POLICE GUARD FOR CASEY COUNCILLORS
Police were called to last week’s
Councillors from the premises. Photo: Casey Crime Page/Facebook.
■ Last week’s Casey Council meeting had to be adjourned after crowd responses were deemed to be unsafe for Councillors.
Police were called to the Council headquarters to escort Councillors safely from the premises.
Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said: “I want to say that I am incredibly disappointed with the behaviour displayed at the Council Meeting last night. This behaviour is not welcome and will not be tolerated.”
“We had a number of residents attending the meeting in good faith, expecting to hear a response to their questions.
“Unfortunately they, along with our staff and my fellow councillors, were subjected to threatening behaviour.
“The wellbeing and safety of community and staff attending our meetings is our top priority. The situation escalated to a point where the police had to be called due to the actions of some individuals in the gallery.”
■ Casey Mayor Cr Stean Koomen said that he understood there is a real frustration over the past five years under Administration.
“The new Councillors acknowledge this and we’re looking forward to listening and representing our community.”
He said that the behaviour by some individuals at last week’s Council meeting is not the way to go about this.
“I’d like to thank all the members of the Casey community who have reached out to me and my fellow councillors with messages of support.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday March 18, at Bunjil Place
“The agenda items that were unable to be resolved at the February Council Meeting will be moved to be included in the agenda of the March Council Meeting,” said a Council representative.
“We have received some questions around if we will be changing the time and location of our Council Meetings.
■ Three more McCrae properties have emergency orders lifted.
Residents of an additional three properties impacted by the landslide at McCrae are now allowed to move back into their homes.
The Emergency Orders were lifted at 9am Friday (Feb. 21) on these three properties, meaning 11 out of 19 properties have had orders lifted.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said: “This is another very welcome step forward in getting affected residents safely back into their homes. We continue to speak directly with all impacted residents as we develop tailored plans for each property that map out next steps.”
“At the December 2024 Council Meeting, Councillors endorsed the schedule of dates and times for Council Meetings for the year.
“This means Council Meetings will continue to run at 6pm every third Tuesday on the month,” the Council representative said.
Compost giveaway
■ Cardinia Shire households can reap the rewards of having a food and garden waste kerbside bin with the Compost Giveaway
The Council is giving two 25-litrebags of compost to households using a Council food and garden waste (lime green lidded) kerbside bin.
● ●
Casey Council meeting to safely escort
● ● Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor
● ● ● ● Sam Groth, Nepean MLA
✖State Government delays in respond ing to Mornington Peninsula Shire about the McCrae landslide have been raised in Parliament by Nepean MLA Sam Groth: “I want to address the landslide down in McCrae and those residents who are still out of their homes due to the landslide that happened some time ago. I want to bring to the attention of the house a letter that the Mornington Peninsula Shire wrote to the Minister for Emergency Services very soon after that landslide. The Minister still has not replied to the Mornington Peninsula shire regarding the assistance they are seeking. Yesterday (Wed., Freb. 19) the Mayor and the Acting CEO both wrote again to the Minister. I think it is about time that minister started to take action to help these residents and stopped ignoring the requirements and needs of those people in McCrae”
● Sonya Kilkenny, MLA
✔Work of the Seaford Life Saving Club has been highlighted by local MP, Sonya Kilkenny: “I joined local families at the Seaford Life Saving Club for Friday night nippers. It was also an opportunity to take part in the club’s inaugural art competition. The artwork was incredible – so many ideas, so much creativity and so much talent. A huge thank you to all the families for being part of this wonderful club and supporting their kids to be nippers, learning all about water safety, community participation and the value of volunteering. Thanks to all the age-group managers and volunteers and local mums and dads for making this special event happen and for turning up every week to keep this club so strong. The biggest thanks to an incredible individual Samone Cranston, whose energy, commitment and can-do attitude is absolutely inspiring. Thanks to the Carrum coast guard volunteers,” Ms Kilkenny said.
Cardinia’s election shopping list
■ Cardinia Shire Council endorsed its key advocacy priorities for the upcoming Federal Election at last week’s Council meeting.
Priority projects from across the shire that will drive Cardinia Shire’s advocacy campaign are the Lang Lang sand truck bypass, road sealing package, Cardinia Life redevelopment and Princes Highway intersection upgrades from Nar Nar Goon to Longwarry.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said Council was committed to advocating for what the Cardinia Shire community needs.
“We will continue to seek support and investment from other levels of government to meet the needs of our growing community, now and into the future,” Cr Kowarzik said.
“With an average of three new households moving into the shire each day, and a population projected to increase by almost 40,000 over the next 10 years, we are one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities.
“To help support this growth and ensure our shire remains a great place to live, Council works hard to deliver essential services and projects for our community, but we know that there is more to be done. Growth areas like Cardinia Shire require investment in infrastructure to keep up with demand for new roads, parks, sporting facilities and other amenities.”
Calm and peace please
● Community leaders
■ Greater Dandenong Mayor Cr Jim Memeti called a meeting of community leaders, at which they called for calm and peace.
“In recent weeks, our usually cohesive community has been divided over the name of the Thomas St precinct in Dandenong,” said Cr Memeti.
“We understand the strongly held views on this matter link to painful experiences of conflict overseas.
“We appreciate the impor-
at Dandenong tance of people expressing their views and being listened to.
“However, local community elders and leaders have expressed concerns about community safety and the behaviour of some people online and in the local area.
“Demonstrating great leadership, elders and community leaders from diverse ethnic and faith backgrounds came together today.
“They understand there is
no place in Australia for people to threaten, frighten or intimidate others and they decided to come together to speak about it.
They shared their pride in the Thomas St precinct, created by hardworking traders who have worked side by side for more than two decades.
They signed a joint statement, emphasising the importance of community safety and peace. I was pleased to stand with them,” Cr Memeti said.
Frankston chases events
■ Applications are now open for Frankston City Council’s 2025-26 Destination Event Attraction Program, providing an opportunity for event organisers to secure funding for their upcoming events.
The program offers financial and in-kind support to organisations to deliver high-quality festivals and events that provide remarkable visitor experiences, local engagement and build upon the City’s positioning as a creative destination.
The current season has supported four events, including End of the Line Frankston, The Carlsberg Beach Club, the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, and the sophomore year of the Frankston Swim Classic – as part of Waterfront Festival. These events are expected to inject $3.1 million into the local economy.
Wilton Ward Councillor David Asker said: “The Destination Event Attraction Program is more than just supporting great events—it’s about driving economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt throughout our local economy."
“Frankston’s diverse cultural and natural assets, combined with strategic event support, allow us to continue driving economic prosperity through tourism and local partnerships.”
Gym arson probe
■ Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating an arson in Hallam on Thursday morning (Feb. 20).
It is understood unknown offenders smashed multiple windows of a vacant gym on Princes Hwy about 1.45am.
A Molotov Cocktail was also thrown into the premises, causing damage to the entrance of the building. At this stage, it is believed the offenders fled the scene in a vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Community panel
■ The planning and development of Cardinia Shire Council’s new four-year plan has kicked off with the Community Panel meeting to review the Council’s Community Vision 2040.
The panel, representing a diverse cross section of the Cardinia Shire community, will come together for a total of four workshops, online and in-person, to learn, discuss and contribute ideas as part of the deliberative engagement process for the development of the next Council Plan and associated strategic documents.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik said the panel, which was appointed in January as part of an independent selection process, participated in an online session on Thursday February 6 and a full-day in-person workshop on Saturday February 8, where they reviewed Cardinia Shire’s Community Vision 2040 and provided valuable insights.
“Community input is essential in helping us to develop our Council Plan for the next 4 years,” Cr Kowarzik said.
Bandicoots back
■ For the first time in decades, bandicoots have returned to The Briars at Mount Martha, and they’re already making a huge impact.
These little ‘ecosystem engineers’ are crucial for soil health, plant growth, and biodiversity. The project is setting the stage for a thriving future. They’re already breeding.
Women’s Day
■ International Women’s Day featuring renowned media personality Jo Stanley, at will be at Bunjil Place on Wednesday, March 5. To be held from 10 am to 12.30 pm, guests will be greeted with a complimentary mimosa and morning tea, before settling into the event designed to honour the achievements of women in business, while fostering connections within the community.
Ms Stanleyu will share her journey and insights as a trailblazing female leader and then join a panel of successful women in business to discuss their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable lessons and inspiration. The panel will be hosted by Chair of Women Making It Work Khatija Halabi, and will feature keynote speaker Kabinga Mazaba, St. Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School Principal Dr Annette Rome.
●
meet
● ● Cr Jack Kowarzik
● Cr David Asker
✔An Emerald woman is convinced that her ‘good vibes’ have flowed back to her, leading her to a glorious Instant ScratchIts top prize worth $100,000. The Yarra Ranges resident’s $5 Block-O Bingo ticket was purchased at Emerald Newsagency, 4 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. “I’m very well!” the gleeful winner cheered while speaking to an official from The Lott.
Statewide
Eauipment theft
■ Shepparton Police are investigating after farm equipment worth around $135,000 was stolen from a property in Toolamba
It is believed unknown offenders broke into the residential property on Pyke Rd overnight between February 4-5.
Police were told the thieves stole equipment including two planting machines, an irrigation machine unit, a navigation system and a 300L water tank.
Detectives have released photos of some of the items stolen in the hope that someone may recognise the equipment.
Anyone who witnessed the theft, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers vic.com.au
ELLIMINYT
Driver killed
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Elliminyt near Colac on Saturday night (Feb. 22).
Emergency services were called to reports a vehicle had lost control and flipped into a paddock off Irrewillipe Rd about 8.20pm.
The 31-year-old male driver died at the scene. A primary school aged child, who was the only passenger in the vehicle, was taken to hospital for observation.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.
BONANG
Bike leaves road
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Bonang on Saturday morning (Feb. 22).
It is understood a motorcycle left the roadway and crashed into a tree on Bonang and Pretty Gully Rds about 10.30am.
Across Victoria SPEEDSTERS NABBED IN VIC. CHAMPAGNE TOWN
■ Police have been left dismayed after 10 drivers were caught travelling at dangerously high speeds across Horsham and the Wimmera region.
Stawell Uniform officers intercepted several drivers, with the majority caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 25-kmh.
Six drivers had their licences suspended on the spot, including a probationary driver who was allegedly clocked 49kmh over the speed limit – just 11 days after obtaining his licence.
This comes amid an alarming rise in road fatalities across Western Victoria. Eighteen lives have been lost on local roads this year – double the number recorded at the same time last year.
Those caught were:
■ A 18-year-old Ararat man was detected allegedly travelling 109-kmh in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great Western He had his licence suspended for 12 months after only obtaining his probationary licence 11 days prior. He received a $988 fine for speeding and $198 for failing to display probationary plates.
■ A 42-year-old Roxburgh Park man was detected allegedly travelling 96-kmh in a 60kmh zone on Main St in Great Western. He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $642 fine.
Statewide
■ A 29-year-old Acacia Ridge (Qld) man was detected allegedly travelling 94-kmh in a heavy vehicle in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great Western. He received a $1383 fine.
■ A 79-year-old Horsham man was detected allegedly travelling 93-kmh in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great Western. He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $642 fine.
■ A 60-year-old Melton South woman was detected allegedly travelling 127-kmh in a 100-kmh zone on Western Highway in Great Western She had her licence suspended for three months and received a $543 fine.
■ A 41-year-old Hughesdale man was detected allegedly travelling 87-kmh in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great West-
ern. He had his licence suspended for three months and also received a $543 fine.
■ A 33-year-old Windsor Gardens man was detected allegedly travelling 87-kmh in a 60-kmh zone while unlicenced on Main St in Great Western He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $543 fine for speeding and $988 for unlicenced driving.
■ A 28-year-old Tarneit man was detected allegedly travelling 83-kmh in a heavy vehicle in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great Western. He received a $790 fine.
■ A 65-year-old Sunshine West man was detected allegedly travelling 86-kmh in a heavy vehicle in a 60-kmh zone on Main St in Great Western. He received a $790 fine.
BRIGHTON
Apartment fire
■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a fire at an apartment complex in Brighton at 3.44pm on Saturday (Feb. 22).
Crews arrived at the Male St scene within five minutes to find a fence and bushes on fire, with the fire spreading to a three-storey apartment building. Firefighters escalated the response.
FRV crews donned breathing apparatus and began attacking the fire. Three units were affected by fire and smoke.
All occupants evacuated safely and were assessed by Ambulance Victoria paramedics.
The fire was deemed under control at 4.30pm.
Cause of the fire is not yet known and will be investigated by FRV specialists.
ELTHAM
Lunar New Year
■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward celebrated Lunar New Year with the Nillumbik Chinese Senior Citizens Association and the Eltham Lions Club
“We had a fantastic day of welcome to the Year of the Snake. These are two wonderful local community groups who know how to bring community together and have fun,” Ms Ward said.
“We saw many fantastic cultural performances, including ba duan jin exercises, a fan dancing performance, the singing of Lunar New Year songs and great ukulele playing.
“We had marquees for brush calligraphy, face painting and Chinese zodiac symbol artwork. I thank everyone for their hard work in creating such a fantastic day, with extra thanks to Veronica Lee, Hong and Peter Talbot for all the work they put into making the day such a success. I am very grateful to live in a community where we can come together to celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultures that make Victoria such a vibrant, inclusive and fun place to live,” Ms Ward said.
Statewide
HORSHAM
New office for MP
■ Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, says she is hopeful of in the future opening an office in Horsham, but with the satellite office budget as it stands she is unable to do so currently.
- Horsham Times
WANGARATTA
Concern over levy
■ The forecast doubling of the existing Fire Services Property Levy is in the crosshairs of Rural City of Wangaratta councillors who will advocate against it.
From July 1, the levy will be renamed the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund and it will rise from 8.7 cents to 17.3 cents per $1000 capital improved value.
- Wangaratta Chronicle
PHILLIP ISLAND
Chop for fisheries
■ The Government has decided to close the Fisheries Victoria office in Cowes, with four local staff being told their roles will be terminated. Five offices will be closed and 27 officers made redundant.
- Phillip Island Advertiser
MANSFIELD
Spate of thefts
■ When a boat was stolen from a Bonnie Doon property between February 2 and 6 it became the latest in a spate of thefts to have occurred in Mansfield Shire.
The owner of the boat, who was away with work at the time of the theft, took to community pages to appeal for help in retrieving the 429 Stacer Proline which he described as his ‘pride and joy.’
Along with the boat, a collection of fishing gear was taken.
- Mansfield Courier
PUTTING THE HEAT ON CROP RESEARCH
■ A world first facility researching the impact of extreme hot and cold weather on crops is expanding.
Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence, announced the completion of the $1.18 million Free Air Temperature Extreme facility expansion at the Horsham SmartFarm, doubling the size to cover about 2.5 hectares.
The FATE facility measures the impact of heat waves, drought and frost on cereal, pulse and oilseed crops, testing conditions on them at various stages to understand the impact on grain quality.
The upgraded facility is jointly funded with $386,000 from the Government and $800,000 from Grains Research and Development Corporation.
This expansion will enable more crop rotations and experiments, accelerating the development of new heat tolerant crop varieties for farmers.
The equipment can be used for future research on other crops, including different grazing pasture species.
Western Victoria MLC Jacinta Ermacora said: “The research at this world class facility will help our farmers to learn and prepare for future heat waves and drought impacts on crops, using new technologies to adapt to climate change.”
Statewide
Across Victoria
RIOCHESTER
Operatic sounds
■ The Rotary Club of Rochester has announced a night of free musical entertainment at the town’s painted silos next month. Songs at the Silos will feature four Opera Australia singers, along with a local talent, from 6pm to 8.30pm on Saturday, March 8.The performers are Michael Lapina, Karen Van Spall, Adam Miller and Eleanor Blythman
- Bendigo Times
TUNGAMAH
150th anniversary
■ The 150th birthday celebrations of Tungamah was a great success with the street parade being a massive hit with the Carnsdale Park Clydesdales leading the procession of horses, tractors and classic cars down the Main Street
- Yarrawonga Chronicle
OCEAN GROVE
Sculpting sand
■ It was a day of creativity, community, climate action and sandy masterpieces at Ocean Grove Main Beach
The ‘Protect What You Love’ Sand Sculpting Competition celebrated its second year on February 16.
Parents for Climate Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast volunteer organiser
Laura Billings said the day was fun and “sparked some great conversations between everyone”.
- Geelong Indpendent MILDURA
Man knocked out
■ A manwas knocked unconscious on Friday night after being allegedly assaulted by two men outside a popular bar in Mildura - Sunraysia Daily
● ● Jacinta Ermacora, Western Victoria MLC
AFGHAN BAZAAR TRADERS CALL FOR RE-NAMING
■ A group of more than 170 traders in Thomas St, Dandenong, want the Afghan Bazaar precinct re-named as ‘Little Bamyan’
The area is a vibrant hub of Hazaragi culture.
A group, plus around 20 community organisation ,is petitioning the Greater Dandenong City Council to rename the area.
They say there are historical traumas associated with existing name.
Bamyan, a central province in Afghanistan , is celebrated for its historical significance and cultural richness.
It was home to the monumental Buddhas of Bamyan, ancient statues that symbolized peace and resilience before their destruction in 2001 by the Afghan Taliban said to be associated with the Pakistan ISI for many centuries.
“The Taliban claimed the statues were symbols of idolatry, leading to their demolition.
“Renaming the precinct to 'Little Bamyan ' seeks to reflect these values and provide a sense of belonging for the Hazara community in Dandenong
“It also serves as a gesture of sympathy and remembrance for the loss of these significant cultural monuments, said a group representative.
“The Hazara community has been instrumental in revitalizing Dandenong's economy. Beyond the 172 businesses on Thomas St , they operate over 300 warehouses, auto workshops, and construction wholesale outlets throughout the region.”
● ● ● ● Margaret Hickey has penned Rural Dreams, which is reviewed by Julie Houghton (inside).
● ● Traders want the precinct known as ‘Little Bamyan’
Other People’s Gossip
IBAC interest?
■ Is a report about matters in the Whittlesea area being made to the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission? OPG has been told that allegations have already been made to northern suburbs police.
Katy returns
● ● ● ● Katy Perry
■ A fourth Melbourne concert on Saturday, June 7, has been added by Katy Perry to her calendar of three other sell-out concerts at the Rod Laver Arena (Jun. 12-14). The Lifetimes Tour is being presented by Paul Dainty.
Gossip Bites
■ Action series NCIS: Sydney has been renewed for a third season for Paramount+ / 10.
■ The Federal Government has announced one-year suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax will take effect from June 9.
■ former Children’s TV presenter and actress Marilyn Mayo, best known for 1970s breakfast show The Super Flying Fun Show, has died, aged 81.
Manners please
■ We are not sure why Neil Mitchell is still appearing on 3AW after he retired more than a year ago. He should gracefully retire and let the newer generation of broadcasters do their things their way.
Neil was a guest last week on Tony Moclair’s afternoon program ... yet it was Neil trying to be boss-cocky, giving out the phone number for talkback callers to dial. Manners please, Mr Mitchell.
AWGIE winners
■ Winners have been announced in the Australian Writers’ Guild Awards 2025.
■ Feature Film – Original: Inside – Charles Williams
■ Documentary – Public Broadcast (Including VOD) Or Exhibition: Renee Gracie: Fireproof – Frances Elliott and Samantha Marlowe
■ Television – Serial: EastEnders: Episode 6705 – Peter Mattessi
■ Television – Series: Erotic Stories: Season 1, Episode 5 ‘Walking Gambit’ – Adrian Chiarella
■ Television – Limited Series: Fake – Anya Beyersdorf and Jessica Tuckwell with Hyun Lee
■ Animation: Memoir of a Snail – Adam Elliot
PASSING OF 3XY’s LESTER PARSONS Observer National
■ Melbourne journalist Graham Simpson (also known as Lester Parsons) has died.
Graham was many things. He was the Editor of the short-lived National Tattler magazine, p;roduced by Maxwell Newton Publications, where Simpson’s wife Jacqui Johnson worked on the Sunday Observer
Graham Simpson was author of The Judith Durham Story, a sketch-writer for Fast Forward, and a corporate speechwriter for Mark Mitchell.
He was program writer for MCM Entertainment for 19 years, and wrote for syndicated radio programs such as My Generation and Take 40 Australia
At 3XY he performed as ‘Lester Parsons’ for seven years, later working alongside XY’s Kevin Hillier Graham was aged 69.
Edgar is Chair
■ Company Director and Investment Manager Edgar Myer has assumed the role of MSO Chair, following the retirement of Director and Chairman Dr David Li after a 12-year tenure.
Mr Myer joined the MSO board in March 2023.
“The MSO is an iconic organisation brimming with talented musicians and artistic teams, led by a professional management team under new CEO Richard Wigley,” said Mr Myer.
“I am humbled by the privilege of leading the MSO Board and am committed to working with them to strengthen the MSO, grow audiences and achieve the organisation’s strategic vision.”
Mr Myer will be supported by Co-Deputy Chairs, former MP Martin Foley and Founder of Wingate Financial Services, Farrel Meltzer.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Mr Myer brings a broad range of skills and experiences
VERITAS VERITAS
Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest ●
to the role of MSO Chair. As Investment Director at Yulgilbar Group of Companies, a family office that invests across various asset classes and operating businesses, Mr Myer manages a range of investment and legal related matters.
Before moving into the world of private investment management, Mr Myer qualified as a solicitor and practiced at Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney , which included a secondment to Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, where he worked on a variety of transactions, investigations, and disputes over several years.
Mr Myer serves as a director of The Aranday Foundation, as a member of the Asialink Advisory Council, and as a member of The Myer Foundation’s Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships Committee
Channel 9 Dancers
Jane on her way
■ Jane Fonda will appear at The Plenary, Melbourne, on Thursday, June 12. She is aged 87.
Neighbours axed
■ After two years in reprieve, media reports last week have Neighbours being axed.
According to the London Sun, Fremantle and Amazon failed to come to an agreement to continue the series that made household names out of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
Episodes are expected to continue unti;l the end of 2025.
Luke signs off
■ Luke Bona, who ran the Triple M overnight program, signed off last Friday morningt (Feb. 21). Southern Cross Australia had a number of cutbacks, which included giving the axe to the midnight-dawn show.
TV stars to gather
■ Expect a full line-up of Melbourne’s TV royalty at 11am tomorrow (Thu.) at Sacred Heart Church, Cotham Rd, Kew, for the funeral service for Philip Brady.
Sign off at 7
■ Abbey Gelmi has left the Seven newsroom in Melbourne, following maternity leave late last year. She had headed the weekend sports report.
Domain takeover
■ American real estate giant Costar has bought up 16.9 per cent of Domain and is mounting a takeover bid for the Australian listings company.
Idol out of idle
■ Is it true that ratings went up last week for Australian Idol on the night that co-host Kyle Sandilands was unavailable, and his position was taken by Rikkie-Lee Coulter.
Plans for Regent
■ Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has abandoned plabs to sell the City’s 50 per cent stake in the Regent Theatre: “I admit, I got it wrong.”
6.57pm News
■ Mark Humphries and the Friday night 6.57pm alleged comedy segment have been axed from Seven News.
“No one saw the funny side,” said News. com.au As well the comedy spot, Seven also ditched its nightlt astrology segment.
● Graham Simpson
Jane Fonda
Patti Newton's 80th birthday. From left: Donna Reed, Carolyn Pearce, Barbara Warren-Smith, Patti Newton, Laurel McTernan, Fayette Corlass and Camille Edwards (Channel 9 Dancers).
The Whip
Inside Information from State and Federal Parliaments
Westernport limit
■ Speed limits from Somerville-Flinders should be reduced to a maximum of 80-kmh, according to a petition from residents, presented to Parliament last week by Hastings MLA Paul Mercurio.
There would be a slower limit of 60-kmh aroiund the “at the dangerous intersections with the roads to Merricks Beach (Merricks Beach Rd), Mornington (Merricks Rd) and to Red Hill (Shoreham Rd).
“This action would result in improvements to road safety and in particular significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents
“The C777 not only takes a high level of vehicular traffic but is also used, and crossed, by cyclists and pedestrians. It is also seeing significant ro”ad kill of native wildlife, including koalas.”
Need to listen
■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence says Jacinta Allan’s State Government needs to listen more.
“Over the last couple of weeks I have had the privilege of speaking with many people in the Prahran electorate and in St Kilda, Wyndham and Werribee,” Ms Vallence said.
“The common issue that we keep hearing on this side of the house is that, in terms of this Labor Government, the people in Werribee, in Wyndham, in Prahran, in St Kilda and in Windsor are no longer listening to this government.
“They are sick and tired of this government, and it was known further from the results.
“The vote in those two by-elections should be telling for this government: that we have listened loud and clear to those people, that they want more consultation on the legislation that this government is introducing and that these people in these electorates, and in fact people right across Victoria, deserve to be listened to.
“They do not want to be taken for granted by this Labor Government anymore,” Ms Vallence said.
Passover issue
■ Suggestions that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will call a Federal Election date of April 12 have attracted criticism that the date is also that of Jewish Passover.
Many Jewish voters cast their votes early anyway, because Saturday election dates do not allow them to observe the Sabbath.
All aboard
■ Laverton MLA Sarah Connolly has referred in Parliament to the condition of Southern Cross Railway Station.
She presented a 79-signature petition of Skybus drivers, customer service officers and staff, referring to “the unacceptably dangerous environment which exists at Southern Cross Bus Terminal”.
“Such behaviours have led to a number of our drivers and workers being physically and verbally abused by individuals expressing threatening, violent, aggressive anti social behaviour towards our drivers, staff and customers.”
The petition requests that the the Minister for Police to ensure that the Victorian Police Force, provides hourly patrols of the Bus Terminal to deter anti social behaviour.
IT’S CURTAINS FOR FAMILY BUSINESS
■ The doors will shut this weekend at Curtain City – a landmark in Waterdale Rd, Heidelberg Heights.
Curtain City’s leader Linda Jenkins is still working at 81.
Linda reflects back to Melbourne in 1965, when new homes, with bigger windows, were being built.
The previously popular venetian blinds were lacking in insulation and aesthetics. Lined drapes were necessary for a comfortable home.
As a new mother, Linda made her own drapes, then some for her brother-in-law and, one evening, the professional business, Richinda, was devised.
“I used to cut fabric on my knees on the floor with my eight-month- old on my back,” says Linda.
“The Yellow Pages used to be the Pink Pages and there was only one other curtain maker listed.
“It wasn’t long before industrial machines and machinists were needed - as the wholesale curtain making business grew in reputation and demand.”
The family also grew with the arrivals of daughters Sandra and Lauretta Linda, an experienced comptometrist, had an old manual comptometer. Her husband, Richard, wrote a formula for sewing pinch pleats and Linda was easily able to calculate perfect pleats and spacings for their custom made drapes.
There were no calculators back then, let alone computers – which Richard later wrote his formula into.
The business moved to Market Court , a small shopping strip in Reservoir, circa1969. It expanded to offer retail haberdashery and a dry cleaning agency – Linards
“We did many men’s zippers and other repairs. We still did wholesale curtains and added made-to-measure curtain tracks.”
It was thanks to Richard’s ingenuity and foresight that ground-breaking methods were created and led the business to great success and brought about industry standards.
His career in education and sky-writing was no match for his enthusiasm for a quality product.
The business grew further and moved to 633 Waterdale Rd, West Heidelberg, in 1972 becoming Curtain City. It was here the full retail service was offered.
“I worked many nights and weekends as the business continued to grow,” Linda recalls.
Frustrated with available curtain tracks Richard designed and developed his own – Artrak A versatile, durable, Australian made track that was produced and wholesaled around Australia.
In 1977, with the growing success of Artrak, more space was needed so Artrak was operated from across the road at 620.
Communication between both sites was done with walkie talkies as phone calls were expensive.
“We got our first computer soon after – a major investment.”
Early 1980s saw Curtain City and Artrak both settled and operating from 620 Waterdale Rd. The quality of manufacturing and machinist’s wellbeing were improved due to Richard designing innovative workroom machinery and methods.
It has been a real family affair with children, grandchildren and friends, as well as local students, earning pocket money assembling brackets after school.
Son Rick and local girl, Leanne, stayed on and became valuable long term employees. Many adult staff stayed on for over 20 years.
Customers have known, trusted and loved Curtain City and Artrak for decades. Return customers and third or fourth generation orders are not unusual.
Linda still works five days a week in sales, admin and overseeing: “I never imagined that we would still be going after 60 years. I wouldn’t have started without Richard’s support and managed to keep going so long without my daughter Sandra’s help and support over the last few decades. It’s time for me to retire”.
Pair charged
■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged two people with murder following the death of a man in Wyndham Vale on Wednesday (Feb. 19).
Emergency services were called to a bus stop near Haines Drive following an altercation about 8pm.
On police arrival, the man was located with wounds consistent with a stabbing.
Medical treatment was provided to the 23year-old from Hoppers Crossing, but he died at the scene.
Detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man, who have since been charged with murder.
The teenage boy from the Wyndham area and the man from Ascot Vale were held over to appear before court on Saturday.
Music Festival
■ The Seymour River and Ranges Music Festival will be held at kings Park from 2pm10pm on Saturday, March 15.
Acts performing includer Black Sorrows, Taylor Sheridan, Kingswood, Carter and Carter, Navy Band, and a DJ. There will be food trucks.
There are limited tickets. Bookings are essential. No tickets will be available at the gate. Free entry. mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Health petition
■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has presented a 169-signature regarding “the amalgamation of Seymour Health with Northern Health, Epping”.
“There are concerns that the Health Services Plan developed on advice from an Expert Advisory Committee will result in the forced amalgamation of health services like Seymour Health,” Ms Cleeland said.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas denies there will be forced amalgmations. See her letter (next page).
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The Local Paper
Ash on Wednesday Blitz on weapons, drugs
Funding opens
Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893), Frankston Post (Est. 1913), Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874), Peninsula Post (Est. 1913), Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953), Hastings Sun (Est. 1977)
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■ Police seized 20 weapons and arrested almost a dozen people subject to Firearm Prohibition Orders in just three days in Melbourne’s southeast.
Conducting an average of 20 FPO compliance searches each day on people already known to authorities, police executed 61 warrants across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia between February 1113.
Local police – including the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Crime Investigation Units, and the Greater Dandenong Crime Reduction Team –were supported by the VIPER Taskforce.
Over three days, police:
■ Conducted 61 FPO compliance checks
■ Arrested 11 people Laid more than 40
■ charges
■ Seized 20 prohibited weapons, including an imitation firearm, double-edged hunting knives, extendable batons, long batons, flick knives, a laser and OC sprays.
■ Seized large quantities of drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, GHB and cannabis
■ Recovered a black Mazda CX9 in Noble Park, which had been stolen from Albert Park on December 18.
Among those arrested:
■ A 56-year-old man was charged following a search warrant at a home in Dandenong South, where police allegedly seized 49 exhibits of various drugs, including methylamphetamine, heroin, 1,4 Butanediol and prescription medication. Police also located $2500 cash. He
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was charged with trafficking methyl-amphetamine, heroin and 1,4 Butanediol, as well as seven counts of possessing drugs of dependence, two counts of handling stolen goods and three counts of possessing proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on May 20.
■ A 36-year-old man was charged with possessing an imitation firearm without an exemption, and possessing methyl-amphetamine, cannabis and prescription medication, following a compliance search in Keysborough. He was bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on May 21.
■ A 39-year-old man was charged with possessing OC spray and cannabis at a search in Berwick. He was released with intent to summons.
■ A 47-year-old man allegedly found in possession of an extendable baton at a home in Dandenong was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon. He was released with intent to summons.
■ A 56-year-old Beaconsfield woman was given a drug diversion for possessing methamphetamines.
Six others were arrested on outstanding warrants in relation to contravening a final intervention order, obtain property by deception, contravening a community corrections order, and failing to answer bail.
Five people were identified as failing to notify police of a change to their address.
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Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893). The Casey-Cardinia Edition readership area comprises part of the City of Casey including Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam, Hampton Park, Harkaway, Junction Village, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst (part), Pearcedale (part). The entire City of Casey is home to more than 340,419 people, living in approximately 102,790 homes. The Shire of Cardinia readership area includes Cardinia Shire includes the suburbs and localities of Beaconsfield (part), Beaconsfield Upper, Officer, Officer South, Pakenham, Pakenham South and Pakenham Upper. The entire Shire of Casey is home to more than 118,675 people, living in approximately 35,098 homes.
FRANKSTON
Incorporating the traditions of the Frankston Post (Est. 1913). Frankston comprises Carrum Downs, Frankston, Frankston North, Frankston South, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Sandhurst, Seaford and Skye. Frankston is home to more than 134,143 people, living in approximately 56,935 homes.
GREATER DANDENONG
Incorporating the traditions of the Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874). Greater Dandenong comprises Bangholme, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Keysborough, Noble Park, Noble Park North, Springvale and Springvale South plus parts of Lyndhurst. Greater Dandenong is home to more than 152,050 people, living in approximately 54,694 homes.
PENINSULA
MORNINGTON
PENINSULA
Incorporating the traditions of the Peninsula Post (Est. 1913). Mornington Peninsula comprises Moorooduc, Mornington, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha. Mornington Peninsula Shire is home to more than 154,999 people, living in approximately 89,155 homes.
SOUTHERN PENINSULA
Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953). Southern Peninsula comprises Blairgowrie, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Capel Sound, Dromana, Fingal, McCrae, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, St Andrews Beach and Tootgarook.
Incorporating the traditions of the Hastings Sun (Est. 1977) Western Port comprises Balnarring, Balnarring Beach, Bittern, Crib Point, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, HMAS Cerberus, Main Ridge, Merricks, Merricks Beach, Merricks North, Point Leo, Portsea, Red Hill, Red Hill South, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville and Tyabb. WESTERN PORT
● ● Victoria Police blitz
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
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Don’t
Pages From The Past
●
● The Argus February 22, 1955
Chaotic mess
■ Hundreds of wealthy American business men have cancelled their 1956 Olympic Games trips because even now they can't book accommodation in Melbourne
Mr. S. N. Mercer, executive director of the world-famous Pacific Area Travel Agency, said this yesterday.
Melbourne's accommodation was in a horrible, chaotic mess, he declared, and Games visitors would be forced to sleep in the streets.
Probably thousands of would-be visitors would be forced to stay away.
"It is a disgrace," Mr. Mercer said. "Australia has a wonderful opportunity to build up the tourist trade.
Baby ‘abducted’
■ Six-year-old Dennis Martin "abducted" a nine-months-old baby for 3½ hours last night, and returned the baby to his Coburg home at 9.30 p.m., while a police patrol and teams of civilians were searching frantically. Dennis, who is staying with Mrs. Evelyn Newitt, of Gordon-st., toddled away from the house at 6 p.m. to give her baby, Garry, a glimpse of the world beyond his front gate. Wheeling thé pram and happily watching "the big cars go by," he vanished in a maze of nearby streets.
Mrs. Newitt soon missed the children, and rang D24. A wireless patrol searched the area, but could not find them.
Neighbors joined the search and police were about to call for reinforcements when the wanderers straggled home — tired and hungry but unharmed.
Japs test navy
■ Tokyo, Monday - Japan displayed her newly reborn naval strength today in her first sea manoeuvres since she was defeated in 1945.
About 6,000 men aboard 41 ships stood at battle stations as the five-day exercise started at dawn in waters round Shikoku Island, off Hiroshima.
Two United States submarines, and seven planes are taking part..
They'will "attack" a Japanese convoy preceded by minesweepers and escorted by 16 frigates and three helicopters.
What is Whittlesea Mayor really like?
Sir,
What is Whittlesea Mayor Aidan McLindon really like?
There has been a lot of adverse publicity raised against our new Mayor of Whittlesea City Council , Aidan McLindon.
I met Aidan several months before the local elections when we both ran as candidates for Whittlesea Council last year. We both held similar values and what we wanted our city to become.
Aidan believes that we all should be able to live and prosper in a democracy where freedom of speech is encouraged.
He is a local school teacher and is passionate that children in kindergartens and schools should not be sexualised which we can see happening in broad daylight.
He says independent schools of faith should be free to teach their students without encumbrance and has courageously advocated to ‘let kids be kids’.
Prior to the recent Council election Aidan put in a huge effort by personally door knocking most of the homes in his Ward on the commitment to advocate for a freeze on rates for two years and to support family friendly policies at Council, amongst other things.
This produced him a huge primary vote of 54 per cent in the Kirrip Ward in which he ran. It was by far the highest vote in the municipality and was the only ward in the city that was declared on the evening of the counting of votes.
The rest of the candidates had to wait weeks as no in had a clear majority.
Then he was voted in as Mayor by the majority of his peers. They must have see leadership qualities in him and a passion to get things done inside the council machine.
There were some obvious constraints and skulduggery going on from the very first council meeting where McLindon’s motion to reign in rates without compromising basic services was lost - 6 votes to 5.
Some nine weeks later he decided to run as an independent candidate for the Werribee byelection. His democratic right in the holiday period where most of council was in shutdown mode.
He told me this was to enable him to raise the city’s issues about his opposition to a large commercial incinerator planned for the north and others in Labor controlled suburbs and to review the Local Government Act which is very restrictive.
He wanted to see local government freed up so that Councils could function without those unnecessary restrictions.
At the same time he wanted to support the overturning of the Labor control in Werribee which had been held by them for 48 years. (He never expected to win that by-election of course it was a chance to assist a bigger picture).
There was a massive swing against Labor and no doubt Aidan’s involvement played a role in that to the point that Labor just won by a few hundred votes after the Greens
Although Aidan’s action was unconventional I believe his motivation was honourable. Councillors are permitted to run for office in other realms if they take leave. This is not uncommon.
However, opposition forces in and out of Council have used this as an excuse to discredit him - unjustly I believe, and at the recent Council meeting at the last minute a Councillor turned a petition report into an attack motion against Aidan which was passed when this should not have been allowed according to Council meeting rules.
The CEO should have advised that this was out of order. The recent council meeting held on Tuesday descended into a kangaroo court to trial a person for enacting his democratic right.
A brave resident protested from the public gallery “I’d rather be one person of integrity than to go with the flow” I agree, Aidan McLindon is that one person. - Ross Lee, Doreen
● ● Ross Lee gives his assessment of the Whittlesea Mayor
Observer Mailbag
Shortletters(nomorethan200words) onlocalsubjectsareinvitedfromreaders.
Emailto: editor@MelbourneObserver.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.
Health Minister writes to us
Sir,
I want to be frank with readers in your community.
Our government will not force the merger of any health service in Victoria, and we will not make cuts to frontline staff.
We are getting on with expanding access to the frontline care that all Victorians deserve.
The time has come to call out Brad Battin and his Liberal Nationals Coalition Cuts Squad for who they really are. Fearmongers.
Their modus operandi is simple – scare their community and lie to make it happen. It is disappointing to see that their purposely inaccurate claims we are rolling out “mergers by stealth” has caused distress for many Victorians
Regional Victorians deserve to know they cannot trust the Liberal National Party.
Under their watch, regional hospitals in every corner of Victoria were closed, including Eildon, Koroit, Mortlake, Murtoa, Red Cliffs, Macarthur, Clunes, Beeac, Birregurra, Lismore, Elmore and Wangaratta. They also privatised hospitals in Traralgon and Mildura
In stark contrast, we are working hard to expand access to healthcare, particularly for regional and rural Victoria through our Local Health Service Networks.
Being linked through a network will help to ensure stronger referral pathways between all our health services – freeing up beds in our busier hospitals and ensuring Victorians can get care sooner and closer to home, while also taking
pressure off our dedicated workforce.
For example, if a patient has surgery in a larger regional hospital, but there’s room for them to recover at a smaller rural service closer to their home and loved ones, being linked through a network will help achieve this.
It is that simple.
The Allan Labor Government is putting patients first, delivering Victorians the highest quality, connected health system – one that ensures patients get the care they need, sooner, and in their own communities.
This does not involve forced amalgamations.
Sir,
- Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister
for Health
Accuracy over speed
The Victorian Electoral Commission emphasises the importance of accuracy and integrity in counting votes for the Prahran and Werribee district by-elections.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel acknowledged that emotions may be heightened during close elections, as is the case in Werribee District.
“We understand the desire for an immediate result, however, counting takes time and we prioritise accuracy over speed during counting processes. This is crucial to ensure electoral integrity and a result that stands up to scrutiny.
“What matters most is making sure that every vote is counted accurately, and this takes time. Our systems are working as intended, with each vote scrutinised by candidate-appointed representatives monitoring the count at each step of the process.
“We also saw growing numbers of early and postal votes at these by-elections. This can contribute to an outcome not being known on election night, especially in close seats.”
Mr Bluemmel noted that all early votes, election day votes, and postal votes received up to close of voting on Saturday were fully counted on election night. All counting venues finished their primary and two-candidate preferred counts on the night as planned.
“We know election nights are high-pressured environments, but it is vital that we follow protocols and maintain our independence. We are ensuring that due process continues with the rechecking of votes, which is a standard process for all Victorian state elections.
“We are actively monitoring the rate of postal returns and at this stage primary results.” - Victorian Electoral Commission
Warren Dawson
Box Hill Secondary College
Warren Dawson
Box Hill Senior Secondary College is a Years 9-12 Senior Secondary College offering a full VCE program, Vocational VCE, Industry certified VET courses, School based apprenticeships, Arts program and we were the first “Sports Academy” school in Australia.
Warren Dawson is the Executive Principal and in his five years at BHSSC, he and his talented group of staff and students have led a “change” agenda, which now means our academic performance has been
Fact File
NAME: Box Hill Secondary College
ADDRESS: Dunloe Ave, Mont Albert North, Vic 3129
PHONE: 9890 0571
EMAIL: box.hill.senior.sc@ education.vic.gov.au
transformed.
VCE performance is now at State Average or above in a range of VCE subject areas, along with eight industry based training courses being offered on-site for students to access from Year 9 onwards.
As an experienced Principal, my philosophy is simple when considering education, “ all students are talented and capable, our role is to challenge and support everyone to be the best version of themselves each and every day”.
In my 30 years of education, along with another lifetime of involvement in elite level sport both nationally and internationally, I am constantly amazed at what students can achieve when given the opportunity to excel.
As a growing school, who are currently taking enrolments, we encourage all families to consider us when looking at secondary school education within the Inner East of Melbourne.
Weekly tours can be booked via our website https:// www.bhssc.vic.edu.au/enrolments/ enrolment-enquiry/
Madeleine Witter Glen Iris Primary School
As the principal of Glen Iris Primary School (GIPS), I am proud to lead a community committed to our vision: Growth through belonging; community where every child thrives. With over 20 years of experience as a school leader, I’ve seen how fostering belonging helps every child reach their full potential.
At GIPS, we strive to create an environment where children feel valued and supported, inspiring them to aim high.
Meet The Principals
Great Schools across Victoria
Fiona McAuliffe Good News Lutheran College
Fact File
NAME: Glen Iris Primary School
ADDRESS: 170 Glen Iris Rd, Glen Iris, Vic 3146
PHONE: 9885 3624
WEBSITE: www.gips.vic.edu
EMAIL: glen.iris.ps@ education.vic.gov.au
differentiated, and supportive, focusing on deep thinking, collaboration, and academic growth.
We aim to nurture resilient students who the skills needed to thrive in high school.
My work as the author of Reading Without Limits and co-author of the Berry Street Education Model has influenced our approach to both student wellbeing and learning, ensuring we prioritise academic and emotional growth.
Wellbeing is at the core of what we do, with programs like the Resilience Project, the Berry Street Education Model, an onsite school psychologist, and Respectful Relationships woven into daily practice.
These initiatives support students’ mental health, ensuring they are ready to learn.
Our families are integral to our success, and together we ensure that GIPS remains a place where every child thrives.
I warmly invite you to book a tour, where students and I will share our students’ learning and wellbeing growth in action.
With a background in Mathematics education and extensive experience in curriculum leadership, particularly within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the College’s academic direction.
Good News Lutheran College continues to provide a strong academic framework, offering the IB in Prep to Year 9 and the VCE in Years 10 to 12.
With a focus on 'Creating Success Together,' the College strives to foster an environment where every stu-
Fact File
NAME: Good News Lutheran College
ADDRESS: Tarneit Cam,pus - 580 Tarneit Rd, Tarneit, Vic 3029 Mamourin Campus - 44 Barrabool Blvd, Manourin, 3024
PHONE: 8742 9000
WEBSITE: www.goodnews.vic. edu.au
EMAIL: frontdesk@goodnews. vic.edu.au
dent is supported in achieving their best academically and personally.
Founded in 1997 with just 24 students, Good News Lutheran College now serves over 1900 students from Prep to Year 12.
In response to increasing demand, the College expanded with a second campus in Mambourin, which starts on-site this year.
This development ensures that more families in Melbourne’s west can access a Christ-centred, holistic education.
"As a values-based College, we are pleased to offer a supportive environment where students can take responsibility for their own decisions and form their own attitudes and opinions.
“Our curriculum, pastoral care, and behaviour expectations ensure an environment where our students have every opportunity to thrive and realise their potential." – Fiona McAuliffe
● ● Madeleine Witter
Fiona McAuliffe has led Good News Lutheran College through a period of remarkable growth.
● ● Fiona McAuliffe
Julie David Holy Family School, Mt Waverley
In Faith, we believe, we belong, we learn, we grow As Principal of Holy Family Primary School, I encourage our community to live out our School Vision in every interaction.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Catholic Primary School Principal is the connections you develop with students, families and staff. The wellbeing of my staff and students is a priority for me as Principal. We have a calm, welcoming, in-
Fact File
NAME: Holy Family School, Mount Waverley
ADDRESS: 250 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149
PHONE: 9807 3300
WEBSITE: wwww.hfmw.catholic. edu.au
EMAIL: principal@hfmw.catholic. edu.au
clusive and orderly school where everyone feels safe. This is supported by our Behaviour Curriculum.
I value the relationship our school has with our Parish Priest and parishioners.
Our Mini Vinnies students support St Vincent de Paul by fundraising throughout the year. Social Justice at our school is more than bringing a ‘gold coin’ donation.
Our Year 6 students give their time to help the younger students in our school by running clubs at lunchtimes.
At Holy Family School we have made changes to our class structure and pedagogy in the last 18 months.
Science of Learning and Reading
Explicit Direct Instruction
Synthetic Phonics Program (PrepYear 2)
PhOrMeS (word reading, spelling and learning) Year 3-6
Wellbeing Program (Resilience Project)
I invite you to book in a school tour via our website.
Jess Davis, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School. Mt Ridley
Have you meet our new school Principal?
Mrs Jess Davis joins Mother Teresa Catholic Primary school bringing a wealth of experience in her 21+ years in Catholic Education. Jess is passionate about her new role as Principal at mOther Teresa and is looking forward to working alongside the Mt Ridley communit to ensure that every child at Mother Teresa s equipped for success, both academically and personally.
Under Mrs. Davis' leadership, the school thrives on a values-driven approach that prioritizes respect, kindness, and community spirit. Her focus on individual growth and development helps foster a learning environment where students feel valued and supported.
Mrs. Davis is deeply committed to the spiritual, social, and emotional well-being of each student, reinforcing the school’s strong Catholic ethos. With a forward-thinking vision for the school’s future, Mrs. Davis embraces innovative teaching practices and a curriculum that caters to a wide range of learning needs. Her approach will ensure that students
George Danson, Le Page Primary Schoolm Cheltenham
A Leader Inspiring Greatness at Le Page Primary School
Principal George Danson is the dynamic and visionary leader of Le Page Primary School, a proud 7 Habits School committed to empowering students to achieve their full potential.
With a deep passion for fostering academic excellence and personal growth, Mr. Danson has played a pivotal role in transforming Le Page into a thriving community of confident, capable, and compassionate learners.
Fact File
NAME: Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School
ADDRESS: 5-15 Windrock Ave, Mt Ridley, Vic 3064
PHONE: 7303 1200
EMAIL: jessica.davis@mother teresa.catholic.edu.au
not only achieve excellence in academics but also develop the confidence and skills to become compassionate, responsible citizens.
If you're looking for a school where your child can flourish in a supportive and environment, Mrs. Davis invites you to discover the hospitably of the community at Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, where each student is truly at the heart of everything.
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School in Mount Ridley, Craigieburn, offers a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for children from Prep to Year 6.
The school proudly incorporates the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, where students engage in hands-on learning about gardening, food preparation, and healthy eating. This program teaches valuable life skills and fosters a sense of responsibility while encouraging environmental sustainability.
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School is a place where every child is valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Fact File
NAME: Le Page Primary School
ADDRESS: 77 Argus St, Cheltenham, Vic 3192
PHONE: 9583 8342
EMAIL: le.page.ps@ education.vic.gov.au
Under Mr. Danson’s leadership, the school has embraced Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, weaving these principles into every aspect of school life.
Students are taught to be proactive, set meaningful goals, and work collaboratively toward success. Through programs like The Leader in Me, he has created a culture where students are not just learners but leaders, equipped with the skills to navigate life with integrity, resilience, and purpose.
Mr. Danson’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the outstanding academic growth of students at Le Page.
He has championed innovative teaching practices, scaffolded learning pathways, and provided targeted support through the school’s threetiered framework.
Beyond academics, his focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and respectful relationships ensures that every student feels valued and supported.
Principal George Danson is not just a leader but a role model, inspiring the entire Le Page community to strive for greatness.
Joanne Rock Santa Maria College
Discover what makes Santa Maria College a unique and innovative Learning Community: Santa Maria College is a welcoming school that has a dynamic, determined, cohesive and innovative leadership team led by Principal Joanne Rock, and a committed staff.
It is increasingly highly regarded in the community as a school that cares deeply for its students: one that seeks to promote student life that enables girls to become strong, compassionate and independent women who are critical thinkers and who seek to live out Gospel values with integrity, hope and joy.
In recognising the importance of working in partnership with parents, the College endeavours to provide a holistic education to the young women it serves. In doing so, it is wholeheartedly embracing the challenges of the rapidly changing educational, social and spiritual landscape.
The College successfully gained authorisation from the International Baccalaureate as a global school in 2014 and as such is an official provider of the Middle Years Program (MYP: Years 7-10).
This recognition has placed the College on an international platform as a global school for innovative learning, and only 1 of 3 Catholic secondary schools in Victoria to offer this learning approach to our Year 7-10 students.
The College has a true multicultural
NAME: Santa Maria College
ADDRESS: 50 Separation St, Northcote, Vic 3070
PHONE: 9488 1613
EMAIL: info@santamaria. vic.edu.au
profile with no nationality dominating the ethnic mix with many students representing third and fourth generation migrant families.
Santa Maria College has the strongest and most successful Duke of Edinburgh program in Victoria.
This program builds emotional resilience, physical and mental strength and the capacity to work in and serve the wider community. It consists of adventure experiences, recreation, skills development and community service.
The DoE program has 3 developmental stages. The Bronze award is fully integrated into the Year 9 curriculum.
The Silver and Gold awards are electives in Years 10 and 11. The completion of the Gold DoE award enables students to apply for Early Entry Access schemes at University level.
We would love you to come and see us in action and learn more about who we are and what we do from our wonderful student ambassadors who love to take families on tour and tell them all about what it is like being a Santa girl.
● ● Julie David
Danson
● ● ● ● Jessica Davis
Sue Hartley Scoresby Primary School
I am Sue Hartley, the proud principal of Scoresby Primary School.
At Scoresby Primary School we pride ourselves on having a vibrant
Fact File
NAME: Scoresby Primary School
ADDRESS: 11Ingrid St, Scoresby, Vic. 3179
PHONE: 9763 7484
EMAIL: scoresby.ps@ education.vic.gov.au
school community.
We make strong connections with our families, students and the wider community, and we know that children perform at their best when they feel safe and happy.
Our students are at the centre of all decision-making in our school.
At Scoresby Primary School we offer an exciting educational program for all year levels Foundation to Year 6, within a supportive and inclusive environment.
We aim to grow students socially, emotionally and academically, and we are very proud of our excellent academic results.
The individual needs of students are met with our rigorous teaching practices, while providing authentic and engaging learning for all.
We have a strong set of core values at Scoresby Primary School, our HEART values. Honesty, Excellence, Acceptance, Respect and Trust are our H.E.A.R.T. values, and they are an embedded part of our daily learning environment, helping us to guide our students to become good citizens, ready for their bright futures.
We are the HEART of Scoresby!
Michael Watt, St Clement of Rome School, Bulleen
As a father of three, I deeply understand what parents want for their children—a nurturing environment where they feel safe, happy, and supported in both their academic and personal growth.
More than anything, I want my own children to develop a strong faith, build meaningful friendships, and carry with them values that will guide them through life.
These same aspirations drive me every day as the Principal of St Clement of Rome, because I want the very best for your children too.
My journey in education began in 1998 as a Learning Support Officer at St Anne’s in Park Orchards, and my passion for teaching quickly grew.
I began my teaching career at St Brigid’s in Healesville in 2000, before moving on to St James in Vermont. I later served as both a teacher and Deputy Principal at St Jude’s in Scoresby and St Luke’s in Wantirna.
After eight wonderful years as Prin- cipal of St Paul’s in Monbulk, I now feel incredibly fortunate to lead the St Clement of Rome community.
I have also completed two Masters Degrees—one in Educational Lead- ership through Australian Catholic Uni- versity and another in Student Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne—both of which have shaped my approach to leading a school where every child is valued and empowered to thrive.
At St Clement of Rome, we believe in high expectations and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Our school is blessed with outstanding facilities and a dynamic curriculum that engages and challenges students.
We offer a rich array of specialist programs, including Music, Visual
Martin McKenna, St Cecilia’s Primary School, Glen Iris
My name is Mr. Marty McKenna, and as the Principal of St. Cecilia’s, I want to personally welcome you to our school community.
Fact File
NAME: St Clement of Rome School
ADDRESS: Unit 9, 21 Egan Drive, Bulleen, Vic 3105
PHONE: 9850 1216
EMAIL: principal@clement bulleenb.catholic.edu.au
Arts, Science, Italian, and Physical Education. Through innovative teaching practices, including the use of Google Apps for Education (G.A.F.E.) and an Inquiry-based learning approach, we prepare students to be confident, critical thinkers in an everchanging world.
Above all, our children are at the heart of everything we do. St Clement of Rome is a place where respect, kindness, and strong community connections flourish. We work in close partnership with students, parents, staff, and the wider community to create a supportive and harmonious environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Our school motto, ‘Love One Another,’ is more than just words—it is a way of life here. We foster a culture of care, cooperation, and success, ensuring that each child is nurtured academically, socially, and spiritually.
I warmly invite you to visit St Clement of Rome and experience our wonderful school firsthand. Tours are available every Monday and Thursday at 10:00 am. To book, visit our website at www.clementbulleen.catholic.edu.au or call our office on (03) 9850 1216. I look forward to welcoming you to our school community!
Fact File
NAME: St Cecilia’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 4 Van Ness Ave, Glen Iris, Vic 3146
PHONE: 9809 2142
EMAIL: mmckenna@scgleniris. catholic.edu.au
At St. Cecilia’s, we believe that excellence isn’t just about big achievements—it’s also found in the small moments that shape a child’s journey.
A warm greeting at the gate, a student helping a friend, a teacher who takes the time to listen—these are the moments that create a strong and caring school.
Our school is a place where students feel known, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
With a rich and engaging curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on faith and values, we provide a learning environment where children grow academically, spiritually, and socially.
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the arts, or through leadership opportunities, we support each student in finding their strengths and passions.
I invite you to visit us, take a tour, and experience the spirit of St. Cecilia’s for yourself. Come and see what makes our school special—I’d love to personally welcome you and your family.
Natalie Kenny, St Dominic’s Primary School, Camberwell East
www.sdcamberwell east.catholic.edu.au EMAIL: principal@sdcamberwell east.catholic.edu.au
Enrolling your child is a significant decision, so it is important that you visit prospective schools and encounter their learning culture and community, and ask key questions to support your decision.
Our St Dominic’s school community is welcoming, dynamic, inclusive and highly-engaged and our children are at the heart of all we do.
Wellbeing is foundational to successful learning and our students are happy, confident, and well-supported to build meaningful connections and achieve positive learning outcomes. This is at the core of our work.
Our Dominican Charism is based on the foundations of Prayer, Learning, Service and Community; this is real, lived and celebrated each day at St Dominic’s.
We provide diverse and engaging learning programs, excellent contemporary learning spaces, we value and egage student voice, target learning support and we are proud of our caring and professional staff.
I warmly invite you and your family to “Discover the St Dom’s Difference” for yourself!
A Warm Welcome from Michael Watt
Meet The Principals
Jason Micallef, St Kevin’s Primary School, Hampton Park
As Principal of St. Kevin’s Primary School in Hampton Park, Jason Micallef leads with a deep commitment to faith, learning, and community.
With over 25 years of experience in Catholic education, Jason fosters an inclusive environment where every child is known, valued, and sup-
Fact File
NAME: St Kevin’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 120 Hallam Rd, Hampton Park, Vic 3976
PHONE: 9709 8600
EMAIL: jmicallef@ skhamptonpark.catholic.edu.au
ported to reach their full potential.
At St. Kevin’s, a vibrant multicultural and multifaith school, Jason champions high-quality teaching and learning, ensuring students develop strong literacy and numeracy foundations through evidence-based, explicit instruction.
He believes that education is an act of love, strengthened by the science of learning, and works closely with teachers to build their capacity for excellence.
Under his leadership, St. Kevin’s has become a place where student wellbeing is prioritised alongside academic achievement. The school’s strong support network wraps around every child and their family, ensuring that students flourish socially, emotionally, and academically.
Jason is passionate about building strong partnerships between families, school, and parish, ensuring St. Kevin’s remains a welcoming faith community where children thrive.
He invites families to experience The St. Kevin’s Effect—where every child belongs, every child grows, and every child succeeds.
Marisa Matthys, St Mary’s Primary School, Greensborough
It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of St Mary’s Greensborough.
We are a dynamic community of empowered learners engaging justly in the world.
Our philosophy is to be a welcoming, inclusive community by following Jesus’ teaching and genuinely caring for others.
Angela Lacey St Martin of Tours, Rosanna
Welcome to St Martin of Tours School!
I am the new Principal here, having commenced in Term Two 2024.
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students and their families, and our parish.
I have always worked in education, firstly as a teacher, then a leader and as a Principal in two previous schools. It is a privilege to be an educator and to share the development of the students in our school.
The key aspect of my role is to ensure that the students are engaged in their learning, and in all other areas of their development.
Students learn when they feel safe and happy, and that’s the environment we create for them as a staff at St Martin’s School. Our staff care about each student's wellbeing and are dedicated to the growth of every child.
About Our School
At St Martin’s, we teach and encourage the students to discuss, think and apply their learning across the curriculum.
Fact File
NAME: St Mary’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 210 Grimshaw St, Greensborough, Vic 3088
PHONE: 9433 4000
WEBSITE: www.smgreensborough. catholic. edu.au
EMAIL: jbaker@smgreensborough. catholic.edu.au
St Mary’s is a place where students and their families truly have a sense of belonging.
As an innovative school which values excellence, all decisions are based upon what is best for our students, deeply underpinned by research.
Our ‘cognitive sciences’ approach caters for all students and increases student engagement and participation. Explicit teaching, daily review and consistent practice supports our students to flourish.
We are extremely proud of our colearner functional language approach to teaching Italian. Our aim is for students to be able to speak fluently in Italian.
We are a Positive Behaviour for Learning school aligning behaviour and academics.
St Mary’s committed, highly expert teachers, explicitly teach the knowledge and behaviours we expect to see.Students are respectful and responsible, letting ‘learners learn and teachers teach’.
I look forward to meeting with you, supporting your child and building in them a love for learning.
Fact File
NAME: St Martin of Tours School
ADDRESS: 2-12 Silk Street, Rosanna 3084
PHONE: 8458 7500
WEBSITE: www.smrosanna. catholic.edu.au
EMAIL: principal@ smrosanna.catholic.edu.au
Following the Vision for Instruction model (MACS), we implement an evidence based direct instruction approach to learning across the curriculum, including a structured phonics approach to the teaching of reading in the P-2 area. Whenever possible, we link Religious Education and Inquiry Learning, so that the students see faith as intertwined in life.
Our Specialist areas are enjoyed by the students and include PE, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, STEM and our LOTE is Italian.
Some of the highlights of our school include: Preparation of the students for the sacraments at Years 3, 4 and 6; a whole school Performance and a Visual Arts Show (Biennial); a fabulous Buddies program; Camps and excursions; Sports Days and Swimming, lunchtime activities and opportunities for Leadership roles.
I look forward to meeting you at a tour to share our educational approach and the range of opportunities we offer at St Martin of Tours School.
Wayne Smith
St Mary’s College, Seymour
Year 12 has returned to St Mary’s for local and regional families. 2025 celebrates 125 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Seymour. Our College Values are the siters of Mercy Values: justice, compassion, respect, hospitality, service and courage.
St Mary’s students are educated and cared for by professional and pastoral educators who are committed to the holistic growth of our students.
Learning, student wellbeing and faith formation empower students to grow from curious Foundation stu-
St Mary’s College ADDRESS: 90 High St, Seymour, Vic. 3660
PHONE: 5792
accounmts@smseymour. catholic.edu.au
dents into responsible, respectful and capable young adults who have the confidence to believe in their abilities to succeed.
I have had a long career in Catholic education leadership and feel very privileged and proud to be a member of the St Mary’s staff.
St Mary’s has a wraparound wellbeing approach that includes clear expectations of behaviour. The Positive Behaviour Pillars (Respect Excellence and Integrity), along with the pastoral, emotional and mental health education programs of support all nurture and develop the social and emotional growth of our students.
To plan for a growing College population, St Mary’s is building a VCE Senior Learning Centre and enlarging the Monsignor Toms Science Centre, adding two more Science/ STEM laboratories. Both projects will complete two stages of the College’s Four Stage Masterplan.
The explicit (Vision For Instruction) teaching pedagogy is very successful, and data analysis provides the evidence of academic growth.
St Mary’s College Seymour – supports, challenges and inspires!
● ● Jason Micallef
● ● Angela Lacey
● ● ● ● Marisa Matthys
● ● Wayne Smith
Meet The Principals
Rachael Spooner, St Matthew’s Primary School, Fawkner North
Rachael Spooner
Hello! My name is Rachael Spooner and I have the great pleasure of being the Principal at St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School in Fawkner North.
St. Matthew’s is a very proud Catho-
Fact File
NAME: St Matthew’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 95 William St, Fawkner North, Vic 3060
PHONE: 9359 5423
WEBSITE: www.smfawknernth. catholic.edu.au
EMAIL: principal@ smfawknernth.catholic.edu.au
lic school established in 1961.
I am very proud of the warm, inviting and accepting community that we have at St. Matthew’s, where the development of all students’ faith is paramount.
I value relationships very highly and as such aim to develop strong relationships with all staff, students and parents built on respect and trust. Our school vision is:
At St. Matthew’s we seek truth and hope through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In partnership with our wider community, we aspire to be deeply engaged learners and active global citizens.
Our vision statement drives us to provide an education program that is progressive and continually meets the needs of all learners.
We provide a broad specialist program that includes; Visual Arts, Music, LOTE: Italian, Physical Education and Library lessons.
Please feel free to contact us for a tour and an opportunity to see first hand what we have to offer your child at St. Matthew’s.
Trish Vandervolk, St Thomas The Apostle Primary School, Greensborough
At St. Thomas the Apostle School, Greensborough North, we are committed to fostering a love of learning, nurturing spiritual growth, and prioritising student well-being.
As a welcoming and vibrant community, we provide a supportive environment for students from Prep to Year 6, ensuring each child is encouraged to flourish.
Under the leadership of our principal, Trish Vandekolk, we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence in education.
With a passion for collaboration and inclusivity, Trish fosters a school
Angela Tonkin, St Peter’s Primary School, Epping
As a parent, choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make.
As principal, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child experiences a fulfilling and enriching education.
At St Peter’s, we are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment where every child is in-
Fact File
NAME: St Peter’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 32 Wedge St, Epping, Vic. 3076
PHONE: 9401 1157
EMAIL: atonkin@stprepp. catholic.edu.au
spired to grow and become the best version of themselves.
We believe that every child is capable of experiencing success. Tailored assessment and teaching strategies ensure that each student is met where they are in their learning journey.
Through personalised instruction and engaging activities, we make sure each child is challenged at their level and supported every step of the way.
We focus on nurturing the whole child—emotionally, spiritually and academically. We believe that a balanced approach to education allows our students to thrive in all areas of their lives.
Over the past four years, our school has seen significant improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes.
Our dedicated teachers and strategic teaching practices have contributed to this growth, ensuring that students receive the support they need to flourish.
We strive for academic excellence, and our results reflect our commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
NAME: Sf Thomas The Apostle Primary School
ADDRESS: 251 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough North, 3088
PHONE: 9434 4565
PHONE: 9434 4565
WEBSITE: www.stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au
EMAIL: principal@stgreensborough. catholic.edu.au
culture where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Grounded in a strong faith-based tradition, we embrace evidence-informed teaching practices that enable each child to develop a deep sense of the world around them.
Our dedicated educators create engaging and enriching experiences that build a rich vocabulary, foster curiosity, and ignite students’ passions.
With exceptional facilities—including a Bush School, Vegetable Garden, Science Block, Food Technology Building, Basketball Stadium, and Athletics Track—students benefit from hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery.
Our small class sizes ensure every child is known, valued, and supported in a nurturing environment.
Join us at St. Thomas the Apostle School, where learning is an adventure, curiosity is celebrated, and every child is inspired to thrive.
Schools can showcase themselves in their local communities with coverage in their local edition of ‘The Local Paper’. To advertise school activities such as Open Days or special events, an advertising campaign in The Local Paper can be a cost effective way of promotion.
Boost enrolments, congratulate students on their achievements, and keep the community in touch with a school’s latest news, by organising advertising in The Local Paper. Your message will appear in print and online. Contact the team at The Local Paper on phone 1800 231 311.
● ● Angela Tonkin
● ● ● ● Trish Vandekolk
Kagami
■ Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in 2023 but, with the aid of mixed reality pioneers, Tin Drum, he performs again in the world of virtual reality. This installation is part of the Asia Topa festival showcasing artists from the Asia-Pacific
The audience wears VR goggles. They can walk around the image of Sakamoto as he plays and see every detail of his performance; the keys of the piano moving, the hammers hitting the strings and the expression on Sakamoto’s face.
We are conscious of others viewing the virtual image but can see through them meaning we are in a world of our own. At the same time, Tin Drum creates an elaborate world where leaves fly, rain falls and where an entire solar system emerges around the viewer. There is scope, perhaps, for a consistent narrative to be built around Sakamoto’s music rather than have individual pieces each with their own visuals.
It is also an uncanny feeling being isolated in a performance with the technology cutting one off from the immediate but, at the same time, immersing you in a whole other world. This is a unique sensory experience and the technological domain of VR will develop with sharper edges making reality and the virtual almost indiscernible from each other.
The question remains as to how theatre and the virtual world can combine or if they will ever want to.
Until March 16
Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Door 17)
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au
- Review by David McLean
Our Monster’s Name is Jerry
■ In Our Monster's Name is Jerry, queer couple Maude (Laura Jane Turner) and Lou (Em Jevons) are desperate to conceive, enduring rounds of IVF without success.
An unexpected turn of events occurs when Maude inherits a house from a distant relative.
Eccentric next-door neighbour Barb (Amanda LaBonté) soon comes nosing around to welcome Maude and Lou to their new neighbourhood.
Lou’s reservations about the house and the weird noises she keeps hearing are initially dismissed by Maude as paranoia.
Soon enough, the house weaves a spell of psychological terror on both women, menaced by a malevolent force that seems intent on imposing suffering and destruction.
Grisly, supernatural events force Maude and Lou to confront their fears and the lingering ghosts of their past, which they have suppressed.
The hallmark of a gothic horror is the conflict between forces of evil and human protagonists inside a desolate, oppressive environment, such as a haunted house.
Savanna Wegman’s wonderfully macabre set with blood-stained, peeling wallpaper and giant, ominous swinging pendulum, cements the production within the gothic.
Sound designer Robbie Devine and composer Charlie Bowmaker’s atmospheric inclusions flesh out the creepy motif.
Thomas Roach’s lighting design works well to sharpen the eerie ambience.
There are some genuine jump scares for the audience and visual surprises throughout.
LaBonté adds excellent comic moments as Barb, generating well-timed laughs as the tension builds.
However, Amy May Nunn's script occasionally loses its momentum.
Monster Jerry’s (Tomas Parrish) dialogue is puffed out with an extended soliloquy, slowing down the action.
Aunt Wendy (Amanda LaBonté) also seems to present too much exposition, slowing the pace as the story lifts towards its climax.
Eliminating these breaks will surely improve the sense of dread for this horror tale.
Presented at Theatre Works
- Review by Kathryn Keeble
Talkischeap,gossipispriceless
MSO AT MUSIC BOWL
■ Whilst the wind brought the rain undercover nothing could dampen the spirit of the audience at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s summer concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Presenter Megan Burslem set the scene for a fun, entertaining night of classical music. Dressed to impress she was relatable, down to earth, friendly.
Burslem’s warm manner plus the music choices alleviated my apprehension that I would not be engaged. The second act presented two well known pieces George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue , followed by Maurice Ravel’s Boléro
The music of the first act was somewhat more of a mystery to me Antonin Dvorák’s Third Symphony. My companion, a Ravel enthusiast, was not impressed with this choice, having his favourite piece overlooked. I who knew no better came to enjoy Ravel’s music by the third act as it became more vibrant.
Following a rainy interval was Rhapsody In Blue with wonderful Australian pianist Andrea Lam. Lam is an accomplished musician who played with energy, smiling whilst playing with her whole body.
It was a joy to watch, wonderful to hear the whole orchestra alive. There were times when the piano was difficult to hear, yet this was an acoustic piano against a full orchestra. Lam’s solos were mesmerising, not a murmur in the audience.
Before the final piece, Burslem invited MSO chief conductor Jaime Martin to the stage to speak to the audience. He even allowed us to sing with him, giving us a great introduction into Bolero.
The music was outstanding to my novice ears, various instruments had their moment to shine, all to the continuous drum beat - wow what stamina for this percussionist. The slow build up led to a fabulous crescendo.
We were also treated to a surprise encore. The audience was silenced as we felt the impulse to clap along - fair enough.
In the words of my companion: "Thankyou Mr Myer for the ‘Bowl’." In both our words: "Thank you MSO, and Andrea Lam along with conductor Jaime Martin for a memorable night of music.
- Review by Elizabeth Semmel
Speakeasy
■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents the new trans thriller Djuna from March 12-23 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.
Produced by the Bullet Heart Club, written by Australian playwright Eva Rees and performed by Jay Gold and Dion Mills, the physiological thriller has been directed by Bullet Heart Club’s Kitan Petkovski, and explores identity, power, and the complexities of human connection.
Set within the charged intimacy of a hotel room, Djuna follows the two-year affair between a young trans woman Djuna (Jay Gold) and Marcus (Dion Mills), an older and purportedly heterosexual man.
Both characters in this play are queer in their own ways, from different generations, brought together in this hotel room to explore themselves in ways they can't anywhere else.
Their initial encounter, driven by mutual fantasy, evolves into a fraught and transformative connection, marked by power dynamics, vulnerability, and the characters' attempts to navigate their identities. She's lying about her age, and he's in denial about who he is and what he wants.
The play’s tension is heightened with themes of body horror, exploring the corporeality of medically transitioning. By literalising societal taboos around body modification, Djuna reclaims and confronts notions of trans identity, creating a bold narrative space that is both unsettling and compelling. Djuna offers a scintillating perspective on queer exploration, from a ground-breaking local company.
Performance Dates: March 12 - 23. Wed.Sat. 7.30pm. Sun. 5pm (90 minutes duration, no Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St., Northcote For details of special performance times and bookings, visit: bulletheartclub.com/djuna
Truth
● ● ● ● Emily Havea, Thomas Kantor, James O'Connell, Eva Seymour and Eva Rees in Truth.
Photo: Pia Johnson
■ The digital world of intrigue and subterfuge, the political machinations of those wanting to control the discourse and the geeks hacking the system resonate through Patricia Cornelius’ s play, Truth, about the life of Julian Assange
There are five Assanges on stage, (Emily Havea, Thomas Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Seymour, Eva Rees) all of whom can play other characters when required.
This conceit might have had more impact were they representative of different times in Assange’s life or manifestations of his mental state during those times.
As it is, the play is more a didactic biopic of his life, an apologia of his actions. The drama might have had more effect were it more cognisant of the contradictions and complexity where Assange’s actions are concerned.
The energy of the actors and the timing of their delivery compel the play forward. Their lines intertwine requiring precision. They work together well coordinating the movement of desks and chairs to form the scenes. Not a moment is wasted.
The staging by Susie Dee is what brings to life the malevolence of the digital world we now inhabit.
There are hidden cameras providing different perspectives of the actors. They are seen from a multiplicity of angles.
In this way, the audience becomes both spectator and voyeur. The technical wizardry becomes an integral part of the storytelling; the lighting (Paul Jackson), the video (Meri Blazevski) and sound (Kelly Ryall).
The arc of Cornelius’s narrative does lurch at times as it segues into the life of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.
Whilst their lives are intertwined with Wikileaks, their stories are worthy of independent analysis. So complex is Assange’s life, it would have been difficult for Cornelius to choose what to include.
However, the injustice, dangers and moral cost of the digital world in which we now live are worthy of examination.
Performance Season: Until March 8
Venue: Malthouse Theatre
Bookings: malthouse.com.au
- Review by David Mclean
■
An impressively moustachioed Terence MacManus welcomed the audience (who were peering anxiously at the foreboding skies), switching to a resonant Russian accent for his character Prince Orlovsky. Mac Manus was a marvellous, merry Orlovsky Exuberant and charming, the tale of infidelity, temptation and revenge, was comically conveyed.
At a ball hosted by Prince Orlovsky, Dr Fritz Falke – alias Dr Bat (a lovely tenor, Michael Zuccala), plots revenge on Gabriel von Eisenstein.
Years ago, Eisenstein left him inebriated in a public square in Vienna, dressed as a bat. Eisenstein is also due to serve an eight-day prison sentence for insulting a policeman, but Alfredo (in love with Rosalinda) goes in his place – it’s complicated.
Rosalinda attends the ball disguised as a Hungarian Countess and Adele, her maid (Bridgette Kelsey singing beautifully) also wangles an invitation.
Christelise de Graaf was Rosalinda , a wealthy Viennese matron and her husband, Gabriel von Eisenstein, was played by John Parncutt.
De Graaf’s voice and acting were impeccable. She inhabited her role with grace and beauty. Parncutt splendidly imbued Eisenstein with lanky elegance and wicked charm - a ‘toff’ from top hat to tails.
Ryan Jacobs as Alfredo and Ian Lowe as the Prison Warder, Frank , were terrific. James Douglas as Frosch provided a hilarious cameo and others performed their parts with aplomb.
The four-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Geoffrey Urquhart on piano, Peter Sheridan on flute, Rosalind Burns on violin and Dr Karen Heath on clarinet, was located in an adjacent gazebo, from whence Johan Strauss II’s glorious waltzes emanated.
The women’s gowns by costumer Helen Ebsworthy were exquisite.
Finally, the sun burst through the leaves of the ancient oak tree framing the stage, bathing the actors in a golden glow. A stunning finish to a delightful afternoon.
Performances: The Knowe, Sassafras: March 1-2 at 2 pm; The Round Studio, Nunawading: March 8-9 at 2 pm or 8 pm; Moe Plaza: April 25 at 5 pm
Bookings: gsov.org.au
- Review by Juliet Charles
● ● The cast of Fledermaus toast the show's success.
Photo: Robin Halls
The stunning Edna Walling designed gardens of Knowe Cottage (circa 1919) hosted the new production of Fledermaus by Director Robert Ray for Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria.
● ● Dion Mills in Djuna. Photo: Meagan Harding
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria: Fledermaus! March 1, 2 at The Knowe, 4 Clarkmont Rd., Sassafras. March 8, 9 at The Round Studio, Nunawading. April 12 at Moe Plaza. Director: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Geoffrey Urquhart. Bookings: gsov.org.au
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Wicked Sisters (by Alma de Groen) Until 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) Until 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) Until 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) Until 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) Until 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) Until 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) Until 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
■ GAB Theatre: Charlotte’s Web (adapted from the book by E.B. White by Joseph Robinette) March 1 at 2pm, 7.30pm; March 2 at 2pm at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute. Director: George Benca. Table seating. BYO nibbles and a drink. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CVYOS
■ 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.
■ NOVA Music Theatre: The Music Man. March 21 – 30 at The Round, 379 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround. com.au/whats-on/nova-themusicman - Cheryl Threadgold
PERFECT NONSENSE
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company opens 2025 with the farcical comedy Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, running until March 1 at Heidelberg Theatre, Rosanna Inspired by P.G. Wodehouse’s The Code of the Woosters (1938) and written by Robert and David Goodale, this fast-paced, witty show set in the 1930s was winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
Perfect Nonsense tells of English gentleman Bertie Wooster (Daniel Trenkovski) deciding to stage his own play to recount the peculiar events of a country house weekend.
He recruits his personal butler Jeeves (Sam Howard) and Aunt Dahlia’s butler Seppings (Gavin Baker) to help present the play and portray the characters.
Mayhem ensues with Bertie as the narrator espousing light-hearted nonsense in his storytelling, along with slick and sometimes entertaining set changes, skilfully contrived quick costume changes and some excellent multi-role playing by Jeeves and Seppings
Director/Set Designer Morgan ThomasConnor ensures a well-staged show from the beginning, establishing the vaudeville era with the onstage closed, rich red velvet curtain, atmospheric shell footlights and 1930s music.
Daniel Trenkovski’s confident portrayal of Bertie Wooster includes good physicality, charm and a natural rapport with the audience. Clearer enunciation of dialogue would top off an enjoyable performance.
Jeeves (Sam Howard) plays Sir Watkyn Bassett, Gussie Fink Nottle and Stiffy Byng as well as himself, while Seppings (Gavin Baker) portrays Aunt Dahlia, Roderick Spode, Butterfield, Madeline Bassett, Constable Oates, an Antique Shop Proprietor and himself.
These contrasting roles showcase Sam Howard and Gavin Baker’s impressive acting talents and comedy timing.
Lighting design is by Tamsin Mackie and sound by Tamsin Mackie and Jerome Pollard. Cathy Christensen and Wendy Drowley designed the costumes.
The lively little vaudeville routine end-ofshow is terrific - the perfect finish.
Possibly this 1930s madcap English comedy style will not appeal to all contemporary theatregoers, but many will enjoy it.
Bravo to Heidelberg Theatre Company for including Perfect Nonsense in their 2025 season.
Performance Season: Until March 1
Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: htc.org.au
- Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Three Sisters
■ Theatre Works presents Three Sisters, reimagined for a contemporary audience, from March 7-22 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda
Directed by Greg Carroll, this first season in the 2025 by Theatre Works programming is brought to the stage by a dynamic ensemble of local creatives, working together to breathe fresh life into this iconic tale of ambition, love, and longing.
First performed in 1901, Three Sisters is one of Anton Chekhov’s most celebrated plays. Taking place over three and a half years, this epic tale follows the lives of four siblings after the death of their father.
The youngest sister, Irina, is hopeful and idealistic, but Masha, the middle sister, struggles in an unhappy marriage. The eldest, Olga, has accepted a life of responsibility and duty, while their brother Andrei’s poor decisions lead to the family’s financial ruin.
Performed by Mia Landgren, Joanna Halliday, Stella Carroll, Belle Hansen, Rosemary Johns, Gabriel Partington, Laurence Young, Ty McKenzie, Syd Brisbane, River Stevens, Chris Connelly and Simon Chandler.
Performance Season: March 7 - 22 Tues –Sat 7.30pm, Wed – Fri 11.30am Previews: Thurs 7 and Fri 8 March 7.30pm; Opening Night: Tues 11 March 7.30pm
Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/2025/threesisters Enquiries: 9534 3388
Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda www.theatreworks.org.au
Duration: 2 hours including interval Suitable for ages: 12+
Warnings: Depictions of grief, financial hardship, mental health, sexism and on-stage smoking
Accessibility: Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date
- Cheryl Threadgold
Cancer Card
■ Comedian Becky Steepe will perform her show Cancer Card at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival as part of her 2025 tour, from March 26 - April 6 (excluding Monday) at The Grace Darling Hotel, Downstairs Theatre in Collingwood
The show is said to combine "side-splitting humor with crucial health information in a hilarious, yet poignant, comedy storytelling show about Becky’s experience of being dealt the cancer card."
After initially being told she was too young to have bowel cancer, Becky was diagnosed with stage four (the worst stage) bowel cancer in 2021 and underwent multiple treatments.
Since recovering, she’s turned her personal experience and comedic talents into a powerful tool for raising awareness of early onset cancer and the failings in the health system.
Using her unique perspective and comedic style, Becky says she has upped the ante, transforming the bad hand she was dealt, into a powerful tool for awareness.
Despite one in 10 bowel cancer cases being found in people under 50, research shows that diagnosis can take 60 per cent longer for younger people.
In this raw and riveting performance, Becky Steepe will turn the deeply personal experience into a night of laughter and resilience, highlighting the importance of advocating for one's health and seeking second opinions.
Cancer Card aims to break the stigma surrounding bowel cancer discussions while empowering audiences with life-saving knowledge
Rated M.
Dates: March 26 - April 6 (excluding Monday)
Times: 6.15 pm
Venue: The Grace Darling Hotel - Downstairs Theatre, Collingwood.
Tickets: comedyfestival.com.au/browseshows/cancer-card/ - Cheryl Threadgold
Rural Dreams
■ Award-winning rural crime writer Margaret Hickey has decided that a change is as good as a holiday.
The author of best sellers The Creeoer, Stone Toen and Broken Bay has just renewed a collection of short stories called Rural Dreams, celebrating the Australian countryside.
Hickey is based in north east Victoria and enjoys setting her stories in rural locations.
The stories in Rural Dreams are interesting and varied, ranging from a football coach pondering the concept of obsession, to schoolyard politics caused by a mouse plague, to a young woman returning to her fire ravaged home town, and many other topics in between.
What all the stories have in common is that they feature character in everyday rural life, as Hickey experiences it herself. She aims to showcase the beauty of life lived outside major Australian cities.
The stories are lively and the characters well sketched, making this a collection of stories that should please a wide range of readers.
Published by Penguin Random House, Rural Dreams is out now and available online or at your favourite bookshop. www.penguin.com.au
- Julie Houghton
Shows
■ 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
■ Brighton Theatre Company: Glimpses (a collection of monologues and short oneact plays) March 26 – 28 at the Brighton Town Hall, Wilson St., Brighton. Director: Alison Knight. Bookings: www.brightontheatre. com.au
■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: When the Wind Blows (by Raymond Briggs) March 28- April 12 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: David Tynan. Bookings: trybooking.com/ cyjqt - Cheryl Threadgold
Auditions
■ 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/
■ Beaumaris Theatre: Knife Edge (by Alison Campbell Rate) February 26 and March 1 at Beaumaris Theatre 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Further details: beaumaristheatre.com.au/auditions
■ 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
■ Gem Players Community Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Information Evening: May 29 at 7pm; Auditions June 6 and 7 at the GEM,19 Kilvington Dr., Emerald. Director: Annette O’Shea; Choreographer: Payge O’Shea; Musical Director: Margie Gemmell\. Enquiries: gemcoplayers.org
■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) March 12 at 7pm, March 15 at 1pm at Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180-186 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: James Banger. Audition enquiries: james.banger@outlook.com
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) March 16, 18 at 7pm at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Audition enquiries: werther110@gmail.com; Phone: 0402 222 090 - Cheryl Threadgold
● ● ● David Belton
● Becky Steepe presents Cancer Card
★Lee Kernaghan has announced the final chapter of The Boys From The Bush concert tour. Victorian venues are Warragul (June 12), Bendigo (June 13), Ballarat (June 14), and The Palms at Crown (June 20 and 21).
★Nominations are open for the Inclusive Volunteering Awards to be held at the Knox Community Arts Centre from 8.30am-2.30pm on Tuesday, April 29.
★Woolworths is expanding its low-sensory Quiet Hour to five days a week, Monday to Friday between 10.30am and 11.30am.
★The Rural Press Club of Victoria is holding Independents' Day with panellists including Alana Johnson, Claire Ferres Miles, Ben Smith, Deb Leonard and Alex Dyson
★The Olympic gold medal awarded during the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics to Anthony ‘Tippy’ Marchant in the 2000m Tandem Cycling Final, sold for $84,000 including the buyer's premium, almost three times its pre-sale estimate. The Sporting Memorabilia auction was conducted by Leski Auctions on February 13.
★The National Centre for Photography will open in Ballarat’s creative precinct this October.
★Academy Award star Hayley Mills has endorsed a new novel by relatively unknown Aussie author Tony Matthews. The new novel is Café Puccini
★Spellbound: A Night of Magic and Grand Illusion will be staged at 7pm on Wednesday, March 19, at at Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds , featuring Anthony Street
★The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will perform all four of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Orchestral Suites in one performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre from April 3-6.
★Comedian Jimeoin, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, will perform at 7.30pm on Friday, March 28, at Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds.
★Meredith Stricker has been named the overall winner of the Peter Porter Poetry Prize at a ceremony in Melbourne for her poem ‘The Vastness of What Poetry Can Do’.
★Two new books in The Artists of the National Library of Australia series are being published this month. The series began with two volumes in last year and highlights artists represented in the National Library’s collections.
★Network Ten has breached broadcasting gambling advertising rules during a broadcast of the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
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Marc Cicero
★Four short plays by Alex Broun, Encounters, will be staged at The MC Showroom, Prahran, from March 19-22.
★The funeral service for 3AW’s Philip Brady will be held at 11am tomorrow (Thu., Feb. 27) at Sacred Heart Church, Cotham Rd, Kew.
★News Corp Australia has launched a new health section. Ashleigh Gleeson will lead the team as National Health Editor. She was previously Chief of Staff at the Herald Sun
★Emily Holgate has joined the Good Food team at The Age
★Laura Placella has returned as a Court Reporter at the Herald Sun
★Asia TOPA (Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts) is welcoming410 artists and collectives from 17 countries across the Asia-Pacific to showcase more than 1000 individual performances and activations across 62 events. It runs until March 10.
★The Australian Youth Orchestra and the National Institute of Dramatic Art have announced a pioneering partnership, Momentum Leaders, an immersive interdisciplinary training program, where emerging creatives from both organisations will collaborate, develop their artistic voice, and gain the essential skills to navigate the evolving cultural landscape.
★Beetlejuice The Musical opens in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre this May. The show features Eddie Perfect as Beetlejuice, and Karis Oka as Lydia Deetz. Also appearing are Elise McCann, Rob Johnson, Erin Clare and Tom Wren.
★Savanna Young is now the Deputy Showbusiness Editor at the Daily Mail Australia
★New Zealand artist and film maker Juliet Carpenter will be in discussion with MUMA Senior Curator Melanie Oliver at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 27 at ACMI.
★A new Australian music show As It Drops has launched on the ACE Radio Network. it is to be hosted by music enthusiast Kayla Wilson.
Spit
■ A sequel to the successful 2003 movie Gettin’ Square, the film Spit is a “criminal-with-a-heart-of-gold” story which, while sympathetically portraying the plight of refugees in Australia , suffers from a cliched script and plodding pace.
The central character, Johnny (Spit) Spitieri (played by David Wenham), is a small-time criminal who returns from overseas only to find himself locked up in an immigration detention centre.
To add to his woes his old enemies are out to settle scores and his beloved sister is in failing health.
The screenplay is by Christopher Nyst who also wrote Gettin’ Square. Unfortunately, it suffers from several basic flaws including a cliched storyline and, apart from one or two exceptions, crass caricatures instead of characters.
There is little subtlety in the writing, with nothing left to the imagination. There is too much exposition while the emotional life of the characters is overly sentimental.
Given such a difficult screenplay Wenham, one of Australia’s finest actors, makes a fist of making Spit a believable and likeable larrikin.
He is supported in this by a strong supporting cast, many of whom are reprising roles from the original film.
Nevertheless, there is way too much ham acting going on. Ostensibly done for comic effect, it fails to deliver much in the way of laughs and consequently detracts from the story.
Jonathan Teplitzky directs the film and must shoulder some of the blame for this.
He also is responsible for the camera lingering far too often in several scenes; at one hour and 45 minutes long the film could do with some judicious editing to pick up the pace.
In addition, the mix of realistic scenes with others of a cartoon-like quality does not come off.
Admirable for its compassionate portrayal of refugees, sadly Spit is a lowest common denominator type of film that goes for cheap laughs and is peopled with hackneyed ocker-type characters telling a tired story.
In Australian cinemas from March 6.
Duration: 1h 45m
- Review by Peter Murphy
Longlegs
■ (MA). 101 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
With The Monkey now showing in cinemas, it is a good time to revisit the film-maker’s previous hit. Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony, of Psycho fame) returned after a four-year break with his fourth film as director, and like his previous efforts, is an imaginatively crafted mood piece.
After a wintery opening sequence where a young girl, alone at home, is visited by a mysterious stranger (Nicolas Cage), we cut to years later (the 90’s), where FBI agent Carter (Blair Underwood) brings in gifted operative Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) , who seems to have an uncanny ability of sensing where a offender may be.
This is shown when Harker is able pinpoint a murderer in a cookiecutter neighbourhood, but is unfortunately unable to prevent a father from slaughtering his family.
This latest event ties in with other cases, where the father has killed his wife and children, then themselves.
Harker feels there is more to these murders than meets the eye, and believes that, no matter how unlikely it seems, someone else is behind the killings.
Left at each crime scene is what appears to be indecipherable messages, signed Longlegs, but Harker successfully decodes them, proving there is a greater power influencing the violent acts.
Emotionally disconnected, and dealing with a troubled relationship with her mother Ruth (Alicia Witt), Harker slowly enters a world of darkness from which she may not return.
Longlegs is deliberately oppressive in its atmosphere, with Perkins wanting to use a slow pace and eerie mood to get under the audience’s skin, and with terrific help from cinematographer Andres Arochi, making his feature film debut), and expert editing, effective music score, strong production and sound design, succeeds.
I do wish that Perkins kept certain plot elements hidden or unknown, instead of explaining a little too much towards the end.
A gallery of impressive performances also elevate the material (which admittedly, is reminiscent of The Silence Of The Lambs, and due to Perkins’ precise direction, Manhunter), with Monroe (It Follows, The Guest), Underwood (Murder In Mississippi, Deep Impact), Witt (Fun, Dune) and Kiernan Shipka (The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, Totally Killer) all delivering the goods.
Of course, special mention has to go to Cage, who as the title char-
acter, gives a totally unhinged performance, and it is one that may divide viewers.
I found it appropriate and unsettling, but others may find his turn jars with the overall tone of the film.
Longlegs is a horror/thriller that will test the patience of those who want something more visceral and fast-paced, but this is a creepy nightmare made by a very talented filmmaker, and should deservedly find a strong following.
If you do like Longlegs, please check out Perkins’ other films; The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) (known here as February), I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House (2016) and Gretel & Hansel (2020), all of which shows he has a very distinctive style.
RATING - ****
Civil War
■ (MA). 109 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
The follow-up film, Warfare, will be hitting cinemas soon, so now is a great time to see the first entry.
A movie that became intensely divisive even before its release, Civil War defies expectations by walking down a different path audiences might have been anticipating, resulting in a much more satisfying experience.
The film is set in the near future, where the US has fractured into civil unrest, and a number of military groups want to separate themselves from, and bring down, the current government, which is headed by a more extreme President (Nick Offerman). Beginning in New York City, the story focuses on four characters; renowned photo journalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst) , reporter Joel (Wagner Moura), veteran writer Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), and junior photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny).
After a particularly violent protest, Lee and Joel, who want to drive to Washington D.C. to interview the President before he is deposed, agree to take on Sammy and Jessie as passengers.
As the quartet make their way through various states and war zones, they encounter a number of different people, whether they be patriots, dissenters, soldiers or citizens caught in the middle, and the closer the group get to the front line, the more they put their lives at risk. reminds audiences of past generations of war, the mistakes made and lives taken, then condenses it all into a chilling conflict that is blowing up on home soil.
The cast are all excellent (it’s great to see Dunst getting decent roles once more), and production values are first-rate.
RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke
● ● ● ● ● David Wenham in ‘Spit’
■ I was watching The Stratton Story with James Stewart and June Allyson on cable television last week and I was fascinated to see Frank Morgan give a brilliant supporting actor performance.
We all know him as the ‘Wizard’ and Professor Marvel in the film the Wizard Of Oz but Frank Morgan had a wonderful career as a character actor in his lifetime.
Francis Phillip Wuppermann was born in New York City in 1890.
His father grew up in Germany and his mother was born in the US.
Frank came from a large family of 11 children. His father was a wealthy businessman who distributed Angostura bitters and all of the children were sent to university.
When his brother Ralph became a professional actor Frank was inspired and decided that he would also become an actor.
Ralph used the stage name of Morgan and Frank also adopted the name.
As Frank Morgan he debuted at the Lyceum Theatre in New York in a play titled A Woman Killed With Kindness in 1914.
His first Broadway play was Mr Wu and he played the lead. He married Alma Muller and their son George was born in 1916.
Frank signed a contract with Paramount Studios and made many silent films.
In 1931 he appeared with Fred Astaire in the Broadway musical Bandwagon
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Whatever Happened To ... Frank Morgan
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
In 1933 he signed a contract with MGM Studios and his films included Naughty Marietta, The Great Ziegfeld and Sweethearts.
In Hallelujah, I'm a Bum he co-starred with the legendary Al Jolson and in Dimples he played opposite Shirley Temple
But the most famous role of his career came when he was cast as the Wizard in the classic film The Wizard Of Oz starring with Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr and Jack Haley
In fact Frank played five different roles in The Wizard Of Oz. In the Emerald City, he was the cabby who drove the Horse-of-a-DifferentColor, a guard at the entrance to the Wizard's palace, the doorkeeper at the Wizard's palace and the Great and Powerful Oz himself; in the
Kansas sequences he played disreputable fortune-telling Professor Marvel.
Margaret Hamilton who played the ‘Wicked Witch’ described him as a very generous man. Frank Morgan was nominated for two Academy Awards during his career.
His best films included Saratoga, The Shop Around the Corner, Boom Town, The Human Comedy, Tortilla fFat, White Cargo and Ah,
Wilderness. He had his own radio show and co-starred with Fanny Brice. He also appeared on The Kraft Music Hall, The Bikersons and the Old Gold Show
Frank loved sailing and won a yacht race between Los Angeles and Honolulu
He enjoyed the outdoors and owned a huge cattle ranch in California. He recorded a number of children's stories including the popular Gossamer Wump which was a story about a young boy who learns to play the triangle.
On September 18, 1949 Frank Morgan suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep at his home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
He was filming Annie Get Your Gun with Betty Hutton and Howard Keel at the time and his character of Col. Buffalo Bill Cody was recast with Louis Calhern in the role.
Frank Morgan is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn and his headstone bears the family name of Wuppermann. His wife Alma died in 1970 and his son George passed away in 2003.
Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren And on 96.5 FM
That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au
IMAGE ECONOMICS AT CAULFIELD CAMPUS
Image Economics.
In a visual landscape where images proliferate and morph in virtual growth capable of swaying elections, mobilising mass movements and influencing identities and social norms, Image Economics offers a timely reappraisal of how the digital, networked world permeates our offline lives.
The digital tools and systems that generate, store or process data - along with the mechanisms for image production and trade – have transformed how we interact, consume media and tell stories.
These processes also contribute to the way we think about value of an image.
The artists presented in Image Economics examine how images reflect and shape our perception of the world in an increasingly mediated reality. Featuring new commissions and existing works by 17 artists and collectives from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region, including works drawn from the Monash University Collection, the exhibition examines materiality, identity, data sovereignty, authenticity and the circulation of digital assets.
Exhibition closes April 17.
MUMA 50, Building F Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield
At Upwey
On the Wing – Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan
Step into a world of intricate sculptures and freestanding pieces that celebrate the vibrant birdlife of the Dandenong Ranges.
On the Wing is a stunning tribute to the charm beauty, and quirks of our beloved backyard birds.
Crafted from a rich tapestry of European, Japanese and Australian antique ware. Alongside hand-sculpted and painted ceramics. Each bird portrait captures their unique personalities, striking plumage and lively sprit.
Here's to their bold colours, curious ways, the rhythms of their wings, and elegance of their strut. Exhibition closes Sunday March 23.
Free Exhibition Wednesday to Sunday. 10am-4pm.
Burrinja Gallery 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey
The Arts
Hawthorn
Seasonal Shifts
Tracing the rhythms of life, memory, identity, and human influence on the environment, Seasonal Shifts is a group exhibition presenting artists whose works unveil our multifaced relationship with the passage of time and our natural surroundings.
As observes of nature we bear witness to moments of seasonal change and the beauty and unpredictability of our environment.
We feel the impact of natural forces on our minds and bodies, and actions.
A favourite flower, the smell of rain, or a familiar rock formation can become markers of experience, a record of our personal histories told through objects and places.
As time unfolds, we see the traces we leave behind and the ways human presence alters the landscape, both subtle and drastic, temporary and permanent.
Exhibition closes Saturday April 26.
★
Healing Garden – Hiromi Tanga
Experience the transformative power of art and community with Healing Gardens by Hiromi Tanga.
As part of the Seasonal Shifts exhibition, you are invited to create beautiful flowers and compare them to artwork displayed on the walls of the
Town Hall Gallery.
Renowned for exploring the connection between art and wellbeing, Hiromi Tanga invites gallery visitors to create intricate, nature-inspired blooms from upcycled textiles and materials.
Participate in guided sessions or enjoy crafting your own pace, adding to an evolving, immersive garden installation.
This project embodies the therapeutic potential of art, fostering mindfulness through tactile activities like wrapping, binding and knotting.
Exhibition closes Saturday April 26.
Town Hall Gallery
360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn - Peter Kemp
At Tolarno
■ Ben Quilty is exhibiting his latest paintings and drawings at Tolarno Galleries until March 15.
In this new body of work, Quilty focuses almost exclusively on the human figure – especially heads, eyes and mouths – as he wrestles into existence urgently expressive, even grotesque, embodiments of the way many of us are feeling right now, the artist included.
“The older I grow, the more awkward I feel about being part of the human condition,” Quilty says. “The world is in turmoil. Nothing seems straightforward anymore. We lead these complex lives overlaid with solastalgia, a massive and realistic fear of what’s happening to the planet. It makes for an odd existence.”
Quilty’s protean subjects enact complex emotional states. They’re bodies in extremis, dismembered and remixed in hellish proportions.
Some heads have two faces. The head dominating On Top Of The Hill 2024 has a pair of arms with flapping hands sprouting from it, recalling an apocalyptic creature by Hieronymus Bosch. And the screaming head in The Price of Bread 2024 has been cut up and recomposed as an avatar of pure rage.
Level 5, 104 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.
Elon, the House guest
■ The world's wealthiest man, Elon Musk, has been sleeping on the floor of a US Government flat situated within a short stroll to meet the President in the White House. Elon uses the shower in the House Gym and is also known to have a kip on the floor in any one of his many factories.
No laughing matter
■ Mark Humphries is a satirical comedian who has tried his luck with several TV broadcasters. His latest venture on Seven News has come to an end and no longer will his Friday night gig be seen. Despite the axing we understand Mark has been retained to appear on 7's national Election Night, whenever that maybe.
Only in Hollywood
■ Nothing traditional for newly engaged couple, actress Selena Gomez and her fellow Benny Blanco. For Valentines Day, Benny filled his bathtub full of liquid queso cheese and told Selena to follow the trail of tortilla chips scattered through the house leading to the bathroom. You guessed it, Selena has an insatiable appetite for tortilla chips dipped in cheese. The story invokes enough curiosity to keep this power couple in the gossip headlines.
Clever wordsmith
■ Graham Simpson first shot to fame as presenter of 3XY's Morning Show for seven years. He then wrote the words for others to get the audience laughing, one perfect example being Mark Mitchell as Con, the Fruiterer, and boy did Graham make Mark hilarious on The Comedy Company. Graham was script consultant on stage shows - Georgy GirlThe Seekers Musical. Graham passed away, aged 69, a sad loss to the entertainment industry.
From near obscurity
■ Jarra Davis is a footy fanatic from Gippsland, in between completing a Law degree. After years of talking AFL on Tik Tok he entered a cattle call to join Fox Footy and after six auditions got the gig. Jarra is one to watch as fresh faces keep TV entertaining and challenging.
withPeterKemp
● ● Frank Morgan
● ● ● ●
Elon Musk
THREE WIDE ON THE HOME TURN
■ The regular Tuesday night Shepparton fixture was held on February 18 and recently relocated Kialla owner/trainer/driver Charlene (Charley) Gusman was successful with Captaintreacherous-Shes Norma Jean colt Im Hank in the 1690 metre Your Sold Real Estate 3Y0 Maiden Pace.
Safely retaining the inside running from the pole, Im Hank having start number seven defied all challengers to run out a 2 metre victor over King Saint one/one – three wide home turn and Roxella which raced exposed a half neck back returning a mile mile rate of 1-58.6.
The winner is a half brother to eleven race winner Hes Charlies Angel (Sweet Lou).
■ Marong co-owner/trainers Terry and JacintaAllan Gange were winners when 3Y0 McWicked-Mizzi M Hanover filly Wicked Mitzi defeated her older rivals in the Cottrell Electrical Pace over 1690 metres.
Beginning brilliantly from gate six to lead, Wicked Mitzi driven by Alby Ashwood couldn’t be caught, reaching the wire 3 metres in advance of Majors Creek from the tail. Alamo after trailing from the pole was third 4.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-58. Wicked Mitzi had won at Echuca last September.
■ Usually reliable 8Y0 Auckland ReactorMadam Altissimo mare Madam Reactor raced and bred by Elmore’s Frank Barac chalked up her 12th success in 128 race appearances which include 30 placings when greeting the judge in the Central Tyre Service Pace over 1690 metres. Driven by Murchison based Ryan Sanderson, Madam Reactor was given a sweet passage on the back of the pacemaker Sunstar after leading out from the pole and used the sprint lane to record a 2.5 metre margin over Sunstar in a mile rate of 1-56.7. Owen The Saints (six wide home turn from a long way back) was third a half neck away.
■ Another week and another winner to Allendale owner/trainer Adam Stephens after 8Y0 Somebeachsomwhere-Blue Seelster gelding Icanmotor chalked up his 14th victory in 144 outings by taking the 2190 metre Avenel Equine Hospital Pace with Jordan Leedham in the sulky. In what was a good effort, Icanmotor was taken back at the start from outside the front line to settle at the rear after the well supported Marako Shark galloped away from gate five. Going forward four wide in the last lap, Icanmotor made ground swiftly to join a deathseating Northern Terror (gate three) on the final bend and in a two horse battle all the way up the running, did best to prevail by a head in a rate of 2-01.9. Iamawingate a stablemate of the winner was badly held up three pegs approaching the final bend before using the sprint lane for third 9.4 metres away.
Two meetings
■ Two meetings were held on Wednesday –Stawell in the afternoon and Bendigo at night. zAt Stawell Cudgee owner/breeders John and Mary Meade’s 6Y0 Quaker Jet-Diamond Insitu gelding Mattyo was victorious in the 2180 metre Stawell Gift Hall Of Fame Trotters Mobile. Despite racing exposed from gate five as hot favourite Baarlinee zoomed across the face of the field from outside the front line to lead, Mattyo joined her approaching the final bend and when Baarlinee after pulling hard galloped, Mattyo dashed clear to score by 4.9 metres from Anikitos (three pegs from inside the second line – three wide home turn) which ran home nicely. Surprise To Me (gate four) came three wide from the rear at the bell to be one/one for the last lap when third 12.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.5.
■ Local trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth’s 6Y0 Racing Hill-Floweronthewall mare Alfnalma chalked up her 7th success in 64 outings when taking the Thomas Foods International Pace over 1785 metres.
Given a cosy trip three back in the moving line from gate five, Alfnalma suited by the slick tempo of the race finished her race off well out wide to record a 1.7 metre margin over the leader Nosweetsforyou (gate seven) who had been kept honest by the raging hot favourite Neatntidy which raced outside her. The Sportz Star (one/ one from gate four) was third a head away. The mile rate 1-58.2.
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
■ Horsham trainer Aaron Dunn presently campaigning in NSW landed the Perrys Footwear Pace over 2180 metres with smart 4Y0 American Ideal-Wild Radish mare Wild Ideal in a 200.9 rate.
Raced by Aaron in partnership with breeder Helen Friend, Wild Ideal with Kerryn Manning aboard was able to cross Major Assassin (gate five) early in the piece and was unextended to greet the judge by 2 metres from Major Assassin using the sprint lane to no avail. Startin To Gogh (gate six) after racing exposed was third 3.5 metres back.
■ Veteran Hamilton trainer Jim Barker’s 8Y0 Four Starzzz Shark-Cheria McTago gelding Alook to Like ($17.00) was an upset winner of the 1785 metre Gateway Security Pace.
Driven by granddaughter Jackie, Alook To Like despite racing in the open from gate four got the better the leader Dallas Charlie on turning and held on to score by a head from One Off along the sprint lane off the back of Dallas Charlie. The Democrat (one/one) ran his usual honest race for third 2.8 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.5.
Stable double
■ What a night it was at Bendigo for Ross Creek trainer Jennifer Douglas who snared a stable double with a pair of 5Y0 geldings – Muselet (Sweet Lou-Glenferrie Alexis) taking the Yorkshire Park Standardbreds Pace over 2150 metres and Mitchell Wrap (Danny Bouchea-Trotn On The Casba) the Oxley Feed Mill Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres, both driven by Long Forest based Jordan Leedham.
Muselet was given a sweet passage one/one from gate two as the favourite Celestial Daybreak led from the pole.
When Atomic Glory and Sean O’Sullivan went forward from well back with a three wide trail in the last lap and four wide prior to the home turn to rush by the pacemaker on straightening looking all over a winner, Muselet was able to extricate into the clear and sprouted wings to blouse him by a neck in a rate of 2-00.1.
Shezabluechip despite racing exposed battled on gamely for third 3 metres back. Mitchell Wrap starting from an equal 20 metre handicap was a trifle slow to begin as the tapes released settling at the tail as polemarker Tedesco after winning at Shepparton the night before led before handing over to Antinov (barrier three).
Racing for the bell Jakarta (10m) which had been racing fierce outside the leader crossed to the front leaving Champagne Charley exposed for the final circuit.
Angling three wide in the last lap, Mitchell Wrap was pushed four wide by Midnight Eagle coming out ahead of him with the pair charging forward to challenge.
In a dual all the way up the running, Mitchell Wrap was too solid at the finish, scoring by 3.9 metres over Midnight Eagle, with Jakarta holding down third a head away in an exciting finale. The mile rate 2-01.2. Jennifer’s late father Keith’s estate is listed in the ownership.
■ What a night it was at Bendigo for Ross Creek trainer Jennifer Douglas who snared a stable double with a pair of 5Y0 geldings – Muselet (Sweet Lou-Glenferrie Alexis) taking the Yorkshire Park Standardbreds Pace over 2150 metres and Mitchell Wrap (Danny Bouchea-Trotn On
The Casba) the Oxley Feed Mill Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres, both driven by Long Forest based Jordan Leedham. Muselet was given a sweet passage one/one from gate two as the favourite Celestial Daybreak led from the pole.
When Atomic Glory and Sean O’Sullivan went forward from well back with a three wide trail in the last lap and four wide prior to the home turn to rush by the pacemaker on straightening looking all over a winner, Muselet was able to extricate into the clear and sprouted wings to blouse him by a neck in a rate of 2-00.1.
Shezabluechip despite racing exposed battled on gamely for third 3 metres back. Mitchell Wrap starting from an equal 20 metre handicap was a trifle slow to begin as the tapes released settling at the tail as polemarker Tedesco after winning at Shepparton the night before led before handing over to Antinov (barrier three).
Racing for the bell Jakarta (10m) which had been racing fierce outside the leader crossed to the front leaving Champagne Charley exposed for the final circuit.
Angling three wide in the last lap, Mitchell Wrap was pushed four wide by Midnight Eagle coming out ahead of him with the pair charging forward to challenge.
In a dual all the way up the running, Mitchell Wrap was too solid at the finish, scoring by 3.9 metres over Midnight Eagle, with Jakarta holding down third a head away in an exciting finale. The mile rate 2-01.2. Jennifer’s late father Keith’s estate is listed in the ownership.
■ Harston breeder/part-owner/trainer/driver
Dennis Paton’s 5Y0 Majestic Son-Sheza Comment gelding Lizzies Son was on his best behavior to land the Petersen Westbrook Cameron Lawyers Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres.
Starting from the extreme draw, Lizzies Son travelling smoothly settled three back in the moving line as favourite Zesta La Go Go led from gate two before being crossed by Massive Central (gate three).
Using a retake, Zesta La Go Go again took over with Gunsen Rosie (gate five) exposed, Whats TheTea (gate six one/one) and Lizzies Son on his back. Going forward three wide in the back straight to join the leader on the home turn, Zesta La Go Go galloped allowing Lizzies Son to race clear and score by 5.1 metres over Whats The Tea and Massive Central who was a head away third. The mile rate 2-01.5.
Harston breeder/part-owner/trainer/driver
Dennis Paton’s 5Y0 Majestic Son-Sheza Comment gelding Lizzies Son was on his best behavior to land the Petersen Westbrook Cameron Lawyers Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres.
Starting from the extreme draw, Lizzies Son travelling smoothly settled three back in the moving line as favourite Zesta La Go Go led from gate two before being crossed by Massive Central (gate three). Using a retake, Zesta La Go Go again took over with Gunsen Rosie (gate five) exposed, Whats TheTea (gate six one/one) and Lizzies Son on his back. Going forward three wide in the back straight to join the leader on the home turn, Zesta La Go Go galloped allowing Lizzies Son to race clear and score by 5.1 metres over Whats The Tea and Massive Central who was a head away third. The mile rate 2-01.5.
Ballarat’ best
■ On Thursday at Ballarat Smythes Creek trainer Nathan Cahir combined with Dunnstown’s Brent Murphy to snare the ballarattrottingclub.com.au Pace over 1710 metres with 6Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Illawong Bella gelding Plains In Heaven. Raced by long time participant Terry Cahill, Plains In Heaven disappointing when third at Melton the previous Saturday settled at the tail from the extreme draw as Major Drama and David Murphy led from gate four.
Trailing up Remi Lou ahead of him three wide in the last lap and four wide on the home turn, Plains In Heaven finished at a great rate out wide to gain the day by a three metre margin over a death-seating Kwik Sand (gate three) and Major Drame which held third a further three metres back. The mile rate 1-54.9.
■ Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham combined with James Herbertson aboard lightly raced 6Y0 Majestic Son-Four Lillies gelding Ox
Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets
This Week
■ Wednesday – Charlton/Mildura, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Ararat (Cup), Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Boort (Cup), Monday –Mildura, Tuesday – Shepparton.
Knox to land the 2200 metre Woodlands Stud Trotters Mobile. Bred by Barbara Sedgwick, Vicky Cohen, Linda Ellen and Jennifer Lawrence, Ox Knox raced by Jack and Jenny Clough enjoyed a beaut trip from the pole trailing the leader Kota Bharu (gate four) with La Volonte from the extreme draw going forward to race outside the leader at the bell.
When La Volonte galloped in the back straight on the final occasion Ox Knox immediately came away from the markers to join Kota Bharu approaching the final bend, gaining the upper hand in the straight to register a 3.5 metre victory. Volsteads Delight (three pegs from gate six) was third 3.8 metres away. The mile rate 202.
■ Ararat trainer/driver Michael Bellman’s 6Y0 Tennotrump-Gloriadon gelding Blackrange Glory produced a gigantic performance to capture the 7+ Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres. Slow to score up, Blackrange Glory followed through to be one/one on settling as old timer Fling It Rainbow flew away from gate six to lead on the first turn.
Galloping wildly shortly after Blackrange Glory went back to the rear facing an unenviable task. Gradually making ground, Mick Bellman set him alight racing for the bell and with a brilliant turn of speed circled the field to lead for the final circuit.
Trotting boldly, Blackrange Glory showed no signs of stopping and cruised to the wire 4.4 metres in advance of Allwatfunjingles (gate two second line - four pegs – one/one at bell) which was left exposed when Fling It Rainbow galloped. Charlie Walker (one/two from outside the front line after being trapped three wide early) ran on late for third a half head away. The mile rate 2-01.8.
■ Rockbank duo Vic Pace and William Pace combined to snare the 2200 metre Alfredton Laundry Pace with former Kiwi 5Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Dyed Blonde mare Platinum Jive.
Trapped four wide from gate five, William had no option but to ease to the rear as Forgone Conclusion (gate two) crossed stablemate Monsieur Flamel (gate three).
Gaining a three wide double trail in the last lap following Yankee Gambler and Martha Lavinia, Platinum Jive was extricated four wide on the final bend and six wide in the straight as those inside her made their moves.
Finishing with a wet sail, Platinum Jive finished full of running to register a 1.7 metre margin in a mile rate of 1-59.1 from a death seating Jilliby Typhoon with Forgone Conclusion fighting on doggedly for third a head away.
- Len Baker
Missing man Ronald
■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Doveton man Ronald. The 54-year-old was last seen at the corner of Bourke St and Swanston St in the Melbourne CBD about 1.15pm on Saturday (Feb. 22).
Police and family have concerns for Ronald’s welfare as he has a number of serious medical conditions including autism. Ronald is also non-verbal and has recently undergone abdominal surgery.
Ronald is Caucasian, about 165cm tall with light brown/grey hair, blue eyes, has a mark on his chin and walks with a lean to his left side.
He was last seen wearing a grey polo shirt with white around the collar.
Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper
■ BALNARRING. Balnarring Village Newspower. Shop 2, 3000 FrankstonFlinders Rd.
■ BALNARRING. Ritchies IGA. Russell St.
■ BAXTER. Ampol. 1 BaxterTooradin Rd.
■
■ BAXTER. Liberty Service Station. 161 Moorooduc Hwy.
■ BAXTER. Licensed Post Office.
72 Baxter-Tooradin Rd.
■ BAXTER. Newsagency & Lotto. Shopp 6/96 Baxter-Tooradin Rd.
■ ■ BEACONSFIELD. Fast Fuel. 114 Old Princes Hwy.
■ BEACONSFIELD. Tattslotto. 55
Old Princes Hwy.
■ BERWICK. Newsagency. 29 High St,
■ BERWICK. Parkhill Plaza News and Lotto. Shop 13, 215-225 Pakhill Drive.
■ BITTERN. IGA. 2428-2436 Frankston Rd.
■
■ BLAIRGOWRIE. Cafe. 2837 Point Nepean Rd.
■ BLAIRGOWRIE. United Service Station. 2867 Point Nepean Rd.
■
■ CAPEL SOUND. The Lott. 1643 Point Nepean Rd.
■ CARRUM DOWNS. 7-Eleven. Frankston-Dandenong Rd (Cnr 10 Amayla Cres)
■ CHELSEA. Longbeach Hotel. 380 Nepean Hwy.
■ ■ CHELSEA. Woolworths Ampol. 469-472 Nepean Hwy.
■ CRANBOURNE. Newsagency. 105 High St.
■
■ CRANBOURNE. Woolworths Caltex. Cnr South Gippsland Hwy and Thompsons Rd.
■ CRANBOURNE NORTH. 7Eleven. 945 South Gippsland Hwy.
■ CRIB POINT. Cellars and Newsagency. 182 Stony Point Rd.
■ DANDENONG. Dande Lotto. 308 Thomas St.
■ DANDENONG NORTH. 7-Elevem. 1464 Heatherton Rd.
■ ■ DANDENONG NORTH. Lotto and News. 56 Menzies Ave.
■ DANDENONG SOUTH. United Petroleum. 315 South Gippsland Hwy.
■ DROMANA. 7-Eleven. 335 Point Nepean Rd.
■
■ DROMANA. Newsagency. 177 Point Nepean Rd.
■ EDITHVALE. Foodworks. 130/131 Station St.
■ ■ FLINDERS. General Store. 48 Cook St.
■ FLINDERS. Hotel. Cnr FrankstonFlinders Rd and Cook St.
■
■ ■ FRANKSTON. Bayside News and Tatts. 194/28 Beach St.
■ FRANKSTON. Beach Street Newsagency. 237 Beach St.
■ ■ FRANKSTON. Coles Express. 227 Frankston-Flinders Rd and Robinsons Rd.
■ ■ FRANKSTON. Frankston RSL. 183 Cranbourne Rd.
■ FRANKSTON. The National Golf Club - Long Island. 165/235 Frankston-Dandenong Rd.
■ FRANKSTON. Ritchies IGA. Cnr Hastings Rd and Golf Link Rd.
■ ■ FRANKSTON NORTH. IGA Express. 54-56 Mahogany Ave.
■ FRANKSTON SOUTH. Foot St Supermarket and Wine Cellars. 45 Foot St.
■ FRANKSTON SOUTH. Licensed Post Office. 58 Yuille St
■ HALLAM. 7-Eleven. 38-40 Hallam South Rd.,
■ HALLAM. Hallam Square News.
42 Spring Square.
■ LYNBROOK. 7-Eleven. 760 South Gippsland Hwy.
■ LYNBROOK. BP. 7181 South Gippsland Hwy.
■
■ LYNBROOK. Coles Express. 850 South Gippsland Hwy.
■ McCRAE. Coles. McCrae Plaza. Cnr Nepean Hwy and Lonsdale St.
■ McCRAE. The Lott. 739 Point Nepean Rd.
■
■ MENTONE. Coles Express. Cnr Nepean Hwy and Warrigal Rd.
■ MERRICKS. Merricks General Wine Store. 3460 Frankston-Flinders Rd.
■ ■ MORDIALLOC. Woolworths. 600 Main St.
■ MORNINGTON. 7-Eleven. 893 Nepean Hwy.
■ MORNINGTON. Ampol Woolworths. 223 Main St.
■
■ ■ MORNINGTON. Coles Express. 1010 Nepean Hwy.
■ MORNINGTON. Grand Hotel. 124 Main St.
■ MORNINGTON. Newspower. 241 Main St.
■
■ MORNINGTON EAST. Benton Square News and Tatts. 210 Dunns Rd
■ MOUNT ELIZA. Newsagency. Shop 7/85 Mount Eliza Way.
■ MOUNT MARTHA. Beachbox Fish and Chips. 5 Lochiel Ave.
■ MOUNT MARTHA. Dava Hotel. 614 Esplanade.
■ MOUNT MARTHA. Newsagency. 2 Lochiel Ave.
■
■ MOUNT MARTHA. Ritchies Supermarket, 8-16 Lochiel Ave.
■ MULGRAVE. BP Truckstop. Cnr Springvale and Wellington Rds.
■ NARRE WARREN. Newsagency. 34 Webb St.
■
■ ■ NARRE WARREN. Ritchies IGA. Shop 4, 14 Webb St.
■ NOBLE PARK. Lucky Star Lotto & Newws. 1268 Heatherton Rd.
■ NOBLE PARK. Newsagency. 22 Douglas St.
■ ■ OFFICER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Besper Dr and Princes Hwy.
■ OFFICER. Australia Post. 4 Cardinia Rd.
■
■ OFFICER EAST. 7-Eleven. 496 Princes Hwy.
■ PAKENHAM. Australia Post. 117 Main St.
■ PAKENHAM. Newsagency. 99 Main St.
■ ■ ■ PORTSEA. Portsea Hotel. 3746 Point Nepean Rd.
■ RED HILL. Red Hill General Store.
83 Arthurs Seat Rd.
■ RED HILL. United Service Station.
87 Arthurs Seat Rd.
■
■ RED HILL SOUTH. Cellar and Pantry. 141 Shoreham Rd.
■ ROSEBUD. Newsagency. 1083 Point Nepean Rd.
■
■ ROSEBUD. The Lott Shop. Shop K002,. Rosebud Plaza, Cnr McCombe St and Point Nepean Rd.
■ RYE. Newsagency. 2369-2371 Point Nepean Rd.
■ RYE. RSL. 5/11 Neilson St.
Top acts for Mordi Fest
■ Mordi Fest is set to again light up Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc on the first weekend in March.
Aussie music stars Alex Lahey and Killing Heidi are set to headline an awesome line-up of local and international artists, including the likes of The Belair Lip Bombs and Katy Steele Festival goers can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pier Stage, the Beach Stage, or The Dock and for those who need a quick breather from the festival hustle and bustle, the alcohol-free chill-out zone is an option.
Court Lists
Local Briefs
Safety at beaches
■ Greater safeguards are needed at Mornington Peninsula back beaches, according to a petition presented to Parliament by Nepean MLA Sam Groth.
“In 2023–2024, Victoria had its highest summer drowning total on record with 26 lives lost,” the petition says.
“The back beaches of the Mornington Peninsula can be dangerous and are generally unpatrolled.”
■ HALLAM. Shell Coles Express.
■
208-210 Princes Hwy.
■ HALLAM. United Petroleum. Cnr
Belgrave-Hallam Rd and Princes Hwy.
■
■ HASTINGS. 7-Eleven. 1835
Frankston-Flinders Rd.
■ HASTINGS. Coles Express. Cnr
Frankston-Flinders Rd (152 High St)
■ HASTINGS. Lucky Lotto and News. Shop 2/9 Queen St
■ HASTINGS. Post Shop. 68 High St.
■
■ HASTINGS. Ritchies. Cnr Salmon St & High St.
■ HASTINGS. United. 1996
Frankston-Flinders Rd (Cnr Hodgins Rd)
■ HASTINGS. Westernport Hotel. Cnr Salmon St & High St.
■ KARINGAL. 7-Eleven. 330
Frankston-Cranbourne Rd.
■ KARINGAL. Coles Karingal. Cnr
Karingal Dr and Ashleigh Ave.
■ ■ KEYSBOROUGH. 7-Eleven. 309
Cheltenham Rd (Cnr Kingsclere Rd)
■ KEYSBOROUGH. Ampol. 248
Cheltenham Rd.
■
■ ■ LANGWARRIN. Ampol Langwarrin. McClelland Dr & Skye Rd
■ LANGWARRIN. Lotto. 230
Frankston Rd.
■
■ LANGWARRIN SOUTH. General Store. Shop 1/143 Warrandyte Rd
■
■
■ RYE. Supermarket. 4 Hygeia St.
■ RYE. Whitecliffs General Store. 2507 Point Nepean Rd.
■ SAFETY BEACH. Provincia Food Store. 3/154 Marine Drive.
■ SEAFORD. BP. 298 FrankstonDandenong Rd.
■ SEAFORD. Ampol. 467 FrankstonDandenong Rd.
■
■
■ SEAFORD. Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy.
■ SEAFORD. Riviera Hotel. 30 Nepean Hwy.
■ SEAFORD. United Service Station. 267 Seaford Rd.
■ SEAFORD. Woolworths. Cnr Seaford Rd and Nepean Hwy.
■ SHOREHAM. Licensed Post Office. 87 Byrnes Rd.
■ SOMERVILLE. Coles Express. 1045 Frankston-Flinders Rd.
■
■ SOMERVILLE. Newsagency. 27 Eramosa Rd East.
■ SOMERVILLE. United. 1025 Frankston-Flinders Rd.
■ SORRENTO. News & Books. 66 Ocean Beach Rd.
■ SORRENTO. Stringers Store. 2-8 Ocean Beach Rd.
■ SPRINGVALE. Continental Mart. 219 Springvale Rd.
■
■ SPRINGVALE. Newsagency. 32 Springvale Rd.
■
■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. 7-Eleven. 581 Springvale Rd.
■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. Ampol.
747 Springvale Rd.
■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. BP. 540 Sp[ringvale Rd.
■ TOOTGAROOK. Coles Express. 1825 Point Nepean Rd.
■ ■ TYABB. Flatties Fish and Chips. 1541 Frankston-Flinders Rd.
■ ■ ■ TYABB. United. 1491 FrankstonFlinders Rd.
Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 26 Ahmadzai, Safiullah Ali Ata, Abdullah Ali, Haider Arulrajasingam, Nirojan Balakrishnan, Sathiyabavan Bayley, Dalton Jye Bevis, Bradley Blee, Daniel Born, Ricki Lee Brincat, Sharon Bush, Danny Bye, Soe Carter, Jerome Clark, Graeson Liam Collier, John Cruickshank, Stacey Lee Dad, Emran Dahn, Phillip Delany, Michael Deng Shok, Achilj Dovijarski, Novak Evile, Faatonu Falevaai, Kenneth Finianos, Zac Flentjar, Marshall Fogel, Shosha Gavagan, Paul Daniel Hang, Elya Hang, Emma Hawkins, Shayden Helper, Kim Hill, Alicia Hunter, Grant Hussein, Hussein Jonees, Baylie Kaur, Anmolpreet Kaur, Gurpreet Keating, Corey Keshtiar, Qais Kora, Andrew Krslovic, Dragan Kwajakwan, Kur Laporta, Anthony Luppino, Anthony Mabour, Akol Deng Macumber, Melissa Mcgrath, Leigh Mcphail, Coady Milne, Cameron Milner, Paul Mirzaaghabeyk, Mohammad Missaglia, Bradley Moloney, Shani Momia, Emil Junior Mottahedin, Paiman Mugari, Munyaradzi Nigel Muradi, Karim Murphy, Declan Naidu, Shamit Nguyen, Dung
Occhietti, Paul Anthony Oshana, Sivan Owens, Joel Parsooramen, Gilbert Matt Pike, Jessica Potamitis, Dionysis Powell, Carl Gregory Rahimi, Ali Rubasinghe, Chandra Safi, Qaisar Saoaemalelegi, Lua Shaw, Rodney Mark Sheeran, Anne Sheikh Gheibi, Saeed Arab Shelag, Maddison Shrestha, Shahil Sijakovski, Valentina Singh, Baghel Singh, Navtej
Sooaemalelagi, Tua Lua Stapleton, Briony Stowers Vitale, Eme Taupau, John Taupau, Siapele
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.
Teasdale, Scott Terry, Brent Tham, Chan Than, Chan Tith, Pheakdey Vanden Broeck, Paul Wetmore, Nathan Williams-Vanegmond, Jake Willis, Shane Anthony Wynne, Matthew Xerri, Racheal Ellen Yem, Sokrorn Zhang, Chunjian Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 26 Abela, Bradley Alexander, Conor Andrev, Roman Arias, Gerardo Bandikatti, Vrandesh Bouchereau, Alan Brett, Mitch Burgess, Dene Burrows, Mathew Carruth, Justin Chang, Peter Collins, Damien Charles Combe, Bradley Dei Wal, Shanin Dernelley, Keir Duncan, Benjamin Edmonds, Michael Joseph Elliott, Marc Fisher, Jamie Freeman, Anthony Graham, Scott Harrison, Bruce Hewitt, James Home Delivery Services Pty Ltd Hua, Anthony Jalocha, Andrew Luke Johanson, Wayne Alan Johnson, Jacqueline Jones, Ryan Travis Kane, Travis Kennedy, Benjamin Kusters, Jay Lambetis, George Leigh-Jones, John Peter Linton-Smith, Anna Lyons, Mitchell Markovic, Zoran Martlew, Danielle Mcadie, Joel Melinger, Somara Milne, Trevor Mortuza, Rahat Mulawa, Jayden Mullner, Michael Njuguna, Tabitha Pick, Gabrielle Pynadath, Kavia Varghese Ribchester, Shane Saikot, Farhad Sasse, Maximillian Sharp, Mikaera Shellim, Joseph Sumaria, Alpa Jatin Suwal, Madhur Tambiah, Anthony Tan, David Ulutui, Junior Whatman, Harley Williams, Ben Wilson, Jack Zorman, David
The petition calls on the State Government to urgently fund upgraded warning signs in different languages to alert people of the dangerous beach conditions and rescue tubes or flotation devices to save lives.
Bus-ted at Seaford
■ Two men were arrested in Seaford on Thursday night (Feb. 20) after they broke into a storage yard and made off with a passenger bus.
The alarm was raised when a witness noticed two men with bolt cutters break into the depot on Milne Avenue about 7.30pm.
Frankston Police were quickly on scene and spotted the decommissioned bus in Bardia Avenue travelling in convoy with a 2010 Holden Colorado utility.
Police activated their lights to intercept the vehicles before they pulled over to the side of the road.
The driver of the bus, a 43-year-old man from Dandenong, and the driver of the utility, a 34-year-old man from Seaford, were arrested at the scene.
The pair have been charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs and unlicensed driving.
They were bailed to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court on March 26.
Top citizens
■ Mornington Peninsula’s top citizens have been praised in State Parliament by Nepean MLA Sam Groth:
“ I want to acknowledge the recipients of Order of Australia Medals on the Mornington Peninsula and in my electorate: Mrs Judith Patricia McKee OAM for her service to the community of Melbourne, Ms Deborah Rae Mellett OAM for her service to the Indigenous community of Victoria, Mrs Judith Anne Walsh OAM for her service to the community of the Mornington Peninsula and Dr Kym Jenkins AM for her significant service to psychiatry as a clinician and academic and in executive roles.
“Last week I had the privilege of speaking to the students of Rye Primary about leadership, and I shared with them that leadership is not defined by titles but by the positive change one brings to their community.
“The work of these recipients exemplifies this kind of leadership, leading with compassion, dedication and a desire to make a difference. These individuals are true leaders in their communities, and I congratulate them for their well-deserved recognition,” Mr Groth said.
Gemma Boucher
■ The memory of Seaford resident, Gemma Boucher, has been honoured in State Parliament by Sonya Kilkenny, MLA.
“ I would like to acknowledge Gemma Boucher, a dear neighbour, a kind and generous friend, awesome school mum and beautiful work colleague to so many at the Department of Transport and Planning and the Level Crossing Removal Project,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“At just 40 years of age Gemma lost her battle with breast cancer, leaving a devoted husband and the most amazing little girl eightyear-old Chloe and her two dachshunds Scarlett and Rupert
. “Gemma really was the best kind of person: positive, thoughtful, friendly, compassionate. I know she will leave a really big hole in many, many hearts. I also know that our beautiful Seaford community will step in to wrap their arms around and be second and third and fourth mums to Chloe and little Lucy Gemma, who will be born by surrogacy later this year,” Ms Kilkenny said.
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Across Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 26
1. Hair-stylist
6. Straight-line racing car
11. Famous Indian mausoleum (3,5)
15. Nightclub dancer
20. ... kwon do
21. Labyrinths
22. Aegean or Caspian
23. Lahore is there
24. Mad Russian monk
25. NE Scottish seaport
27. Jumbo animal
28. Watering tube
29. Fixed gaze
31. World fair
32. Cruel person
36. Pins & ...
37. Prolong (4,3)
38. Checks (text) for errors
41. Renovate (ship)
44. Metal bar
45. Unfortunately
48. Sneeze noise (1-6)
49. Oddball
52. Rectangular
56. Addressing crowd
57. Anxious (2,4)
58. Perfumed burning stick
61. Goat's wool
62. Economises, ... & saves
63. Fibbing
64. Naomi Campbell is one
65. Imperial ruler
66. Collided with (3,4)
67. Disincentive
71. Absurd comedy
73. Of the ear
75. Windbag
80. Clarify, ... light on
82. Hone
83. Disobey
85. Gauges
86. Befuddles
88. Labourer's tools, pick & ...
90. Welcomes
91. British coin
93. Taking sides
94. Climbing plants
95. Female voices
96. Wither
97. Tingle
99. Mark as correct
100. Holy places
104. Rubbish
105. School maxim
106. Track down
107. Sent via Internet
111. The other way around, vice ...
113. Observe
114. The masses, ... polloi
115. Disorderly
117. Smear
118. Affirmative replies
121. Russian spirit
122. Mustard & ...
125. Canine disease
126. Shaving cut
127. Roman dress
129. Pulpy, soft food
131. Yoga master
132. Apprehension
135. Feng ...
136. Unplaced competitor (4-3)
139. Wild party
140. Representatives
144. Strangely
145. Scandinavian
146. Wall painting
147. Underwriters
148. Glared
AcrossDownDown
149. Gallows rope
150. Group of eight
152. Hang loosely
154. Flog
157. Fluid unit
158. Minutest
162. Iran's neighbour
163. Exhausts supply of (4,2)
166. Porridge cereal
167. Pour with rain
169. Slow down!
171. Car pioneer, Karl ...
172. Tobacco user
173. Leers
175. Lever (off)
176. Single
179. Swiss banking centre
180. Come to rest (3,2)
182. Liqueur, ... Maria
183. Towards stern
184. Blackboard stand
186. Negative
189. Harness-racing horse
190. Return (of symptoms)
191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ...
192. Big Apple city (3,4)
196. 60s pop dance (2-2)
197. Dad
198. Heedful
199. Spend extravagantly
201. Not fit for consumption
202. Gloomier
203. Performing
204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4)
205. Worked hard
208. Guidance
210. Up to this time
211. Aquatic bird
212. Pragmatism
213. Vein of ore
215. Vending machine
219. Nimble
221. Small & efficient
223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3)
227. Biology or physics
228. Mummifies (corpse)
230. Donations
231. Scorch
232. Charts (course) (4,3)
233. Villain
234. Arrogant newcomer
238. Power outlet
239. Knit with hooked needle
240. Scratch
243. Eagle nests
246. Ancestry
247. Lease again
250. Naming words
251. Greek philosopher
253. Muddles (up)
256. Frequent visitor
257. Mischievous
258. Character
262. Manufacture
263. Florida's Key ...
266. Is in debt to
268. Citrus fruit
269. Surgical removal
270. Not enclosed (of land)
271. Ruling (monarch)
272. Decimal unit
273. Opinion surveys
274. Corroded, ... away at
275. Slyer
276. Supervised
277. Perseveres
278. Least
1. Manages
2. Annoyed
3. Abstains from food
4. Salt Lake City state
5. Absconded (3,3)
7. Severely simple
8. Seedy conditions
9. Discharge
10. Talk wildly
11. Muscle rupture
12. Fire-resistant material
13. Of war
14. Country dance
15. Leaked slowly
16. Aura
17. Windscreen cleaner
18. Rocky Mountains state
19. Early guitars
24. Tenant's fee
26. Fish traps
30. Quarrel
33. Document bag, ... case
34. Evoke
35. Cavalryman
38. Triangular-sided building
39. Constantly busy (2,3,2)
40. Learn (4,3)
42. Great ages
43. Charges with crime
46. Furiously
47. Beliefs
49. Properly nourished (4-3)
50. Frostier
51. Stray
53. Bewails
54. More mature
55. Biblical sea
59. Oil paintings
60. Skittles
67. Lowers (oneself)
68. Fishing boat
69. Ex-pupils' get-together
70. Invigorate
72. Residential locations
74. Score after deuce
76. Exposed
77. French N-Test region, ... Atoll
78. Rude
79. Pestered
81. Cargo door
84. Unnerves
87. Strong coffee
89. Nonconformists
91. Primitive
92. Japan's second largest city
98. Recording room
101. Restrict (3,2)
102. Asian cricketing nation
103. Flattened
108. Countless number
109. Saturate (with colour)
110. Turn inside-out
112. Remembered
116. Carpenters
119. Brightening up
120. Proper behaviour
123. Now Zimbabwean 124. Set apart
128. News-sheet 130. Ill-bred
132. Unfulfilled
133. Inaccuracy
134. Songs for one
137. Actress, ... Sarandon
138. Scoundrel
141. Heredity units
142. Cosy corners
143. Clean with broom
151. Household jobs
153. Riddle
155. Hot & moist
156. Lower leg joint
159. Revealed (knowledge)
160. Foolishness
161. Inducting, ... in
164. Too soon
165. Open wound
168. Alienate
170. Unfashionable
173. Reverse
174. Giving university talk
177. Soundly constructed (4-5)
178. Worsened (of crisis)
181. Leaves uncared-for
185. Permitting
186. Liked
187. Retailers
188. Football umpire
193. Sun or rain
194. Acorn bearer (3,4)
195. Sing-along entertainment
200. Prayer beads
201. Official emblems
206. ... & lemons
207. Wear best clothes (5,2)
208. Human rights group, ... International
209. Modesty
211. Large pedal
214. Moral
216. Dip in liquid
217. Capers
218. Numerals
220. Conclude
222. Toadstools
224. Great joy
225. Questionable
226. Junior
229. Fully satisfy
232. Liquefy
235. Actress, ... Cruz
236. Straighter
237. Reaction
241. Changing booth
242. Picasso & Monet
244. Library patrons
245. Belongings, personal ...
248. More meagre
249. You
251. Walk with heavy steps
252. Turns away
253. Imitate
254. Father Christmas
255. Praise highly
259. Divine messenger
260. Combine
261. Roman VIII
262. Small tick
264. Unknown writer
265. Swallow noisily
267. Appear
By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au
Vinyl Project
■ Covering a set list of the best hits from the 50s and 60s with a new modern flair, The Vinyl Project is a fresh three-piece R &R outfit thatis set to take the Australian music scene by storm.
Lead guitarist and band spokesman Alex Mignone along with his son AJ (bass guitar) and drummer vocalist Kelly say they’re bringing their passion for this music to life.
More info: Facebook The Vinyl Project.
Gilbert is in town
■ Singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan will enchant Melbourne fans on Thursday, May 1, at the Palms On Crown.
His timeless hits,Get Down, Claire, Alone Again, What’s In A Kiss, and others are sure to take his audience on a memorable trip back in time.
Tickets at Ticketmaster.
Bush dance
■ The Newport Folk and Fiddle Club is back for another year of events for both members and guests.
Their annual Newport Lakes Bush Dance will be held on Sunday, March 16, from 3pm6pm and includes dance music from the Newport Bush Orchestra
Additional entertainment from local musicians will fill the breaks.
The free event is happening in the beautiful Newport Lakes Park.
- Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
DON’T LET ME EAT MY BABIES
Crossword Solution No 26
■ Holly Bohmer presents her debut solo show Don't Let Me Eat my Babies as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 24 - April 6 at the Motley Bauhaus, Carlton at 7.15pm.
Bohmer will bring to life loners, weirdos, the perpetually dull, and the woefully misunderstood. These characters, described as “her babies,” reflect the complexities of the human (or in some cases pseudo human) condition.
In a way, she has birthed them, raised them, let them suckle at her teat, and - like a mother hamstershe may soon devour them.
“This show was born from a lifetime of creating and collecting weird characters,” says Holly Bohmer.
“I love the challenge of playing characters that are odd but finding something to make the audience empathise with. A lot of these characters mean well, but they’re so totally un-self-aware that they push everyone away.”
Written and performed by Holly Bohmer and directed by Melbourne alternative comedian Matt Jenner, audiences are reassured there are no real babies in this show.
Performance Details: March 24 - April 6 at 7.15pm. Venue: Motley Bauhaus, Carlton. Bookings: 1800 710 499 or
melbourne/carlton
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● ● Holly Bohmer. Photo: Max Paton
COUNTDOWN TO AUSTRALIAN GUINEAS
■ At nomination time for the Australian Guineas comes around, some of those top three-yearolds possibly competin look like making it a top event for the youngsters.
The latest market has the New Zealander, Savaglee, on top.
Prepared by leading New Zealander, Paul Gerard, he is a Guineas winner in New Zealand, having won seven of his 13 starts, and is one of the best going around there.
The Enzedders have a good reputation of winning races like the Australian Guineas
On the second line is the smart Sydneysider, Linebacker, prepared by one of Sydney’s best, John O’Shea; he is very consistent.
Since his career started off, he has competed against the very best and shown up each time.
He contested the million-dollar Golden Rose in Sydney back in September, and finished just behind some smart ones on the day.
On the day he competed against some smart youngsters in Broadsiding, Traffic Warden and Storm Boy
He is by Super Seth, a Blue Diamond Stakes winner in Super Seth, when in the care of the Freedman team in Melbourne
Broadsiding, the top three-year-old, has an imposing record specially his classy run finishing third in Group One company in the Cox Plate back in October.
Prepared by leading trainer James Cummings, he is all class.
They raced him in the VRC Champions Mile on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, but he had enough at that stage, finishing well behind yet another top-class field, and he is only three.
He will be right in this, he’s right up there with them.
Another that impressed me with its win last start was Royal Insignia, with leading hoop Jamie Mott in the saddle.
It was a good win the Manfred Stakes at Sandown and he impressed greatly with a strong finish.
I feel he will be right in this although going out to 1600 metres.
Another that has talent is the Ciaron Maher trained filly, Another Prophet, who won the One Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in good style. The distance in the Manfred might have been too short and you can’t leave her out here.
Captured By Love, a New Zealander, could make it interesting if it starts.
Prepared by Mark Walker and Graeme Rogerson, it is smart having won five races from 11 starts and in all in good company.
Ready for action
■ Top galloper Alligator Blood, who was orginally retired due to leg problems, is continuing a surprise recovery and is getting ready for action again.
It appeared that the champion was destined for theretirement paddock, but pulled out a great recovery.
However, there is a change in the return, he will now be trained by Chris Waller leaving the comfort of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Ted Ryan
Nod to apprentices
■ Four up-and-coming jockeys were acknowledged at the 2025 Apprentice Celebration Evening with Sheridan Clarke claiming two of the five awards given on the big night.
Clarke took out the RV Elite Apprentice Jockey and the Mikaela Claridge Sportsmanship Award among the class graduating from Racing Victoria’s Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
The Mikaela Claridge Award Sportsmanship is the only peer-voted prize and signifies that in the eyes of Clarke’s fellow apprentices, she demonstrated sportsmanship and offered encouragement, guidance and approachability through her words and deeds both on and off the track.
Hannah Edgley, Jaylah Kennedy and Jor-
dan Weatherly were the other award winners on the night.
Edgely received the Victorian Jockeys’ Association’s Outstanding Jockey in Training Award, which recognises excellence in all aspects of an apprenticeship, including on-track performance, dedication to personal development and industry ambassador qualities.
Kennedy was awarded the Victorian Wakeful Club Scholarship.
This scholarship recognises excellence in all aspects of an appnticeship, including on-trackperformance, dedication to personal development and industry ambassador qualities.
This scholarship recognises a female apprentice jockey’s excellence in her studies and professionalism both in and out of the saddle.
The Ballarat Cup-winning apprentice also received a $1000 grant to complete further study or to assist with her career development.
Weatherley was awarded the Andrew Gilbert Sports Science Award.
The Award, named in honour of an Victorian apprentice jockey who suffered fatal fall in 2001, reccognises the achievements of an apprentice in the fields of health and fitness.
Edgley and Clarke are also joined by their fellow apprentices, Matthew Chadwick, Maddi Kiss and Lahlan Overall, to be congratulated for completing four years graduating from the Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
The graduates were lauded for their hard work and determination in front of their families and friends.
The ceremony at Moonee Valley also saw 12 new members formally welcomed into Victoria’s New Apprentice Jockey Squad.
They are Ashley Ford, Alice Kennedy, Bree Temple, BrydieBlackshaw, Cassidy Hill, Chelsea Thompson, Dylan Dean, Hayley Norman, Jade Smith, Liana Wood, Tayle Cameron and Zac Moore.
- Ted Ryan
● ● Broadsiding. Racing Photos.
WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET MATCH RESULTS
Amateurs
■ Premier Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI v Carlton 1st XI 10/276. Prahran 1st XI v Ringwood 1st XI 6/280. Geelong 1st XI 10/ 141 v St Kilda 1st XI 4/118. Northcote 1st XI 4/58 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/153. Richmond 1st XI 10/161 v Melbourne 1st XI 2/68. Footscray 1st XI v Dandenong 1st XI 5/363. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 7/225 v Melbourne University 1st XI. Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/63 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 7/129. Essendon 1st XI 2/10 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/224.
■ Premier Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Carlton 2nd XI v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 8/255. Ringwood 2nd XI v Prahran 2nd XI 9/265. St Kilda 2nd XI 9/ 243 v Geelong 2nd XI. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 2/11 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/186. Melbourne 2nd XI v Richmond 2nd XI 6/373. Dandenong 2nd XI 8/269 v Footscray 2nd XI. Melbourne University 2nd XI 8-d/284 v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 2/31. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 0/ 17 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 6-d/349. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 7/337 v Essendon 2nd XI.
■ Premier Thirds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 1/22 v Carlton 3rd XI 10/295. Prahran 3rd XI 10/221 v Ringwood 3rd XI. Geelong 3rd XI 4/287 v St Kilda 3rd XI. Northcote 3rd XI 10/ 245 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI. Richmond 3rd XI 1/5 v Melbourne 3rd XI 6-d/328. Footscray 3rd XI 10/173 v Dandenong 3rd XI 1/98. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/165 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 0/30. Essendon 3rd XI v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 8/244. Sunday, February 23: Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/ 245 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI.
■ Premier Fourths. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Carlton 4th XI 5/294 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI. Ringwood 4th XI 1/8 v Prahran 4th XI 3-d/326. St Kilda 4th XI 5/255 v Geelong 4th XI. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI v Northcote 4th XI 10/259. Melbourne 4th XI 1/32 v Richmond 4th XI 10/247. Dandenong 4th XI v Footscray 4th XI 10/240. Melbourne University 4th XI 0/8 v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/176. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/184 v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 0/ 37. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 10/169 v Essendon 4th XI 2/79.
Sub-District
■ North-East First XI. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 3/100 v Donvale 1st XI 10/130. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/155 v Kew 1st XI 3/82. Croydon 1st XI 10/159 v Plenty Valley 1st XI 0/1. Strathmore 1st XI 0/9 v Brunswick 1st XI 10/ 183. Noble Park 1st XI 7/337 v Balwyn 1st XI. Bayswater 1st XI v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/351. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/192 v Box Hill 1st XI 3/87. Preston 1st XI v Coburg 1st XI 10/232.
■ North-East Second XI. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Donvale 2nd XI v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 6/291. Kew 2nd XI 0-d/ 143 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/51 & 4/35. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 0/19 v Croydon 2nd XI 10/ 176. Brunswick 2nd XI v Strathmore 2nd XI 10/209. Balwyn 2nd XI 10/200 v Noble Park 2nd XI. Mt Waverley 2nd XI v Bayswater 2nd XI 10/195. Box Hill 2nd XI 10/141 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 0/9. Coburg 2nd XI 10/178 v Preston 2nd XI.
■ North-West Third XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Preston 3rd XI 3/59 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/173. Werribee 3rd XI 9/201 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI. Melton 3rd XI v Brunswick 3rd XI. Sunday, February 23: Kew 3rd XI v St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 8/204.
■ North-West Third XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 3/150 v Spotswood 3rd XI 10/148. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/241 v Williamstown 3rd XI. Altona 3rd XI 10/206 v Coburg 3rd XI. Yarraville 3rd XI 9/377 v Strathmore 3rd XI.
■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 0/10 v Preston 4th XI
10/179. Plenty Valley 4th XI v Werribee 4th XI 8/270. Brunswick 4th XI 8/487 v Melton 4th XI. St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/176 v Kew 4th XI 0/5.
■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Spotswood 4th XI 10/78 v Ivanhoe 4th XI 3/ 98. Williamstown 4th XI v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 5/394. Coburg 4th XI 10/178 v Altona 4th XI. Strathmore 4th XI v Yarraville 4th XI 10/283.
■ South-East Third XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Croydon 3rd XI 10/162 v Balwyn 3rd XI 4/74. Oakleigh 3rd XI 0/12 v Malvern 3rd XI 10/110. Caulfield 3rd XI 10/189 v Bayswater 3rd XI. Sunday, February 23: Mt Waverley 3rd XI v Brighton 3rd XI 1/45.
■ South-East Third XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Elsternwick 3rd XI 10/228 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 3/19. Noble Park 3rd XI 5/61 v Donvale 3rd XI 10/116. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/122 v Ormond 3rd XI 3/35. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/ 218 v Box Hill 3rd XI 3/47.
■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Balwyn 4th XI v Croydon 4th XI 7/228. Malvern 4th XI v Oakleigh 4th XI 10/228. Bayswater 4th XI 10/167 v Caulfield 4th XI. Brighton 4th XI v Mt Waverley 4th XI 6/367.
■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. TwoDay. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/106 v Elsternwick 4th XI 1/14. Donvale 4th XI 10/111 v Noble Park 4th XI 4/194. Ormond 4th XI v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/267. Box Hill 4th XI 10/238 v Moorabbin 4th XI.
■ South-West First XI. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Yarraville 1st XI 3/47 v Melton 1st XI 10/172. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 3/79 v Moorabbin 1st XI 10/99. Caulfield 1st XI 6/152 v Ormond 1st XI 10/97. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/157 v Altona 1st XI 5/70. Oakleigh 1st XI 0/24 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/ 161. Spotswood 1st XI 5/326 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI. Malvern 1st XI v Brighton 1st XI 7/ 208. Williamstown 1st XI 8/232 v Werribee 1st XI.
■ South-West Second XI. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Melton 2nd XI 10/168 v Yarraville 2nd XI 1/8. Moorabbin 2nd XI v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 8/277. Ormond 2nd XI 10/203 v Caulfield 2nd XI 1/7. Altona 2nd XI 1/35 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/126. Elsternwick 2nd XI v Oakleigh 2nd XI 9/200. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 10/197 v Spotswood 2nd XI 2/10. Brighton 2nd XI v Malvern 2nd XI 10/306. Werribee 2nd XI v Williamstown 2nd XI 7/232.
Diamond Valley
■ Barclay Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 7/209 v Rosanna 1st XI 3/214. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 5/222 v Macleod 1st XI 8-d/218. Diamond Creek 1st XI 10/160 v Epping 1st XI 4/65. Riverside 1st XI v Bundoora United 1st XI. Bundoora 1st XI v Heidelberg 1st XI. ■ Money Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/ 212 v Banyule 1st XI 3/97. Montmorency 1st XI 10/203 v Rosebank 1st XI 4/41. Eltham 1st XI 7-d/254 v Lower Plenty 1st XI 5/257. Bundoora Park 1st XI 4/120 v Greensborough 1st XI 10/117. Plenty 1st XI v Lalor Stars 1st XI.
■ Mash Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Rivergum 1st XI 3/161 v Panton Hill 1st XI 10/160. South Morang 1st XI 8-d/212 v Thomastown 1st XI Forfeit. Thomastown United 1st XI 1/166 v Mill Park 1st XI 10/161. Dennis 1st XI 10/159 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 6-d/239. Laurimar 1st XI 3d/141 v Mernda 1st XI 10/138.
■ B-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Banyule 2nd XI 6/152 v Riverside 2nd XI 10/150. Epping 2nd XI 10/65 v Diamond Creek 2nd XI 1-d/132. Heidelberg 2nd XI 9/66 & 0/6 v Montmorency 2nd XI 9/ 210. Mernda 2nd XI 10/156 v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 6-d/235. Rosanna 2nd XI 10/178 v Plenty 2nd XI 10/138.
■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Macleod 2nd XI 3-d/147 v Bundoora Park 2nd XI 10/117 & 6/157. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 3/78 v Eltham 2nd XI 10/70. Greensborough 2nd XI 10/92 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 5/178. Riverside 3rd XI v Rivergum 2nd XI. Lalor Stars 2nd XI 9/52 v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 2/53. ■ D-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Laurimar 2nd XI 7-d/300 v Dennis 2nd XI 9/111 & 3/74. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 4-d/219 v Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/60 & 5/100. One Day. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI v South Morang 2nd XI. Rosebank 2nd XI 7/174 v Bundoora 2nd XI 6/178. Bye: Mill Park 2nd XI, Montmorency 3rd XI. ■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Thomastown 2nd XI 9/351 v Greensborough 3rd XI 10/158 & 5/56. Heidelberg 3rd XI 10/302 v Thomastown United 2nd XI 10/207. One-Day: Lower Plenty 3rd XI v Riverside 4th XI. Panton Hill 2nd XI v Banyule 3rd XI. Bundoora 3rd XI v Mernda 3rd XI. ■ F1-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Banyule 4th XI 10/225 v Macleod 3rd XI 7/226. Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 6/198 v Greensborough 4th XI 10/195. Rivergum 3rd XI 9-d/316 v Laurimar 3rd XI 10/151. One Day. Bundoora United 3rd XI v Plenty 3rd XI.
■ F2-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI 8/99 v Whittlesea 1st XI 10/165. South Morang 3rd XI 10/192 v Dennis 3rd XI 9/102. One Day. Montmorency 4th XI 10/130 v North Eltham Wanderers 4th XI 7/132. Bye: Eltham 3rd XI
■ F3-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Banyule 5th XI 8/216 v Riverside 5th XI 5/221. Hurstbridge 3rd XI v Bundoora Park 3rd XI Forfeit. One Day. Greensborough 5th XI v South Morang 4th XI. Lower Plenty 4th XI v Laurimar 4th XI.
■ G1 East-Grade. One-Day. Plenty 4th XI 2/170 v Diamond Creek 4th XI 4/171. Rosanna 3rd XI 3/148 v Heidelberg 4th XI 9/147. Riverside 6th XI 5/147 v Lower Eltham 3rd XI 2/ 148. Montmorency 5th XI 9/169 v Panton Hill 3rd XI 2/173.
■ G1 West-Grade. One-Day. Bundoora Park 4th XI 6/193 v Bundoora United 4th XI 8/ 125. Bundoora 4th XI 8/166 v Lalor Stars 3rd XI 4/239. Laurimar 5th XI 9/149 v Rosebank 3rd XI 6/150. Dennis 4th XI 10/72 v Thomastown United 3rd XI 9/267. ■ G2-Grade. One-Day. Macleod 4th XI 8/ 152 v Rivergum 4th XI 4/155. Diamond Creek 5th XI 7/168 v Eltham 4th XI 8/174. Research Eltham Collegians 5th XI 7/147 v South Morang 5th XI 8/217. Riverside 7th XI 4/192 v North Eltham Wanderers 5th XI 4/193. ■ G3-Grade. One-Day. Whittlesea 2nd XI 9/137 v Diamond Creek 6th XI 9/186. Mernda 4th XI 10/148 v Eltham 5th XI 5/149. Thomastown United 4th XI 7/189 v Lower Plenty 5th XI 5/221. South Morang 6th XI 7/155 v Montmorency 6th XI 7/170. Thomastown 3rd XI 4/88 v Dennis 5th XI 2/87. Greensborough 6th XI 9/89 v Hurstbridge 4th XI 9/157. Bye: North Eltham Wanderers 6th XI
Eastern
■ Dunstan Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Glen Iris 1st XI v Bulleen 1st XI 5/266. Edinburgh 1st XI 10/62 v East Doncaster 1st XI 10/61,. Mont Albert 1st XI v Old Carey 1st XI 10/201. Canterbury 1st XI 1/ 11 v North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 7-d/283. ■ Wright Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/ 143 v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 4/31. Heathmont 1st XI 10/270 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 0/10. Richmond City 1st XI 8/ 294 v Mazenod OCCC 1st XI. Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/190 v Mulgrave 1st XI 0/15. ■ A Turf. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Boronia Hawks 1st XI 0/4 v Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 10/191. Burwood 1st XI 0/0 v Surrey Hills 1st XI 10/262. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/204 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 3/19. Old Carey 2nd XI 10/176 v Ashwood 1st XI 0/16
■ B Turf. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and
Sat. Mar. 1. East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/130 v Canterbury 2nd XI 6/94. North Balwyn Bulls 2nd XI 4/33 v Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/162. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 1st XI v Heathmont 2nd XI 10/228. Richmond Union 1st XI 10/212 v SKOBs 1st XI 4/48.
■ C Turf. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Burwood 2nd XI 10/210 v Marcellin OC 2nd XI 0/0. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI v Boronia Hawks 2nd XI 10/251. Mulgrave 2nd XI v La Trobe University 1st XI 8/300. Bulleen 2nd XI 8/223 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI.ark
Sportsfield
■ D Turf. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Surrey Hills 2nd XI 10/136 v Old Carey 3rd XI 2/50. Ashwood 2nd XI 1/154 v East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/125. Mazenod OCCC 2nd XI 9/128 v Edinburgh 2nd XI 5/81. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 2/34 v Richmond City 2nd XI 10/218.
■ E Turf. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 9/268 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI. La Trobe University 2nd XI 3/33 v Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 2nd XI 5-d/290. Marcellin OC 3rd XI 8/240 v Heathmont 3rd XI. SKOBs 2nd XI 2/90 v Edinburgh 3rd XI. Bye: Mont Albert 3rd XI
■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Clifton Hill 1st XI 9/293 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 1st XI. STC South Camberwell Senior Men- 1st XI 10/ 103 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 1st XI 6/88. Glen Waverley 1st XI 10/271 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 1/3. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 0/48 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/170.
■ Kevin Burt Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 6/200 v Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/93. Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 2nd XI 10/211 v STC South Camberwell Senior Men2nd XI 2/66. Mount Waverley Catholics 1st XI 10/234 v Toorak-Prahran 1st XI 0/2. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 10/123. Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 2/ 64.
■ John Menzies and Keith Mackay Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Blackburn North United 1st XI 0/11 v Holy Trinity 3rd XI 9-d/208. Toorak-Prahran 2nd XI 1/8 v North Alphington 10/200. Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI 10/297 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 0/11.
■ A Synthetic. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Clifton Hill 3rd XI v Burwood 3rd XI 7/338. Mount Waverley Uniting 1st XI 10/222 v Mulgrave 3rd XI 0/30. Holy Trinity 4th XI 10/132 v West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI 1/ 151.
■ B Synthetic. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Glen Waverley 3rd XI 7/195 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 2nd XI, abandoned. Edinburgh 4th XI 1/34 v Trinity Willison CC 4th XI. Mazenod OCCC 3rd XI 1/61 v Toorak-Prahran 3rd XI 10/144.
■ LOC1. One-Day. Knox Churches 1st XI 10/ 191 v Eagles 1st XI 0/194. Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI v Hartley 1st XI Forfeit. Manningham 1st XI 10/129 v Northcote United 1st XI 7/ 222. Bye: Malvern Valley 1st XI
■ LOC2. One-Day. Eagles 4th XI 10/191 v AYC Harlequins 1st XI 9/186. Eagles 2nd XI 10/105 v Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 2/109. Glen Iris 3rd XI 4/88 v East Doncaster 4th XI 10/86. Mulgrave 4th XI 10/176 v Monash University 1st XI 8/261.
■ LOC3. One-Day. Manningham 2nd XI 5/ 236 v East Doncaster 5th XI 10/230. Eagles 3rd XI 10/178 v Salesian 1st XI 9/166. North Balwyn 3rd XI 10/161 v St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI 5/179. Burwood United Canterbury 3rd XI 10/104 v Melbourne Sixers 1st X1 5/106.
■ LOC4. One-Day. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 3rd XI 9/171 v North Balwyn 4th XI 4/ 225. STC South Camberwell 3rd XI 6/252 v Malvern Valley 2nd XI 10/154. Ashwood 3rd XI 3/117 v Mulgrave 5th XI 10/115. Burwood 4th XI 10/123 v Salvation Army Waverley 1st XI 1/ 125. AYC Harlequins 2nd XI 6/195 v Mount Waverley Catholics 2nd XI 6/196.
■ LOC5. One-Day. Heathmont 5th XI 6/176 v St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 4/178. Hawthorn Boroondara 5th XI 3/181. Blackburn North United 2nd XI 10/143. Deepdene Uniting 3rd Continued Next Page
SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES
Continued From Previous Page
XI 8/130 v Glen Iris 4th X1 10/129. ToorakPrahran 4th XI 10/94 v Mount Waverley Uniting 2nd XI 1/96. Northcote United 2nd XI 5/ 186 v Clifton Hill 4th XI 7/184.
■ LOC6. One-Day. STC South Camberwell 4th XI 5/227 v Mount Waverley Uniting 3rd XI 7/226. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 4th XI 7/180 v Glen Waverley 4th XI 4/181. Manningham 3rd XI 6/164 v Knox Churches 2nd XI 2/245. Ashburton Willows 3rd XI 6/148 v Abbotsford Anglers 1st XI 10/140. Salesian 2nd XI 5/202 v Ashwood 4th XI 9/131.
■ LOC7. One-Day. Edinburgh 5th XI 8/208 v Hawthorn Boroondara 6th XI 9/199. Richmond Union 3rd XI 6/151 v East Doncaster 6th XI 7/147. STC South Camberwell 5th XI Saturday Synthetic 10/98 v Mont Albert 5th XI 10/112. Glen Waverley 5th XI - Sunday v Bulleen 4th XI, abandoned. Bye: Mount Waverley Catholics 3rd XI
■ LOC8. One-Day. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 5th XI Forfeit v Heathmont 6th XI. Monash University 2nd XI 6/216 v Glen Waverley 6th XISunday 9/99. Ashwood 5th XI 5/234 v STC South Camberwell - 4th XI Saturday Synthetic 8/197. Malvern Valley CC 3rd XI 5/74 v Mazenod OCCC 4th XI 9/70. Bye: Ashburton Willows 4th XI
■ LOC9. One-Day. Balwyn Saints 4th XI 7/ 191 v Holy Trinity 5th XI 9/157. Edinburgh 6th XI 10/176 v Monash University 3rd XI 10/110. East Doncaster 7th XI 7/200 v Clifton Hill 5th XI 5/203. West Ivanhoe United 3rd XI 6/196 v Richmond City 4th XI 10/165. Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 5/193 v Richmond Union 4th XI 9/123.
Morn. Peninsula
■ Provincial Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Langwarrin 1sts 9-d/263 v Baden Powell 1sts 10/182. Pines 1sts 10/184 v Red Hill 1sts 10/120. Sorrento 1sts 7/206 v Dromana 1sts 10/179. Old Peninsula 1st XI 10/254 v Heatherhill 1sts 7/255.
■ Peninsula Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Seaford Tigers 1sts 10/60 & 3/145 v Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1 1-d/87. Rosebud Senior Men 1sts 7/154 v Seaford 1sts 10/153. Somerville Senior Men 1sts 10/225 v Moorooduc 1sts 10/ 244. Long Island 1sts 10/130 v Mornington 1sts 3/132.
■ District Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Carrum 1sts 10/259 v Carrum Downs 1sts 10/270. Flinders 1sts 10/ 123 v Balnarring 1sts 5/143. Baxter 1sts 5/ 249 v Boneo 1sts 9/253. Crib Point 1sts 10/ 135 v Main Ridge 1sts 7/139.
■ Sub-District Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Ballam Park 1sts 10/ 155 v Frankston YCW 1sts 10/204. Delacombe Park 1sts 10/190 v Skye 1sts 10/95. Mt Martha 1sts 6/146 v Rye 1sts 4/147. Tootgarook 1sts 10/84 v Tyabb 1sts 2/85.
■ Provincial Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Baden Powell 2nds 10/169 v Langwarrin 2nds 5/170. Red Hill 2nds 9/156 v Pines 2nds 4/229. Dromana 2nds 10/ 56 & 10/99 v Sorrento 2nds 8/229. Heatherhill 2nds 6/181 v Old Peninsula 2nd XI 5/182.
■ Peninsula Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Mt Eliza Senior Men 2nd X1 9/174 v Seaford Tigers 2nds 10/148. Seaford 2nds 10/151 & 2/49 v Rosebud Senior Men 2nds 7-d/246. Moorooduc 2nds 10/ 103 v Somerville Senior Men 2nds 8-d/265. Mornington 2nds 10/120 v Long Island 2nds 10/204.
■ District Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Carrum Downs 2nds 10/188 v Carrum 2nds 10/122. Balnarring 2nds 4/101 v Flinders 2nds 10/99. Boneo 2nds 10/ 203 v Baxter 2nds 8/236. Main Ridge 2nds 10/185 v Crib Point 2nds 6/186.
■ Sub-District Seconds. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Frankston YCW 2nds 10/199 v Ballam Park 2nds 10/178. Skye 2nds 8/64 & 10/119 v Delacombe Park 2nds 5-d/220. Rye 2nds 10/64 & 10/42 v Mt Martha 2nds 9-d/157. Tyabb 2nds 7/205 v Tootgarook 2nds 8/204.
North Metro
■ Jika Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Donath CC 1st XI 1/16 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/202. Keon Park CC 1st XI v Camrea CC 1st XI 7/336. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 4/50 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/188.
■ Jack Quick Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Cameron CC 1st XI 9/ 106 v Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 10/150. Fairfield CC 1st XI 6/177 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/ 131. Strathewen Cougars CC 1st XI Forfeit v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI.
■ Jack Kelly Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI v Keon Park CC 2nd XI 6/354. West Preston CC 1st XI v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 4/362. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 4/110 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/106.
■ B-Grade.Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Camrea CC 2nd XI 5-d/374 v Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 3/72. Preston YCW District CC 1st XI v Strathewen Cougars CC 2nd XI Forfeit. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 10/229 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 0/17. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/169 v Victorian Nepalese CA CC 1/15.
■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 6-d/ 254 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI 2/38. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 9/96 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 2/98. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 8/247 v Fairfield CC 2nd XI. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd XI 2/56 v Donath CC 2nd XI 8/105.
■ Robert Young DODC. Cameron CC OD 3/97 v Bellfield Rocketz CC OD Forfeit. Preston YCW District CC OD 7/155 v Keon Park CC OD 6/43. Preston Baseballers CC OD 7/157 v Fiji Victorian CC OD 10/86. Kinglake CC OD 10/62 v Northern Socials CC OD 9/63. Camrea CC OD 8/177 v Olympic Colts CC OD 7/179.
Ringwood District
■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. South Croydon 1XI v Croydon Ranges 1XI. Ainslie Park 1XI v Montrose 1XI. Kilsyth 1XI v Lilydale 1XI. North Ringwood 1XI v Norwood 1XI.
■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Warranwood 1XI v St Andrews 1XI. East Ringwood 1XI v Wonga Park 1XI. Mooroolbark 1XI v Templeton 1XI. Bayswater Park 1XI v Wantirna South 1XI. Heatherdale 1XI v Vermont 1XI.
■ Stuart Newey Plate. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Heathwood 1XI v Croydon North 1XI. Seville Burras 1XI v Chirnside Park 1XI. Montrose 2XI v Warrandyte 1st XI. South Warrandyte 1XI v Mt Evelyn 1XI.
■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Norwood 2XI v North Ringwood 2XI. Warrandyte 2nd XI v Kilsyth 2XI. Yarra Junction 1XI v Ainslie Park 2XI. Croydon Ranges 2XI v South Croydon 2XI
■ Pat Meehan Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Wonga Park 2XI v Eastfield 1XI. Lilydale 2XI v Healesville 1XI. Wantirna South 2XI v East Ringwood 2XI. Templeton 2XI v Lusatia Park 1XI.
■ Ian Spencer Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. North Ringwood 3XI v Coldstream 1XI. St Andrews 2XI v Warranwood 2XI. Chirnside Park 2XI v South Warrandyte 2XI. Montrose 3XI v Mooroolbark 2XI. Vermont 2XI v Heatherdale 2XI.
■ David Beatty Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Mt Evelyn 2XI v Bayswater Park 2XI. Croydon Ranges 3XI v Yarra Glen 1XI. Norwood 3XI v Seville Burras 2XI. East Ringwood 3XI v Heathwood 2XI.
■ Don Smith Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Wandin 1XI v Montrose 4XI. St Andrews 3XI v Warrandyte 3rd XI. Hoddles Creek 1XI v Wonga Park 3XI. Warranwood 3XI v Ainslie Park 3XI.
■ John Springett Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Lusatia Park 2XI v Lilydale 3XI. Kilsyth 3XI v Yarra Junction 2XI. Healesville 2XI v Wantirna South 3XI. Eastfield 2XI v Chirnside Park 3XI.
■ A-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and
Sat. Mar. 1. Templeton 3XI v South Croydon 3XI. Wonga Park 4XI v Norwood 4XI. Seville Burras 3XI v St Andrews 4XI. Croydon North 2XI v Powelltown 1XI.
■ B-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Heathwood 3XI v Mt Evelyn 3XI. Coldstream 2XI v Mooroolbark 3XI. Warrandyte 4th XI v Croydon Ranges 4XI. South Warrandyte 3XI v Heatherdale 3XI.
■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Chirnside Park 4XI v Warranwood 4XI. Healesville 3XI v Warrandyte 5th XI. St Andrews 5XI v Kilsyth 4XI. Wantirna 1XI v North Ringwood 4XI.
■ D-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Heatherdale 4XI v East Ringwood 4XI. Wonga Park 5XI v Croydon Ranges 5XI. Mooroolbark 4XI v Yarra Junction 3XI. Lilydale 4XI v Norwood 5XI.
■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 22 and Sat. Mar. 1. Warrandyte 6th XI v Wandin 2XI. Boronia Hawks 4XI v St Andrews 6XI. Yarra Glen 2XI v Wonga Park 6XI.
■ F-Grade. One Day. Ainslie Park 4XI v Wantirna South 4XI. Montrose 5XI: Bye. Bayswater Park 3XI v Mt Evelyn 4XI. South Croydon 4XI v Vermont 3XI, abandoned.
■ G-Grade. One Day. Kilsyth 5XI v Seville 4XI. Mt Evelyn 5XI v Hoddles Creek 2XI. Chirnside Park 5XI v Montrose 6XI, abandoned. Heathwood 4XI v Templeton 4XI, abandoned.
■ H-Grade. One Day. North Ringwood 5XI v Norwood 6XI. Mooroolbark 5XI v Heatherdale 5XI, abandoned. Lusatia Park 3XI v Healesville 4XI. Warranwood 5XI v Mt Evelyn 6XI, abandoned.
■ I-Grade. One Day. Croydon North 3XI v Wantirna 2XI. Warranwood 6XI v St Andrews 7XI. Croydon Ranges 6XI: Bye. Eastfield 3XI v Warrandyte 7th XI.
■ J-Grade. One Day. Wonga Park 7XI v Bayswater Park 4XI, abandoned. St Andrews 8XI v Warranwood 7XI, abandoned. Wantirna 3XI v South Croydon 5XI, abandoned. Bye: Ainslie Park 5XI
■ K-Grade. One Day. Powelltown 2XI v Wandin 3XI.
Yarra Junction 4XI v Chirnside Park 6XI. Yarra Glen 3XI v Croydon North 4XI.
■ L-Grade. One Day. Healesville 5th XI v Vermont 4XI. Lusatia Park 4th XI v Yarra Junction 5X1. Bye: East Ringwood 5XI
South East
■ Longmuir Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Bentleigh Uniting 1 10/182 v East Sandringham 1 6/185. Le Page Park 1 7/268 v Kingston Heath 1 10/69. Brighton Union 1 8/203 v West Bentleigh 1 8/ 200. CHAG 1 9/173 v Bentleigh ANA 1 9/ 252.
■ Woolnough Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Elwood 1 7/252 v Mackie 1 10/238. Omega 1 10/118 v Washington Park 1 10/158. Cluden 1 6/201 v Hampton United 1 3/205. Cheltenham Park 1 10/ 203 v Hampton Central 1 10/129.
■ Quiney Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Carnegie South 1 3/186 v Elwood 2 10/131. CUCC Kings 3 10/141 & 3-d/144. Bentleigh Uniting 2 10/78 & 2/119. Kingston Heath 2 10/121 v Le Page Park 2 3/ 158. Washington Park 2 10/138 v Omega 2 6/180.
■ Pullen Shield. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Mackie 2 7/242 v Highett West 1 7/240. West Bentleigh 2 10/77 v Brighton Union 2 10/356. East Sandringham 2 1-d/448 v Cheltenham Park 2 9/63 & 10/ Hampton United 2 3-d/86 v Melbourne Wanderers 1 10/84 & 10/288.
Western Suburbs
■ A-Grade. Two-Day. Sat. Feb. 15 and Sat. Feb. 22. Werribee CC A 6th XI v Wyndham Vale A Grade 3rd XI. Point Cook CC A Grade 5th XI v Altona Sports A 1st XI - Two Day, abandoned. Seabrook A Grade 3rd XI 5/ 246 v Western Utd SC A Grade 2nd XI, abandoned.
■ A-Grade. One Day. Williams Landing SC D01 1st XI v 5ABI Caroline Springs D01, abandoned. Truganina Strikers D01 Yellow v Manor Lakes D01 1st XI, abandoned. West Point Titans D01 1st XI v Utd Tarneit SC D01 1st XI, abandoned. Tarneit Central D01 Blue v Truganina CC D01, abandoned.
ARIES: (March 21- April 20)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 2-9-1-7
Lotto Numbers: 2-11-12-23-27-31
This period holds much promise for those ready to keep their wits. So, knock off the wishful thinking and be more positive. Your chances of earning while you learn are within reach.
TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)
Lucky Colour: Brown
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 3-2-7-6
Lotto Numbers: 3-12-13-28-36-42
Be careful with what you say or sign during this period. An unguarded moment could make you feel sorry. This is a time to collect money or favours due to you; you are not a charitable organisation.
GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1-6-2-7
Lotto Numbers: 1-10-29-34-39-42
New and better ideas take precedence over old, impractical ones, so direct your attention to this area and don’t be just a bystander. Use your Gemini versatility and ingenuity to make work adjustments to your advantage.
CANCER: (June 22- July 22)
Lucky Colour: Purple
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-7-5-9
Lotto Numbers: 2-19-20-35-39-44
You could have to face up to past misdemeanours now, and any shady deals you make could backfire, so keep everything above board or face the consequences. Legal problems could be trying and very expensive now.
LEO: (July 23- August 22)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 1-10-3-5
Lotto Numbers: 1-10-19-28-35-44
Your finances are draining faster than a runny nose, which could have a nasty effect on your moods. Try to find the reason for this leak and have it plugged in immediately; it's no use trying to blame someone for it.
VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 3-5-7-9
Lotto Numbers: 3-12-30-33-41-43
Be prepared for some mind-boggling interruptions from nosy neighbours or partners. Bets to set them straight from the start. If not, you could get very frustrated later on.
LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 3-2-2-7
Lotto Numbers: 3-22-29-34-39-43
You will have to make some crucial decisions now. Avoid anyone with lousy advice and follow your intuition. It might be best to go away for a quiet weekend and think things over very carefully.
SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 3-6-6-8
Lotto Numbers: 3-30-33-38-42-45
Your finances are still pretty low; an unexpected expense could drop your bank balance. Try to be positive and think of ways to come up with the goodies, even if it means getting a temporary job.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)
Lucky Colour: Brown
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 5-9-8-8
Lotto Numbers: 5-14-15-27-31-38
Pressures near home can be a real pain in the neck now. You may even have to eat some humble pie. Keep a clear mind to sort things out and find the right solutions.
CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 3-4-7-8
Lotto Numbers: 3-12-13-20-35-42
Don’t hang on to past memories; it's not good to think about what could have been. Also, start thinking about your own welfare. You have been thinking and worrying too much about other people’s troubles lately.
AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 3-7-9-9
Lotto Numbers: 3-12-14-17-27-30
Turn on the charm, and you’ll soon have them eating from your hand. You will be the flavour of the month. This could be very beneficial at work when bonuses are given out. Go ahead with extended-range plans.
PISCES: (February 20- March 20)
Lucky Colour: Rose
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1-6-5-3
Lotto Numbers: 6-17-19-37-42-44
It is time to stop a long-standing feud and let bygones be bygones. Everyone deserves a second chance. Exercise some caution when buying articles. Do you really need them? Beware also of sad stories; they are only trying to see if you are a soft touch.
Stars with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family
■ 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.
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PRINTEDITIONAREAS
Eastern Suburbs Edition. Boroondara (north), Knox-Sherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Edition. Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Warburton. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Avenel, Beveridge, Broadford, Euroa, Kilmore, Nagambie, Seymour, Wallan, Wandong-Heathcote Junction. North-West Edition. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley. Moorabool, Wyndham Northern Suburbs Edition. Banyule, Darebin (north - Preston-Reservoir), Darebin (southNorthcote, Thornbury), Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban). Regional Edition. Mansfield, Murrindindi (Alexandra, Kinglake, Yea), Nilllumbik (rural), Whittlesea (rural). Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra. South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula.
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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
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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.
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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.
PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114.
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SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $20. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. 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
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.
BOOKS
As new c ond. Fiction by J. Archer, W. Smith, F. Forsyth, J. Graham, D. Brown, C. Cussler, T. Clancy, etc. Some complete sets. Most hard covers. $4 some, $3 some. Mt Eliza. 0412 830 241. H-O
CANE CHAIRS. Cane Table. GC. $20. Keon Park. 9469 4558. H-O
CRIME FICTION BOOKS. Various authors. Harlen Coben, James Patterson plus others. GC. $2, or 3 for $5. Mill Park. 052 665 276. H-O
ERGONOMIC Swivel Chair. Red. Best Cond. $40. Keon Park. 9469 4558. H-O
FOOTWEAR. Navy woven leather. Diana Ferrari Sandal. Size 9. Worn once. Paid $130. Will sell $60. Ferntree Gully. 0407 533 560. H-O
OLD Bike Australasia 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,. 47, 48, 49, 51, 52. GC. $3. Mill Park. 0452 665 276. H-O
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
BANK Money Boxes. GC. Negotiable. Mill Park. 9436 8935. H-O
UNIT. One bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living area. Private entrance. Price includes utilities (power/gas/water). VGC. $300 per week. Diamond Creek. 0404 433 572. H-O TO RENT
TENT. Wild Country. Hardly ever used. EC. $80. Mill Park. 0452 665 276 H-O
(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)
24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK
(Scrap bin available)
