complete secrecy. It was fire,” Huggy said.

Great Scott!

■ Who remembers entertainer Brendan Scott who used to appear regularly on 3AW’s Overnighters with Keith McGowan, and Nightline with Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady?

Brendan used to host the Observer Overnighters Christmas parties at venues including Reservoir RSL, Springvale RSL, the Grovedale Hotel, and Doncaster Shoppingtown Hotel.

The sold-out events used to attract guest artists including Darryl Cotton, John-Michael Howson, Mike Brady, Dorothy Baker and ‘Harmonica Mavis’.

Just prior to Christmas, Brendan got the band back together with a special widow’s lunch held at the East Melbourne headquarters of Freemasons Victoria.

One of the volunteer organisers was Ash Long, Melbourne Observer Editor.

● ● Christie Whelan Browne

Emily Power

● ● Patti Newton as Miss Lynch in Grease The Musical

● ● Craig Huggins (Gold 104.3) with Robbie Williams

Gold 104.3 interrupted his summer holiday to be the MC for Robbie Williams’s free Melbourne concert at Federation Square last month.

Stars at Sofitel

●

Sofitel Melbourne

Collins GM Stephan Leroy with Olympic Gold Medallist Qinwen Zheng, and Marjin Bal, Vice President, WME Sports - IMG Tennis

The Whip

By-election on Sat.

■ Pundits are predicting that Rachel Westaway has an even-money chance of claiming victory for the Liberal Party in the Prahran by-election being held this Saturday (Feb. 8) following the resignation of Greens MLA Sam Hibbins.

Young environmental engineer Angelica Di Camillo of East St Kilda, is contesting the seat for the Greens. Premier Jacinta Allan’s Labor Party has declined to nominate a candidate for the by-election.

Also at Werribee

■ With ex-State Treasurer Tim Pallas resigning as Werribee MLA, the by-election for this Labor safe seat will also be held this Saturday (Feb. 8).

John Lister as the ALP candidate. He is a local school teacher and CFA volunteer. Paul Hopper is standing as an independent. The Libs and Greens were caught napping in nominating candidates.

Steve Murphy is the Liberal candidate. He is a former policeman and Army trooper. He worked in town planning for Wyndham City Council, before spending 26 years in real estate in Werribee

Greens candidate Rifai A. Raheem has community connections including the Werribee Islamic Centre

Hey big spender

■ Rertiring Werribee MLA Tim Pallas costed taxpayers more than $650,000 during a decade of luxury travel in the State Treasurer’s job.

His travel expenses since 2015 reveals the staggering cost of his 14 international junkets.

Details of his $72,683 farewell tour of the UK, France, Italy and Spain in October were published late last month.

Parliament back

■ State Parliamentarians are back in Spring St this week with sitting dates on February 4-6. They also return on February 1820. March 4-6 and 18-20 are scheduled sitting dates, as are April 1-3 prior to Easter.

L-plate Liberals

■ State Labor representatives were quick to label Brad Battin as the L-plate Liberal leader over the summer break.

“Brad Battin’s political hero Jeff Kennett closed schools, hospitals and regional train lines,” said a comment at Premier Jacinta Allan’s government website.

“Brad Battin as Premier would do it all again. It’s a surprise he admitted it so early.”

SURPRISES IN STATE OPPOSITION LINE-UP

■ The State Opposition last month reshuffled its Shadow Cabinet:

■ Brad Battin: Leader of the Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Small and Medium Business

■ Danny O’Brien: Leader of The Nationals, Deputy Leader of the Coalition, Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Liveability

■ Sam Groth: Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Special Minister for State, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport, Events and Hospitality, Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation

■ Emma Kealy: Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Shadow Minister for Mental Health

■ David Davis: Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources, Shadow Minister for Financial Integrity and Budget Repair

■ Evan Mulholland: Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Major Projects, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Shadow Minister for Arts and Creative Industries

■ James Newbury: Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Equality

■ Georgie Crozier: Shadow Minister for Health

■ Matthew Guy: Shadow Minister for Transition to Government, Shadow Minister for Public Transport

■ Jess Wilson: Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Industry and Economic Growth

■ Michael O’Brien: Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Victim Support

■ Bridget Vallence: Manager of Opposition Business, Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment

■ Tim Bull: Shadow Minister for Disability, Ageing, Carers and Volunteers, Shadow Minister for Racing, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs

■ Brad Rowswell: Shadow Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Service Innovation, Shadow Minister for Environment

■ Richard Riordan: Shadow Minister for Planning,. Shadow Minister for Housing

■ Beverley McArthur: Shadow Minister for Local Government, Shadow Minister for Scrutiny of Government

■ Tim McCurdy: Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, Shadow Minister for Water, Shadow Minister for Gaming and Liquor

■ Melina Bath: Leader of The Nationals in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Shadow Minister for Public Land Management

■ David Southwick: Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, Shadow Minister for Youth and Future Leaders, Shadow Minister for Youth Justice

■ Cindy McLeish: Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Shadow Minister for Women

■ David Hodgett: Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations

■ Roma Britnell: Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Shadow Minister for Child Protection

■ Joe McCracken: Shadow Cabinet Secretary

■ Annabelle Cleeland: Shadow Assistant Minister for Health

■ Trung Luu: Shadow Assistant Minister for Police, Corrections and Crime Prevention

■ Chris Crewther: Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability

■ Renee Heath: Shadow Assistant Minister for Victims of Family Violence, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs

■ Ann-Marie Hermans , Shadow Assistant Minister for Education

■ Richard Welch: Shadow Assistant Minister for Industry and Economic Growth

Battin, Opposition Leader

■ Nicole Werner: Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth and Future Leaders

■ Martin Cameron: Shadow Assistant Minister for Energy Affordability, Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business

■ Wayne Farnham: Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and the Building Industry

■ Bill Tilley: Shadow Assistant Minister for Boating and Fishing

■ Kim O’Keeffe: Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Multicultural Affairs

What’s On

Lambo stolen

■ Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after four cars, including a $500,000 Ferrari, were stolen in Truganina last week.

It is understood that three unknown offenders attended the first property on Cottee Rd about 1.40am on Wednesday (Jan. 29).

The offenders entered the victim’s home through an open garage and stole the victim’s 2010 white Toyota RAV4 wagon, with registration XRR797, and 2012 maroon Toyota Kluger, with registration ZAG867.

Radio man goes

■ Daniel Bozykowski, better known in the industry simply as Boz, has departed ARN and his role as KIIS 101.1 Melbourne's Assistant Content Director after 11 years with the network.

Country dancing

■ Stonnington Scottish Country Dancers holds classes every Wednesday evening at St James Anglican Church Hall, corner High St and Burke R, Glen Iris, commencing at 8pm. Contact Graham Stanley on 9592 9441.

Shooting probe

■ Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV of a vehicle as part of their investigation into a fatal shooting in Burnside Heights. Emergency services were initially called to reports of a man with a gunshot wound outside a property on Tenterfield Drive about 9.10pm on August 2.

A member of the public was flagged down by a man who asked him to call emergency services before leaving the area.

The member of the public subsequently located a white Suzuki Swift nearby with several bullet holes and a man deceased in the front passenger seat. The victim was subsequently identified as 34-year-old Wallan man Jason Filippi.

Since 1969, the Melbourne Observer has been a trusted news source for Victorians.

These days the Melbourne Observer is available free, tucked inside all editions of The Local Paper, covering all Melbourne suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and selected country areas.

As well as general news coverage, there is plenty of latest showbiz news, favourite columnists, and the mighty mega crossword.

The Melbourne Observer is available free weekly online, February-December. Free print copies are available fortnightly through a network of hundreds of outlets.

You can have the Melbourne Observer delivered free every week to your in-box. To arrange your free subscription, simply fill in the details at the form at www.FreePaper.com.au

●

● Rachel Westaway

Melbourne Observer

Established 1969

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Warnings for Allan Govt.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was smart to not field a Labor candidate in the Prahran by-election that is to be held this Saturday (Feb. 8).

However, former Treasurer Tim Pallas’s resignation prior to Christmas, has meant that a by-election had to be held in the Werribee electorate that has been traditionally held by the ALP . It is a poll that the Labor Government could not avoid.

Latest polling indicates that the Allan Government is on the nose, and the unelectable Liberal-National coalition now ‘under new management’ of Brad Brattin is in with a chance for the November 2026 State Election.

To be re-elected,the State Labor Government will need to return to basics. The Suburban Rail Loop is sucking out valuable funds that the Government needs for day-to-day projects across Victoria. It makes sense for the Allan Government to heed the warnings.

In the bush, the Allan Government has promised a page advertisement each issue for regional newspapers, which tell positive stories about their governance.

If intelligent, the Labor Government would be wise to do similar in the Melbourne suburbs over the coming 21 months, to re-connect with its heartland.

There is much to be said for traditional marketing.

Meanwhile, the State Opposition - which has been led unsuccessfully by Matthew Guy (twice), Michael O’Brienm, John Pesutto and now Brad Battin - has a single opportunity to achieve traction with the public.

Let’s hope their newest media team can do better than past efforts. As Melbourne’s leading local newspaper group covering all suburbs, we have heard nothing from the Opposition for years.

Within the next three months, there will be a Federal Election. Coalition Leader Peter Dutton has an even-money chance of toppling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both parties need to do a better job in communicating their values to electors.

The Local Paper stands ready to do its part with public interest journalism that keeps political leaders to account. Our readers are welcome to use our columns to help us in this task.

We

Could LA fires happen here?

Sir,

Could a Los Angeles type fire disaster occur in Victoria or anywhere else in Australia?

The answer is clearly yes and it has already happened many times.

Recent examples in Victoria are February 2024 at Pomonal near the Grampians where 45 houses were lost and Mallacoota in 2020 where 128 houses were lost.

Whilst these were on a smaller scale than LA, and no lives were lost, the key factors leading up to the disasters were similar to LA – long unburnt fuels, dry conditions and residences close to the bush.

Then when adverse weather conditions including strong winds occurred this ensured long distance spotting ahead of the main front and into the buildings in the towns, which were largely unoccupied as residents had already evacuated.

Of course, Victoria can go back to black Saturday 2009 where 173 people died, including 120 in the Kinglake area and 34 in Marysville , and where over 2000 houses were destroyed.

In terms of loss of life, those fires were a far worse disaster than the current LA fires.

Other Australian States have similar stories. There is an important saying that “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Fire disasters are the result of the combination of meteorological conditions, topographical conditions, and fuel type and quantity.

It is not possible to change the topography of an area, meteorological conditions are outside our control and so the only thing that can help mitigate the intensity of fires is to reduce fuel loads.

No fuel equals no fire, less fuel equals less intense fire. Broad scale fuel reduction programs are the proven way to reduce fuels over extensive areas.

The Royal Commission after the 2009 fires recommended a minimum of 5 per cent of forests should be treated annually.

The successful program in Western Australia targets 6-8 per cent annually. Victoria currently achieves about 1.3 per cent.

It is important that land managers learn from history and actively manage a comprehensive fuel management program across the forests of Victoria as part of mitigation against another fire disaster.

- Peter Rice, Vice-President The Howitt Society

Politicians fooled

Sir, Scientist Peter Ridd’s has ighlighted concerns with World Heritage listing of the Cape York Peninsula and the potential adverse impacts. This raises a similar broader issue that is damaging the Aus-

Observer Mailbag

Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers. Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.

tralian environment, while also adversely impacting our prosperity.

We are seeing local and international environmental activists allowing their ideologies to dictate sound decision-making and unfortunately our politicians are fooled by their rhetoric, or frightened to openly oppose it for fear of ‘green’ backlash.

Cape York, as Peter Ridd points out, is no longer in its preEuropean state because socalled environmental ‘experts’ will not allow the natural burning that took place centuries ago.

In my region, the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin, we are at risk of increased flood events and are damaging riverbanks with excessive flows, because environmentalists want the Murray River and its environs returned to their ‘natural’ state.

But this is impossible, due to construction of dams and demands from South Australia for massive quantities of water to be sent from one end of the system to the other, regardless of the water loss or damage.

Exacerbating the situation, and I suspect it’s the same in Cape York , are those on the Government funding gravy train who live on taxpayer dollars by presenting the information and arguments that suit a political narrative.

From the north of our great country to the south, we are being handicapped by false ideologies led generally by those

with little genuine knowledge, no ‘skin in the game’ and unaffected by their ill-informed pursuits.

I welcome the day, if it ever comes, when this changes.

- Shelley Scoullar ‘Katradam’ Table Top Rd Table Top

Hearts

and minds

Sir,

This a heartfelt call to action: protecting our hearts and minds together this REDFEB

As REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month arrives this February, Heart Research Australia is urging all Australians to come together and take action to safeguard both their heart and brain health.

This year, we are shedding light on the crucial link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function and sharing effective day-to-day strategies to support both.

It’s crucial to understand that what supports the heart also benefits the brain.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and its effects reach far beyond our hearts.

Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can not only cause damage to the heart, but can also increase the risk of cognitive decline, and the development of dementia.

By 2054, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to double. So, protecting our heart and brain health now is more vital than ever, not only for our own health and wellbeing, but to reduce the pressure on our health system as it braces for the impact of an ageing population.

In our communities, the impact of heart disease and dementia are deeply felt.

We see it in our families, friends, and neighbours. The path forward begins with simple, actionable steps.

Heart Research Australia’s 4-MApproach—Meals, Movement, Measurement, and Mental Wellness—guides us to take small, meaningful actions today, which can protect both our hearts and our minds.

At Heart Research Australia, we are committed to reducing the devastating impact heart disease has on families and the community.

This REDFEB, we are asking Australians to come together to wear red, raise awareness, and contribute to the vital research that will change lives.

By taking action today, we can reduce the devastating effects of heart disease tomorrow.

Together, as one community, we can make a difference for our future.

To learn more about Heart Research Australia’s 4-M approach and support Heart Research Australia’s critical research , please visit www. heartresearch.com.au - Nicci Dent, CEO, Heart Research Australia

70 Years Ago

From Our Files ● ● February 1955

Take back Bundoora

■ The returned soldiers' mental hospital at Bun doora would be handed back to the Commonwealth Government unless repairs were made soon, Mr. Barry, State Health Minister, said. "Repairs are l8 months overdue. You hsave to inspect it to believe it," he said. "Wards can't be used because of white ants. We asked them to. do something about it. They did, but all they did was to fill in the floor and cover it with lino." Mr. Barry said the State Government was making alterations in other mental hospitals, but could not do so at Bundoora, as the hospital, although administered by the State, was the prop erty of the Commonwealth

Initial damage

■ In Hartwell the other night an electric light pole was knocked over: it fell on a fire hydrant which then broke and the water undermined a pillar box. SO? So the police were called to hold back the crowd so the S.E.C could remove the dangerous wires so the P.M.G. could remove the pillar box so the M.M.B.W. could stop the gush of water.

Now the A-car

■ Russia claimed today that Soviet nuclear scientists had developed an atomic-powered motor-car running "for weeks" on less than an ounce of uranium. Details and a picture of the car were published by the Soviet propaganda organisation in East Germany. Uranium or plutonium in minute quantities is said to "burn" in an "atomic oven" which is a substitute for the conventional car engine. The burning releases enormous heat that turns lead into liquid. The lead circulates and vaporises water, which drives a turbine.

Herald angels sing

■ Fellow driving a sedan down Booran rd., Glenhuntly, yesterday evening at peak hour had four passengers. Two were children. He had a paper propped up on the steering wheel as he drove along. He was reading it ... The obituary notices, maybe.

Toorak man’s will

■ Joseph Smith, of Glyndebourne . ave.. Toorak, furniture warehouseman, who died on December 2 last year, left estate valued at £101,453, including shares in Paterson's (Aust.) Ltd., valued at £84,761.

Hands off, Gough

■ Hand off the High Court, Mr. Whitlam! Mr. E. G. Whitlam, Labor barrister M.H.R., gave us a shock on Monday when he said: "Judges have too much power ... Some use their lifelong appointments for political purposes." Such grave charges, made on the eve of the new legal year, must he answered promptly and firmly.

Garden ban stands

■ The ban on the usc of fixed water sprinklers between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. will continue until next Wednesday at least. This was decided yesterday by the Board of Works Water Supply Committee. The position will be reviewed again next Wednesday. Today is thc 18th day of the ban on sprinklers. Despite a total sprinkler ban for three days and a partial ban for 12 days, water consumption last month was a record. Consumption was 5,411.5 million gallons - 456.7 million gallons more than the previous record made in January 1954 - and the average daily consumption was 174.6 million gallons.

Alice in Wonderland

■ Penny Farrow’s adaptation of Lewis Caroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a magical, fun-packed 60 minutes.

Performed for a limited season at the Athenaeum Theatre, Farrow’s Alice in Wonderland was created over a decade ago with Executive and Creative Producer Ethan Walker, and still resonates with imagination and creativity.

The fantastical characters Alice meets on her adventures are masterfully recreated. Costumes by Walker, Gayle MacGregor and Diana Eden are elaborate and wondrousfrom the Caterpillar that transforms into a dazzling butterfly to the majestic, if not robust, Queen of Hearts (Simon BurvellHolmes).

Entertaining stagecraft and puppetry (Chris Barlow and Deiter Barry), enhance the fun and visual delight. Superbly designed by Nate Bertone, the set provides the perfect backdrop for Alice’s adventures and the madcap characters she meets in Wonderland’s whimsical and surreal world.

A strong cast and ensemble bring this tale to vivid life. Alice, Eowyn Turner, Farrow’s real-life daughter, is a convincing Alice, portraying her curious and adventurous spirit with ease.

Mime is cleverly employed to portray Alice as shrinking and growing. Lucy Fox charms as the White Rabbit, blending anxiety and energy to create a sense of chaotic expectancy in the narrative.

Tweedledee and Tweedledum (Matilda Simmons and Justine Anderson), while quirky and playful - and a hit with the younger audience - linger in the spotlight a little longer than necessary.

Their extended time could have been shared more evenly with the Caterpillar (Anthony Craig), the Mad Hatter (Sharnema Nougar), and especially the Cheshire Cat (Burvell Holmes) - a truly masterful piece of puppetry that captivated with its enigmatic and illuminated smile.

This vibrant production, full of whimsy and creativity, brings the magic of Wonderland to life with skillful storytelling and a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation. It is really an enchanting recreation, one Lewis Carroll would surely approve.

- Reviewed by Beth Klein

Fellowship

■ Applications for the 2025 Frank Van Straten Fellowship close on March 23.

Arts enthusiasts are offered the opportunity to research and develop a project of their choosing in exploration of the iconic Australian Performing Arts Collection (APAC).

“We are so grateful and immensely proud to be launching this, our sixth Frank Van Straten Fellowship. Over the years, through this important and innovative program, we’ve had tremendous creative projects tell stories from the Australian Performing Arts Collection including podcasts, online exhibitions, a recreation of a dance piece and the writing of a show. This is what makes the Collection so powerful – to be able to explore these identities and precious objects, to reach through time and reconnect us through creativity and the performing arts,” said Karen Quinlan, CEO, Arts Centre Melbourne

In line with application guidelines, the successful recipient will gain special access to the Collection for their project, along with $15,000 to undertake research aligned to key areas including circus, dance, music, opera and theatre (which includes comedy, vaudeville and magic).

The aim of the Frank Van Straten Fellowship is to tell stories of performance and performers through the extraordinary objects from the Australian Performing Arts Collection that will resonate with diverse audiences. The Frank Van Straten Fellowship is made possible by the generous contribution of The Van Straten and Turley Foundation

The Fellowship also honours the memory of the late Frank Van Straten who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Performing Arts Collection in the late 1970s. For more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Free concerts at Bowl

■ Over three star-filled February summer nights, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will continue its more than 60-year tradition of performing free outdoor concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl

The 2025 free summer series opens on February 5 with Cybec Assistant Conductor Leonard Weiss leading the MSO for Journeys and Adventures featuring stories of exploration, playful moments and showstoppers.

On February 15, the MSO’s Chief Conductor Jaime Martín will make his debut at the Bowl, conducting a program featuring acclaimed Czech composer Antonin Dvorák, legendary American composer George Gershwin and French composer Maurice Ravel’s best-known work Boléro.

A Symphonic Showcase will be presented on February 22, led by Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey and the MSO to deliver a Symphonic Showcase featuring two world premieres from Cybec Young Composer in Residence Klearhos Murphy and MSO’s inaugural Cybec First Nations Composer in Residence, James Henry

“It is an absolute thrill to make my debut in this iconic concert series at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,” says Chief Conductor Jaime Martín.

“These free concerts are an extraordinary gift to Melburnians and visitors to this wonderful city. They are a celebration of music, community, and Melbourne’s vibrant summer spirit.

“Sharing the joy of live orchestral music with such a diverse audience, under the stars in this beloved venue, is truly special.”

Event Details:

Dates and Time: February 5, 15, 22 at 7.30pm

Gates open at 4.30pm with entry on a first-in basis

Venue: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne

Admission: Free - Cheryl Threadgold

The Aevum Valley

■ The Aevum Valley, an original new horror play by VCA Theatre alumni and emerging artist Tom Weinert, is being presented at The MC Showroom, Prahran from February 25 to March 1.

‘The Aevum Valley' is described as a sensory, immersive piece and, 'a sinister, twisted tale of a group of seven cultists who endeavour into the wilderness in the search for eternal life.

An homage to classic 70s horror with live and filmed elements, The Aevum Valley creates a terrifying and immersive atmosphere for those who dare to come and see what lurks beyond.

“What does it mean to be a pawn in the name of something greater? Would you defy the powers that be to protect your moral compass?”

The themes of Tom Weinert's debut play are said to explore: “Power- cheating death, seeking something greater than yourself, no matter the cost, and no matter how much it changes you.

“The depiction of an active cult also depicts loss of identity at the hands of an authoritative power and dependency on 'roles' in a community, ringing true to the political status of the world.

“What does it mean to be a pawn in the name of something greater? would you defy the powers that be in the name of your morals?

“This is an age-old question that can't be answered unless thrown in a dire situation, often leading to embracing your most primal impulses.”

Performance Season: February 25 to March 1

Venue: The MC Showroom, L1, 50 Clifton St, Prahran

Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1332201

- Cheryl Threadgold

Best of Broadway

■ Presented by Ella’s Music Club, 'The Best of Broadway' will be at Royal Brighton Yacht Club at 8.30pm on Saturday, February 15. Reserved Seating $55 www.ellasmusicclub.com

Kate Holmes

■ Jeremy Goldstein and Theatre Works present Truth to Power Café from February 5 - 6 at Theatre Works , 14 Acland St , St Kilda.

Created, written and performed by Jeremy Goldstein with Henry Woolf, directed by Jen Heyes, and described as 'a profound theatrical reflection on loss, hope, and resistance', Truth to Power Café will celebrate its Midsumma Festival premiere with revolutionary expressions of Queer Power in response to the question at the heart of the show ‘who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?’

Participants will voice radical stories of eroticism, criminal justice, addiction, identity, grief, religion, disability, patriarchy, the body, unrequited love, survival, bullying and coming out in a unique and timely theatrical celebration of time, place and community.

Wednesday, February 5

■ Mama Alto - jazz singer, cabaret artiste, and gender transcendent diva

■ Jax Brown - disability and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, writer, and educator

■ Tara Burnett - public school teacher, unionist, renter and Green candidate for the Victorian seat of Cooper at this year’s federal election. If Tara wins, she will become the first trans-MP in any Parliament in Australia.

■ Brenton Geyer - LGBTIQ+ community leader, HIV+ advocate, and former Chair and life member of the Midsumma Festival.

■ Andy Porter – writer, filmmaker and student

■ Leisa Prowd - dancer, performance artist, and life model

■ Tiger Salmon - founder of Wicked Woman, Australia’s first erotic zine for lesbians and trans folk

Thursday, February 6

■ Maria Bololia - pioneering Greek Australian lesbian activist

■ Maude Davey - Melbourne Fringe Living Legend Award Winner 2022

■ Chelle Destefano - award-winning multidisciplinary Deaf woman artist

■ Jack Gow – journalist ABCQueer

■ Michael Olsen - award-winning playwright

■ Sasja Sÿdek- co-founder of Trans Sister United and Queer Muslim Naarm

Speaking truth to power is described as 'a non-violent means of conflict resolution, the origins of which lie in the anti-war movement. In our era of post-truth and fake news, speaking truth to power is widely accepted to mean saying something to those in a position of trust or authority who don’t want to hear it.'

Truth to Power Café, already performed 60 times in eight countries with 800 participants, has travelled the world, playing leading theatres and festivals in England, Scotland, The Netherlands, Croatia and Australia before live and online audiences of over half a million people.

In the past twelve months the show had its US premiere at Lincoln Center New York, Canadian premiere at the world-famous Chutzpah! Festival Vancouver, and won an Adelaide Fringe Award for Best Theatre for performances in Kimba, a remote rural farming community in the Eyre Peninsula Truth to Power Café creator Jeremy Goldstein says: “The show is a love letter to humanity and to the memory of my father Mick Goldstein and his friends of 60 years, Henry Woolf and Nobel Prize winning playwright Harold Pinter and his innercircle –The Hackney Gang. For 60 years the Gang held firm in their political and philosophical beliefs of an independent media and speaking truth to power.”

Midsumma Festival. February 5- 6. Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street St. Kilda Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/ or midsumma.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

●

● MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martin. Photo: Paul Marc Mitchell

● ● ● ● Truth to Power Café.

Photo:

● ● Pictured: Rouzbeh Nadjar (Ben the Survivalist), Melanie Tsimbas (Jane the Skeptic), Louisa Cusumano (May the Navigator), Sacha Brown (Laura the Leader), Stella Heard (Fiona the Seer), Jay Gold (Axle the Sadist) and Stella Klironomakis (Uma the Heretic) in The Aevum Valley.

Shows

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Bondi Legal (by Tony Laumberg) February 7 – 22 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Scott Beaton. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ The Mount Players: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) February 21

– March 9 at The Mountview Theatre, 63 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: themountplayers.com

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

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Head Over Heels - the Musical (adapted by James MacGruder) February 28 – March 8 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Bookings: phoenixtheatre.org

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Ladies in Black (Book by Carolyn Burns Music and Lyrics by Tim Finn Based on the novel “The Women in Black” by Madeline St John) March 7 – 22 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt. Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ CentreStage: Come from Away. March 7

– 22 at The Playhouse, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Malop St., Geelong. Bookings: centrestage.org.au/event

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Sex Please, We’re Sixty (by Michael Parker and Susan Parker) March 13 – 22 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Luisa Romeo. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) March 20 – 29 at the Bradshaw Street Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Casey Bohan. Bookings: 0406448368 or trybooking.

■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Come From Away. March 21 – April 5 at Fab Nobs Theatre, Factory 33, 1-45 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Sarah Tierney; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie; Ass’t. Director/Choreographer: Aimee John; Ass’t. Director/Ass’t. Choreographer: Amy Miles. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Thrill of Love (by Amanda Whittington) April 3 – May 3 at The Bakery, The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964 - Cheryl Threadgold

Entertainment

MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

■ Shakespeare’s comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, under the stars, directed by Glenn Elston was a delightful night of theatre.

Set at the Garter Inn and adjacent houses of two middle class Windsor families, the Fords and the Page, the company’s early 1970’s take was easily achieved by the play’s contemporaneity and universal themes.

To resolve his straitened circumstances, dissipated Sir John Falstaff Peter Houghton) endeavoured to simultaneously woo the wives, Mistresses Ford (Elizabeth Brennan) and Page (Anna Burgess).

His plans slowly unravelled as the Mistresses connived to toy with and out-wit Sir John who found himself dumped in the Thames (local referenced the Yarra) in a laundry basket.

His dignity further took a nosedive when he emerged from the river wearing white, Y-fronts. Draping a cotton check tea towel, he made a futile attempt to restore his decency in front of the audience.

Anne (Maddie Somers), daughter of the Page household, has three suitors; her father’s choice, dim-witted Slender (Alex Cooper), her mother’s, supercilious French Doctor Caius (Tony Rive) while Anne’s heartthrob is the poor but handsome, Fenton (Callum O’Malley)

Merciless fun was poked at the French doctor’s diction as well as the Welsh town clergyman and peacekeeper Sir Huw Evans’s pedantry.

Fenton stole hearts as he leapt from the dunebuggy he had driven on stage, to launch into the Bee Gee’s Stayin Alive dance routine.

Innkeeper, Mistress Quickly (Tash Herbert), as general confidante to everyone accepted bribes, which dropped into her ka-chinging, cash register cleavage.

With great wit, buffoonery, contemporary costuming, dance, music, lighting and clever staging, this multi-talented ensemble hilariously carried off the many twists and turns of Shakespeare’s script in this high energy performance.

Presented by the Australian Shakespeare Company at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

- Review by Sherryn Danaher

Tantrum for 6

■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents Tantrum for 6 by Harrison Ritchie-Jones from February 12-22 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.

A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, choreographer Harrison Ritchie-Jones will use his eclectic and unconventional approach to dance, clashing forms and styles with high technical skill. Dance will be used as a frame for absurdity, physical virtuosity and storytelling.

Composed by Nick Roder (bonus track by Robin Fox),Tantrum for 6 tells of six babies born from a thunderstorm, each with a natural ability to dance together. Like young goslings learning to fly, they dive straight into the challenges of their choreographed destiny.

An ensemble of dancers, Tantrum for 6 is promoted as 'becoming 'a guttural primal scream — a mesmerising storm of movement that captures raw emotions, chaos and grace. This dynamic dance work considers what it is to be human, twisting and reshaping six paths in a choreography of elegance, danger, ecstasy, sadness, and exhaustion.'

In Tantrum for 6, six grown humans let loose together on a rollercoaster of emotion not usually associated with adulthood, or dance, which is often characterised by neutral expression and formal exploration.

Ritchie-Jones describes the work as: “A new movement language that's a refined technical practice of weaving and blending contemporary dance with inspiration from Rodeo, barnyard dance, wrestling, classical partner dance, martial arts, contact improvisation, figure skating, break dance and other abstract references.”

Performance Dates: February 12 - 22

Times: Wed, - Fri, 7.30pm, Sa,t 2pm and 7.30pm

Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St., Northcote.

Tickets: $38 full, 30 conc. ($33 Darebin residents), $20 preview, $10 Blak Tix

Bookings: arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/Programsand-opportunities/Programs/Speakeasy-presentations/TANTRUM-for-6 - Cheryl Threadgold

Year of the Snake

■ Melbourne celebrates the Year of the Snake until February 11 with some of the city's most authentic Asian restaurants offering Lunar New Year traditional celebratory dining options.

Other attractions include a multi-lingual karaoke bar and a life-size Snakes and Ladders game in the open-air QV Square

A free experience, Snakes and Ladders is a playful and architectural twist on the classic game, taking over QV Square in the heart of Melbourne's CBD

Accessible through its network of laneways, QV is said to exemplify 'the quintessential Melbourne experience from food to fashion and so much more.'

Further details: whatson.melbourne. vic.gov.au/article/melbournes-lunar-new-yearfestival-events

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Life certainly deals some curve balls at times, and Queensland author Julie Holland explores that idea to the full in hee latest novel, ‘Full Circle’.

As in Holland’s earlier novels, the protagonist is not some gorgeous size 8 blonde 20-something, but a mature woman in midlife. Not your traditional kind of heroine, but someone her readers recognise and with whom they identify.

Mallory Campbell is Full Circle’s midlife heroine, who unexpectedly wins Division One in a lottery, and plans to revive her stagnant marriage by surprising her husband John with two tickets for the two of them to Venice

But before she can share her news she overhears a conversation she was not meant to hear, which exposes a particular brutal kind of infidelity that rocks Mallory’s world.

Throw in an unloving estranged father nearing the end of his days, a chance meeting with various people from her past, and the scene is set for Mallory to discover a lot of family skeletons, plus an unexpected chance for her to find some romantic happiness eventually.

As in her earlier novels, Holland’s descriptive powers as a writer are given full rein in the Victorian rural setting that is the backdrop to events.

Holland is a natural yarn spinner and doesn’t let her reader stray for a minute as she unravels her story.

“Full Circle is about one woman’s determination to move beyond betrayals of the past and to confront family secrets; to rediscover herself, and the transformative power of second-chance love,” Holland explains.

Full Circle can be bought through online platforms, or through www.heartsandmind art.com.au , and it deserves that ultimate Aussie accolade - a good read.

- Julie Houghton

More Shows

■ F.A.M.DA.: Noises Off! (by Michael Frayn) April 4 – 13 at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre. Director: Peter McAlpine. Bookings: famda.org.au

■ CPP Community Theatre: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) April 4 – 12 at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Avenue, Boronia. (park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director: Kathryn White. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ PLOS Musical Productions: We Will Rock You. February 4, 6, 8 at Overport Park, Overport and Somerset Rds., Frankston. Director: Paul Watson; Musical Director: Nathan Firmin; Choreographer: Venessa Paech; Resident Director: Owen James. Audition information and bookings: plos.asn.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group: The Winter’s Tale (by William Shakespeare) February 15 at 11am, February 17 at 7pm at Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Enquiries: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or call 93826284.

■ Peridot Theatre Company: Proof (by David Auburn) February 23 at 6pm, February 24 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Ave, Oakleigh East. Director: Damian Jones. Audition bookings: peridot.com.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Children (by Lucy Kirkwood) March 2 at 2pm, March 3 at 8pm at Unit 8, 417-419 Warrigal Rd Cheltenham. Director: Peter Newling. Audition enquiries: 0419 205 200 or e-mail: peter.newling@gmail.com. Audition bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-thechildren/

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) March 9 at 6pm, March 10 at 7pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: David McLean. Audition enquiries: davidwilliam17@bigpond.com - Cheryl Threadgold

● ● The Melbourne Observer is a section that appears free weekly inside The Local Paper, covering all suburbs.

● ● Elizabeth Brennan in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Photo: Ben Fon

● ● From left: Harrison Ritchie-Jones, Michaela Tancheff, Anika De Ruyter, Rebecca Jensen and Oliver Savariego in Tantrum for 6. Photo: Jo Duck

Billy Elliot

■ Regional Victoria can claim a Billy Elliot the Musical record of having two brothers alternate as Billy during their 12-performance season at the Geelong Arts Centre.

Footlight Productions assembled a truly talented cast and support team that without doubt would rank among the many professional companies in the world.

I say this as I have seen the original London production, the Sydney production, well over a decade ago and followed then by the Melbourne season at the Regent Theatre. Going back to when it opened in London in 2005 an emotional Elton John, said: “The story of Billy Elliot is very similar to mine, trying to be something out of the ordinary particularly when your father doesn’t approve of the profession you’ve chosen.”

However. it is a very challenging production, so not often performed and certainly not by a Regional Company. Adolescent Billy discovers he has a passion for ballet despite the vehement objections of his family and the derision of his community, a coal mining village in Northern England, at the time of the 1984 Coal Miners Strike in Great Britain

At my performance Sebastian Sero, being no stranger to the role, was quite exceptional with his vocals, voice and dance while having a very impressive list of productions from the Gold Coast to Perth. His brother Luka the alternate Billy, has just as impressive production credits.

In fact all the cast were well credentialed, performing without fault, Jamie McGuane as Jackie Elliot strong and emotive, Sophie Collins as Mrs Wilkinson scene stealer, and Mandy Calderwood as Grandma a complete performer.

Ian Nash-Gilchrist as Mr Braithwaite, Harrison Coppock as Michael , and Jett Sansom as older brother Tony Elliot were among the many notable performances and apology not being able to mention the other 43 team of actors, ballet girls, all gender ensemble and the four junior boys ensemble, who all gave us a highly charged and complete performance.

Producers Margaret and Peter Wills lengthy production team credits read like a who is who in theatre in the Geelong region, all providing the ultimate in enjoyment and feel-good performance.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Free stand-up

■ The Comics Lounge in North Melbourne is offering free stand-up comedy shows at 8pm between February 4 - 8 and February 12 or 13. This is an opportunity for audiences to sample performances from Comedy Festival shows from this year and last year in two hours of stand-up comedy.

When: February 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and February 12 or 13

Doors Open: 6.30pm (bistro menu available for meal)

Show Starts: 8pm (runs for 2+ hours)

Cost: Free

Where: The Comics Lounge 26 Errol St., North Melbourne

To book: Email laughs@thecomics lounge.com.au with name, number of tickets and preferred show.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Red Stitch’s Honour

■ Red Stitch Actors Theatre presents Honour by Joanna Murray-Smith from February 19 - March 16 (Previews February 15-18) at the Red Stitch Theatre, Chapel Street, St Kilda

This return season of this poignant exploration of infidelity and identity is directed by multi-award-winning Sam Strong (commissioned and directed Boy Swallows Universe) and features Red Stitch ensemble member Caroline Lee alongside Peter Houghton. Joining the cast is Ella Ferris, and 2024 Red Stitch Hansen Graduate Lucinda Smith making her debut with the company. Described as 'timeless' and 'razor-sharp', Honour examines what unfolds when everything that once defined a person suddenly falls away.

Previews: Feb. 15-18; Season: Feb. 19, March 16. Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda. Q&A's Post Show on Feb. 27 at 7.30pm. For performance times and further details: redstitch.net

- Cheryl Threadgold

Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen

■ “I’m 36, I’m a comedian, and I’m about to kill my boyfriend”, is in fact, a killer opening line from Samuel Barnett, portraying a single, neurotic, gay, stand-up comedian.

The celebrity-scattered Opening Night audience at the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne, was with Barnett all the way, laughing heartily – though silenced by moments of pathos – throughout his hilarious and often poignant, fast-paced, 70-minute monologue.

Barnett’s character (unnamed), recounts meeting ‘Zack’ (he thinks that’s his name), an American adonis, with whom he falls in love for the first time.

He deals with lack of confidence, terrifying vulnerability and fear of commitment. In between meetings with Zack, he relates thrilling but meaningless encounters with other men.

Interludes with Michael, with whom he is ‘in lust’, are interspersed; a delightful story involving sushi cannot be repeated here.

He constantly apologises to Zack, in awe of his gorgeous looks. Zack’s apparent perfection creates feelings of unworthiness, resulting in some (graphically described) self-destructive behaviour.

As the relationship progresses, Zack is tentatively invited along to watch his new boyfriend onstage.

Alarmingly, though Zack smiles readily, displaying his dazzlingly white choppers, nary a laugh is forthcoming. This is both puzzling and disturbing to our hero and his efforts to make Zack laugh, become obsessive.

A series of revealing and uproarious vignettes provided a thoroughly absorbing narrative, as earnest attempts to sabotage his burgeoning relationship, give way finally, to acceptance of Zack’s love.

The last scene is uproarious, utilising a slapstick description to provide an immensely satisfying conclusion.

‘Scene changes’ were defined by lighting and stage movements. Dropping the mike momentarily, signified the character being ‘himself’ without the superficial, self-deprecating humour of the comedian’s persona.

Samuel Barnett’s formidable CV includes Dirk Gently (Netflix), Tony and Olivier nominations and major roles on stage and screen. His performance in this show, written by Marcelo dos Santos (Lion Boy) and directed by Matthew Xia (Blue/Orange), was simply stellar.

- Review by Juliet Charles

Spark

■ As part of this year’s Midsumma Festival, Frenzy Theatre Company in conjunction with Theatre Works produced Spark, an exploration of a gay man’s search for ‘Mr Right ’ in today’s world of apps and online dating.

In brief, Simon (played by Ryan Henry) is nearing 30 and desperately searching for love. To help him, he uses Iris (Cassidy Dunn) , a virtual assistant on his mobile phone. However, the phone’s battery is running down and a charger is nowhere in sight so the clock is ticking for Simon (and Iris), both literally and metaphorically.

Henry wrote the script, with Dunn acting as dramaturg. To complement their central characters four minor characters appeared as Simon’s lovers, with an ensemble of five completing the cast as a Greek chorus.

Spark used a mishmash of styles, from naturalistic narrative to surreal dream-like sequences. The writing was bold and earnest but uneven; moments of genuine insight into Simon’s plight afforded by poetic language sat alongside tired cliches and all-too-familar plot lines.

Critical to the play were the central performances of Henry and Dunn which mirrored the script in that they too were a mixed bag.

Both actors played certain scenes with nuance and subtlety but, elsewhere, played shrill caricatures.

Unfortunately, at times simple stage craft was missing as cast members could not be heard or enunciated so poorly as to be unintelligible.

Going to Happen. Photo: Mark Gambino

However, some of the highlights of the evening were when text became irrelevant as song and dance pieces took over with some wonderful inventive choreography on display.

The direction by Belle Hansen, while having its moments, never fully got to grips successfully with what was admittedly a challenging script to realise. As a result, this led to the unfortunate unevenness in the performances.

So, great to see theatre this daring and adventurous while acknowledging that there is quite a way to go yet before it realises its full potential.

- Review by Peter Murphy

Grand Tour

■ Portuguese director Miguel Gomes’s wistful and melancholic film Grand Tour, for which he won the Best Director prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is a strange meld of cinematic styles, part 1930s old Hollywood, part presentday documentary.

Loosely based on a Somerset Maughan story, the film's first half follows Edward (Gonçalo Waddington) , a British civil servant in Rangoon, Burma, in 1918.

The timorous Edward abandons his fiancée Molly (Crista Alfaiate) at the altar. Edward bolts to Singapore, embarking on a Grand Tour of Southeast Asia

He flees to Bangkok, Saigon, Manila, Osaka, and Shanghai, each escape precipitated by a telegram from Molly in hot pursuit of her cowardly beloved. In the film’s second half, we follow the tenacious Molly as she dogged trails in the footsteps of her errant suitor.

Superb cinematography is set against often bewildering narrative jumps through time, genres, language, and black-and-white and colour scenes.

Any meaningful encounter is kept at a distance. In one scene in 1918, a cell phone is dropped on the forest floor. When Molly seeks a fortune teller, we see a present-day tarot card reader.

Footage of chaotic Saigon traffic is juxtaposed with a Strauss waltz. Different narrators relay the story, each speaking the language of the country we visit.

The British characters, introduced at the film’s opening with a rendition of the Eton Boating Song, communicate in Portuguese.

“Abandon yourself to the world,” advises a Japanese monk to the oblivious Edward. “The end of the empire is inevitable,” another sage tells him.

Gomes crafts a satirical comparison between a Western Hollywood vision of “the Orient” and the contemporary reality of life in Asian cities. Like Edward and Molly, it seems we continue to view Asia through a superficial, Grand Tour, colonial lens.

Opening in cinemas February 13. Distributed by Potential Films - Review by Kathryn Keeble

■ In 2022, Iranian student Mahsa Amini was arrested and beaten to death for improperly wearing her hijab.

Set against the spontaneous protests that erupted following her death, Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig begins as a tense family drama in which an emerging generation gap threatens the family dynamic.

Where prosecutor Iman (Misagh Zare) sees enemies of the state, his teenage daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) see “normal people who want a normal life and freedom.”

The family conflict acts as a metaphor mirroring the intensifying real-life drama in the real world.

At first, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) sides with her husband, maintaining Iman’s patriarchal authority at home and scolding her daughters.

The clash of generations is evident in the treatment of Rezvan’s university friend, Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi)

Caught up in the turmoil and brutally wounded, Najmeh tenderly treats Sadaf’s wounds but will not let her stay with the family.

Sadaf is arrested, setting in motion events culminating in a frightening interrogation of the women.

In his new job as an investigator, Iman is expected to rubber-stamp death penalty orders for student activists hauled before the Revolutionary Court.

Iman is given a gun by his colleague Ghaderi (Reza Akhlagh).

His new position means he now has a target on his back.

The conscience-stricken Iman becomes more dictatorial and paranoid as his authoritarian hold on the family is increasingly threatened not only by Sana and Rezvan but eventually by Najmeh, mirroring the revolution as women fight against the regime’s misogyny.

If you know your Chekhov, the gun foreshadowed in the first act is bound to go off with a bang in the third.

The stakes, already high, elevate astronomically in the third act as Iman’s paranoia takes hold.

In cinemas February 27.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Truth at Malthouse

■ Malthouse Theatre presents Truth by Patricia Cornelius.at the Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, from February 13-March 8.

This latest work from the celebrated Australian playwright, sees Cornelius reunite with long time collaborator and Truth director Susie Dee, to create this groundbreaking new play that examines the precarious balance between truth and power.

Fusing real-life events with fictionalised commentary, the controversial figure of Julian Assange is presented through five different actors.

Each will embody a distinct facet of Assange’s persona, delving into his early years as a teenage hacker in Melbourne, his founding of WikiLeaks, and his nearly 14 years of confinement—spanning prison, embassy asylum, and house arrest— whilst grappling with the complex and divisive sexual assault allegations made against him.

Drawing on these key moments from Assange's life, Cornelius and Dee have crafted a work as much about the man himself as the price of speaking the truth, and consequences of staying silent.

With Truth they deliver a timely and powerful exploration of modern activism and a sharp political reflection on the cost of defiance.

Performance Season: February 13March 8

Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, 113 Sturt St., Southbank

Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Show reviews in the Melbourne

are compiled by a team of honorary reviewers.

Samuel Barnett in Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is

■ Valentines Day (Fri., Feb. 14) is a special day for many people, I thought I would top my weekend off by attending Summer Fun Fest. What a line up. And what a location, Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley.

With a ‘tour de force’ of the Australian music industry to perform at the inaugural music festival, I did some homework, and this is what I found out about this fabulous event.

Fun in the Sun presents the cream of Australian music talent: Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaite, Kate Ceberano, The Black Sorrows, Killing Heidi and Chocolate Starfish

They will rock at Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, on Sunday February 16. Gates open 11.30am. I will get there early and make a day of it.

Jon Stevens and Kate Ceberano just completed their hugely successful ‘Superstars Live’ Australian tour. One of the most talented rock musicians, Jon Stevens has had phenomenal success as a solo artist. Kate Ceberano is an Australian music icon with the most enduring and inspirational career releasing her 30th album in 2023.

Also joining is much loved Daryl Braithwaite, who is constantly on the road and moving around the country with his distinctive voice and sound and never fails to present his massively successful hit ‘Horses’.

Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, Aria winners of Best Band, continue to play to sell-out shows across Europe, having sold a whopping two million albums.

Killing Heidi are the Violet Town siblings who took the music scene by storm. Their explosive power pop is firmly entrenched in the Oz rock pantheon with two million albums.

Chocolate Starfish, one of Australia’s best live bands of the 90s, boast two Top 10 albums and six Top 50 singles. Always captivating on stage, they continue to deliver the pure unadulterated entertainment for which they are renowned.

Join me and these sensational Australian music legends as they come together for an unforgettable and important event, raising money to help young people get an entree into the Arts.

Fun In The Sun, established in 2023, is a not-For-profit event run by dynamic volunteers, and led by CEO and founder Mary Toniolo.

Fun In the Sun has a vision to alleviate stress and improve mental health by offering children, young people and family’s access to opportunities and experiences that they would not normally have the chance to enjoy.

CEO and Founder Mary Toniolo said: “This is our first ever music event. We are going to bring many major events to the people and for the people, with support going to help young people get an introduction to the world of Arts.

"Our intention is to level the playing field for young, disadvantaged people wanting to work in the arts, a postcode should not determine who has the opportunity to have extra curriculum activities in The Arts.

“Arts are for all and should not be governed by those with the correct postcode.”

Fun In The Sun will provide entré into Arts programs opportunities for disadvantage youth pathways to employment.

“This year we provided toys for Victorian children to Anglicare and other major charities. Collaborating with our partners, we will expand this Australia-wide in 2025 to put smiles on children’s faces.”

Mary is focused and is leading a team of young volunteers who all have a passion to make change.

Mary Toniolo is an entrepreneur with a global footprint. Having worked in children’s production, music writing, and publishing, she has partnered with Disney, Nickelodeon, and many other globally recognised partners. Mary has won many international awards in children’s entertainment and video production. This is an all-ages event, bringing generations together to make change for a great cause. Tickets are on sale now.

Rochford Wines or Ticketmaster. Sunday February 16. Gates open 11.30am I do hope Daryl sings Horses. - Di Rolle

Entertainment What’s On

PERFECT NONSENSE

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense from February 14 - March 1 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.

Written by the Goodale Brothers and directed by Morgan Thomas-Connor, the story tells of a country house weekend taking a turn for the worse when Bertie Wooster is unwittingly called on to play matchmaker, reconciling the affections of his host’s drippy daughter Madeline Basset with his newt-fancying acquaintance Gussie Fink-Nottle.

If Bertie, ably assisted by the ever-dependable Jeeves, can’t pull off the wedding of the season, he’ll be forced to abandon his cherished bachelor status and marry the ghastly girl himself.

Based on P.G. Wodehouse’s The Code of the Woosters, this fast-paced, farcical comedy celebrates the iconic double act and ios said to offer a “charming piece of entertainment”.

Performance Details: February 14 -March 1

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Nighttime Travesty

■ A revamped production of A Nighttime Travesty will be presented at the Beckett Theatre at Malthouse from February 19 - 22 as part of Asia TOPA.

Created by A Daylight Connection, with this new production directed by Stephen Nicolazzo, A Nighttime Travesty is set aboard the last plane hurtling out of Earth, following a motley crew of unruly travellers

These include a fierce flight attendant who must face off against God Himself in a battle for the ultimate prize.

As they navigate the surreal and absurd world inside the aircraft - a metaphor for the fractured, post-colonial psyche, the passengers encounter a series of bizarre, often darkly comedic events from gruesome decapitations to explosive musical numbers.

Co-created by Kamarra Bell-Wykes (Fireburn) and Carly Sheppard (Chase), who together lead theatre collective A Daylight Connection, A Nighttime Travesty features independent First Nations artists both on and off stage. The show was first commissioned by Yirramboi for the 2023 festival.

A live band, 'extravagant' costumes and an unpredictable storyline, the show is said to offer 'a rollercoaster of absurdity, satire and political punch.' See malthousetheatre.com.au for more information.

Performance Details: February 19 - 22 at 7pm; February 22 at 2pm Venue: Beckett Theatre, The Malthouse,113 Sturt St., Southbank.

Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

A Body At Work

■ As part of this year’s Midsumma Festival, A Body At Work had a return Melbourne season at Theatre Works and received a well-earned rapturous reception on its opening night.

A solitary woman (Frankie van Kan) tells her story of being queer while working in various roles in the sex industry for well over a decade.

Tale after tale unfolds, often hilariously, as her career moves from striptease to sex work in a brothel to being an independent sex worker offering massage with or without ‘extras’.

The script was written by van Kan herself based on her experiences working in the sex industry.

As a result, the tales told had a very authentic feel to them. Full of humorous anecdotes, witty one-liners, wry observations and reflective insights into life as a sex worker, the script switches smoothly between different moods.

Unsurprisingly, the language was rough and crude in places, but surprisingly poetic and lyrical elsewhere.

When the performer is also the playwright there is always a fear that the artist becomes self-indulgent and loses a sense of objectivity in

● ● ● ● Director Morgan Thomas-Connor (left) rehearses Perfect Nonsense with Daniel Trenkovski (Bertie Wooster), Gavin Baker (Seppings) and Sam Howard (Jeeves).

determining what works well on a stage as opposed to what works on the page.

Happily any such fears were allayed as van Kan gave a bravura performance of A Body At Work

With a commanding stage presence she moved easily between the play’s different styles. In addition, she effortlessly met the demanding physicality involved in replicating various striptease dance moves and erotic positions, often done either nude or semi-nude.

In less experienced hands such a potentially challenging script could have been realised in a tawdry vulgar fashion, but well-known Melbourne theatre director Maude Davey, to her credit, brought out the best in both script and performer.

What a shame then that this return season in Midsumma was so brief and it is hoped that the show might have the longer season it deserves if it ever returns to Melbourne

- Review by Peter Murphy

Shirley Valentine

■ Natalie Bassingthwaighte returns to Australian stages to star in the comedy Shirley Valentine, directed by Lee Lewis and playing until February 16 at The Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne.

This one-woman play by Willy Russell tells the inspiring and hilarious story of Shirley, a middle-aged, working class Liverpool housewife stuck in a life of routine.

Talking to her kitchen wall, she dreams of escape and wonders what happened to the adventurous girl she once was.

When a friend invites her on a spontaneous holiday to Greece, Shirley takes a bold leap into the unknown.

With humour, charm and grit, she rediscovers her passion for life and her sense of self. Will she return to her old ways, or will Shirley find a new life where she can finally be her true self?

Performance Season: Until February 16

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Collins St., Melbourne

Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au or phone 9650 1500.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Sauna Boy

■ Sauna Boy, written and performed by Dan Ireland-Reeves and produced in association with Gavin Roach, is being presented until February 8 at The Motley Bauhaus, Melbourne.

Sauna Boy tells of Dan who works at the south-coast's most successful and infamous gay sauna. A place where men from all walks of life come to relax and socialise.

This semi-autobiographical play by multiaward winning writer/performer Dan IrelandReeves, takes a look behind the curtain of one of the world's most secretive and seductive industries.

Performance Details: Until February 8 Venue: Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton.

Bookings: midsumma.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Asia TOPA

■ Asia TOPA (Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts) will present the Triennial's Nightlife programme at Arts Centre Melbourne from February 20-March 10.

Bringing together contemporary performance art and club culture, Asia TOPA is a city-wide celebration of the very best of AsiaPacific arts, culture and ideas.

Featuring a range of specially curated events across the city, from free concerts to food-and-art festivals, there will also be opportunities to experience galleries after dark.

Over three weekends, the recently renamed Leaper Family Pavilion in the Theatres Building at Arts Centre Melbourne, will be transformed into Club 8, the festival's late-night destination.

Asia TOPA's Creative Director Jeff Khan says opening a pop-up nightclub in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct is a radical gesture. A reference to its location on Level 8 of Arts Centre Melbourne's Theatres Building, Club 8's name is also a tribute to Chinese numerology, embodying luck, prosperity and success.

The 2025 triennial includes new works across dance, theatre, music, visual art and beyond, alongside a new nightlife program and opportunities to connect with artists and creative communities.

For the full program for Asia TOPA, visit asiatopa.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Vizard’s book

■ Nation, Memory, Myth by Steve Vizard releases on April 16 from Melbourne University Publishing.

In his new book Steve Vizard brings an original perspective to the foundational myth of Gallipoli as a sacred bearer of Australian national values and identity.

Nation, Memory, Myth offers the reader a challenging new look at the extraordinary vitality of myth as a unifying force that generates meaning for a nation and its citizens.

“Whether you are an Anzacophile or an Anzacophobe, Steve Vizard has provided a fascinating framework for understanding ANZAC's imaginative stronghold over the Australian nation,” said Clare Wright.

Servicemen’s Day

■ All those men who were called up for National Service between 1951 and 1972 are being invited to celebrate National Servicemen’s Day at the Shrine of Rembrance, Melbourne. and would like to

Oen of the organisers, Peter Kemp, said: “We meet at the forecourt on February 9 at 11am for a service, and then following the service the Salvation Army are putting on some refreshments.

“We would like to see all those who were called up in the above period, no matter if you ar a member of any organisation or not, come.”

Those with enquiries are asked to contact Peter Kemp on 0427 859 549.

James Reiser

★James Morrison’s jazz improvisations join with John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne at 7pm on Tuesday, March 25.

★A weekly Last Post Service is being held at the Shrine of Remembrance every Sunday at 4.45pm to honour service and sacrifice, commemorating a different event from Australia's military history at each service.

★The ABC has appointed Hugh Marks as its new Managing Director, effective Monday, March. 10. He will serve a fiveyear term and oversee editorial content. He was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Nine Entertainment for almost six years.

★Alan Kohler has written his final column for The New Daily, signing off after four years.

★Jarrod Whittaker has been named Editor of ABC Gippsland

★Motorboat, a raucous, feminist, body-positive, irreverent physical comedy burlesque show about a clown who is part woman, part boat, will be staged at Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, at 8pm on Thursday, March 20.

★The closure of the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville, a hamlet between Daylesford and Trentham, was announced last month by owners Ken Parfrey and wife Jackie Airey. An earlier owner was the late Ernie Sigley, TV-radio broadcaster.

★Bunjil Place, in association with BlakDance, Asia TOPA and Arts Centre Melbourne, will present the groundbreaking new commission Bunyi Bunyi Bumi at the Bunjil Place Studio from February 20-23.

★Jurassic World: The Exhibition will officially close its doors on February 10.

★The National Library of Australia has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive for a new exhibition. The Fit to Print exhibition is open from February 27-July 20. Entry is free, no booking is required.

★The role of Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice will be played by Karis Oka. At Melbourne's Regent Theatre from May 7.

★Melbourne’s Catalyst Education has commissioned artworks from two acclaimed James Street Gallery artists with disability to hang proudly in their head office: James Ward and Marcus Lovell

★Ed Kuepper, ARIA Hall of Famer, is coming to Frankston and Upwey on the back of a new album and following a big 2024 for his old band The Saints.

★The Black Dog Ride ‘One Dayer’, is a one day motorcycle ride, kicks off on March 16.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Cicero

★Three new rolling stages are now in operation at Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Cain Arenas.

★Robert De Niro and Anne Hathway are worth a watch in the 10-year-old The Intern currently streaming on Netflix.

★Kelvin Thomson’s Planning Democracy group will be holding a forum on Saturday (Feb. 8) between 11am and 1 pm at the Majorca Room, Melbourne City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, City

★Jeremy Goldstein and Theatre Works are presenting Truth To Power Cafe on February 5-6 as part of Midsumma Festival.

★ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Heroes in a Half Shell Exhibition at The District Docklands has been extended to March.

★

Towers 4 Change debuts as Australia’s biggest stair climb challenge, raising funds for four lifechanging charities. Set to be held on March 30, the challenge aims to raise over $400,000 – or $100,000 per tower – at the West Side Place precinct in the Melbourne CBD

★Child and family services pro vider, Berry Street, and Victorian disability service provider, Yooralla, have announced their intention to merge to deliver greater impact and expanded services.

★ Asia TOPA (Asia-Pacific Tri ennial of Performing Arts) has announced the triennial’s Nightlife program. Thenew programming stream includes Club 8, a pop-up nightclub at Arts Centre Melbourne that brings together contemporary performance art and club culture. Returning to Melbourne for the first time in five years from February 20– March 10, Asia TOPA is a city-wide celebration of the best of Asia-Pacific arts, culture and ideas.

★Beauty and the Beast has announced its final Melbourne performance on Sunday, April 20, resulting in a 43-week season since its June debut at Her Majesty's Theatre, earning five-star critical reviews and filling the hearts of a new generation.

St Kilda Festival

■ The St Kilda Festival returns to the St Kilda foreshore and surrounds on February 15 and 16. Admission is free.

This two-day celebration of Australian music has announced the lineup of home-grown talent and fun for all ages, for its 44th year.

Presented by the City of Port Phillip, Festival Saturday will again showcase a huge line-up of First Peoples' talent, followed by the traditional Big Festival Sunday.

First Peoples First will be presented from 11am – 9pm, by First Nations artists on the Main Stage and the Optus Stage at O’Donnell Gardens.

Troy Cassar-Daley will take to the Main Stage, joined on the lineup by his daughter, the multi-award-winning Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist, Jem Cassar-Daley. Also performing will be Western GuGu Yalanji and Birrigubba songwriter Jungaji (pronounced Jun-gah-jee), and GuriNgai artist Charlie Needs Braces.

The Optus Stage will showcase Mutthi Mutthi/Yorta Hip Hop Artist Crooked TP and local songstress Jess Hitchcock.

First Peoples First will conclude with a sunset ceremony at the Main Stage, Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah (Together we rise up with knowledge)

The Big Festival on Sunday, February 16 from 10am – 9:30pm will see thousands flock to the foreshore and beyond for the best in live music, market stalls, community groups and more. The Main Stage overlooking the St Kilda Foreshore will feature Peter Garrett and The Alter Egos, three-time ARIA Award winner Sarah Blasko, rising electronic music sensation, Young Franco, and ARIA #1 Album award winner, Cub Sport

The Optus Stage will feature family programming for the first half of the day, such as Whistle & Trick and ‘The Wiggles’ own DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, then from 3pm onwards with moshing and line dancing with The Vovo s, and nostalgic ‘Bogan Funk’ with Playlunch.

The Catani Gardens North Stage will be headlined by singer-songwriter and producer Sycco. Also taking the stage will be Julia Jacklin, returning with old friends as Phantastic Ferniture, alongside performances from 3%, MUDRAT, and Tentendo.

The new Catani Gardens South Stage will host Painters and Dockers, Allysha Joy, and Velvet Trip, while the Local Stage at Alfred Square will showcase performances from MOG.Y, local icon Penny Ikinger, Jarabi Band (trio) and more. Aussie acts on Sunday. Come and experience the magic of St Kilda by enjoying the music, food, activities and markets which make this a unique must-do summer celebration”.

St Kilda Festival, February 15-16. Free - no bookings required. St Kilda Foreshore and surrounds, St Kilda stkildafestival.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Welcome to 2025

■ It is great to be back, ready to experience what 2025 has to give us.

Oscar nominations have been announced, so the race is on to see who will take the top prizes.

Here are films currently screening in cinemas. Have a great year everyone.

Emilia Perez (M). 132 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ***

Handsomely crafted, undeniably entertaining musical melodrama uses its song-and-dance approach to mask a predictable, superficial script, which takes heady subject matter and doesn’t fully explore the horrors and heartache. Full of energy and features a couple of good performances. Filmed almost entirely on French sound stages.

Sing Sing (M). 107 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ***½

Surprisingly effective and ultimately moving drama that details a prison theatre program, and how it changes the lives of a handful of inmates. Co-writer/director Greg Kwedar doesn’t wallow in schmaltz or easy cliches, but instead brings forth a humanity that is refreshing. Strong performances across the board. Reminded me of the 1987 film Weeds, starring Nick Nolte.

A Complete Unknown (M). 141 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ***½

After helming the disastrous Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, director James Mangold returns to a smaller, character based project, one that is a perfect companion piece with his Oscar winning Walk The Line. Timothee Chalamet is exceptional as a young Bob Dylan, a role that could have easily fallen into parody. Solid, oldschool film-making, bolstered by an impressive cast.

The Brutalist (MA). 215 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ****

Epic, at times overwhelming drama will test audience endurance, but overall it is a film worth experiencing. Adrien Brody gets his best

role in years, and is well supported by a committed cast. Technically brilliant, and would make a great double bill with Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. Flight Risk (MA). 91 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. *

Cheap, depressingly generic action/thriller seems a bizarre choice by director Mel Gibson, who gave us infinitely superior work like Braveheart, Apocalypto and The Man Without A Face. Could have been fun, but is instead ridiculous, formulaic and repetitive. Mark Wahlberg is having fun, but is completely one-note. Babygirl (MA). 114 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. ***

Fascinating if not completely successful look at a successful career woman who puts everything on the line to discover personal, more intimate pleasures, which she feels is leaving her incomplete and unsatisfied. Provocative, and reminiscent of the 1978 film Looking For Mr. Goodbar. Nicole Kidman is well cast.

Presence (M). 85 minutes. Opens in cinemas February 6. *** Director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp examine a dysfunctional, deeply unhappy family through the lens of a ghostly apparition. Everything is shown via the entity’s point-of-view. Soderbergh shoots again on an iPhone, which can be distracting, and the music score is intrusive, but generally this is an absorbing drama, especially the story involving the teenage daughter. Those looking for horror will be disappointed.

September 5 (M). 95 minutes. Opens in cinemas February 6. ***

Compact, tense recreation of the hostage siege that occurred at the 1972 Munich Olympics, seen through the largely American TV crew covering the games. There is not a wasted moment in this expertly efficient film, but it is a surface level look, with characters (though well performed) that lack depth. British actor Ben Chaplin is unrecognisable.

- Aaron Rourke

Marc Circero

● ● Nicole Kidman in Baby Girl.

Across Observer

Lovatts Crossword

1. Blizzard

6. Wattle tree

11. Villain

15. Dried grass piles

20. Exclamation of pain

21. Genuine thing, the real ...

22. Numerous

23. Underground molten rock

25. Relaxation art (1'2,3)

26. Coral organisms

27. Dinners or lunches

29. Venice canal boat

32. Singer, ... Diamond

34. Famous British school

36. Type of spanner

39. Condemns to hell

41. Harnessed (oxen)

43. Rubs with emery

46. ... of Troy

48. Beneath

49. Dad

51. Hooter

52. Co-venture

55. Coarse file

56. Acorn bearers

59. Kills

61. Sit for portrait

62. Once again

63. Screw

64. Ripens

67. Halfway through pregnancy

68. Fortified wine

70. Culmination

71. Actress, ... Loren

72. Nag

73. Naked

74. Renovate (ship)

75. Rose-shaped award

77. Stop! (nautical)

78. Survives

79. Style

82. Mob

86. Jelly/sponge dessert

87. Eye lustfully

89. Belief in the supernatural

92. Pond plant

94. Capture

96. News

98. Floating log platform

100. Live coal

101. Computer input

103. Princess Royal

105. Resided

106. Press

108. Burn

111. Commoner

112. Very lazy (4,4)

114. Amaze

116. Spy, ... Hari

119. Bullets

120. German WWII fascist

121. Anticipated touchdown (1,1,1)

123. Freezes, ... over

124. As far as (2,2)

125. Omits (6,3)

126. New York borough

127. Blackberry shrub

130. The masses, ... polloi

131. Dawn to dusk

135. Alternate, every ...

138. Calf-length skirt

139. US astronaut, ... Shepard

141. Acute remorse

144. Unchanged, the ...

146. Cheerio!

147. Unfasten

148. Male swan

149. Young sheep

150. Uncle Sam (1,1,1)

151. Type of saxophone

152. Print with raised design

153. Taj Mahal city

155. Closing

157. Part of eye

158. Method

160. Braid

161. More ancient

162. Up to the time of

163. Overly cute

165. Less frequent

166. Snake, ... constrictor

167. Rowing aid

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

No 18

Across Down Down

168. Guitar sound

169. Servant 171. Accessory

172. Female title

175. In vain, to no ... 176. Light sleeps

179. Arid US state

180. Schoolgirl

182. Prison

184. Opens door to (4,2) 185. Balmy

186. Crooner, ... King Cole 188. Quiet 189. Pod vegetable 190. Dull

191. Snow-runner 193. Betting chances 194. Jogs

196. Match before final 197. Unreliable

198. Revolving tray, lazy ... 200. Modesty

205. AFL great, ... Barassi

207. Angrily

210. Impetuous

211. Concealing

212. Stupefy

213. Trading centre

214. Banned pesticide (1,1,1)

216. Irish sweater style

218. Actual

219. Ellipse

220. Repaints (vehicle)

224. Moodier

227. Depend

229. Space flight organisation

230. Tethers

231. Latin American dance

232. Nipple

233. Aware of

235. Prophetic signs

237. Go up

239. Printing error

241. Type of orange

244. Child's toy (2-2)

246. Pet's neck band (3,6)

249. Please reply (1,1,1,1)

252. Stingier

254. Former English cricket captain, ... Hussain

256. Outrageous

258. Arrange

259. Fuss, song & ...

260. Introducing in stages, ... in

263. Rest on knees

264. Outcome

265. Rot (of leather)

267. Paltry

270. Niece & ...

271. Avoided

272. Entertainer

273. Additional items

274. Welsh vegetables

277. Witnessed

279. Carpenter's spike

281. More rational

284. Hurry

286. Sum owed

288. Absorbed

292. Whisky ingredient

294. Kiss & cuddle

295. Fire remains

298. Smallest

300. Nominated

301. Mention, ... to

303. Monastery superior

306. Decorative shrub pot

308. Encounter

309. Concludes

311. Pink-eyed rabbits

314. Last Greek letter

315. Ketchup, ... sauce

316. Powerful

317. Fruit mash

318. After that

319. Deserve

320. Mafia, ... Nostra

321. Treats with drugs

322. Rewrite on keyboard

323. Unhappier

324. Muscle toning therapists

1. Cosy

2. Furnace

3. Polynesian island group

4. Heart or lung

5. Complain

6. Movement

7. Blackboard marker

8. Drumming insects

9. Amongst

10. Fuel energy rating

11. Go around

12. Playful water mammal

13. Propel

14. Christian festival

15. Sacred song

16. Long (for)

17. Try out (food)

18. Cudgel

19. Obscene material

24. Charity offerings

28. Youths

30. Milky gem

31. June 6, 1944 (1-3)

33. Eagle nests

35. Equal (2,1,3)

37. Raven

38. Deer

40. Yelling

42. Geological division

44. Positive electrodes

45. Least moist

47. Fencing blades

48. Great disturbance

49. Prepared mentally, ... up

50. Sports ground buildings

53. Wed again

54. Impedes

57. Rescued by plane

58. Examines closely

60. Brighter

63. Temper fit

65. Hatchets

66. Settee

68. Cry weakly

69. Corrode

76. Outstanding

79. Fellows

80. Not anybody (2-3)

81. Lodge firmly

83. Boundary

84. Media tycoon, press ...

85. Pixie

88. Disadvantage

90. Team

91. Tiny amount

93. Skin irritation

95. Paradise garden

97. Flourish of trumpets

99. Friends star, Jennifer ...

100. Periods

102. Degrade

104. Kinder

107. From Italy's capital

109. Rectify

110. Arabian prince

111. Ode

113. Glancing

115. Summer footwear

117. Cousin's mother

118. Nuclear explosive, ... bomb

121. Morally sound

122. Friendly

127. Chest

128. Gave weapons to

129. Childbirth contractions (6,5)

132. In unison (3,8)

133. Relative by marriage (2-3)

134. Call up (feelings)

135. Vigilant

136. Magician's cry (3,6)

137. Idealists

138. Rissoles

140. Of course

141. Document summaries

142. Blameless

143. Tent cover 145. Corrected (text)

151. Former IOC president, Juan .. Samaranch

154. Wanders

156. Fragrance

159. Reproductive cells

164. Sixth sense (1,1,1)

169. Imitative performer

170. Wood surface design

173. Hoped (to)

174. Versus 177. South American mountains

178. Effeminate

181. Facility

183. Commissioned soldier

187. Random

192. Hopping marsupials

195. Office workers

199. Usefulness

201. Chooses

202. Weather feature, El ...

203. Milan opera house, La ...

204. Bright signal light

206. Seductress, ... fatale

207. Map

208. Nimble

209. Executive jet

213. Car race city, Le ...

215. Small plums

217. Advertising sign

221. Jetties

222. Incidental comment

223. Complacent

224. Soccer net

225. Policy reversal (1-4)

226. Courtyard

228. Ambassadors' residences

234. Loud-hailer

236. Hypodermic syringes

238. Charged particle

240. Enquire intrusively

242. Showy flowers

243. Poetic name for Ireland, ... Isle

245. Apple groves

247. Parentless kids

248. Boost

250. Blood feud

251. Mesh

253. Rodents

255. Copied

257. Former Italian money unit

258. Fix

261. Respiratory ailment

262. Shoe lining

265. Rounded stone

266. Brainwaves

268. Put up with

269. The Queen's third son

275. Sitcom, My Name Is ...

276. Ruler, Genghis ...

278. Tidal river mouth

280. Carbonated

282. Opposed to

283. Resound

285. Throat-clearing noise

287. Wobble

289. Wage

290. Polluted

291. Assumes (attitude)

292. Guru

293. Ready, willing & ...

296. Impassive person

297. Upright

299. Make reparation

302. Wooden barrier

304. Farm sheds

305. Overly fat

306. Prudish

307. Elderly

308. Rugs

310. Luncheon meat

312. Bobs head

313. Timber cutters

By Rob Foenander

Cricket Musical

■ Cricket The Musical – 5 for 25, The 2025 (almost) National Tour will play on Sat. (Feb. 8) at Memo Music Hall, St Kilda Denis Carnahan is taking his hilarious one-man cult hit musical comedy show on its first National Tour in 2025. Melbourne fans can cheer on their heroes as Cricket The Musical brings the songs to life on stage, with videos, sketches and caricatures celebrating the many cricket controversies. More information: cricketthemusical.com.au

Borrowed Ground

■ Melbourne Alt Country/Blues artist Aaron D’Arcy has released his new single.‘Borrowed Ground’ is a gritty and atmospheric track from his forthcoming Album ‘Yarraville’, due out in May. The lyrics tell the story of a man on the run and hunted by the law. Aaron’s compositions explore themes of love, life's journeys, and the human condition, painting vivid musical landscapes that enchant listeners, says his media release. More info at. www.aaron darcymusic.com

Jimmy is back

■ Known as a songwriters songwriter, the master Jimmy Webb returns to Melbourne for a memorable night of some of the most iconic songs in music history. Jimmy’s timeless classics have been covered by some of the biggest household names from Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Richard Harris to many others along the way. Wednesday March 12 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Ian Stewart’s Brownlows to be sold

■ The Brownlow Medals of Ian Harlow Stewart, from 1965 and 1966 (St Kilda) and 1971 ( Richmond), will be sold by Leski Auctions on February 13.

Four players have won three medals, and only one of them in the same year that his team won the Grand Final

“The Brownlow Medal is awarded to the player who is deemed to be the best and fairest in the competition for that year,” says lead auctioneer, Charles Leski

“No matter how good you are, if you fall foul of the disciplinary tribunal and an on-field indiscretion earns you a penalty of at least a one-week suspension, you will forfeit the chance to receive the award.

“It can be a tough outcome for a player whose exceptional talent was acknowledged each week by the field umpires. But that’s what makes this honour even more valuable.

“The Brownlow Medal was first presented in 1924. It was named after the respected administrator of the Geelong Football Club, Charles Brownlow.

“Today, the AFL has at least one team in every mainland State. In 2028, it will also field a team – the Tasmania Devils - in the southern island State.

“Fortuitously, Ian Stewart is a Tasmanian and it would be appropriate and a principled decision for his medals to be permanently located in the new stadium, which is

Crossword Solution No 18

● ● ● Lot

615: The 1966 Brownlow Medal, 9ct gold, blue enamel; engraved verso ‘Victorian Football League – Chas Brownlow Trophy – Season 1966 –Won By Ian Harlow Stewart.’ Pre-sale estimate is $50,000 - $75,000.

set to open in 2029 at Macquarie Point in Hobart

According to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame: “Ian Stewart was a football genius. A star centreman, his precision passing, ball and evasive skills, spectacular marking, his ability on both sides of his body, and pace made him unstoppable.”

In Annie

■ The role of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the upcoming

Broadway musical Annie will be played by Greg Page, the original Yellow Wiggle in the children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles

The new Australian production will be at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre from July.

A trained musician and accomplished vocalist, Page’s passion for performing began early, and he quickly became a household name as part of The Wiggles. During his time with the group, Greg co-created numerous hit songs, television series, and live tours, helping to cement their place as icons of children’s entertainment.

Page joins a cast led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver ‘Daddy’ Warbucks and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan.

Rising star Mackenzie Dunn will play Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez will step into the role of ‘Rooster’ Hannigan, while Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell.

The four young performers who will share the titular role of Annie are Beatrix Alder, Matilda Casey, Dakota Chanel and Stephanie McNamara.

Playing the role of Pepper will be Kiki Kersten, Francesca Kong and Matilda Teiotu, while Camille Nko’o, Bianca Papa and Olivia Scott will share the role of Duffy.

As Kate will be Elle Boesen, Yasha Glaperin and Skylah McMah , with Tessie played by Chloe Delle-Vedove, Nina Gallas and Ava Palfreyman

Ensemble cast members are Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince

“I’m thrilled that Greg as agreed to join the world of musical theatre to play FDR,” said producer John Frost Bookings: anniemusical. com.au or phone 13 28 49

BONEIDLE N ASTONISH MATA A AMMO NAZI F C O ETA A M S ICES UPTO I E S LEAVESOUT MANHATTAN N N O BRAMBLE I R R K HOI D N O E DAYTIME O R A OTHER MIDI ALAN

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

July will be played by Pearl Mason, Cailin Scully and Victoria Togias, and Molly by Ellie Lang, Arianna Lorusso and Willow Wilson. Yeshi Jehru, Zoe Reeves, Skye Spiden and Aleia Taliacos will be playing Friday.

● ● Greg Page will play President Roosevelt.

WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET MATCH RESULTS

Amateurs

■ Premier Firsts. Round 18. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 1/12 v St Kilda 1st XI 5-d/405. Melbourne 1st XI 6/378 v Footscray 1st XI 10/375. Geelong 1st XI 10/ 214 v Prahran 1st XI 10/182. Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 9/205 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/204. Melbourne University 1st XI 9/296 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 8/301. Northcote 1st XI 9/290 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 10/338. Carlton 1st XI 7/252 v Richmond 1st XI 10/294. Ringwood 1st XI 7/274 v Dandenong 1st XI 10/174. Essendon 1st XI 10/220 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 5/224. ■ Premier Seconds. Round 18. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Richmond 2nd XI 10/187 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/139. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/94 & 8/188 v Northcote 2nd XI 1-d/204. Prahran 2nd XI 6d/245 v Geelong 2nd XI 10/116 & 3/120. Dandenong 2nd XI 8-d/301 v Ringwood 2nd XI 6/302. Footscray 2nd XI 6-d/184 v Melbourne 2nd XI 10/173 & 1/69. St Kilda 2nd XI 4/334 v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/248. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 9-d/325 v Essendon 2nd XI 10/250. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 10/201 v Melbourne University 2nd XI 10/329. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/170 & 4/130 v Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 10/149. ■ Premier Thirds. Round 18. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Carlton 3rd XI 5-d/184 v Richmond 3rd XI 10/113 & 7/ 70. Ringwood 3rd XI 10/137 & 5/205 v Dandenong 3rd XI 8-d/194. Geelong 3rd XI 10/ 137 & 5/122 v Prahran 3rd XI 7-d/323. Northcote 3rd XI v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 0/42. Melbourne 3rd XI 5/310 v Footscray 3rd XI 10/279. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/146 & 1/55 v St Kilda 3rd XI 5-d/322. Essendon 3rd XI 10/254 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/229. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/103 & 2/46 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 10/132. Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 10/126 & 2/101 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 9-d/255. ■ Premier Fourths. Round 18. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Carlton 3rd XI 5-d/184 v Richmond 3rd XI 10/113 & 7/ 70. Ringwood 3rd XI 10/137 & 5/205 v Dandenong 3rd XI 8-d/194. Geelong 3rd XI 10/ 137 & 5/122 v Prahran 3rd XI 7-d/323. Northcote 3rd XI v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 0/42. Melbourne 3rd XI 5/310 v Footscray 3rd XI 10/279. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/146 & 1/55 v St Kilda 3rd XI 5-d/322. Essendon 3rd XI 10/254 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/229. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/103 & 2/46 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 10/132. Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 10/126 & 2/101 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 9-d/255.

Sub-District

■ North-East First XI. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/141 v Donvale 1st XI 7/70. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 2/29 v Croydon 1st XI 10/ 182. Kew 1st XI v Strathmore 1st XI 8/243. Plenty Valley 1st XI v Noble Park 1st XI 10/ 237. Brunswick 1st XI 10/170 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 1/28. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/302 v Balwyn 1st XI 2/7. Bayswater 1st XI 10/167 v Preston 1st XI 0/46. Box Hill 1st XI v Coburg 1st XI 8/ 416.

■ North-East Second XI. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Donvale 2nd XI 10/160 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 6/31. Croydon 2nd XI 0/8 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/151. Strathmore 2nd XI 10/198 v Kew 2nd XI. Noble Park 2nd XI 10/167 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 3/27. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 10/118 v Brunswick 2nd XI 2/44. Balwyn 2nd XI v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 8/215. Preston 2nd XI 10/178 v Bayswater 2nd XI. Coburg 2nd XI 10/115 v Box Hill 2nd XI 1/12.

■ North-West Third XI Division 1. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Melton 3rd XI 10/163 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 4/21. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 0/59 v Preston 3rd XI 10/179. Brunswick 3rd XI 9/324 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI. Sun., Feb. 2 and 9. Kew 3rd

XI v Werribee 3rd XI.

■ North-West Third XI Division 2. Round

12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Williamstown 3rd XI 10/153 v Ivanhoe 3rd XI 1/15, Coburg 3rd XI 10/128 v Spotswood 3rd XI 3/42. Strathmore 3rd XI 3/95 v Taylors Lakes 3rd XI. Yarraville 3rd XI 7/57 v Altona 3rd XI 10/143.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 2/87 v Melton 4th XI 10/161. Plenty Valley 4th XI 0/7 vBrunswick 4th XI 10/204. Preston 4th XI v St Bernard's OC 4th XI. Werribee 4th XI 2/204 v Kew 4th XI 6/93.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2.

Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Ivanhoe 4th XI 10/132 v Williamstown 4th XI 10/159. Spotswood 4th XI v Coburg 4th XI 9-d/321. Taylors Lakes 4th XI v Strathmore 4th XI 6/210. Altona 4th XI 0/10 v Yarraville 4th XI 10/170.

■ South-East Third XI Division 1. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Brighton 3rd XI v Caulfield 3rd XI. Bayswater 3rd XI 10/214 v Oakleigh 3rd XI. Malvern 3rd XI 4/106 v Croydon 3rd XI 10/122. Sundays, Feb. 2 and 9. Mt Waverley 3rd XI v Balwyn 3rd XI.

■ South-East Third XI Division 2. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/226 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 0/ 5. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/156 v Ormond 3rd XI 2/97. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/266 v Noble Park 3rd XI. Donvale 3rd XI 0/13 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 9-d/250.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Caulfield 4th XI v Brighton 4th XI 9/ 164. Croydon 4th XI 10/116 v Malvern 4th XI 2/32. Balwyn 4th XI 3/21 v Mt Waverley 4th XI 10/123. Oakleigh 4th XI 0/14 v Bayswater 4th XI 10/140.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Elsternwick 4th XI 8/139 v Box Hill 4th XI 10/74. Ormond 4th XI 9-d/377 v Moorabbin 4th XI 4/31. Noble Park 4th XI 4/ 185 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/80. Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/146 v Donvale 4th XI 3/ 61.

■ South-West First XI. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Ormond 1st XI 4/115 v Melton 1st XI 10/123. Moorabbin 1st XI v Altona 1st XI 10/231. Yarraville 1st XI v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/255. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 2/4 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/172. Caulfield 1st XI 10/153 v Brighton 1st XI. Port Melbourne 1st XI v Werribee 1st XI 9/265. Oakleigh 1st XI 10/188 v Williamstown 1st XI. Spotswood 1st XI 9/270 v Malvern 1st XI. ■ South-West Second XI. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Melton 2nd XI 0/6 v Ormond 2nd XI 10/225. Altona 2nd XI 1/20 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/194. Elsternwick 2nd XI 8/278 v Yarraville 2nd XI. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 3/84 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/133. Brighton 2nd XI 2/6 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/191. Werribee 2nd XI 1/30 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/123. Williamstown 2nd XI 10/153 v Oakleigh 2nd XI 3/39. Malvern 2nd XI 10/135 v Spotswood 2nd XI 1/32.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Diamond Creek 1st XI v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/ 242. Heidelberg 1st XI 5/30 v Macleod 1st XI 10/90. Rosanna 1st XI 1/32 v Epping 1st XI 10/139. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI v Riverside 1st XI 2/382. Bundoora 1st XI 3/49 v Bundoora United 1st XI 10/134

■ Money Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Montmorency 1st XI 5/234 v Banyule 1st XI. Lalor Stars 1st XI v Lower Plenty 1st XI 0/6, abandoned. Rosebank 1st XI 9/225 v Greensborough 1st XI. Eltham 1st XI 10/220 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 0/9. Plenty 1st XI 0/54 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/126.

■ Mash Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Rivergum 1st XI 4/307 v Hurstbridge 1st XI. Panton Hill 1st XI v Mernda 1st XI 10/343. Thomastown United 1st XI 10/ 281 v Dennis 1st XI 0/39. South Morang 1st

XI v Laurimar 1st XI 7/238. Mill Park 1st XI 9/ 273 v Thomastown 1st XI.

■ B-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Banyule 2nd XI v Rosanna 2nd XI 10/ 254. Epping 2nd XI 10/98 & 1/20 v Heidelberg 2nd XI 2-d/203. Mernda 2nd XI 10/168 v Plenty 2nd XI 3/37. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 7/228 v Montmorency 2nd XI. Riverside 2nd XI 9/200 v Diamond Creek 2nd XI. ■ C-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Greensborough 2nd XI 0/6 v Eltham 2nd XI 10/144. Bundoora United 2nd XI v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 4/51. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 10/ 85 v Rivergum 2nd XI 6/104. Macleod 2nd XI v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 9/249. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 9/252 v Riverside 3rd XI. ■ D-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Dennis 2nd XI 10/308 v Montmorency 3rd XI 0/12. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI v Rosebank 2nd XI. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 1/221 v Mill Park 2nd XI 10/119. Laurimar 2nd XI 0/6 v Bundoora 2nd XI 10/195. Diamond Creek 3rd XI v South Morang 2nd XI 8/454.

■ E-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Thomastown United 2nd XI 10/301 v Greensborough 3rd XI 4/56. Lower Plenty 3rd XI v Mernda 3rd XI 9/201. Riverside 4th XI v Banyule 3rd XI 9/297. Heidelberg 3rd XI 10/ 299 v Bundoora 3rd XI. Thomastown 2nd XI 10/245 v Panton Hill 2nd XI 1/1.

■ F1-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Banyule 4th XI 10/246 v Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 0/4. Greensborough 4th XI 0/15 v Bundoora United 3rd XI 10/131. Laurimar 3rd XI 9/207 v Macleod 3rd XI. Plenty 3rd XI 7/281 v Rivergum 3rd XI.

■ F2-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Eltham 3rd XI 10/292 v Whittlesea 1st XI 0/2. Montmorency 4th XI 0/8 v South Morang 3rd XI 10/271. Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI 10/215 v Dennis 3rd XI 0/20. Bye: North Eltham Wanderers 4th XI.

■ F3-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Bundoora Park 3rd XI 8-d/273 v Greensborough 5th XI 1/10. Riverside 5th XI 9/453 v Laurimar 4th XI. Hurstbridge 3rd XI 6/ 194 v Lower Plenty 4th XI. South Morang 4th XI v Banyule 5th XI 9/125.

■ G1 East-Grade. One-Day. Rosanna 3rd XI 6/290 v Diamond Creek 4th XI 10/242. Panton Hill 3rd XI 3/127 v Heidelberg 4th XI 9/126. Lower Eltham 3rd XI 10/169 v Plenty 4th XI 10/100. Riverside 6th XI 3/229 v Montmorency 5th XI 10/201.

■ G1 West-Grade. One-Day. Bundoora 4th XI v Laurimar 5th XI. Bundoora United 4th XI 7/134 v Dennis 4th XI 3/135. Lalor Stars 3rd XI 2/16 v Bundoora Park 4th XI. Rosebank 3rd XI 4/163 v Thomastown United 3rd XI 9/167. ■ G2-Grade. One-Day. Rivergum 4th XI 10/ 161 v Riverside 7th XI 9/154. South Morang 5th XI v North Eltham Wanderers 5th XI. Macleod 4th XI 4/100 v Eltham 4th XI 10/98. Research Eltham Collegians 5th XI 6/157 v Diamond Creek 5th XI 5/158.

■ G3-Grade. One-Day. Mernda 4th XI 5/ 138 v North Eltham Wanderers 6th XI 7/137. Diamond Creek 6th XI 9/201 v Thomastown United 4th XI 7/110. Eltham 5th XI 2/178 v South Morang 6th XI 7/177. Thomastown 3rd XI 1/83 vLower Plenty 5th XI 10/82. Montmorency 6th XI 8/268 v Greensborough 6th XI 10/117. Dennis 5th XI 6/195 v Hurstbridge 4th XI 7/196. Bye: Whittlesea 2nd XI

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Mont Albert 1st XI 10/166 v North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 6/221. Edinburgh 1st XI 10/281 v Canterbury 1st XI 10/97. East Doncaster 1st XI 8-d/ 210. Bulleen 1st XI 10/71 & 9/174. Old Carey 1st XI 9/261 v Glen Iris 1st XI 7/262.

■ Wright Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Mazenod OCCC 1st XI 10/162 v Mulgrave 1st XI 3/166. Heathmont 1st XI 10/187 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/100. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 9/260 v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/163/ Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/188 v Richmond City 1st XI 5-d/195.

■ A Turf. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Ashwood 1st XI 10/

143 & 3/87 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 7-d/159. Surrey Hills 1st XI 10/334 v Old Carey 2nd XI 10/205. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 10/58 & 10/ 98 v Burwood 1st XI 10/166. Boronia Hawks 1st XI 10/215 v Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/217.

■ B Turf. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 1st XI 9-d/323 v SKOBs 1st XI 10/ 108. North Balwyn Bulls 2nd XI 10/39 & 10/ 154 v Richmond Union 1st XI 10/99 & 5/100. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/191 v East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/157. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/144 v Heathmont 2nd XI 10/256.

■ C Turf. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Bulleen 2nd XI 10/104 & 3/ 40 v La Trobe University 1st XI 10/79 & 4-d/ 177. Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/107 v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 5/133. Burwood 2nd XI 10/63 & 8-d/280 v Boronia Hawks 2nd XI 5-d/192 & 8/133. Mulgrave 2nd XI 10/237 v Marcellin OC 2nd XI 9/268.

■ D Turf. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 10/ 159 v Mazenod OCCC 2nd XI 10/193. Richmond City 2nd XI 10/369 v Ashwood 2nd XI 10/220. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/133 v Old Carey 3rd XI 10/172. Surrey Hills 2nd XI 10/213 v Edinburgh 2nd XI 10/137.

■ E Turf. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Marcellin OC 3rd XI 10/77 & 3/66 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 6-d/151. Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/118 v Heathmont 3rd XI 6/ 189. La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/148 & 5/87 v Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 4-d/254. SKOBs 2nd XI 10/142 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 5/340.

Bye: Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 2nd XI

■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/268 v Glen Waverley 1st XI 7/ 291. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 10/154 v STC South Camberwell Senior Men- 1st XI 10/201. Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 1st XI 10/198 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 10/219. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 1st XI 10/188 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 8/296.

■ Kevin Burt Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Mount Waverley Catholics 1st XI 2-d/216 v Holy Trinity 2nd XI 10/177. STC South Camberwell Senior Men2nd XI 10/230 v Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 10/ 280. Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/139 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 2nd XI 10/151. Toorak-Prahran 1st XI 10/174 v West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 8/175. ■ John Menzies and Keith Mackay Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25February 1. Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/270 v Blackburn North United 1st XI 8/232. Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI 10/252 v Toorak-Prahran 2nd XI 10/363. North Alphington 10/251 v Holy Trinity 3rd XI 7/237.

■ A Synthetic. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. Holy Trinity 4th XI 10/178 & 1/132 v Burwood 3rd XI 2-d/185. West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI 10/198 v Mount Waverley Uniting 1st XI 1/199. Clifton Hill 3rd XI 10/163 v Mulgrave 3rd XI 3/166.

■ B Synthetic. Two Day. Saturdays, January 25-February 1. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 2nd XI 10/161 v Toorak-Prahran 3rd XI 6/163. Mazenod OCCC 3rd XI 10/304 v Trinity Willison CC 4th XI 10/236. Glen Waverley 3rd XI 4/191 v Edinburgh 4th XI 10/190.

■ LOC1. One Day. Northcote United 1st XI 9/279 v Eagles 1st XI 10/261. Malvern Valley 1st XI 5/130 v Manningham 1st XI 10/127. Knox Churches 1st XI 1/102 v Hartley 1st XI 10/99. Bye: Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI.

■ LOC2. One Day. Mulgrave 4th XI v Eagles 2nd XI Forfeit. Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 9/232 v Eagles 4th XI 6/388. East Doncaster 4th XI 9/ 145 v AYC Harlequins 1st XI 10/168. Glen Iris 3rd XI 5/229 v Monash University 1st XI 10/ 221.

■ LOC3. One Day. Eagles 3rd XI 10/196 v Burwood United Canterbury 3rd XI 10/181. Manningham 2nd XI 10/116 v Salesian 1st XI 10/170. North Balwyn 3rd XI 5/212 v East Doncaster 5th XI 10/210. Melbourne Sixers 1st X1 6/261. St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI 8/ 188.

Continued On Next Page

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Continued From Previous Page

■ LOC4. One Day. AYC Harlequins 2nd XI 6/180 v Mulgrave 5th XI 8/181. Burwood 4th XI 8/155 v Ashwood 3rd XI 5/157. North Balwyn 4th XI 10/103 v Malvern Valley 2nd XI 10/ 108. STC South Camberwell 3rd XI 7/244 v Mount Waverley Catholics 2nd XI 10/86. Salvation Army Waverley 1st XI 9/131 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 3rd XI 10/123.

■ LOC5. One Day. Deepdene Uniting 3rd XI 2/170 v Clifton Hill 4th XI 3/169. Mount Waverley Uniting 2nd XI 4/283 v Glen Iris 4th X1 10/174. St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 6/326 v Blackburn North United 2nd XI 10/248. Hawthorn Boroondara 5th XI 9/115 v Northcote United 2nd XI 7/170. Heathmont 5th XI 3/235 v Toorak-Prahran 4th XI 8/100.

■ LOC6. One Day. Ashwood 4th XI 8/215 v Knox Churches 2nd XI 10/175. Manningham 3rd XI 5/175 v Ashburton Willows 3rd XI 9/ 116. STC South Camberwell 4th XI 6/271 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 4th XI 7/141. Salesian 2nd XI 5/135 v Glen Waverley 4th XI 10/134. Mount Waverley Uniting 3rd XI 5/200 v Abbotsford Anglers 1st XI.

■ LOC7. One Day. East Doncaster 6th XI 7/ 179 v Bulleen 4th XI 4/178. Richmond Union 3rd XI 9/210 v STC South Camberwell 5th XI Saturday Synthetic 9/33. Edinburgh 5th XI 2/ 159 v Mont Albert 5th XI 5/157. Sunday, February 2: Glen Waverley 5th XI - Sunday v Mount Waverley Catholics 3rd XI.

■ LOC8. One Day. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 5th XI 7/165 v Ashwood 5th XI 5/166. Ashburton Willows 4th XI 3/79 v Mazenod OCCC 4th XI 10/76. Malvern Valley CC 3rd XI 6/159 v Heathmont 6th XI 9/160. STC South Camberwell - 4th XI Saturday Synthetic 9/131 v Glen Waverley 6th XI - Sunday 10/103. Bye: Monash University 2nd XI

■ LOC9. One Day. Clifton Hill 5th XI 8/214 v Richmond Union 4th XI 10/183. Richmond City 4th XI 7/238 v East Doncaster 7th XI 10/ 206. Holy Trinity 5th XI 10/168 v Edinburgh 6th XI 9/199. Monash University 3rd XI 8/140 v Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 10/144. Balwyn Saints 4th XI 7/151 v West Ivanhoe United 3rd XI 5/ 155.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Dromana 1sts 10/212 v Baden Powell 1sts 0/11. Heatherhill 1sts 2/10 v Red Hill 1sts 10/181. Old Peninsula 1st XI 10/205 v Sorrento 1sts 1/36. Langwarrin 1sts 9/185 v Pines 1sts.

■ Peninsula Firsts. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Somerville Senior Men 1sts 10/213 v Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1. Long Island 1sts 10/152 v Rosebud Senior Men 1sts 0/18. Mornington 1sts 5/111 v Moorooduc 1sts 10/97. Seaford Tigers 1sts 9/26 v Seaford 1sts 10/158.

■ District Firsts. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Boneo 1sts v Carrum Downs 1sts 6/363. Crib Point 1sts 10/ 140 v Balnarring 1sts 0/17. Main Ridge 1sts 0/3 v Baxter 1sts 10/207. Carrum 1sts v Flinders 1sts 10/222.

■ Provincial Seconds. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Baden Powell 2nds v Dromana 2nds. Red Hill 2nds 9/ 212 v Heatherhill 2nds. Sorrento 2nds v Old Peninsula 2nd XI 10/226. Pines 2nds v Langwarrin 2nds 9/227.

■ Peninsula Seconds. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Mt Eliza Senior Men 2nd X1 v Somerville Senior Men 2nds 7/280. Rosebud Senior Men 2nds 10/72 v Long Island 2nds 3/135. Moorooduc 2nds 1/ 28 v Mornington 2nds 3-d/342. Seaford 2nds 10/174 v Seaford Tigers 2nds 1/47.

■ District Seconds. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Carrum Downs 2nds 10/224 v Boneo 2nds 0/0. Balnarring 2nds 0/0 v Crib Point 2nds 10/142. Baxter 2nds 7/ 318 v Main Ridge 2nds. Flinders 2nds 7/325. v Carrum 2nds.

■ Sub-District Seconds. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Rye 2nds 10/109 v Tyabb 2nds 8/126. Skye 2nds v Tootgarook 2nds. Frankston YCW 2nds 10/144 v Mt Martha 2nds 2/12. Delacombe Park 2nds v Ballam Park 2nds 10/171.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Round 13. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Donath CC 1st XI 10/112 & 10/170 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 10/113. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/143 & 1/91 v Keon Park CC 1st XI 8/ 291. Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/221 v Camrea CC 1st XI 10/122 & 2/122.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Round 13. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Cameron CC 1st XI 6-d/367 v Strathewen Cougars CC 1st XI 10/189. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 6/347 v Fairfield CC 1st XI 10/109. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/232 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/ 159.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Round 13. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 10/130 & 3/84 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 9-d/200. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 10/198 v West Preston CC 1st XI 6/201. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 9/135 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 4/514.

■ B-Grade. Round 13. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Camrea CC 2nd XI 10/147 & 3/104 v Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 3-d/321. West Preston CC 2nd XI 5-d/ 272 v Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 10/224. Strathewen Cougars CC 2nd XI 10/171 v Victorian Nepalese CA CC 4/60. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 8/140 v Preston YCW District CC 1st XI 9-d/253.

■ C-Grade. Round 13. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 157 v Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 9/158. Fairfield CC 2nd XI 6-d/241 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI 10/103 & 10/74. West Preston CC 3rd XI v Donath CC 2nd XI Forfeit. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd XI 5-d/186 & 0/29 v Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 10/94 & 10/120.

■ Robert Young DODC. Northern Socials CC OD 10/159 v Cameron CC OD 3/187. Preston YCW District CC OD 7/176 v Kinglake CC OD 10/136. Fiji Victorian CC OD 10/117 v Camrea CC OD 5/119. Bellfield Rocketz CC OD 10/203 v Olympic Colts CC OD 3/204. Keon Park CC OD 7/179 v Preston Baseballers CC OD 10/179.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Norwood 1XI 3/262 v Montrose 1XI 8/257. Ainslie Park 1XI 8/95 v North Ringwood 1XI 10/94. Kilsyth 1XI 10/219 v South Croydon 1XI 10/184. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/121 v Lilydale 1XI 10/157.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Wonga Park 1XI 10/197 v Warranwood 1XI 10/168. East Ringwood 1XI 6-d/300 v Bayswater Park 1XI 10/117 & 7/63. Mooroolbark 1XI 10/207 v Heatherdale 1XI 10/259. Templeton 1XI 10/ 79 & 10/127 v St Andrews 1XI 2-d/80 & 1/ 128. Vermont 1XI 10/214 v Wantirna South 1XI 10/189.

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Mt Evelyn 1XI 4-d/257 v Chirnside Park 1XI 10/ 150 & 6/132. Seville Burras 1XI 10/186 v South Warrandyte 1XI 10/76. Montrose 2XI 10/ 116 v Heathwood 1XI 10/79 & 4/124. Croydon North 1XI 10/153 v Warrandyte 1st XI 7/154.

■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. South Croydon 2XI 10/224 v Kilsyth 2XI 10/229. Warrandyte 2nd XI 10/207 v Croydon Ranges 2XI 10/295. Yarra Junction 1XI 10/188 v Norwood 2XI 10/139. North Ringwood 2XI 9/ 224 v Ainslie Park 2XI 10/149.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Lusatia Park 1XI 10/83 v Healesville 1XI 10/ 224. Lilydale 2XI 10/123 & 6/197. Templeton 2XI 4-d/195. Wantirna South 2XI 10/99 v Wonga Park 2XI 10/113. Eastfield 1XI 6/155 v East Ringwood 2XI 10/154.

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Warranwood 2XI 7-d/256 v North Ringwood 3XI 10/108 & 0/65. St Andrews 2XI 6/194 v Montrose 3XI 10/192. Chirnside Park 2XI 10/ 166 v Vermont 2XI 5/347. South Warrandyte

2XI 10/195 v Coldstream 1XI 10/147. Heatherdale 2XI 10/282 v Mooroolbark 2XI 10/ 129.

■ David Beatty Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Heathwood 2XI 3-d/219 v Yarra Glen 1XI 10/ 98 & 8/54. Croydon Ranges 3XI 10/202 v East Ringwood 3XI 9/203. Norwood 3XI 10/140 v Mt Evelyn 2XI 10/232. Bayswater Park 2XI 10/ 136 v Seville Burras 2XI 10/169 & 6/135. ■ Don Smith Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Ainslie Park 3XI 3/194 v Warrandyte 3rd XI 10/188. St Andrews 3XI 5-d/287 v Warranwood 3XI 10/ 100 & 1/49. Hoddles Creek 1XI 10/241 v Wandin 1XI 9/242. Montrose 4XI 10/221 v Wonga Park 3XI 10/398.

■ John Springett Shield. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Chirnside Park 3XI 10/135 v Yarra Junction 2XI 10/207. Kilsyth 3XI 9-d/342 v Eastfield 2XI 10/170 & 1/86. Healesville 2XI 10/155 v Lusatia Park 2XI 8/156. Lilydale 3XI 9/318 v Wantirna South 3XI 9/289.

■ A-Grade. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Powelltown 1XI 3/147 v Norwood 4XI 6/92. Wonga Park 4XI 10/90 v Croydon North 2XI 9-d/280. Seville Burras 3XI 4/240. Templeton 3XI 9/234. South Croydon 3XI 5-d/166 v St Andrews 4XI 10/165.

■ B-Grade. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Heatherdale 3XI 10/182 v Mooroolbark 3XI 4/185. Coldstream 2XI v South Warrandyte 3XI Forfeit. Warrandyte 4th XI 10/201 v Heathwood 3XI 8/207. Mt Evelyn 3XI 8/136 v Croydon Ranges 4XI 0/140.

■ C-Grade. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. North Ringwood 4XI v Warrandyte 5th XI 10/79, abandoned. Healesville 3XI 10/168 v Wantirna 1XI 5/169. St Andrews 5XI 10/133 & 2/57 v Chirnside Park 4XI 5-d/222. Warranwood 4XI 3/206 v Kilsyth 4XI 10/205.

■ D-Grade. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Norwood 5XI 8/ 221 v Croydon Ranges 5XI 10/116. Wonga Park 5XI 10/214 v Lilydale 4XI 10/222. Mooroolbark 4XI 10/227 v Heatherdale 4XI 4/228. East Ringwood 4XI 3/75 v Yarra Junction 3XI 10/ 102.

■ E-Grade. Round 12. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Wandin 2XI 8/ 337 v St Andrews 6XI 8/338. Boronia Hawks 4XI 10/174 v Wonga Park 6XI 10/204. Yarra Glen 2XI v Warrandyte 6th XI 2/89.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. CHAG 1 8/295 v Kingston Heath 1. Brighton Union 1 v East Sandringham 1 6/ 301. Bentleigh Uniting 1 0/7 v West Bentleigh 1 10/310. Le Page Park 1 10/74 v Bentleigh ANA 1 4/82.

■ Woolnough Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Elwood 1 10/355 v Hampton United 1. Omega 1 5/178 v Hampton Central 1 10/84. Cheltenham Park 1 10/ 227 v Washington Park 1. Cluden 1 2/52 v Mackie 1 10/192.

■ Quiney Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Carnegie South 1 2/12 v Le Page Park 2 10/160. Washington Park 2 10/ 137 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 0/10. CUCC Kings 3 v Omega 2 6/292. Kingston Heath 2 10/209 v Elwood 2 1/7.

■ Pullen Shield. Two Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Mackie 2 10/182 v Melbourne Wanderers 1 0/45. West Bentleigh 2 10/290 v Cheltenham Park 2 1/31. East Sandringham 2 10/373 v Brighton Union 2. Hampton United 2 0/6 v Highett West 1 10/198.

Western Suburbs

■ A-Grade. Two Day. Saturdays, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Wyndham Vale A Grade 3rd XI v Point Cook CC A Grade 5th XI. Western Utd SC A Grade 2nd XI 3/46 v Werribee CC A 6th XI 10/161. Altona Sports A 1st XI - Two Day v Seabrook A Grade 3rd XI.

■ Division 1. One Day. 5ABI Caroline Springs D01 3/179 v Truganina CC D01 8/176. Utd Tarneit SC D01 1st XI v Truganina Strikers D01 Yellow. Williams Landing SC D01 1st XI 8/171 v West Point Titans D01 1st XI 9/167. Tarneit Central D01 Blue 5/259 v Manor Lakes D01 1st XI 10/182.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 6, 7

Lotto Numbers: 12, 45, 18, 17, 44, 22

Take nothing and no one at face value, as your judgment might not be up to scratch. Progress in your love life could be crucial, and your social calendar is about to get very hectic. Watch out for a potential hitch in your money-making scheme.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 19, 45, 24, 26, 25

A very pleasant period is ahead. Take advantage of any invitations you receive. Wanderlust might grip you, and many will soon be travelling, either for money or better career prospects.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 15, 18, 45, 8, 5, 22

Avoid confrontations with authority figures. This is a very impatient period, so be cautious on the roads. Major changes are indicated in relationships, and a career change could be on the horizon.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Colour: White

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 8

Lotto Numbers: 1, 10, 18, 24, 25, 41

Personal relationships will be highlighted, and it’s a happy time for family gatherings. Ensure you make time to enjoy social activities rather than being stuck with all the hard work behind the scenes. Business opportunities may expand for many.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 12, 16, 18, 1, 45, 21

A happier and more relaxed period is in store. Many could see luck in lotteries, legacies, or wise investments. Career opportunities may arise, and some could welcome a returning traveller. Happiness in your love life is just around the corner.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 8

Lotto Numbers: 18, 13, 21, 24, 45, 32

Many Virgos will be considering buying property or moving interstate. Social activities could introduce you to people who may become permanent fixtures in your life. Engagements, marriages, or reconciliations with current lovers are all possibilities.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5, 7, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 18, 14, 21, 22, 9, 39 Health may become a major focus for you during this period. Improving your performance in your career will also be on your mind. Now is the time to work on your well-being and set professional goals.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 10, 19, 23, 32, 45, 22

A marvellous time for lovers and those young at heart. Social life may become overwhelming if you don't pace yourself. In business and career matters, your achievements will speak for themselves.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 12, 19, 23, 32, 25, 44

Someone interesting from your past may suddenly reenter your life. However, avoid offering accommodation during the next few weeks, as it could land you in an awkward position.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 2, 4, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 24, 25, 32, 33

A venture you were unsure about may turn out to be a successful move. Travel is likely, either for you or someone close. This period could bring an unexpected opportunity for growth and success.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 1, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 4, 45, 24, 34, 33

Special people in your life may feel neglected, so it’s time to give them more attention. Don’t let someone irritating spoil an otherwise happy time with your loved ones.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 3, 2, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 4, 7, 8, 12, 45, 21

Business and career matters are looking up, and people will be more receptive to your ideas. Happy reunions with long-lost friends are something to look forward to during this time.

Kulkens™ Magic Shop

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

■

Where

$6mil. for MV Headspace

Local Briefs

Craigieburn death

■ ALTONA. Altona Newsagency. Pier

■

■

St.

■ ■ ALTONA. Club Altona. 113 Civic Pde.

■

■ ALTONA. IGA Supermarket. 103110 Pier St.

■

■ ALTONA. Liberty Service Station. Cnr Millers Rd and Civic Pde.

■

■ ALTONA. Thirsty Camel Licensed Grocers/Savvy Cellars. 49 Civic Pde.

■ KEILOR. Coles Express. 664-668 Old Calder Hwy..

■ KEILOR. Keilor Post Office/Newsagency. 100 Old Calder Hwy.

■ KEILOR. Keilor Village Convenience Store. 686 Old Calder Hwy.

■ KENSINGTON. Coles Express. 291-301 Smithfield Rd.

■ KENSINGTON. Foodworks. 484 Macaulay Rd.

■ A significant step forward in supporting the mental health of young people in Moonee Valley has been announced with the Federal Government committing over $6 million in funding over the next four years to establish a new Headspace centre.

The new service is expected to open in 2026-27, offering free mental health care and support to local youth aged 12-25 in Melbourne’s north-west.

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention services tailored to the mental health needs of young Australians. This new centre will enhance access to services in Moonee Valley, addressing a critical need for youth mental health resources in the municipality.

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Craigieburn on Saturday evening, January 25.

Police were called to reports of a physical altercation at a property on Thoresby Circuit about 6.45pm.

■

■

■

■

■ ALTONA NORTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr

Koroit Creek Rd and Millers Rd.

■ ASCOT VALE. 7-Eleven. Cnr

■

Maribyrnong Rd and Epsom Rd.

■ ■ ASCOT VALE. Ascot Vale Lotteries and Cards. 187 Union Rd.

■ ■ ASCOT VALE. IGA Express. 124

Maribyrnong Rd.

■

■ KENSINGTON. Local Folk Coffee Shop. Cnr Epsom Rd and Bayswater Rd.

■

■ KINGSVILLE. BP Service Station. 88-94 Williamstown Rd.

■ MAIDSTONE. The Palms. Cnr Rosamond Rd and Ballarat Rd.

The announcement has been welcomed by Moonee Valley City Council Mayor, Cr Ava Adams

Court Lists

One male was located with a stab wound. He was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died.

Officers arrested a 54-year-old man at the scene.

He was transported to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries under police guard.

A 54-year-old woman was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

■

■

■ BROADMEADOWS. City of Hume Offices. Cnr Tanderum Way and Pascoe Vale Rd.

■

■ BRUNSWICK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Sydney Rd and Park St.

■ MARIBYRNONG. 7-Eleven. 32 Raleigh Rd.

■ MARIBYRNONG. United Service Station. 31 Raleigh Rd.

■ MOONEE PONDS. Moonee Ponds Newsagency. 45 Puckle St

■

■

■

■ BRUNSWICK. Brunswick Club.

■

203 Sydney Rd.

■

■

■

■ BRUNSWICK. Tatts. 396 Sydney Rd.

■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Continental Grocers Supermarket. 482 Sydney Rd.

■

■

■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Gervasi Foodworks. 870-872 Sydney Rd.

■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Tatts/Newsagency/ Post Office. 650 Sydney Rd.

■ ■ BULLA. BP. 82-84 Bulla Rd.

■ ■ CAMPBELLFIELD. Caltex. 18021808 Hume Hwy.

■ ■ COBURG. Caltex. 265-267 Sydney Rd.

■ ■ COBURG. Coburg Hub Lotto,. 8/

430 Sydney Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Craigieburn Rd and Dorchester St.

■

■

■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Caltex. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Coles Express. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.

■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Direct Chemist/ Lotto. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.

■

■ DEER PARK. BP . Cnr Robinsons Rd and Ballarat Rd.

■ ■ DEER PARK. Deer Park Club.

780 Ballarat Rd.

■ MORELAND. Tatts/News. 877 Sydney Rd.

■ NEWPORT. 7-Eleven. 438 Melbourne Rd.

■ NEWPORT. Friendly Grocer. 3/4 Hall St.

■ NEWPORT. Newport N ewsagency. 6 Hall St.

■ NIDDRIE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Keilor Rd and Hoffmans Rd

■ NIDDRIE. Caltex. Cnr Keilor dRd and Deakin St.

■ NIDDRIE. The Lott. 358 Keilor Rd.

■

■ NORTH CARLTON. North Carlton Newsagency. 711 Nicholson St.

■

■ ■ NORTH SUNSHINE. BP. `139 McIntyre Rd.

■

■ NORTH SUNSHINE. Newsagency/ Tatts/Post Office. 69 McIntyre Rd

■

■ NORTH SUNSHINE. United Service Station. 45 McIntyre Rd.

■

■ NORTH WILLIAMSTOWN. 7Eleven. Cnr Koroit Creek Rd and Champion Rd.

■ OAK PARK. Oak Park Cellars, 95 Snell Gr.

■ OAK PARK. Oak Park Newsagency/ Lotto. 120 Snell Gr.

■ PASCOE VALE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Stewart St and Pascoe Vale Rd.

■ PASCOE VALE. Pascoe Vale Central Tatts. 76 Cumberland Rd.

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

Investigators believe all parties are known to each other and are not looking for any other person.

Police cordoned off the area and a crime scene was in place.

Aust. Day honours

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division

■ Hugh Kirkman, Seaholme. For distinguished service to conservation and the protection, management and sustainability of seagrasses and marine ecosystems.

(Honorary) Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

■ Ms Rose Cuff, Brunswick. For significant service to community mental health, and to youth.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

■ Miss Raelee Helen Thompson, Hillside. For significant service to cricket as a player, coach, and administrator.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

■ Dr Wally Ahmar, Coburg. For service to medicine, particularly cardiology.

■ Mrs Aysegul Koksuz. For service to the Turkish community of Victoria through volunteer roles.

■

■ ■ DEER PARK. Deer Park Hotel.

■

760 Ballarat Rd.

■ ■ DEER PARK. United Service Station. Near Cnr 810 Ballarat Rd and Station Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ DERRIMUT. United Service Station. Cnr Robinsons Rd and 2 Foley Rd.

■

■ PASCOE VALE. Pascoe Vale RSL. Cnr Cumberland Rd and O’Hea St.

■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. 7-Eleven. 477 Bell St.

■

■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. BP. Cnr Bell St and Ross St.

■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Caltex. Cnr Bell St and Cumberland Rd,

■

■

■ EAST BRUNSWICK. Coles Express. Cnr 54 Holmes St and Donald St.

■ ■ EAST COBURG. 7-Eleven. Cnr Bell St and Elizabeth St.

■ ■ ■ ■ ESSENDON. 7-Eleven. Cnr 1 Napier St and Mt Alexander Rd.

■ ■ ESSENDON. 7-Eleven. Cnr Mt Alexander Rd and Buckley St.

■ ■ ESSENDON. Coles Express. 783795 Mt Alexander Rd.

■ ■ ESSENDON. Essendon Roundabout Newsagency. 85 Fletcher St.

■

■ FAWKNER. Fawkner Newsagency. 54 Bonwick St.

■ ■ FAWKNER. Moomba Park Newsagency. 89 Anderson Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ FITZROY. United Service Station. Cnr Nicholson St and St Georges Rd.

■ ■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Coles Express. Cnr Bell St and Sussex St.

■ ■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Pascoe Vale South Post Office/NewsXPress. 372-380 Bell St.

■ PRINCES HILL. North Carlton Convienece Store. 577 Lygon St.

■ ROXBURGH PARK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Bridgewater Rd and James Miram Dr.

■

■ ■ ROXBURGH PARK. Foodworks. Cnr Donald Cameron Dr and Roxburgh Park Dr.

■

■ ROXBURGH PARK. United Service Station. 124-130 Somerton Rd.

■ SOMERTON. Caltex. Cnr Somerton Rd and Hume Hwy.

■

■ SPOTSWOOD. Coles Express. Cnr The Avenue and Williamstown Rd.

■ ■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Cellars. 305 Napier St.

■

■

■ ■ FITZROY. Metro Service Station. Cnr Nicholson St and Alexandra Pde.

■ ■ FLEMINGTON. Foodwoorks. 306 Racecourse Rd.

■ ■ FOOTSCRAY. Footscray Newsagency. Cnr Droop St and Nicholson St.

■

■ GLADSTONE PARK. Coles Express. 175-193 Mickleham Rd.

■ ■ GLADSTONE PARK. Coles Exp[ress. 210-212 Mickleham Rd.

■ ■ GLENBERVIE. Milk Bar. Cnr Glass

St and Npaier St.

■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Post/ News. 311 Napier St.

■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Village Milk Bar. 287 Napier St.

■ STRATHMORE. Woodfield Cellars. 9 Woodland St.

■

■ ■ SUNBURY. Sunbury Newsagency. 14 Brook St.

■ SUNSHINE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Ballarat Rd and Hampshire Rd.

■ TULLAMARINE. 7-Eleven. 182 Melrose Drive.

Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 5 Abdulfatah, Arsse Afath, David Ahern, Mark Arachchige, Chinthaka Balaouras, Thomas Barron, Michael Russell Batkin, Paul Booth, John Brown, Danielle Chaffey, Michelle Christofides, Kosta Coates, Michael Cooper, Kane Croxford, June Cummins, Christopher Dador, Limuel Lacsin Dahiya, Satindar Singh Doumtsis, Anthony Dourios, John Dulevski, Adam Edwards, Oscar El-Chakik, Ihsan Emery, Gary Eshlan, Mohammed Ali Farley, Samantha Jane Federico-Willis, Monique Finlayson, Ryan Fullelove, Sarah Garritty, Daniel Geddes, Seona Georgiadis, Dimitrios Giacomin, Damian Giantsopoulos, Janine Claire Gigliotti, Vincent Gilson, Gavin Golds, Tait Gould, Wayne Hallsworth, David Christopher Hecker, Ryan Hedrick, Tracey Heeman, Joshua Hunter, Simon Iellamo, Peter Ioannidis, Nadia Ishaqi, Syed Ismail, El-Shayma Jankulovski, Robert Janman, Antoinette Johnson, Henry Jose, Jobin Kazaley, Jemma Keay, Samantha King, Joanne Klement, Russell Koeninger, Jaylon Laan Woods, Corey Lambert, Ryan Andrew La-Serra, Max Latif, Yasir Lindsay, Jane Longordo, Patrick Lu, Ning Malone, Tegan Manoussakis, Billy Mansfield, Samantha Maramis, Konstantinos

■ Ms Kleoniki Matziaris-Garay, Footscray. For service to the Greek community of Victoria.

■ Mr Bassilios Aziz Morcos, Keilor. For service to the community of Brimbank.

■ Mr Gary Schickerling. For service to cricket.

Fire at Altona

■ A total of 23 hectares of grasslands at Altona was burnt on Australia Day (Sun., Jan. 26) with the fire declared under control at 6.15pm.

FRV and CFA firefighters responded to a large grass fire at Laverton Grasslands, Purnell St.

Firefighters arrived on scene at 3.49pm finding various areas alight over a 2km radius and spreading quickly.

The fire was threatening nearby houses, located about 30-50 metres from the blaze.

A Watch and Act message was issued for residents of Altona and Altona Meadows

The grassfire was travelling from Laverton Grasslands in a northerly direction towards Kororoit Creek Rd.

Four firefighting aircraft were deployed to assist ground crews.

The fire was deemed suspicious and is being investigated by Victoria Police and FRV’s fire investigators.

Suspicious fire

■ Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a large grass fire in Maribyrnong on Sunday, January 26.

■

■

■

■ GLENROY. Caltex. Cnr Pascoe

■

Vale Rd and Finchley St.

■ ■ GLENROY. Coles Express. Cnr Pascoe Vale Rd and 213 Glenroy Rd.

■ TULLAMARINE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Melrose Dr and Mickleham Rd.

■ TULLAMARINE. Milk Bar. 193 Melrose Drive.

■

■

■ GLENROY. Metro Service Station.

770-774 Pascoe Vale Rd.

■ ■ GLENROY. Tatts. 773 Pascoe

Vale Rd.

■ ■ TULLAMARINE. Tullamarine Newsagency. 191 Melrose Drive.

■ WILLIAMSTOWN. Metro Fuel. Cnr Williamstown Rd and Lyons St.

■

■

■ ■ GREENVALE. Caltex. Cnr

Mickleham Rd and Greenvale Dr

■ ■ KEALBA. Caltex. Cnr Sunshine

■

■

Ave and Main Road East.

■ ■ KEALBA. Coles Express. 100 Sunshine Ave.

■ WILLIAMSTOWN. The Lott. 35 Ferguson St.

■ YARRAVILLE. 7-Eleven. Cnr

Williamstown Rd and Somerville Rd.

■ ■ YARRAVILLE. The Lott. Cnr

Williamstown Rd and Somerville Rd.

Marriot, Ashley James Marsh, Shae Martin, Merle Denise Mckrill, Jayde Mclean-Brunton, Leah Ashleigh Mena, Shantay Miles, Lauren Miller, Neil John Milopoulos, Sato Modica, Ignazio Mojo Roofing Pty Ltd Montero, Crystal Morris-Thomas, Matthew Murphy, Melanie

Muzzicato, Joshua Nasery, Khais Muhammed O'meara, John Phillip Ovali, Askin Payandehe, Sayed Prasad, Jason Priestley, Jaide Radojcic, Julie Raya, Stephany Richeh, Rabee Rin, Andrew Ristevski, George Rizk, Tony Robinson, Jayden Roks, Amanda Ross, Catherine Saavedra, Damien Sadek, Mohamed Saleh, Moussa Sharma, Aman Siddam Shetty, Saichand Stefanovski, Frances Stevenson, Ashley Paul Stubbs, Linden Tadros, Giovanni Tamim, Toufe Tan, Junjei Thomason, William Thompson, Adam Thorn-Court, Albie Troung, Tan Tsangaris, Panayiota Turner, Brad Gordon Vanzwol, Jacky Villarreal Mendoza, Juan Sebastian Walker, David Waraich, Irshan Ware, Sean Willaims, Nicholas Winch, Taylor Ann Woodgate, Gregory Woolley, Sammy-Jo Wright, Catherine Ynot 5 Pty Ltd Younes, Nacib Yu, Wusong Werribee Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 5 Adrees, Mohammad Ali, Zain Ball, Josh Carter-Smith, Daniel Dimbil, Saadia Durham, Bruce Heather, Headrick Johnson, Keagan Mohammed, Irfan Ram, Sachin Randhawa, Dilraj Stolz, Michael John Tangitau, Jolsen Zaharias, Angela Zourkas, Danielle

Emergency services were called to reports of flames seen coming from grassland near La Scala Avenue about 12am.

Police were told a group of youths were setting off fireworks shortly before the fire started.

The offenders fled the scene on foot.

There were no reported injuries and several hectares of grassland were burnt.

Police are working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze, which is being treated as suspicious.

2025 ALL STAR MILE PRE-NOMS

■ Some bookies have listed betting on the AllStar-Mile to be run at Flemington on March 8, prior to first nominations.

They have put the ultra-consistent horse Mr Brightside on top and rightly so, despite some smart horses around him, if they all go around.

Mr Brightside is ideally suited over the mile, and is one of the consistent performers on the circuits.

A winner of well into the millions for the Hayes team of Ben, W.D. and Will, the boys have done a great job

Now seven, the son of Bullbars, the late Colin Hayes breeding he has won nearly $18 million, from his 40 starts.

This includes 18 wins form his 40 starts with 12 minors.

Leading jockey Craig Williams has been aboard most times. He’s the horse to beat on raceday.

On the next line is the brilliant Queenslander, Antino, who has won plenty and against the best, he has diminated the scene in Queenland for his top trainer Tony Gollan, and aquitted himself against the best in Victoria,

What can you say about our next horse, Via Sistina, under Australia’s leading trainer, Chris Waller, who took his winning record in the Cox Plate to five wins, taking out last year’s Cox Plate in great fashion?

He had previous won four in sucession with his brilliant mare Winx.

You had to see to believe it the run of the mare winning the Cox Plate as they say with a leg in the air.

Let go prior to the turn by champion jockey James Mc Donald, she absolutely thrashed her opposition.

Then we have the good three-year-old, Broadsiding, who ran a great third behind Via Sistina in the big event.

Prepared by leading young trainer James Cummings for the Godolphin team, he is among the best to race in Australia.

He is already opened up as an early favourite for the Cox Plate this year and rightly so.

Another top notcher in I Wish I Win, prepared by Peter Moody, with class written all over him, could be right in this.

He has got talent to burn and is in the right camp.

Another with a lot of talent is the former international horse, Buckaroo, a good second in the Caulfield Cup to Duke De Sessa.

A top type in the care of Chris Waller is all class, but I thought the 1600 metres here may be too short for himhere.

Among the best

■ Likeable top jockey Jamie Mott has taken over in the racing field.

Over recent weeks and for some time now he has been most consistent specially for a heavy rider.

James is quite tall and rides around 56-59 kilos on most of his rides, as it is not easy to get rides at the lower weights.

He is well noted for his riding with soft hands meaning that horses coming back to him for his

Ted Ryan

thirds. For a tall rider he sits well in the saddle. When younger he was approached to try football, because of his height, but he put up with the wasting to choose the Sport of Kings.

A likeable person, he rides for a number of top stables and his style of reading a race and the comfortable seat in the saddle impresses some of our best trainers.

Well done James, you deserve the pat of the back and hope you ride many more winners.

Maher filly

■ One of Australia’s leading trainer in Ciaron Maher has got the ball rolling looking for a winner in the Blue Diamond Stakes to be run next month at Caulfield.

He produced a smart two-year-old filly in Cherish Me to win the Geelong Diamond at the

recent stand-alone meeting. Winning the Geelong Diamond gave Maher the option of bypassing the Blue Diamond Previews and Preludes to go straight into Victoria’s richest twoyear-old race at Caulfield on February 22.

The stable bought the Brazen Beau for $280,000, a Magic Millions purchase.

The stable said they bought her for she stood out, with plenty of substance, stands over a lot of ground and she’s a really good mover.

Maher is also an owner in the very smart two-year-old Icarian Dream , with top Queensland trainer Tony Gollan.

Now he joins Gollan with another other top filly, La Bella Boom, who is flying.

Champion back

■ One of Australia’s best gallopers is making a comeback after retiring with suspected injuries.

One of the best to grace the turf, Alligator Blood, is being set for a comeback, but with a new team.

Going back a bit he was with Van Dyke in Brisbane, for some time, but later due to financial problems ended up going to Gai Waterhouse and Andrew Bott in Sydney.

It was feared the seven-time Group One winning horse may have run his last race when he suffered a serious pastern injury almost a year ago.

But it is understood, recent scans have showing the injury has recovered, and there is no scarring or lingering issues.

Waterhouse and Bott were told that the champion was being transferred to leading trainer in Chris Waller, for further racing hopefully.

Now that he is an older horse and coming back from significant injuries, the owners were keen to have a change of scenery and try Waller’s style of training.

- Ted Ryan

● Jamie Mott. Racing Photos.

SUMMER OF COUNTRY CUPS

■ Welcome to a new year of harness news. 2025 saw the ‘Summer Of Country Cups’ commence in January going all the way through to the Mildura Cup in April.

Gem of a race

■ January 4: It was Garrards Horse & Hound Bendigo Pacing Cup night, a 2650 metre Group 2 event carrying a stake of $75,000 and what a finish it was with Cranbourne part-owner/trainer Scott Ewen’s ever reliable 10Y0 Art OfficialMy Riviera gelding Bulletproof Boy scoring his biggest and most significant success, although he did win the $50,000 2021 Smoken Up Sprint held at Bendigo amongst his 45 victories and 44 placings from 203 starts for stakes of $647,541.

Driven a gem of a race by James Herbertson, Bulletproof Boy starting from gate three on the second line settled four back in the moving line as the heavily supported $1.50 favourite Kiwi Tact McLeod (Anthony Butt for Mark Jones) had little difficulty in crossing Ideal Escape (gate two) from gate four.

Enjoying a charmed passage at the head of affairs, Tact McLeod had it all his own way until Triple Eight (one/two) went forward approaching the bell with Bulletproof Boy immediately latching to his back and Cantfindabettorman (one/four) following the pair.

Gaining cover at the expense of Cantfindabettorman with a circuit to travel, Bulletproof Boy enjoyed a sweet passage before angling three wide on the final bend to give chase as Tact McLeod dashed away on turning appearing to have the race safely in his keeping.

Under heavy driving from Herbie, Bulletproof Boy responded to blouse Tact McLeod by a nose in a tricky finish which had all guessing, with roughie Ultimate Vinnie (four pegs from inside the second line) after easing off the inside approaching the final bend running the race of his life for a closing third at odds of $151 1.2 metres away third delighting trainer Sam Barker and reinsman Allan McDonough.

In quarters of 29.6, 28.6, 28 and 28.1 after a lead time of 76.2. Bulletproof Boy returned a mile rate of 1-55.7.

Shepp. Gold Cup

■ January 11: Shepparton Gold Cup night. The (Group 3) $50,000 Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup over 2690 metres has always been a great race on the top echelon horses with past winners such as Last Command (1962), Maestros Melody (1964) Rising Flood (1965) Raiarmagh Pool (1968), Bold David (1969), Tara Meadow (1970), Deep Court (1971), Just Too Good (1973), Royal Gaze (1974/75), Popular Alm (1982), Quite Famous (1987/88), Sokyola (2005) and Sting Lika Bee (2006/07) to name just a few with this year’s event going to NSW 9Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Mes Ti Tsepi gelding Kanena Provlema in sensational circumstances due to the disqualification of the winner Captain Hammerhead who was gigantic in a race that will last in the memory bank of harness followers forever.

Trained at Menangle by Kerryann Morris and driven by Victoria’s James Herbertson, Kanena Provlima was first to begin from gate two in the capacity field with the first shock to come when favourite Tact McLeod (gate three) about to challenge went off stride losing valuable ground settling just off the leaders allowing Perfect Stride (gate six) after a slick start to be caught without cover momentarily as Captain Hammerhead trapped wide from gate four joined the pacemaker with David Moran quickly finding out the front running was unavailable.

Regaining his composure, Anthony Butt sent Tact McLeod forward to race exposed before Captain Hammerhead not content with the one/ one passage vacated the prime spot to again race exposed with around two laps to travel.

Applying pressure to Kanena Provlina prior to the home turn, the pair raced away to fight out the finish with Captain Hammerhead first up since October asserting his authority to gain the day in an unbelievable performance.

Ever reliable mare Sew What after a cosy trip trailing the pacemaker from the pole battled on gamely for third as the rest of the field had dropped off on turning.

Following a lengthy delay prior to the all clear,

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Captain Hammerhead was disqualified from the race when driver Moran was charged by stewards for ‘dropping his leg’ and making contact with the horse over the closing stages promoting Kanena Provlima to first, Sew What 2nd and Perfect Stride 3rd , with old timer Western Sonador fourth. The margins 7 metres by 2.4 metres by a half neck.

Raced by Bathurst’s Ben Settree, Kanena Provlima in quarters of 27, 29.9, 27.5 and 28 after a lead time of 80.6 seconds returned a mile rate of 1-56.

Biggest of all

■ January 18: The biggest of them all - the $100,000 (Group 2) Woodlands Stud Ballarat Pacing Cup over 2710 metres went to ultra consistent 10Y0 Art Official-My Riviera Girl gelding Bulletproof Boy for Cranbourne trainer Scott Ewen adding to his Bendigo Cup success much to the delight of his large number of co-owners including trainer Ewen who were ‘Over The Moon’ with elation.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Bulletproof Boy began very fast from gate three with Ultimate Vinnie (gate two) going with him and lightning beginner Mach Dan burning across from outside the front line for Mark Pitt to make a line of three, with Ultimate Vinnie easing out of the battle as Bulletproof Boy and Mach Dan went head and head into the first turn with Mach Dan never looking likely to cross leaving him exposed.

Run in even sections, it was Bulletproof Boy leading from polemarker Hector (Jordan Leedham) following, Mach Dan uncovered, being trailed by Kanena Provlima (David Moran - gate five), Ultimate Vinnie (Allan McDonough), Ideal Escape (Ellen Tormey gate two on the second line), Perfect Stride (Chris Alford gate three second line), Tango Tara (Kate Gath from the extreme draw) and Serg Blanco (Ryan Duffy gate four) which once again had no luck after being trapped wide. Perfect Class (Kerryn Manning from inside the second line settled three pegs) being followed by Our Vincent Van Gogh (Jack Laugher gate four second line) and Rocknroll Walla (Jackie Barker after being eased from gate six).

With no moves being made until Kanena Provlima angled three wide running into the final bend, Bulletproof Boy after travelling comfortably kicked clear with Hector easing off his back to challenge with the pair racing away. Holding a margin all the way up the running, Bulletproof Boy recorded a 1.3 metre margin over Hector after surviving a short lived protest. Perfect Class using inside runs was third 4.3 metres back and rank outsider Our Vincent Van Gogh a half head away fourth.

In quarters of 29.5, 29.5, 27.8 and 27.5 after a lead time of 80.2 seconds, Bulletproof Boy returned a mile rate of 1-55.5 only point seven seconds outside last years winner Kanena Priovlima’s 1-54.8 track record.

■ Some lessor stake Cups – Echuca, Cobram Hamilton and Wedderburn were also held during January which made exciting racing for those in attendance.

The $12,000 Moama Bowling Club Echuca Pacing Cup over 2160 metres on January 1 saw Kialla trainer Stephen O’Donoghue combine with Murchison reinsman Ryan Sanderson to

land the major prize with lightly raced 5YO Art Major- Cullens Ace gelding Followtheace. Bred and raced by long time stable client John Eichhorn who resides on the Gold Coast, Followtheace began fast from gate five to lead and rated to perfection, ran out an easy 10.8 metre victor in advance of Cotchinellie (one/ three- three wide last lap) which ran home well. Scheming (death- one/one) was 6 metres away third. The mile rate 1-58.2.

■ The $15,000 Jim Phillips Memorial Cobram Pacing Cup over 2170 metres on January 6 had to be transferred from the day before due to extreme temperatures in the district and it was Tatura father and son - Craig and Abbey Turnbull’s lightly raced Sweet Lou-Hot Blooded Woman 4Y0 gelding Sirlou a most impressive winner. Making only his fourth race appearance, Sirlou (gate three) was left parked as David Moran’s On The Hunt began brilliantly from outside the front line to cross Lils Nightmare (gate two).

Despite to tough trip, Sirlou was always travelling on a tight rein and raced clear over the concluding stages to register a 3.6 metre margin over Big Bad Ossie who was gigantic after coming from the tail of the field and four wide running into the final bend. Lils Nightmare held third a head away. The mile rate 1-58.9.

■ The $30,000 Matthews Petroleum Hamilton Pacing Cup over 2660 metres on Sunday January 12 saw action aplenty from the outset. Fast beginner Lake Bolac (gate four) began best to lead with the hot favourite Stormryder (gate five) unable to cross and Exotic Bushranger (gate six) trapped three wide with Michael Stanley putting the foot down to try and obtain the lead opening up the field, however ‘Herbie’ was having no part of this which enabled Exotic Bushranger to drop to his back relegating polemarker Dance Away to three pegs and Young Bluey four back from inside the second line.

Operative Line and Glen Craven were off and running from mid-field once the speed eased to try and join the leaders, but Mark Pitt (Stormryder) was having no part of this resulting in Operative Line having to restrain back to the rear with David Miles letting rip from five back with Arggghhh to do similar and was able to join the leader with little hope of crossing him.

It was then Aaron Dunn and Dee Roe after restraining from outside the front row at the start going forward from the tail with a rush at the bell and showing great acceleration assumed the front running role to lead for the last lap.

Holding a handy lead approaching the home turn with a charge emerging from behind him, Dee Roe had enough in hand to register a 1.6 metre margin over Young Bluey which had been extricated to receive a three wide trail home in the last lap on the back of Rocknroll Walla (one/ four) which led up the three wide line for the last lap.

Although very wide on the final bend, Young Bluey ran home strongly but couldn’t catch Dee Roe, with Rocknroll Walla a meritorious third 1.5 metres back and Exotic Bushranger fourth a metre away after using the sprint lane.

Raced in partnership by Aaron Dunn and Helen Friend, Dee Roe trained by Aaron in Horsham in quarters of 29.3, 29.1, 29.6 and 28.5 after a lead time of 75.9 seconds, returned a mile rate of 1-56.4 one point 2 seconds outside Wardan Express’ 1-55.2 set in 2019.

■ Wedderburn one of Victoria’s oldest established clubs held a tremendous Cup Day on Sunday January 26 featuring the 2555 metre Loddon Shire Wedderburn Pacing Cup and 2955 metre Reeves Earthmoving Wedderburn Trotters Cup both valued at $15,000, supplemented by the Llowalong Farms sponsored Central Victorian Pacing and Trotting Championships – the trotters over 2150 metre, with the pacers a 1750 metre dash.

Kialla part-owner/trainer Stephen O’Donoghue deserves plenty of accolades after resurrecting 8Y0 Western Terror-Refresh Me gelding Western Sonador to land the Pacers Cup. Driven by Shepparton’s Bec Bartley who has had a strong relationship with the horse since he first stepped foot on the track, Western Sonador (gate two second line) making only his 65th appearance at the races (11 wins and 15 placings) settled three back in the moving line as Red Cliffs roughie Go Away Again led from

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Maryborough/Bendigo, Thursday – Ballarat, Friday – Charlton/ Geelong, Saturday – Cranbourne (Cup), Sunday – Warragul/Swan Hill, Tuesday –Shepparton..

gate two. Once balanced, Raging Whitebait was immediately set alight to go forward and park outside the pacemaker in the back straight on the first occasion and while all this was going on, Western Sonador travelled beautifully.

When Raging Whitebait took care of the leader prior to the bell and raced clear, Western Sonador now one/one was off and running to effortlessly join the favourite for the final circuit.

Turning for home in front Raging Whitebait was a spent force shortly after as Western Sonador surged clear, with both Shadow Celt one/one and Lincoln River three wide from last running on.

Refusing to give in, Western Sonador gave plenty to prevail by a half neck from Shadow Celt and Lincoln River a nose away who flew late for third in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 158.6 (last half 57.9 – quarter 29.7).

Hunter Cup

■ It was Sportsbet A.G. Hunter Cup night at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday and Victoria’s major feature race meeting attracted more stars than what you would see on the American flag.

Attracting a tremendous field including the best horse in the Southern Hemisphere Queensland’s Leap To Fame, giant killer Swayzee from NSW a duel NZ Cup winner , Kiwi’s Republican Party, Tact McLeod and Don’t Stop Dreaming, plus Inter Dominion winner Don Hugo along with Shepparton Gold Cup victor Kanena Provlema and a host of other open class winners, the race was set to be the highlight of the season so far and it was.

Gaining a great run through the field from gate four on the second line although trapped wide as Tact McLeod led from gate two in the 2760 metre feature with Republican Party trailing from the pole, Swayzee was off and running in the straight with two laps to travel.

Don Hugo (gate four) was trapped in the open being trailed by Leap To Fame which was able to come away from four pegs to possie one/one on his back, with outsider Hector now four pegs.

Leaving the prime spot prior to the bell to race exposed to the roar of the crowd, the two fancied runners were set to fight out the finish with Leap To Fame joining the leader on the final bend.

In a two horse battle all the way up the running, Swayzee (Cameron Hart for trainer Jason Grimson) renowned for his staying prowess kept on giving under hard driving to gain the day by a head in a thriller over Leap To Fame, with Republican Party using the sprint lane inside Tact Command for third a half head away a head in advance of Tact Command which also used the sprint lane.

In quarters of 28.2, 28.1, 27 and 27.6 after a lead time of 80.9 seconds, Swayzee returned a new scintillating track record mile rate of 1-51.9 taking 1.3 seconds of Tiger Tara’s 1-53.2 set in 2019.

Both the runner up and third placegetter may run in next Saturday’s $100,000 Cranbourne Cup.

The $250,000 Great Southern Star over 1720 metres was a blowout with Andy Gath’s Majestic Son-Watts Up Rainbow 5Y0 gelding Watts Up Partytime bred and raced by Bradley Watts winning both the heat and final at given odds of 100/1 in both races, returning a mile rate of 1-53 in the final.

- Len Baker

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FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Free non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

• EMAIL: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

SOME ADVERTISING RULES

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

• Any person or business advertising to sell or give away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten in Victoria must be enrolled on the Pet Exchange Register to obtain a source number, and must include this source number along with each animal's microchip number in all advertisements.

• Advertisers should be honest in their dealings. Claims should be true, accurate and based on reasonable grounds.

FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.Advertise Free.com.au

• EMAIL: editor@Local Paper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

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

BOOKS. Health, well-being, spirituality. CDs, DVDs. Doreen Virtue, Louise Hay, Denise Linn, many others. 31 CDs, 12 books. Will send photo if interested. 4 DVDs. VGC. $250 ONO. Bittern. 0459 558 055. F-M

CATTLE

Charolais cross cows, beefbred, with Speckle Park calves at foot. In calf again. Can deliver. $1750 each. Yarra Valley. 0418 342 848.F-I

COT. Fisher Price portable cot with extra mattress, sheets, mobile and pockets. Portable change table included. Also 3 wheel children’s bike. EC. Free. Whiteheads Creek, near Seymour. SMS to 0407 200 118.F-M

FREE PHOTO ADS AdvertiseFree.com.au

FORD AU II SEDAN. Much money spent. No rust. All Fairmont options. Very clean. V8. Near new tyres. 2AN3XE. Original cond. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573.F-M

GARDEN: Two concrete vintage statues, one Greek lady 66cm, one bashful child 59cm. Also one Buddha 43cm. Also baby deer and four plaques, assorted designs. Can send photos. VGC. $350. 0459 558 055. F-M

KEYBOARD STAND. Roland. As new. $50. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123.F-M

LAURA ASHLEY cotton coverlet set. Size: 220cm x 240cm. Plus 2 pillow cases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $40. Ashburton. 9885 F-M

MOBILITY SCOOTER

One Pride Go. Mobility Chair. Joystick driven. Only months old. Paid $3700. Will sell $1800 ONO. Like brand new. Phone John, 0418 583 120. F-G

NOTICES

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Marian Snary© i n c a r e of Ferntree Gully, Victoria State, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names (MARIAN VAN RYSWYK, EMPATHIC CONNECTIONS) since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 17985 22604, Proclamation Date (1st Day of April in the year 2024). Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Marian Snary© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

MEMOIR by Owen Douglas. From early life to times as a Psychiatric Nurse. (‘An outstanding book’ North Central Review’, Oct 2024) paperback and ebook. I grew up in Dundas St. Preston. Attended Preston South Primary and went to Northcote High School. At Amazon.com.au F-M

NEWSPAPERS. Herald; end of First World War; start of the Second World War. Original papers, worn. Offers. Seymour. 0419 881 573.

F-M

OLD STAMPS, tools, tobacco bins, Telephone, pocket knifes, cigarette lighters, LP records, first covers and more. Australia decimal and pre-decimal bank notes. Used. Prices negot. Thomastown. 0425 733 890.

F-M

PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114.

F-M

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $20. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. F-M

Genesis 1.29

SELL TO ORDER microgreens, Peashoots, Sunflower, Broccoli and Cabbage etc. Tasty nutritious microgreens. $5. Wallan. 0419 545 806 F-M

SUBARU Rego Plates. B/ W Slimline: MISUBI. VGC. $1500 or offer. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

TELESCOPE. 76/700EG. Premium. 76 mirror diameter. 700mm focal length. 28x-233x magnification. Equatoirial mount. As new. $60 ONO. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123. F-M

WELLNESS Circulation Stimulator. $20 or offer. VGC. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

COMMUNITY GROUPS can advertise their upcoming events in The Local Paper, without advertising charges. Go to the What’s On - Free Ad Form section at the www.Local Paper.com.au website

Sat., Mar. 22. 10am2pm. Watsonia Primary School Open Day and Fair. Join us for a special day of celebration at our School Open Day and Fair, marking an incredible milestone—our 65th Birthday. Explore our vibrant school community with guided tours, showcasing our facilities and curriculum for prospective families. Enjoy a variety of fun rides, delicious food trucks, live music, stalls, and a historical display highlighting our 65year legacy of excellence. The day will be filled excitement, discovery, and a chance to connect with our past and present. Don’t miss this memorable event as we celebrate 65 years of learning, growth, and achievement. Free entry. Meagher St, Watsonia. Phone: 0407 885 580. Web: https://www. facebook.com/share/ 1DRdcx3Wch/ F-L WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Lightweight, easy to manoeuver, strong battery life. Perfect for everyday use. Sellng due to owner passing away. GC. $1000. Thomastown. 0421 819 286. F-M

WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set encyclopedia, $90. Plus Science Books and Dictionary. GC. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

FREE ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY PHONE Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community organisations. There are no charges, no fees and no commissions. All Free Ads are published at the entire discretion of the Editor.

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interests in the land described as 820 Lower Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotments 72C and 72D Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in respective Certificates of Title Volume 8541 Folio 538 and Volume 5107 Folio 358:

Easements for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-1” on the plans for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE4 Ver B for Crown Allotment 72C and Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE3 Ver B for Crown Allotment 72D) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127. Interests Acquired: That of Alan Russell Launder and Cheryl Elizabeth Launder and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name: Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning

South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BOX HILL INCLUDING 5G

Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

Box Hill Hospital, Nelson Road, Box Hill VIC 3128 (RFNSA: 3128017)

The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

• Replacement of three (3) existing Optus panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Replacement of three (3) existing Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Installation of six (6) new Optus 5G panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Replacement of twenty-four (24) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with eighteen (18) new RRUs;

• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• Internal works within existing equipment outdoor unit.

Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 20 February 2025.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3128017

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 40 Thomas Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotment 72E Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 9737 Folio 676: An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-1” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE5 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127.

Interests Acquired: That of Adam Harvey Schreurs and Donna Chandelle Schreurs and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water: Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name:Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning

South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P24/2046

Applicant name: SQUAREBACK PLANNING PTY LTD

The Land affected by this application is located at:

8 HIGHFIELD WAY TYABB LOT 42 LP 214329 VOL 9875 FOL 877

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOPMENT OF A SHED AND AMENDMENT TO COVENANT MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

CLAUSE: 43.02-2 (DDO6) To construct a building or construct or carry out works.

CLAUSE: 52.02

(Easements, Restrictions and Reserves)

Under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 19 FEBRUARY 2024

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION

COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 22A Brownes Road, Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotment 69C Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10747 Folio 568:

An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-2” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE1 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127. Interests Acquired: That of Nicholas Terence Browne and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name: Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning

South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

The Local Paper

Email: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 65 Haws Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision PS817348D and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 11983 Folio 908:

An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-2” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE2 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127.

Interests Acquired: That of Thomas William Browne and Raelene Catherine Browne and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water: Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name: Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

Notice of Praecipe

Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© of Marysville, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names REBECCA PARKER, R.A. PARKER, R A PARKER, Rebecca PARKER, PARKER Rebecca, REBECCA A. Parker, Parker, Rebecca A. PARKER, Rebecca Ann Parker, REBECCA A PARKER, REBECCA A. PARKER, Rebecca A. Parker, Rebecca A. Parker, PARKER REBECCA ANN, Rebecca Ann PARKER, REBECCA ANN PARKER, Rebecca, REBECCA, Rebecca A, Rebecca A., PARKER REBECCA, R.P., RP, RAP, R.A.P., and REBECCA ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA ANN, REBECCA ANN ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A. ZVIRBULIS, R.A. ZVIRBULIS, R A ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA, Rebecca A. ZVIRBULIS, Rebecca ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS Rebecca, REBECCA A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca Zvirbulis, Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, R.A, RFA, R.F.A., and becaboo.no2@gmail.com., becaboo22@protonmail.com, Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker Public Recording Number PRPP4463900051003040453605, WillowRose Elanor Parker Public Recording Number RPP4463900051003040452608, and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP4463900051003040454602, Proclamation date the 3rd day of June 2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker©TM, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker©TM in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

NOTICE OF PRAECIPE. Michael Charles Anderson© of Dandenong, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names MICHAEL ANDERSON, M.C. ANDERSON, M C ANDERSON, Michael ANDERSON, ANDERSON Michael, MICHAEL. C. Anderson, Michael Anderson, Michael C. ANDERSON, Michael Charles Anderson, MICHAEL C. Anderson, ANDERSON MICHAEL CHARLES, Michael Charles ANDERSON, MICHAEL CHARLES ANDERSON, Michael, MICHAEL, Michale C, Michael C., ANDERSON MICHAEL, M.A., MA, MCA, M.C.A., and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil Jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP:44 63900 05100 30408 63602, proclamation date the 28th Day, June,2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon this copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Michael Charles Anderson© in fraudulent debased Dot-Latin, GLOSSA.

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Conveyance

Roberto Leereveld© i n c a r e of Upwey, Victoria State is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names ROBERTO LEEREVELD since unrebutted lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 30274 45609, Proclamation Date 2nd Day of October in the year 2024. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Roberto Leereveld© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Business Guide

It Pays

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).

■ Regional. Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

■ I feel that the great stars of the Australian stage during the 20th Century are being forgotten by the modern generation.

It is a great pity that we do not celebrate the lives of some of our performersw. I had the opportunity to see Jenny Howard in one show and it made a great impression on me.

Daisy Evelyn Louise Blowes was born in the London suburb of Walthamstow in 1902.

Jenny started her career in music hall shows in London and became a singer and comedienne. She appeared onstage with Percy King who became her husband and manager.

In 1979 Jenny and Percy came to Australia to perform the Tivoli circuit.

Jenny was cast as the romantic lead in the 1936 film Dodging The Dole which was produced by Highbury Studios in London.

Jenny and Percy returned to Australia to entertain the troops in 1940 and the couple took up permanent residence in Bondi. She was billed as ‘Australia’s favourite English entertainer’.

Her first show was with Dixie Rose, Honest John Gilbert and Connie Chalmers in Fun’s A Buzzin.

Percy and Jenny toured Australia in shows during the war years. Jenny was a regular on many radio variety programs.

On May 27, 1941, Jenny Howard stopped The Crazy Show and walked onstage to announce to the Tivoli audience that the German battleship Bismarck had been sunk.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Jenny Howard

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

There was thunderous applause for three minutes and then Jenny led the audienmce and the company in singing Sons Of The Sea.

Jenny worked in comedy routines with George Wallace on the Tivoli shows. At a matinee in 1942 George Wallace sat down in his dressing room and wrote the famous song A Brown Slouch Hat. Jenny sang it for the first time at the evening performance.

Jenny played the Principal Boy in many Tivoli pantomimes such as Babes In the Woods, Robin Hood and Peter Pan.

She was often labelled ‘the poor man’s Gracie Fields’ because every time Gracie released a record Jenny would follow up with her recording on the cheaper Woolworths label.

Christmas

and in the

And His Wonderful Lamp, Dick Whittington and His Cat and Jack And The Beanstalk at the Princess Theatre.

In 1954, Jenny headed up a tour to Korea to entertain the Australian troops. Her husband Percy was on the tour as was comedian Joey Porter.

In 1974 Jenny played the role of Bertha in the stage musical Pippin and worked opposite Johnny Farnham and Colleen Hewett and I had the pleasure of seeing her onstage.

She sings No Time At All on the Australian cast album,. Jenny played a small role in the film Caddie in 1976.

She worked at Orton’s Music Hall in Surfers Paradise, singing songs like Nobody Loves A Fairy When She’s 40.

The compere was the late Paul Sharratt and it was the basis of a popular television series.

Jenny Howard passed away at Tweed Heads in New South Wales in 1996 at the age of 94. This lady brought great joy and laughter to many people during her career.

I would like to see more photograohs of our stage legends in public places, they should not be forgotten.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm.

And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

YAYOI KUSAMA RETROSPECTIVE AT NGV

Yayoi Kusama

From polka dots to pumpkins and more: Australia’s largest Yayoi Kusama retrospective exhibition opens exclusively in Melbourne with new, world-premiere work.

The NGV celebrates the illustrious career of iconic artist Yayoi Kusama with a world-premiere blockbuster exhibition spanning her eight-decade practice, including the global unveiling of the artists most recent immersive mirror room work.

Curated by the NGV especially for Australian audiences, the exhibition Yayoi Kusama features 200 works, including many never-before-seen in Australia and a record breaking number of the artist’s showstopping immersive works.

Displayed across the entire ground floor of NGV International, Yayoi is one of the most comprehensive retrospective exhibitions of the artist’s work ever presented globally and the largest ever mounted in Australia.

The exhibition also includes the Australian debut of Dancing Pumpkin, a towering five-metre-tall yellowand-black polka-dot bronze sculpture newly acquired by the NGV.

Conceived by the artist in 2020, Dancing Pumpkin takes her iconic motif to new heights, allowing audiences to walk under the towering sculpture.

The exhibition also features the Australian premiere of The hope of the Polka Dots Buried in Infinity Will Eternally Cover the Universe, 2019, which visually entangles viewers within six-metre-high tentacular forms covered in yellow-and-black polka dots.

Another highlight is Narcissus Garden, a new variation of the installation Kusama first presented unofficially at the Venice biennale in 1966.

This installation comprises of 1400 stainless silver balls, each 30cm in diameter and presented en masse as visitors enter the Gallery.

As the metallic speres reflect one another, they create an infinitely recurring landscape that envelopes the spectator.

NGV International’s public spaces have also been transformed by Kusama’s signature polka dots, extending the sensory experience of Kusama’s work beyond the exhibi-

The Arts

with Peter Kemp

tion galleries t include a site-specific artwork for the NGV’s iconic waterwall, and Dots Obsession , an installation of enormous, inflated spheres that will float playfully over visitors’ heads in the Great Hall.

Extending Kumasa’s kaleidoscopic worldview beyond the walls of the NGV, Ascension of Polka Dots on the Trees envelopes more than 60 plane trees along Melbourne’s iconic grand boulevard St Kilda Road in a pink-and-white polka-dotted artwork.

Exhibition closes April 21.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

MAPh

Sculpture Park: Renaissance: A Journey of Transformation Sonia Payes.

In this site-specific installation MAPh’s sculpture park, Sonia Payes embraces the sculptural possibilities of photographic medium. Payne’s interpretation of possible future examines the impact of human intervention on the planet.

These otherworldly and yet familiar landscapes may seem apocalyptic but they illustrate Payes’ unwavering faith in our species capacity to adjust and preserve.

Exhibition closes March. MAPh 860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

Bunjil Place

May our Frock, greet your Frock –Frock A Whanaungatanga

An exhibition and workshop by legendary Tâgata Moana (People of the Pacific) art collective, the Pacific Sisters.

Bringing to life the artistic traditions of te\he Moana, as you move through the exhibition visitors will encounter nui aitu (new ancestors) avatar adorned in the Sisters’ intricate handmade garments alongside ancestral taonga and measina (treasured cultural items) drawn from collections of Museum Victoria.

Exhibition closes Sunday March 9. Bunjil Place

2 Patrick Northeast Drive Narre Warren

OPERA Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

■ Presented by Melbourne Opera. Billed as the opera event of 2025, Melbourne Opera’s multi-million dollar production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg will see opera lovers converge in Melbourne from February 16 -22.

Audiences will experience a 4.5hour production of Wagner’s epic –and only – comedy with multiple intervals across the afternoon and evening Themed catering will be available.

Staged at the resplendent world heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Buildings the production comes from the visionary Suzanne Chaundy, the visionary director behind he groundbreaking internationally acclaimed Ring Cycle Cultural Festival in 2023.

Season: February 16 – 22. Venue: Royal Exhibition Buildings Carlton. Time start 3pm. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.

On Friday February 21 there will be a special celebratory Wagnerian dinner on stage. For more details and to book your table, please email info@melbourneopera.com

- Peter Kemp

■ Logie winner (1976) Henry Winkler is coming to Hamer Hall for a oneman show, February 15. Best known for his performances in the long running 'Happy Days', Henry will discuss all manner of topics about difficulties growing up, then acting , through to his very own family and kids. There's sure to be a mention of his latest book '’Being Henry'. Tickets for his stage show are available through the usual outlets.

Smoking Gun

■ Some cold cases just never die. A podcast is nearing completion about the effects a cigarette manufacturing plant had on the surrounding community. The plant in Melbourne has been closed for decades or more, yet stories linger on. Seems bizarre but the investigation is being conducted by a Surf Life Saving Club located in the 'Posh' end of the Peninsula. Sounds weird.

More movie work for Victoria

■ Shepparton is the new go-to location to film/ tele movies. Veteran actor John Jarrett is cast to star in Wolf Creek 2 for international distribution. Renowned film director Ross Clarkson is in charge aiming for a release date of April. Productions like Wolf Creek 2 bring big bucks to Shepp and will hire numerous locals as extras.

Mel Gibson in Trump tent

■ Actor Mel Gibson got a shock when he learnt of his appointed by Donald J Trump as a Special Ambassador to be the eyes and ears watching over the Hollywood district. Same announcements were bestowed on Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight. No mention if any stipend goes with the title.

Rumour on repeat

■ The broadcasting industry has forever been the breeding ground for rumours and 2025 bolts out of the gates with a never say die claim that the Nine Radio Network is to be sold. The deal is said to include 3AW, and sister stations in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Maintaining on- air talent is a major element in any negotiation.

● ● ● ● Jenny Howard

Percy King produced

pantomimes

early 1950s Jenny starred in Aladdin

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Henry Winkler