The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed.,, Feb. 12, 2025

‘POTENTIAL BREACHES BY BY WHITTLESEA MAYOR’

■ City of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon had potentially breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, it was suggested at an unscheduled Council meeting held on Tuesday last week (Feb. 4).

The meeting was mostly closed to the public, with the open section of the meeting lasting just three minutes.

The meeting was held at the South Morang municipal headquarters, and Cr McLindon was due to be absent with an apology, according to the agenda.

Cr McLindon had previously announced that he was temporarily standing aside as Mayor, whilst he stood as a candidate for last weekend’s Werribee by-election (Feb. 8).

However, the draft minutes indicate that Cr McLindon opened the meeting at 7pm, and closed the meeting to the public at 7.03pm. Cr McLindon abstained from the vote to close the meeting.

The agenda said the meeting was to consider details relating to the confidential matter in accordance with a section of the Local Government Act.

Praise for Peter Talbot

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has praised Eltham Lions Club president Peter Talbot, who had an idea that he wanted to help our community come together in an inclusive and celebratory way on Australia Day

“In an incredibly short time, with the support of local community and organisations, it happened.

“On Australia Day we got together in Eltham Town Square and celebrated our shared values of inclusion, kindness and helpfulness and the simple joy of singing, eating, laughing and having fun together.

“This wonderful event was made possible

6 races featuring LAWD

Sister Olive St Pats Cup over 3000 metres

thanks to the hard work and collaboration of fantastic community groups like Eltham

“This

and involvement

● ● Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA

The Local Paper

GOVT. IS NOT LISTENING: MP

Local Briefs

Lions to fold?

■ There has been social media chatter over the past week that the Alexandra Lions Club is to fold. A similar situation occurred in Yea several decades ago, with a number of Lions then joining the Rotary Club of Yea.

Pool to open

■ The opening of the Coonawarra Willam Aquatics Centre at Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Doreen campus will take place on Wednesday, March 19.

Avenel fatality

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Avenel on Sunday morning (Feb. 9).

A passer-by called emergency services to Avenel-Nagambie Rd, after noticing a crashed vehicle, just before 10am.

It appears the driver of a utility had lost control and crashed into a tree before it came to rest on its roof.

The driver, who is believed to be the sole occupant, died at the scene.

7000 agreements

■ North Eastern Metropolitan MLC Aiv Puglielli says that the North East Link Program has insisted on more than 7000 nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs, “that people, including those in my electorate, have been forced to sign in exchange for compensation for damages caused by the construction of the North East Link

“The Labor Government and their contractors should not be trying to cover up the extensive damage caused by the construction of the ludicrously expensive North East Link toll road.

“Residents in my area and others have been forced to sign upwards of 7000 NDAs and have been given millions of dollars in secret payments to stay quiet about the damage that this North East Link is causing by ripping through their suburbs, leaving potholes in their roads and cracks in their houses.”

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland says the Allan Labor Government is not listening to local residents.

“My question is for the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs [Danny Pearson]. How many businesses have closed across the Euroa region in the past 12 months?

“Across my region we are seeing an alarming trend: shops and businesses are closing at a concerning rate.

“This is happening in towns that this government itself earmarked for growth. These communities should be seeing investment and opportunity but instead their main streets are lined with ‘For lease’ signs.

“The latest ABS data confirms this decline, with Heathcote, Benalla, Seymour and the Kilmore-Broadford area all reporting fewer businesses than last year.

“In Benalla alone there was a loss of 36 businesses just in the past year. Just last Friday I met with Heathcote business owners, and half of them told me they are either shutting up or going interstate because operating in Victoria is impossible.

“The reasons are clear. Skyrocketing WorkCover costs, an ever-increasing tax burden imposed by a financially incompetent government and the growing impact of crime are taking a serious toll on businesses.

“Again and again these business owners say the government is not listening,” Ms Cleeland said.

Festivals question

■ North Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch says in past years he has attended Holi and Diwali festivals in the City of Whittlesea run by the organisation Mission Smile.

“Mission Smile are not just a commercial operation; they do charitable works, and they are deeply involved in generating a sense of community in the northern suburbs.

“However, the Multicultural Commission of Victoria, who previously supported this event, has due to funding cuts put in a condition that they can only support one event per organisation per year. That means Mission Smile must choose now between running a Holi event or a Diwali event. “

Crime rate grows

■ Northern Metropolitan MLC Evan Mulholland says that there crime crisis in the northern suburbs.

“I was shocked to see the Premier finally admitting in the Herald Sun that the bail laws that she weakened are too soft, setting up a review into her government’s weakening of our bail laws.

“Minister, the northern suburbs have become a hotspot for rising crime.

“Recent data shows a disturbing increase in incidents of burglary, vehicle theft and violent crime, with residents living in fear. When I introduced that bill last year it was actually Mr Galea on the other side of the chamber who said that we were motivated not by Victorians but by a headline in the Herald Sun and on 3AW,” Mr Mulholland said.

Stadium needed

■ Birmingham Primary School in Mount Evelyn needs a new fit-for-purpose school stadium, local MLA Bridget Vallence has told State Parliament.

“On behalf of the students, families and teachers, my question is to the Minister for Education: how much funding will be allocated in the 2025–26 budget to build a new multipurpose stadium with a gymnasium, a kitchen and change rooms at Birmingham Primary School?” Ms Vallence asked.

“Currently the school has no indoor space that can accommodate all students and teachers in one location for assemblies, school presentations or indoor sport when the weather outside is searing hot or raining.

“ I have visited Birmingham Primary School many times and know how this new stadium would provide a significant benefit to the school.

“It would also provide a refuge for the Mount Evelyn community in times of bushfire and storms.

“At the 2022 election we pledged to deliver this project, but so far the Labor Government has refused to do so.

“A shout-out to principal Trish Enzinger, her staff and parent volunteers for their amazing advocacy on this issue.

“We require funding for Birmingham Primary School, Mount Evelyn, for a new stadium at their school,” Ms Vallence said.

● ● Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa MLA

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Don’t

VICTORIA

Papers go weekly

■ Australian Community Media has foreshadowed plans for the Bendigo Advertiser and Border Mail (Albury-Wodonga) newspapers to move from daily publication to oncea-week. The emphasis will be on journalists to file for online issues.

ACROSS THE STRAIT

Paper mill purchase

■ Melbourne businessman David Marriner, whose family operates a number of prominent theatres (Princess, Comedy, Forum, Regent) is purchasing Australia’s last remaining paper mail in Tasmania for $27 million.

GREATER GEELONG Compliance time

■ Police have seized various quantities of drugs of dependence following a four-day operation targeting Firearm Prohibition Orde r (FPO) compliance across greater Geelong.

The joint operation between the VIPER Taskforce and local Geelong police saw the execution of 14 FPO compliance searches in North Shore, Corio, Leopold, Boonah, Lara (2), Armstrong Creek, Ocean Grove, Norlane, Waurn Ponds, Queenscliff, Hamlyn Heights, Charlemont and Curlewis.

Investigators seized various quantities of what appear to be cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, steroids and ketamine.

An 18-year-old Leopold man was issued with a cannabis caution, a 42-year-old Armstrong Creek man was issued with a drug diversion and a 36-year-old Hamlyn Heights man was interviewed in relation to the offence of possess drug of dependence and is expected to be charged on summons. Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 2300 FPOs across the state.

- Victoria Police

PARAGLIDER PLUCKED TO SAFETY AT CORRYONG

■ A paraglider was winched to safety after becoming stuck in a tree at Corryong.

Emergency services were called after reports the paraglider conducted an emergency landing at Mount Mittamatite about 3pm on Monday, February 3.

The woman became stuck in a 10 metre tree and was unable to free herself due to the height and strong wind.

Local police notified the Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad – which specialises in vertical rescues – and members were subsequently flown in from Melbourne by the Air Wing

Four SAR members were winched to a nearby location and hiked approximately 300 metres in rugged terrain before reaching the site.

A SAR member climbed the tree and set up a roping system before safely lowering the paraglider to the ground.

The woman was winched onboard the helicopter about 8.40pm and did not require any medical treatment.

Inspector James Dalton, Water Police and Search and Rescue Squads, said: “This rescue was complex – we had a paraglider stuck at height, in rugged terrain and on top of that strong wind made it challenging for the air crew. “

Statewide

CRAIGIEBURN

Arson charges

■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a man following an arson attack at a Craigieburn tobacco store in December.

A 32-year-old Epping man was arrested on Spencer St in Docklands shortly before 11am Thursday (Feb. 6).

He was interviewed by police and charged with arson and theft of motor vehicle.

The man was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

With the assistance of the VIPER Taskforce, search warrants were subsequently executed at residential addresses in Glenroy, Reservoir and Epping

A 25-year-old Reservoir man was interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to a blaze at the Craigieburn Rd centre about 3.30am on Tuesday, December 10.

A number of men were seen exiting a black Holden Commodore which parked directly outside the store, before throwing an accelerant into the store and setting it alight.

The shop sustained significant damage during the fire.

The same vehicle was stolen from an address in Bundoora around 1.20am that morning.

It is then captured on CCTV at a petrol station in Bundoora at 1.26am.

The investigation remains ongoing.

NIRRANDA

SOUTH

Hit by tractor

■ Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man on in Nirranda South on Thursday (Feb. 6).

It is believed the man was struck by a tractor near a property on the Great Ocean Road about 12.15pm. The driver of the tractor, a 42-year-old Nirranda South man, stopped and rendered assistance.

● ● A female paraglider was rescued. Nine News.

Statewide

HOPPERS CROSSING

Blew .326

■ Police have caught an alleged drink driver who got behind the wheel almost seven times over the legal limit, before being involved in

It is understood a silver Mazda and a utility collided on the Princes Fwy about 11.20pm on Saturday (Feb. 8). The Mazda then crashed into a pole.

There were no serious injuries and the vehicle sustained extensive damage.

The driver of the Mazda , a 29-year-old Weir Views man, underwent a preliminary breath test at the scene where he allegedly returned a positive result.

He was taken to a police station for an evidentiary breath test, returning an alleged reading of .326.

The man is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences and driving whilst disqualified.

MOE

Fire at shops

■ Firefighters have battled a blaze which engulfed a shopping strip in Moe on Saturday afternoon (feb. 8).

Crews were called to Market St at 3.40pm following numerous Triple Zero (000) calls reporting smoke and flames at a group of shops.

Firefighters arrived on scene within four minutes to find that the fire had spread from one premises through the roof space to multiple adjacent businesses.

At the height of the incident approximately 80 firefighters from FRV supported by CFA worked together to extinguish the flames and make the scene safe.

The blaze was brought under control about 5.15pm.

There are no reports of any injuries.

FRV Fire Investigators were to attend the scene to investigate the cause of the incident.

WONTHAGGI

Across Victoria MAN’S SERIOUS INJURIES IN FOREST HILL STABBING

■ Whitehorse Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam vision after a man was left with serious injuries following a stabbing in Forest Hill last week.

It is understood the victim was walking home from work on Mahoneys Rd when a car pulled alongside him on Thursday (Feb. 6) about 10.10pm.

The offender called the victim a ‘dog’ and a ‘rat’, then demanded his phone before he got out of his vehicle armed with a knife and made further demands for the victim’s phone and wallet.

When he refused, the man stabbed the victim and fled the scene in the vehicle.

The 32-year-old Burwood East man, who was able to raise the alarm with a family member, sustained serious injuries.“ He was taken to hospital where he remains.

Investigators have released CCTV of the vehicle involved and of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Detectives are appealing for motorists in the area at the time with dashcam in their vehicles to make contact with police as they may have inadvertently captured the offending vehicle.

Investigators are also appealing for local residents to check their CCTV footage .

Statewide

Have you spotted Linda?

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Brunswick West woman Linda.

The 34-year-old was last seen at a medical facility on Victoria Parade in Fitzroy about 4pm on Saturday (Feb. 8).

Police and family have concerns for Linda’s welfare due to her medical condition and her disappearance being out of character.

Investigators have released an image of Linda in the hope someone can provide information as to her whereabouts.

Linda is Caucasian, of thin build with long brown hair.

Anyone who sights Linda or has information on her whereabouts is urged to call Broadmeadows Police Station on 9302 8222.

Further charges

■ Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have laid further charges following a nonfatal shooting in Wonthaggi last month.

A 24-year-old Leongatha man was arrested by investigators on January 14 after attempting to evade police.

In relation to a separate incident, he was charged at the time with unlicensed driving, negligently deal with proceeds of crime, two counts of traffick drug of dependence, two counts of possess prohibited weapon, possess ammunition without licence, possess cannabis, prohibited person possess firearm and prohibited person possess imitation firearm in relation to a series of separate matters.

He has now been further charged with intentionally cause serious injury, intentionally cause injury, conduct endangering life, prohibited person use firearm and possess explosive substance.

He remains in custody and will appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court on February 13.

A 28-year-old Wonthaggi man was also charged on January 14 with conduct endanger life, recklessly cause serious injury, intentionally cause injury, reckless cause injury, prohibited person possess firearm, criminal damage, possess ammunition round, possess cannabis, possess firework and drive whilst disqualified.

He was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on April 4.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to reports a man had been shot in the upper body following an altercation on Fahey St around 2am on Sunday, January 12.

The 42-year-old man was conveyed to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.

● Linda

Muddy Creek: home to Taungurung people

■ Prior to the arrival of Europeans the Yea area was home to the Waring Illum Balluk group of the Taungurung First Nation people.

The first Europeans in the area were the party of explorers William Hovell and Hamilton Hume who crossed the Yea River near the site of Yea in 1824.

Their favourable report of the grazing land led to the settlement of Victoria.

First settlers in the district were overlanders from New South Wales who arrived in 1837. Peter Snodgrass licensed the Murrindindi Run in that year.

Most of the good land on the Goulburn River had been taken up by 1839. Yea was developed on the Murrindindi run.

John Cotton established the Doongallook Run west of Yea in 1843.

The first town was known as Muddy Creek. It was established by 1855.

The first sale of town lots occurred in 1856.

The Yea River was called Muddy Creek until 1878.

The town was surveyed and laid out by Thomas Pinniger, a government surveyor, in 1855 with town lots going on sale at Kilmore in 1856.

Gold was discovered in the area in 1859 and a number of smaller mining settlements came into existence at this time, including Molesworth. Yea grew as a service centre to the diggers. To Be Continued

This photo of Muddy Creek (Yea), looking east, colourised by The Local Paper, is said to have been taken in 1855.

Petition underway

■ Signatures are being collected for a petition calling for the resignation of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon.

“We, the residents of the City of Whittlesea , call on the resignation of the Mayor as the residents have lost faith in his ability to carry out the duties of Mayor.

“After only nine weeks in office, he has chosen to seek election for the seat of Werribee, raising concerns about his commitment to the responsibilities and obligations that come with leading our community.

“The position of Mayor demands full attention, dedication, and focus on the needs and wellbeing of the residents of Whittlesea

“The current Mayor’s decision to pursue another political role so soon after being elected to serve our city reflects a disregard for the trust placed in him by the residents.

“His actions suggest that he is more focused on advancing his personal political career rather than fulfilling the promises he made to the community.

“The residents of Whittlesea deserve a Mayor who prioritises their interests and dedicates the necessary time and effort to serve the city effectively.

“We believe that the Mayor’s actions have undermined public confidence and trust in his leadership,” the petition says.

New collection day is Tuesday

■ Mitchell Shire’s kerbside collection contractor has reviewed current and future collection routes.

Some properties will have a change to their collection day starting Tuesday, March 4. Some properties that previously had Thursday collections will now have their bins collected on Tuesdays.

Affected locations may include:

Arrowsmith Street, Beveridge

Bakers Road, Kilmore East

Barwon Drive, Wandong

Bellyn Ct, Beveridge Carney Ct, Beveridge

Chesterfiled Drive, Wandong

Clarkes Road, Upper Plenty

Cleves Road South, Upper Plenty

Duffy Street, Kilmore East

Epping Kilmore Road, Upper Plenty

Epping Kilmore Road, Wandong

Gavan Street, Kilmore East

Goshawk Street, Beveridge

Hadfield Road West, Supper Plenty Harrington Street, Kilmore East

Hart Ct, Wallan

Kelly Street, Beveridge

Kestrel Street, Beveridge

Kilmore East Road, Kilmore East

Kite Street, Beveridge

Kookaburra Way, Beveridge

Lithgow Street, Beveridge

Louis Rise, Kilmore East

Lynwood Drive, Beveridge

Mahady Road, Upper Plenty

Mathiesons Road, Wandong

Minton Street, Beveridge

Morphett Rise, Wandong

Mugavins Road, Upper Plenty

Munts Road, Upper Plenty

Nankeen Loop, Beveridge

North Mountain Road, Heathcote Junction

O’Gradys Road, Kilmore East

O’Gradys Road, Wandong

Old Hume Hwy, Beveridge

O’Sheas Road, Kilmore East

Quarry Siding Road, Wandong

Ryans Rise, Clonbinane

Simmonds Ct, Heathcote Junction

Sir Leo Curtis Drive, Wandong

South Mountain Road, Upper Plenty

South Mountain Road, Heathcote Junction

Sparrowhawk Drive, Beveridge

Spring Street, Beveridge

Stewart Street, Beveridge

Swan Ct, Wandong

Wallan Whittlesea Road, Upper Plenty

Yarra Ct, Wandong

$12.9m for kindergartens

■ The State Government is delivering more kindergarten places and early learning facilities to help meet the demand of families through a Building Blocks Partnership with Mitchell Shire Council.

Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Children, and Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence last Friday (Mar. 7) announced almost $13 million in funding to support the delivery of two kindergarten projects in Mitchell Shire

The projects will create up to 306 new kindergarten places for local families.

Greater Beveridge Community Centre will be expanded to provide up to 68 additional kinder places. The Government will contribute $3.97 million towards the project, due to open in early 2026.

Wallan East Integrated Family and Children’s Centre will provide up to 238 kinder places, funded with a Government investment of up to $9 million. The kindergarten is due to open early in 2027.

These two projects are part of the Government’s $23 million investment in Mitchell Shire Council, delivering hundreds of new kindergarten places.

“We’re building for our children’s future –our partnership with Mitchell Shire will deliver these two great projects with up to 306 new kinder places, giving more families in the area access to great local kinders close to home,” Ms Blandthorn said.

Ms Spence said: “These new projects are not only delivering more kinder places but also providing local children with the opportunity to learn and grow in modern, inclusive environments for years to come”

Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage said: “Expanding kinder places isn’t just about education – it’s about helping parents and carers return to work or study, knowing their children are getting the best start in life. This partnership will make a real difference to local families.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said: "As Beveridge and Wallan rapidly expand, it's vital that our infrastructure and services keep pace with the needs of the community. These projects are an important step towards ensuring we can meet that demand.”

Well done Chucky

Cindy McLeish, Eildon

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says that Taking out first place in the world’s biggest and longest offroad event for motorbikes is a very big deal and not bad for a kid from Three Bridges in the Upper Yarra

“Huge congratulations to Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders, who won the 2025 Dakar Rally, becoming the second Australian ever to do so.

“This is no easy race, and it is a massive effort, with competitors in the 16-day event covering 8000 kilometres and what can be described as rugged and brutal conditions and terrain.

“It is an amazing effort just to finish a race like this and much more so to take out the honours. The Upper Yarra locals are all tickled pink,” Ms McLeish said.

Indoor cricket all year round

■ Cricketers in Melbourne’s north can look forward to honing their skills and smashing sixes at the new Hume Indoor Cricket Centre.

Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport, joined Hume City Council Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell, Cricket Victoria and Greenvale Kangaroos Cricket Club to officially open the Centre at Greenvale Recreation Reserve, backed by $1.5 million from the State Government

The indoor centre means year-round opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Breakfast at Pub

■ The speaker at the Murrindindi Business Breakfast will Lisa Bennetto from Fruitful Communications, who will speak on Artificial Intelligence.

The event will be held from 7.30am-9am at the Kinglake Pub. The 30-minute presentation will show how AI can assist businesses.

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

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Lizzie Blandthorn MLA

MLA

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the Established September 14, 1969

Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas. ABOUT US

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

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

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

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Ash on Wednesday Push for better 683 buses

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has taken her fight, for better transport for Upper Yarra students, to State Parliament. My matter tonight is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport , and the action I seek is for the minister to extend the existing Martyrs 683 public transport service to better accommodate the transportation needs of students attending Upper Yarra Secondary College,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly.

“This request stems from the growing challenges faced by students, particularly those living in areas such as East Warburton, and from the limitations of the existing school bus network.

“Upper Yarra Secondary College services a whole lot of really small communities such as Reefton, McMahons Creek, East Warburton and Powelltown as well as other larger towns such as Warburton, Yarra Junction and Woori Yallock, but often those in the far reaches end up being quite disadvantaged, and the school bus network does not always work.

“The school believes that the public transport access is limiting for too many students and needs to be more equitable.

“There is certainly a lack of public transport in rural and outer suburban areas – that goes without saying –but students miss out, and should be able to have access to education.

“All of the students, including those with disability, need a more

Long Shots

inclusive and accessible mode of transport, because it is not always catered to their needs.

“There needs to be greater flexibility and efficiency to the existing school transport system.

“Sometimes students have TAFE placements or work placements or have to go to excursions, and they cannot easily get there on public transport.

“The regional school bus program is really ages old, and public transport was not available at that time when it was put in place and it really only meets part of a need.

“The school have identified what they think needs to be done and they have considered this very carefully, and they request the following changes to the 683 public transport timetable: the 7:17 am service from Whitegum Drive in East Warburton to deviate via Upper Yarra Secondary College on school days, which will add a couple of minutes and 1.6 kilometres; an extension of the 8:05 am from Yarra View Retirement Village to commence from Whitegum Drive , which would not impact the current timetable because it is before the regular service begins, and would add another 15.2 kilometres; and an extension of the 2:31 pm service from Chirnside Park coming in the opposite direction to conclude at Whitegum Drive , which would not impact the current timetable as it occurs after the regular service concludes.”

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969 Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.

Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

MANSFIELD

Mansfield readership is in the township of Mansfield. The Mansfield Shire comprises Ancona, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorolite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lake Eildon, Nillahcootie, Piries, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie, Woodfield and Woods Point. Mansfield Shire is home to 10,546 people, living in approximately 6612 homes.

MITCHELL

Incorporating the traditions of the Seymour Express (Est. 1872) Mitchell Shire comprises Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Trawool, Wallan, Wandong and Heathcote Junction. Mitchell Shire is home to more than 49,216 people, living in approximately 16,321 homes.

MURRINDINDI

Incorporating the traditions of the Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995). Murrindindi comprises Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Cathkin, Castella, Caveat, Devils River, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, Glenburn, Gobur, Granton, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Creek, Rubicon, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Taylor Bay, Terip Terip, Thornton, Toolangi, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Yea. Murrindindi Shire is home to more than 14,478 people, living in approximately 6293 homes.

NILLUMBIK (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.

STRATHBOGIE (PART)

Starthbogie readership area comprises Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town. Strathbogie Shire is home to more than 11,578 people, living in approximately 5768 homes.

WHITTLESEA (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995) Whittlesea Post (Est. 1924), and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Whittlesea Post readership area comprises Arthurs Creek, Beveridge, Donnybrook, Doreen, Eden Park, Hazel Glen, Humevale, Kinglake West, Mernda, South Morang, Whittlesea, Wollert, Woodstock, Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.

YARRA RANGES

Incorporating the traditions of the Lilydale and Yarra valley Express (Est. June 30, 1886) Yarra Ranges readership area comprises Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Fernshaw, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels Creek, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering. Yarra Ranges Shire is home to more than 158,831 people, living in approximately 58,509 homes.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts

Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Cartoonist

Local Briefs

Phone surveys

■ Yarra Ranges Council says that households in the region may receive survey calls from National Field Services, an independent market research agency.

The agency has been commissioned to conduct community satisfaction surveys on behalf of the Council

Deputy Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the surveys will be asking about Council’s performance, and how to improve services.

“These community satisfaction surveys are run annually, to determine the areas that people are happy with and, very importantly, where we should be focusing our attention in the near future,” Cr Higgins said.

“These surveys are taken very seriously at Council , and the feedback we receive is anonymised and circulated to teams, so we can work to improve our services and, in turn, the community’s satisfaction.”

Cr Higgins said that phone surveys can seem suspicious, but that National Field Services will only call to talk about Council services.

“We understand the hesitancy a lot of the community will have for phone surveys, considering the extreme amount of scams being conducted over phones.

“The fact is that phone surveys are still an excellent way to get feedback from a representative sample of our community, so we encourage community members to take part, as long as they feel comfortable to do so.

“In these calls you will never be asked for by name; the staff will identify themselves as a member of National Field Services, and calls will come from a number beginning in (03) 9977 – never a mobile number.

“You will never be asked to provide card details, bank details or any login details for anywhere – if you’re ever asked these details on an unprompted call, from anyone, you should contact the institution they are calling from, to check if the call is legitimate.”

As the phone calls are for research purposes, people on the Do Not Call register may still be contacted. If someone has indicated in the past that they do not wish to take part in research purposes, they may be excluded from the call list.

Per-urban leaders

■ Peri Urban Councils Victoria has elected a new team to head the organisation for the coming year.

The Moorabool Shire Councillor Moira Berry was elected chair, while Bass Coast Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari was chosen to fill the position of deputy chair.

The pair were selected at PUCV’s board meeting held in Melbourne.

Cr Berry said the new leadership team would focus on advocating for issues impacting peri urban communities ahead of the Victorian and Federal Budgets and the federal election due by May this year.

“This is an important time for us to champion the interests of our member councils by taking our message to Canberra and Spring Street,” Cr Berry said.

“That is why I am honoured to be elected as chair, in partnership with my colleagues we will continue to advocate for the investment our members need to grow and prosper,” Cr Berry said.

The municipalities of Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Moorabool, Baw Baw and Bass Coast have a combined population of nearly 200,000. By 2041, that number is expected to reach 513,000.

Cr Tessari said peri urban councils were facing a period of enormous change.

“Our peri urban councils are on the front line of the next wave of growth in Victoria, but we need government funding for essential infrastructure, such as roads, water and power, to ensure we can meet the accelerated demand for housing,” Cr Tessari said.

“These issues will be the focus of our conversations as we meet with state and federal leaders over the coming months,” Cr Tessari said.

In its pre-budget submission to both the state and federal governments, PUCV has recommended two funds be set up to support infrastructure planning and development in high-growth peri urban areas.

Permits needed for vans

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has warned property owners of the importance of obtaining the necessary permits before operating a caravan or camping area.

All commercially operated camping areas, including those advertised on websites or apps, require permits.

“Property owners are responsible for any incidents that occur on their property, and having the right permits in place helps ensure safety for everyone,” said a Council representative.

Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said: "With the upcoming Labour Day and Easter public holidays, we want both visitors and our community to stay safe.

“Our region offers stunning camping locations, but if you are operating a camping area, it is important to have all the necessary permits.

“These regulations are in place to prevent issues and to keep Murrindindi Shire pleasant and safe for everyone,” Cr Gallagher said.

“If you are hosting a private party or camping on your own property, please be considerate of your neighbours, and ensure you comply with government regulations and local laws.

“Residents must follow Environment Protection Authority guidelines regarding noise levels. Loud events can cause disturbances, and in some cases, police may be called.”

Action on 3G turn-off

NO-ONE WAS TO BE WORSE OFF, ELECTORATE TOLD

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines says that before the 3G shutdown, regional communities in the electorate were told that no one would be worse off.

“But the reality is glaringly different for too many people in Indi who are left with no coverage,” Dr Haines said.

“I took this issue to the Parliament, asking a question of the Minister for Communications in Question Time.

“I want the government to act and will be meeting with the Minister with details of the issues we are seeing across Indi.”

Eildon boatie blows .134

■ An alleged drunken boatie was among 14 vessel operators caught flouting the law at Lake Eildon.

The 38-year-old skipper had several passengers on board a 3.5 metre tinny when he was intercepted by the Water Police Squad about 5pm on Friday, January 31.

He went positive on a preliminary breath test and allegedly blew 0.134 during an evidentiary breath test.

The Kilsyth man had his marine licence immediately suspended for six months and was fined $840.

The squad – which regularly patrols the popular waterway throughout summer – conducted more than 60 vessel inspections, licence checks and breath tests during the deployment.

Eight further boaties were issued with infringement notices for:

■ Operating a boat without a licence

■ Failing to carry a lifejacket (x4)

■ Towing a skier without an observer (x2)

■ Failing to maintain safety gear

Water Police also had jet skis closely in their sights.

Four riders were caught allegedly speeding too close to shore or other vessels, while an-

other was fined $988 for riding unlicensed.

The Water Police Squad will continue to have a highly visible presence at inland waterways this summer.

Several planned operations will take place across Victoria, on top of regular patrols.

Boat and jet ski operators can expect to be breath tested, and have vessels inspected for mandatory safety equipment including lifejackets.

Water Police Acting Senior Sergeant Dave McHenry said:

“As the warm weather continues, we want safety to be front and centre in everyone’s minds.

“If you’re planning to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. We all know how devastating the consequences can be.”

Local People

Coldstream praise

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has publicly praised members of the Coldstream CFA unit.

“On Australia Day the Coldstream CFA fire brigade gathered for a very special ceremony to recognise a number of their exceptional volunteer firefighters.

“The brigade paid tribute to Robert Bethell for his incredible service to our local community. Robert has served as a volunteer firefighter for 63 years, with 23 years of those as captain of the Coldstream CFA brigade.

“During these six decades Robert was involved in the Lilydale Fire Brigade’s group, the Melba group, the Maroondah Group and District 13

“Robert was instrumental in founding the Coldstream Fire Station, which has served our community so well.

“Robert is a highly decorated firefighter, having been awarded the National Medal, the National Emergency Medal and the CFA Outstanding Service Medal, so it was an absolute privilege to unveil the naming of the Coldstream brigade’s pumper truck the Robert B Bethell on Australia Day

“How his wife and brigade member Yvonne and his son and current brigade captain Sean kept this secret from Robert we will never know, but it was fabulous to surprise Robert with this special honour, unveiling the naming of the truck with my federal colleague Aaron Violi

“Also in the ceremony the brigade honoured its former member the late David McClellan, who sadly passed away last year, by bestowing David with life membership.

“It was lovely to see David’s wife Debbie attend and receive this award recognising David’s exemplary service as a firefighter.

“David was also awarded the National Emergency Medal along with firefighter Steve Kelso for their efforts in the 2019–20 bushfires, and Julie Asquith was awarded the National Medal for her services to the Coldstream Fire Brigade,” Ms Vallence said.

Fix bridge please

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has called on the State Government to prioritise the repair of a Goulburn Valley Highway bridge damaged during a truck collision in April 2024.

The guardrails of the Dairy Creek Bridge at Homewood between Kerrisdale and Yea have remained damaged since the collision, with traffic control signals installed by Regional Roads Victoria causing unnecessary traffic delays for over nine months.

In a constituency question directed to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne during the first sitting week of State Parliament for 2025, Mrs Tyrrell said motorist inconvenience and costs associated with hiring the traffic management signals could have been avoided if repairs to the bridge had been carried out in a timely manner.

“Several constituents who travel this part of the GV Highway have contacted my office wondering why it has taken so long for this bridge to be repaired,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“They feel that the Government has just placed the lights on the road and forgotten about the bridge repair, without any consideration of the delays caused to motorists.”

Mrs Tyrrell said the situation was similar to delayed repair works on the KatamatiteNathalia Rd on the outskirts of Numurkah, which was only resolved when she raised the issue with Ms Horne in Parliament.

“In that instance, traffic lights caused delays for over 12 months without any repairs being done but thankfully the road was fixed withing days of me bringing it to the Minister’s attention,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“The Government has dropped the ball on the Dairy Creek bridge at Homewood and that is why I have asked the Minister to provide a date when repairs will be completed and the traffic restrictions removed for motorists travelling on this section of the GV Highway,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

● ● Cr Damien Gallagher

● Helen Haines, Indi MHR

Business Awards

■ The City of Whittlesea will be celebrating the talent and innovation of its business community at the third annual City of Whittlesea Business Awards

Nominations are now open for businesses to be recognised for their achievements, contributions, and commitment to excellence.

The awards offer a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators and hardworking operators across the City of Whittlesea to showcase their successes and contributions to the community and industry.

The City of Whittlesea Business Awards are about recognising excellence and inspiring our business community to strive for a higher standard of innovation, sustainability and service.

Through our Business Awards, we want to highlight the incredible talent and dedication that drive the City of Whittlesea's economic landscape.

The awards are an opportunity to come together, share successes, and set new benchmarks for excellence.

The awards will be open exclusively for members of the City of Whittlesea Business Network to self-nominate and enter one of the seven award categories.

These categories will be judged by an independent panel and the finalists will be invited to the awards evening where the winners will be announced.

In addition to the seven judged awards, one business will be awarded the City of Whittlesea Business of the Year.

The City of Whittlesea Business Awards are a true reflection of the rich and varied stories that make our business community exceptional.

Nominations for the awards close at 5 pm on Friday, March 7. All finalists will be announced on April 1, with winners celebrated at a gala awards evening on Thursday May 29 at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang

To enter your business for the City of Whittlesea Business Awards, visit the Business Awards page.

The award categories are:

■ Start Up: Celebrating new businesses transforming industries with innovation and growth.

Seymour District Cricket Scoreboard

A-GRADE

Tallarook A Grade 6/194 v Yea Tigers A Grade 10/79. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Pyalong A Grade 10/167 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed 10/132. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Seymour A Grade 10/124 v Alexandra A Grade 10/116. At Chittick Park (East)

B-GRADE

Yea Tigers B Grade v Pyalong B Grade, scores not to hand at press time. At Yea Recreation Reserve

Avenel Senior Men 0/23 v Seymour B Grade 10/18. At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Alexandra B Grade 5/140 v Tallarook B Grade 10/137. At Leckie Park ★

A-GRADE

Tallarook A-Grade 6/194 v Yea Tigers 10/79

Tallarook A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat

Tallarook A-Grade Batting

Joshua Rudge, c Nathan Beattie, b Thomas White ............................. 41

Leigh Irving, b Marc Steiner ........................ 94

Thomas Archibald, c Nathan Beattie, b Thomas White .............................. 4

Lachlan Watts, c Dylan Thompson, b Austen Ross ................................ 6

Blake Munari-O’Dwyer, b Andrew Butterworth ................................... 9

Andrew Dundon, lbw Andrew Butterworth ................................... 11

Matthew Archibald, not out ................... 7

Kalon Winnell, not out .......................... 2

Michael Dimovski, did not bat Tarkyn Dundon, did not bat

Samuel Manchester , did not bat

Extras (10WD, 2NB, 1LB, 7B, 0P) ......... 20

Total (45 overs) ......................... 6/194

Fall of Wickets: 1-117 Joshua Rudge, 2-131

Thomas Archibald, 3-150 Lachlan Watts, 4163 Leigh Irving, 5-170 Blake Munari-O’Dwyer, 6-186 Andrew Dundon.

Yea Tigers A-Grade Batting Marc Steiner ...................................... 9 Paul Clue .......................................... 4

Fall of Wickets: 1-22 David Grundell, 2-46

Joel Baker, 3-57 Lachlan Deeble, 4-74 Ciaran Founatain, 5-79 Jacon Nipperess, 6-91 Luke Smith, 7-95 Matt Nipperess, 8.125 James Voogt, 9-129 Player, 10-132 Peter Brennan. ★

A-GRADE

Seymour A-Grade 10/124 v Alexandra A-Grade 10/116

Seymour A-Grade Batting

Daniel Bergowicz

Lachlan Drummond

Hayden Gawne

Brett Gordon

Braidon Horkings

Brodey Pointon

Hugh Smith

Luke Woolan

Fraser Ruthford

Jared Cram

Simon Vazn Duinen

Total (44.4 overs) ................... 10/124

Bowling: James Geldart 8.4-2-22-2, Jordan Ferrier 3-0-21-1, Matthew Waixel 5-1-12-0, Nathan Hendricks 5-1-6-0, Benjamin Geldart 3-0-14-1, James Meggitt 9-1-18-2, William Ashton 9-0-18-3, MJ Hendricks 2-0-5-0.

Alexandra A-Grade Batting

Toby Ward, b Broadey Pointon ................. 0

Luke Wal, c?, b Simon Van Duinen ......... 2

James Meggitt, lbw Simon Van Duinen ... 68

Benjamin Geldart, c? b Daniel Bergowicz . 18

William Ashton, lbw Brodey Pointon ......... 4

Harrison Christie, c? b Lachlan Drummond . 3

Matthew Waixel, c? b Lachlan Drummond . 8

Jordan Ferrier, lbw Daniel Bergowicz ........ 0

James Geldart, b Lachlan Drummond ....... 0

Nathan Hendricks, b Lachlan Drummond ... 0

MJ Hendricks, not out .......................... 2

Extras (9WD, 2NB, 1LB, 1B, 0P) ........... 13

Total (40 overs) ....................... 10/116

Fall of Wickets: 1-0 Toby Ward, 2-45 Luke Wal, 3-82 James Meggitt, 4-92 William Ashton, 5-99 Harrison Christie, 6-109 Benjamin Geldart, 7-109 Jordan Ferrier, 8-111 James Geldart, 9-111 Nathan Hendricks, 10116 Matthew Waixel.

Regional Round-Up Local Briefs

■ Customer Service: Celebrating businesses that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer care.

■ Innovation and Enterprise: Recognising businesses driving progress with creative ideas and bold initiatives.

■ Sustainability and Environment: Honouring businesses leading the way in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

■ Community Contribution: Showcasing businesses making a real difference in our local community.

■ Workplace Diversity: Highlighting businesses championing inclusion, equity, and diverse workplaces.

■ Small Business: Recognising, homebased business, sole traders and small teams thriving with big ambitions.

■ Business of the Year – chosen from the winners from each of the above categories City of Whittlesea Deputy Mayor, C r Daniela Zinni, said: "These awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and achievements of our local businesses, showcasing the best of what the City of Whittlesea has to offer.

“Nominate your business and let’s come together to celebrate your success and the vital role businesses play in our community.

“Businesses across the City of Whittlesea support the economic prosperity of the municipality by providing employment opportunities and delivering exceptional products and services. We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this contribution at our 2025 Business Awards," Cr Zinni said.

Ready Gardens

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is launching the Climate Ready Gardens Series, a free program of workshops designed to help local gardeners create sustainable, resilient gardens capable of thriving in a changing climate. First session is at Euora tomorrow (Thu., Feb. 13).

Local Sport

Yea Golf Club

■ Some 29 people contested the 7th round of the gender challenge on Wednesday. Playing Ambrose the boys had a one team handicap in the competition as there were 17 men to 12 ladies.

Winners of the day but not included in the Gender Competition were Bob Glenister and Brendan Chenhall who pared the course to have nett 62.25.

Second on the day went to Russell Wealands/Alan Pell with 3 over nett 64.

Third was Peter Johnson/John Tanner/ Rob Gill in a three-person team with 79 off the stick nett 66.5.

Next was Gary Pollard/Sam Wright with 79 nett 68.25 followed by Margie Wright/ Miranda Gill with 80 nett 68.75 and Sharon Grogan/Penny Brittain with 86 nett 70.25.

The boys won the team average 69.5 to 73.9 for 10 gender points. The Gender Day points went 70 for the Men and 15 to the ladies.

NTP on the 2nd was Allan Coates and the Club Award Winners were Chris Keogh/Mick Sheather.

Current totals are Men 350 Ladies 245. Next week sees individual stableford matches with each match worth 10 points plus the usual 85 points available. The best stableford score next week will win the inaugural Mary Walker Shield.

★ Sam Wins Medal

On Saturday (Feb. 8), Sam Wright (27) with 93 off the stick nett 66 was the clear winner of the Monthly Medal.

With 28 men and 9 ladies on the course it was much cooler weather than on previous days.

Second was Jono Ness (15) with nett 68 from third Phil Armstrong (22) 69, Oakley Ness (20) 70 and Martin Lowe (17) 70 and Luke Gregory (11) also on 70.

NTP on the 11th went to Brian Simmons and the putting to Bob Glenister with 24 putts. Jeff Aurisch won the Club Award.

In the ladies Caroline Webber (54) had her first victory winning the Monthly Medal with an excellent nett 72 from second Miranda Gill (17) nett 73.

- Alan Pell

Butterworth ............................. 7

Waghorn ..................................

Extras (9WD, 1NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P) .......... 10

Total (25.4 overs) ..................... 10/79

Fall of Wickets: 1-2 Marc Steiner, 2-8 Austen Ross, 3-9 Nathan Beattie, 4-18 Edison Waghorn, 5-44 Biron Hardinge, 6-51 Paul Clue3, 7-66 Andrew Butterworth, 8-74 James Simpson, 9-79 Thomas White. Bowling (O-M-R-W): Blake Munari-O’Dwyer 5-0-11-0, Lachlan Watts 6-2-11-3, Matthew Archiubald 6-1-11-2, Samuel Manchester 6.40-40-3, Kalon Winnell 2-0-6-0. ★

A-GRADE

Pyalong A-Grade 10/167 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed 10/132

Pyalong A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat

Pyalong A-Grade Batting

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

Total (40.5 overs) ..................... 10/167

Bowling: Jacob Nipperess 9-1-23-2, Ciaran Founatain 8.5-2-29-2, Private Player 5-0-222, James Voogt 9-1-34-0, Luke Smith 2-1-81, Mark Nipperess 2-2-31-2, Peter Brennan 2-0-14-0.

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed Batting

David Grundell, run out ......................... 7

Joel Baker, lbw ................................... 18

Lachlan Deeble, bowled ...................... 19

Ciaran Founatain, caught ..................... 15

Jacob Nipperess, bowled ....................... 4

James Voogt, bowled .......................... 23

Luke Smith, caught ............................. 4

Mark Nipperess, caught ........................ 3

Private Player, bowled ......................... 20

Peter Brennan, run out ......................... 3

Michael Pollard, not out ....................... 0

Extras (12WD, 3NB, 0LB,

Recycling up by 145%

■ Murrindindi Shire Council reports a significant increase in battery recycling, with a 145 per cent rise at the Alexandra Resource Recovery Centre, equating to an additional 436 kg of batteries diverted from landfill over the past year.

This growth reflects the community’s enthusiastic response to Murrindindi Council’s ‘Never Bin Your Batteries’ campaign, which encourages residents to dispose of batteries responsibly.

The campaign has resonated strongly with the community, raising awareness of the environmental benefits of proper battery disposal and the dangers of placing batteries in household bins, where they can cause fires in collection trucks and landfill sites.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Sustainability and Assets Portfolio Councillor Sue Carpenter welcomed the result.

“Batteries don’t belong in bins, and we’re pleased to see more people using the battery drop-off points at its Resource Recovery Centres in Alexandra, Marysville, Yea, Eildon and Kinglake

“Many local supermarkets also provide drop off points for batteries, including Alexandra, Yea and Eildon FoodWorks and Marysville Grocer.”

“A huge well done to everyone who has made a concerted effort to do the right thing.

“This impressive increase in battery recycling shows the power of community action.

“By disposing of your batteries correctly, you’re helping keep our community and environment safe. Let’s keep up the good work,” Cr Carpenter added.

Murrindindi Council says it will continue to support and promote responsible battery recycling practices.

Youth Resilience

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is promoting three free workshops with renowned psychologist and youth mental health expert, Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, designed to empower parents and professionals with strategies to support young people in overcoming life’s challenges.

Nagambie

Wednesday, February 19, 7pm, at Nagambie Mechanics Institute – 286 High St, Nagambie.

Euroa

Thursday, February 20, 7pm. At Euroa Community Cinema, 1B Bury Street, Euroa Assessing Adolescents at Risk: Strategies for Professionals in Education, Welfare, and Health

Thursday, February 20, 9am-3pm. At Euroa Memorial Oval, 7 Slee St, Euroa

At Broadford

■ Mitchell Shire has received a major investment in local sports and recreation facilities, with the Harley Hammond Reserve Netball Courts and Lighting Upgrade and Play Space Project set to commence, thanks to funding from the Federal Government’s Play Our Way Program.

Mitchell Council has been awarded $967,250 through the Play Our Way Program , which aims to remove barriers, address discrimination, and promote equality for women and girls in sport and physical activity. Council will contribute $200,000 to the project.

The project will deliver two new, fit-forpurpose netball courts with compliant lighting, ensuring Broadford’s growing participation in netball is supported now and into the future.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, February 13

Link out of touch

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

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

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■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

■ ■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

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

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

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

Mitchell Shire Edition

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

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■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main

St.

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

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

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■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

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

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

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

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General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

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

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

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■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

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

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

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

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■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

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■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■

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

Baker, Kye Biddell, Shane Borg, Joseph Brand, Jackie Bult, Daniel Bult, Jesse Chapman, Mitchell Peter Cleveland, Trevor Crisfield Wilson, Rebecca Diamantopoulos, Matthew Dickenson, Daniel Robert Fitzpatrick, Kate Alice Hagoss, Solomon Harding, Alistair Hopkins, Connah Hutchins, Damien Inches, Peter Ronald Izzard, Jaxon Regan Kumar, Raj Lusted, Joshua Maloney, Shaun Alan Mcinnes, Justine Lee Mcnally, Sharna Mcqueen, Courtney Meers, Kylie Moran, Martin Nesbitt, Anthony Patterson, Marcel Gerard Pearse, Chantelle Pereira, Luke Scicluna, Brandon Short, Stephen Joseph Smith, Colin Spencer, Kevin John Taylor, Simon Weightman, Dexter Friday, February 14

■ Kew MLA Jess Wilson told State Parliament that North East Link is an “arrogant, out of touch authority” that does not listen to local residents.

Probus speaker

■ The Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea guest speaker was Ryan James, an authorised financial advisor, who grew up in Whittlesea

His topics included:

■ how to maximize age pension

■ new superannuation rulesand changes to legislation that impact retirees ■ estate planning guidance.

Ryan is a director and Principal Financial adviser at Sonder Advisory Group. He embarked on his journey into financial planning in 2019 with the National Australia Bank/ MLC Limited, later transitioning to a boutique advisory firm, before joining Sonder in 2024.

Ryan previously managed his own business, 'The Battery Doctor” a family-owned automotive battery venture.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■

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

Dimech, Luke Goodwin, Andrew Riley, Lee Hieu Roberts, Bradley Jayde Singh, Prabjot Sleddon, Alison Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, February 19

The address was entitled Retirement Ready and with visual slides and commentary.

He explained the two basic government assistances available for Australian citizens over 67 years of age. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card gives health services benefits and possibly some state concessions.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

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

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

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

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

■

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

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

■

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■

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

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■

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

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

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■

■ ■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

■

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

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

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

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

■

■

■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

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

■

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

■

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

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

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

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

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

■

■ ■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

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

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

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

Adams, Dean Stewart Adams, Skye Anstee, Riley Britton, Gregory Clark, Daniel Douglas-Rhoderick, Arabel Marie Findlay, Jaden Jones, Wyatt Panyangara, Tinashe Pilcher, Aaron Michael Pritchett, Tanner Saliba, Michael Spizzo, Leon Rino Strongman, Matthew Wagenknecht, Kaylah-Jane Wednesday, March 5 Adam, Stuart James Aliu, Erjan Babai, Vahid Barden, Jacob Barron, Ariena Bennett, Lucy Bishop, Corrie John Bradley, Paul Bushby, Michael Clark, Daniel Clarke, Duane Coffey, Samuel James Dietrich, Daniel John Fitzgerald, Lana Maree Gall, Steward Goschnick, Dean Gregory Hollingdale, Taine Koala Cherries Pty Ltd Legge, Simon Lia, Lynda Mcleod, Benjamin James Meadows, Roger Nicholls, Richard David Pitt, Andrew Reid, Brody James Rowan, Scott Santori, Robert Seamer, Courtney Shakes, Olivia Matilda Strongman, Matthew Sundbloom, Elle Syme, Angus Ian Tatham, Jarrod Tunidau, Anasa White, Brian Gibson Williams, Matthew Young, Steven Zerbe, Andrew

The Age Pension gives more benefits and income but is subject to quite stringent asset and income tests. Also mentioned was the Low Income Health Card.

Probus Speaker Co-ordinator Teresa Carlin presented him with a token gift. - Michael Halley

Now and Beyond

■ A new major community engagement initiative - Nillumbik – Now and Beyondhas been launched.

Feedback will support the development of the Council Plan 2025-29 and the Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-29.

Responses will help review the existing Community Vision, Nillumbik 2040 Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the plans prepared this year will guide the direction of Council for the next four years and determine goals and priorities.

“To truly reflect the needs, wants and objectives of our community, it’s important to have a broad range of voices and experiences represented in the Nillumbik – Now and Beyond survey,” Cr Dumaresq said.

“From environmental policy to libraries; playgrounds to public health, the survey is wide-ranging and covers diverse topics.

“This is your opportunity to tell us what is important to you and what you think is needed to make our Shire thrive, not only over the next four years, but into the future as well,” Cr Dumaresq said.

The Council will undertake a broad-level community survey to identify what is important to those who live, work or play in Nillumbik, and the results will inform highlevel priority areas.

The survey is now open and will close on Sunday, March 2. It can be accessed at participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/now-andbeyond

Pop-up engagement sessions are:

■ Eltham Square Rotunda: Sunday February 16, 8am-1pm

■ Diamond Creek, near the dog park: Saturday February 22, 10am-3pm

■ Hurstbridge, 920 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd: Saturday March 1, 9am-2pm

●

Ryan James

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Living In His Seventies Living In His Seventies

● ● ● ● Skyhooks member Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie had to cancel his ‘Living In My Seventies’ tour after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia which is an aggressive cancer/ He is pictured with visitors Wilbur Wilde and Red Symons.

TOM PLAYS FRANKSTON

■ Entertainer Tiom Burlinson will be joined by a big band at Frankston Arts Centre at 4pm-5.30pm on Sunday, March 9.

The 90-minute show presents a montage of swing classics made famous by the great superstars Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Nat ‘King' Cole, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra, through to the hits of the hugely successful modern favorite’s - Harry Connick Jr and Michael Bublé

Tom created the acclaimed theatrical production ‘Frank – A Life in Song’, a celebration of the music and career of the legendary Frank Sinatra, which played phenomenally successful seasons at premier venues around Australia and overseas.

Now he has explored the renowned achievements of other stars of the genre and chosen their best songs to perform, as well as some Sinatra classics and timeless “standards.”

Bookings: https://artscentre. frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/ Search-All-Events/Tom-BurlinsonStill-Swingin-with-Big-Band

● ● ● Tom Burlinson will appear at Frankston on March 9.

Other People’s Gossip

Nat comes out

CURTAIN CALL FOR PHILIP BRADY Observer National OPG

● ● Pip Loth and Natalie Bassingthwaighte, as pictured in Womans Day (Getty Images)

■ Womans Day magazine has used Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s debut as Shirley Valentine (Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne) is an opportunity to feature the actress’s ‘coming out’ in a same-sex relationship with Pip Loth. WD features that ‘NatBass,’ 49, broke up from her 12-year marriage with drummer Cameron McGlinchey.

“I’m in a beautiful relationship with a woman who makes my heart smile and makes me really happy.”

Patti’s 80 candles

● ● ● ● Patti Newton, 80, with daughter Lauren, and three grandchildren

■ Where did Patti Newton spend her 80th birthday last week? On television, of course. Patti was a guest on Seven, telling her social media friends: “Started my 80th birthday yesterday with a bang on Sunrise and the Morning Show. Thank you to everyone for the birthday love. I’m so thrilled to be at this stage of life and have so much love around me.”

Buffy to return?

■ A reboot of the cult classic TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer is reportedly in the works, with Sarah Michelle Gellar set to reprise her iconic role as Buffy Summers.

QE II guest gig

■ The Observer’s own Julie Houghton has been on a tour of the South Pacific aboard Queen Elizabeth II, with her 96-year-old father Neville. A surprise came when Julie, an accomplished singer, sang with the cabaret pianist in the Commodore Bar. She sang Elvis Presley’s Wooden Heart, just like her Dad used to get me to sing it to him when she was very small.

For Melbourne?

■ Ugly Phil O’Neill has been wooed to 3AW’s sister station in Sydney, 2GB, to host the overnight program. Is there a longer-term plan for O’Neill to helm a national midnightdawn show, displacing Tony McManus?

Philip Brady with

■ Melbourne radio legend Philip Brady has hung up his radio microphone, at age 85.

Brady recorded a farewell message to his listeners when co-host Simon Owens visited the veteran in his home suburb of Kew.

“Well it has come to this, after 67 years in the business I am quitting and I am very sad to be leaving you, but, well, I have been around forever and I have been at 3AW since time began,” Brady said.

“But it is time to move over and give the younger guys a go like Andrew (McLaren), for example.

“Don’t think I will ever forget you, I love you, each and every one of you.

“I treasure our friendship, but it is time to move on for the younger guys.

“I’ll be looking out for you. Goodbye now.”

Brady’s announcement was met with tributes from fellow radio presenters and listeners.

3AW morning presenter Tom Elliott said: “ I do regard him as a very close friend. I've loved working with him over a number of years, our audience will miss not having him on air here.”

Current on-air partner Simon Owens said: “For more than half my life I’ve worked alongside Philip Brady

“Just over 20 years as his producer and just under 10 years as his sidekick. And this was after he and the late Bruce Mansfield got me the job by going in to bat for me back in 1995, convincing management to give me a job at 3AW

“How do you thank someone who gave you a start in your desired career, then taught you how to do the job, and was beyond generous all the way through? Words just don’t do it but they are all I have.

“Thanks Phil. Thanks so much.”

Philip Brady started his 65-year media career in 1958, leaving Xavier College and joining the announcing staff at GTV-9. He stayed for 13 years in his first chapter with Nine.

He would farewell the station’s viewing when nightly transmissions closed before midnight. Graham Kennedy quickly brought him into the In Melbourne Tonight fold. Brady also worked on the Ernie Sigley and Don Lane shows, as well as chapters with Steve Vizard, and as producer for Bert Newton’s morning radio show on 3UZ.

He later appeared in other Graham Kennedy TV shows, as well as regular spots with Bert Newton on Good Morning Australia.

He became a quiz and panel show host and helmed seven shows for Reg Grundy including The Moneymakers, Casino Ten, Password, Get The Message, Concentration and Everybody’s Talking

In his only year of not working in the media, Brady worked in a travel agency. Over his life, he visited many countries around the globe.

Supplementing his TV work, Brady was 3AWs weekend music shift host during the summer from 1971 to 1979.

He had been hosting a daily radio program from Murwillumbah, but returned to Melbourne in 1990 and teamed up with Bruce Mansfield to create an enduring radio partnership at 3AW Mansfield died in 2016 at age 71. Brady then presented Nightline with v arious on-air partners including Paul Cronin and Simon Owens.

The final Nightline program was presented in September 2019. In the previous year, Brady was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the broadcasting industry. Editor Ash Long said that he had first met Philip Brady at Nine in the 1970s, and that they had enjoyed an enduring friendship over that half-century.

Whenever we put Philip Brady in the front cover of the , we could be assured of a sell-out edition, such is his popularity with the public. We wish Phil well for his retirement,” Long said.

VERITAS VERITAS

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

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

The McGuire Touch

■ Channel 7 has been heavily promoting that it has a McGuire in its 2025 coverage of AFL matches ... not Eddie McGuire, but one of his sons Xander.

Xander McGuire, 22, has worked as reporter for three years at Nine, but will now joining Seven's sports team for 2025.

Eddie McGuire’s production company JAM TV will produce two new shows for Seven and will continue to host Footy Classified on Nine. That show will air on Tuesday not Wednesday nights in 2025.

■ KIIS morning co-host Kyle Sandilands, also seen on Australian Idol (Seven), has been told that he needs urgent surgery for a brain aneurysm.

“I was told by my medical team – which sounds like I’m already very sick, to have a medical team – that I have a brain aneurysm, and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,” Sandilands said.

“So if you just tuned in to us after all these years, lap it up. And if you’re in Melbourne, you’re coming to the party too late. You may get your wish. I may be dead. It is possible, it is highly possible.”

He showed staff in the studio his brain scan, pointing at the aneurysm and saying: “If that bursts, I die instantly.”

Newsreader pull

■ Congratulations to the ABC for its third and final series of The Newsreader, posted on the iView streaming platform allowing viewers to binge on the final six episodes.

Stellar performances by Anna Torv (as Helen Norville ) and Sam Reid (as Dale Jennings) with special mentions for Marg Downey (as Evelyn Walters), Stephen Peacocke (as Rob Rickards), Michelle Lim Davidson (as Noelene), and Caroline Lee (as Jean Pascoe).

Veritas particularly enjoyed Queenie van der Zandt as reporter Donna Gillies, exHome and Away cast member Phillippa Northeast as Kay Walters, and the cameo appearance of Andrew McFarlane as the station boss.

For us, the highlight was William McInnes as 1980s News Director Lindsay Cunningham. Stunning similarities to the late Mebourne Channel 9 news boss John Sorell, with maybe a bit of Peter Meakin thrown in.

● ●

Observer Editor Ash Long

●

● ● ● Kyle Sandilands

● ● ● ● William McInnes as Lindsay Cunningham

The Whip

■ Anthony Albanese’s Federal Labor Government is in for defeat if bookmakers are to be believed.

TAB os offering a payout of $2.50 for Labor, and $1.50 for the Liberal-Coalition, in the Federal Election due to be held by May.

Fraud Inquiry

■ The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee is seeking public submissions to an inquiry into fraud and corruption controls in local government.

The inquiry is a follow-up on two Auditor-General reports tabled in 2019 and 2022.

The Committee will also inquire into the actions taken by Victorian integrity and government agencies to address the issues raised in the findings and recommendations of the two audits.

Ten councils were audited across both audits, however, the Auditor-General also made 20 recommendations to all Victorian councils.

Submissions close on March 7.

Libs on landslide

■ The Allan Labor State Government’s announcement of a Board of Inquiry into the McCrae landslide is a critical step in understanding the causes of the devastating landslide, according to Deputy Liberal Leader Sam Groth.

The Nepean MLA said the focus must now be on delivering urgent relief and recovery efforts for those impacted.

$600,000 blowout

■ Shadow Education Minister Jess Wilson says that the troubled Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has suffered a $600,000 cost blowout on a new website.

“New documents have revealed the proposed VCAA student portal, a new digital channel designed to give senior students access to enrolment details, exam timetables and academic records has had its delivery cost blowout from $2.41 million to $3.03 million,” Ms Wilson said.

Power to people

■ The Whip is left wondering what power company the Victorian ALP is using. At The Whip’s office, electricity bills are annually on the rise, yet the Labor Facebook page claims that “Victoria’s power prices are at a record low”. Victoria has multiple distribution networks, including AusNet Services, Citipower, Jemena, Powercor and United Energy. Average electricity rates range from 26.7c/kWh to 35.8c/kWh.

$50,000 AWARD FOR BOLD IDEAS

■ The National Institute of Dramatic Art is launching the $50,000 Jim Sharman Future Award. The Award is for a bold idea or project with the potential to transform the arts for generations to come.

Open to artists and dreamers aged 16-30 from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, this new triennial Award offers substantial funding alongside tailored NIDA support to help turn a radical idea or project into reality.

Legendary director and NIDA alum Jim Sharman (Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror Show) has established the Award to encourage bold new talent with big ideas.

“Whether the concept or project is an uncharted performance style, groundbreaking technology, or a bold new artistic movement, applications will be judged on genuinely game-changing ideas,” said a NIDA representative.

NIDA is globally recognised for its excellence in dramatic arts education and has trained some of the world’s most innovative creatives.

Alumni include celebrated film Director Baz Luhrmann (Elvis, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby), four time Academy Award winning Production and Costume Designer Catherine Martin (Elvis, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby), theatre Director Kip Williams whose revolutionary ‘cine-theatre; production of The Picture of Dorian Gray has become a global smash with fellow NIDA Acting alum Sarah Snook (Succession)

NIDA’s youngest-ever Directing graduate Yaron Lifschitz, the Artistic Director and CEO of internationally renowned contemporary circus company Circa, recently received the 2025 International Society for the Performing Arts Distinguished Artist Award in New York

“In 1925, the revolutionary artforms of photography, cinema, surrealism et al, progressed the arts of the 20th century,” said Jim Sharman.

“My aim in establishing the triennial award is to uncover new artforms, ideas or projects with the potential to inspire, energise and enlighten us in the 21st Century.”.

Beth Shulman, Head of the NIDA Future Centre, said: “Jim’s support has been instrumental in establishing the NIDA Future Centre, an initiative to bring industry and education together with new technologies and future thinking to create the storytelling of tomorrow.

“We are thrilled to launch the inaugural Jim Sharman Future Award to champion and support radical thinking from the next generation of storytellers.”

The application for the Award can be in any form – a video of up to five minutes, a written pitch of up to 1500 words, or any form of engagement that best suits the idea or project.

Finalists will be invited to a live pitch presentation event at NIDA in front of a judging panel on April 29-30.

Jim Sharman has created over 80 productions, many of which had a transformative effect in Australia and internationally.

His groundbreaking work has traversed stage and screen, including opera and musicals. His productions include three era-defining musicals – Hair (Sydney, Tokyo, Boston), Jesus Christ Superstar (Australia , and nine years in London’s West End) and The Rocky Horror Show (UK, USA, Australia) – as well as countless premieres and radical interpretations of classics, including works by Shakespeare, Mozart, Strindberg and Brecht.

Jim was Artistic Director of the influential Lighthouse (State Theatre of South Australia) and the 1982 Adelaide Festival, bringing Pina Bausch to Australia.

Jim revived and premiered plays by Patrick White and directed the premiere of Richard Meale’s opera Voss, based on White’s novel.

Among his film work, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the longest running film in the history of cinema. He is the recipient of the JC Williamson Centenary Lifetime Achievement Award and the Sydney Theatre Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. His memoir, Blood and Tinsel, was published in 2008.

What’s On

Wenham Q&A

■ Actor David Wenham will participate in a Q&A at the preview of the new film Spit at 5.30pm on Friday February 28 at Hoyts District Docklands.

His character is a small-time ex-criminal Johnny Spitieri (Spit) who after 20 years on the run overseas, slips back into Australia on a false passport only to find himself locked up in an Immigration Detention Centre with a massive target on his back.

Ray Chen on tour

■ Renowned Taiwanese-Australian violinist Ray Chen will tour Australia this September. Joined by Julio Elizalde on piano, the virtuosic violinist will perform recitals at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on September 8.

Gill steps down

■ Bell Shakespeare has announced that Gill Perkins, the Company’s Executive Director, will be stepping down in July, after 10 years in the role and more than 25 years of service to Bell Shakespeare.

During her tenure as Executive Director, Gill has steered the Company through a period of significant change, starting with the transition of artistic leadership in 2015 from Founding Artistic Director John Bell to current Artistic Director Peter Evans

Hugh promoted

■ Hugh Nailon has been promoted to National TV News Director at Nine, overseeing state TV news directors. He will also continue as Melbourne TV News Director.

Kendall Bora has been named the US Bureau Chief, leading Nine's US coverage from Los Angeles. Previously, she served as the Executive Producer of the Today show.

Michael Best has been appointed to TV News Director in Sydney

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

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

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

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

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

Melbourne Observer

Established 1969 EDITORIAL COMMENT

Poll warnings for everyone

As we go to press, the definitive results for the Prahran and Werribee by-elections are still unknown.

The Sunday papers were full of the usual cliches: ‘it’s down to the wire’ and ‘too close to call’.

What is known is that Jacinta Allan’s Labor State Government were whacked with an anti-swing of about 8 per cent.

It is possible that the Liberals may claim the seat for the first time in 46 years.

We also know that the Liberals put in a decent show in the Prahran byelection, possibly unseating the Greens.

Vote-couting resumed on Monday morning (Feb. 10) with pre-poll votes - which are generally kinder to the Libs - to be taken into account.

The lessons for Labor, Ms Allan and her team are to ‘do better ... much better’.

In tight times especially, the community wants its funds managed better.

To date, Ms Allan has buried her head in the sand, insisting that the Suburban Rail Loop must proceed. Her Melbourne housing strategy relies on public transport around those rail hubs.

The fact is that much of the SRL is unlikely to become a reality until 2050 or 2060, way beyond the lifetimes of mature voters.

Perhaps rather than backing down coimpletely from the project, an answer for Ms Allan might be to reduce the project to half-pace, and use many of those billions to balance the budget, and boost the spending on ‘today’ issues such as hospitals, ambulance and police.

The lesson for the Liberals, under new leader Brad Battin, is that the community is considering them as an alternative government, but that they have much more work to do, before they gain a majority vote.

The next State Election is due to be held in November 2026. Those 21 months will go quickly for the Libs, and they will need every week to make themselves electable.

There are also lessons for the bit players. Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon stood for election in Werribee, more than 50 kms away.

He scored a few hundred votes only. He is paid more than $100,000 annually to be Mayor. He needs to concentrate of the main game - serving his existing constituents.

‘Greens spin rhetoric’

Sir,

As a country person I get frustrated and dismayed at uneducated city influence which is adversely impacting not only our rural lifestyle, but also the cost of living for everyone.

Greens policies are reducing the ability of our farmers to grow food. This affects not only the farmers, but also the regional towns that rely on their economic input. There is no better example than water policy.

The Greens claim they want water “managed in an ecologically sustainable way to meet environmental, cultural, social and economic needs”.

That sounds great, but it doesn’t match their actions. They continue to insist on buying more water from farmers to store in dams, supposedly for ‘environmental flows’.

In reality, these flows increase flood risks, damage river banks and provide ideal breeding conditions for European carp which are the real environmental destroyers.

But ‘environmental flows’ sounds warm and fuzzy, and it’s easy for the Greens to spin their rhetoric because very few of their supporters have any idea of the true consequences of this policy.

Additionally, farmers are an easy target who generally don’t have the means to defend themselves.

So this year, whether you are voting in a state government by-election or the upcoming federal election, may I urge some caution.

If you want policies that continue to reduce food production in Australia by the best and most sustainable farmers in the world, vote Greens … and suffer the ongoing increases in food prices at your supermarket.

If that is not what you want, think twice.

- Sue Braybon Tocumwal, NSW

Farmers for climate action

Sir,

Some 500 regional Victorians have already signed an open letter asking for upgrades to local energy infrastructure, put forward by Farmers for Climate Action - and FCA is asking more people to add their voice.

The open letter is addressed to the Australian Energy Regulator, which must sign off on regional energy infrastructure upgrades such as poles and wires.

Farmers for Climate Action is asking those who live on the Powercor Network in Western Victoria, to help fight for a better local network by signing the open letter.

The proposed upgrades include:

Observer Mailbag

Shortletters(nomore than200words)onlocal subjectsareinvitedfrom readers.

Emailto: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

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

advisory services

■ $4.8M for community-led renewable energy projects

■ $5.9M for vulnerable customer assistance to support electrification

Powercor has said these investments would increase bills by only $4 per year.

The open letter follows the Rural and Regional Energy Summit in Bendigo in October hosted by FCA in partnership with Powercor.

The Summit brought together Powercor customers from across Western Victoria to discuss the 2026-31 Regulatory Reset.

FCA CEO Natalie Collard said these upgrades were “a nobrainer”.

“Rural and regional Victorians pay the most for electricity yet suffer from the most blackouts,” Ms Collard said.

“Rural and regional Victoria produces the electricity our cities use, and rural and regional Victoria deserves the same quality of energy service that cities receive - FCA calls on the Australian Energy Regulator to back these investments to give regional Victorians fair access to a more reliable energy supply.

Ms Collard said upgrading Single Wire Earth Return lines was a clear priority from the summit, with a huge push to improve the lines for more than 3000 customers.

ity,” Ms Collard said.

“Storms and bushfires made worse and more frequent by climate change are really hard on rural electricity networks. We need governments to invest in local electricity upgrades to keep the network running properly.”

VFF (Victorian Farmers Federation) President, FCA board member and Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking said, rural Victorians are already making a significant contribution to the renewable energy shift by hosting transmission lines, wind turbines and solar farms, yet we don’t have the infrastructure in our communities to ensure reliable energy to our own homes and businesses.”

“As farmers and stewards of the land we are already focused on how we can continue to produce food and fibre while reducing our emissions, but with the current poles and wires we can’t even charge an electric car.”

“Poll after poll has shown rural and regional people support the energy shift, and we need governments to realise that upgrading our local energy network is part of that energy shift.”

- Les White, Farmers for Climate Action

Become

Library Fellow

Sir,

Amazing things happen when you bring your ideas to the State Library of Victoria and use the State Collection to imagine new possibilities.

Whether you're an artist, writer, storyteller, educator, researcher, or creative, a fellowship can help your ideas soar.

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- State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne

Cain quits Govt.

● ● The Argus front-page, February 12, 1955

■ The Victorian Labor Party last night split in two when Mr. Cain, Premier, and seven other members resigned from the State central executive

The eight men resigned after a hectic 3½ hours debate ending at 11.10. In a dramatic vote after nearly seven hours of debate the 25-member executive voted to maintain its boycott on the Federal-sponsored "fresh election" conference on February 26.

Fined £35

■ Up at Russell St. they’re telling the story of the driver of an ancient jalopy who wos stopped for a roadworthy check-up.

Police found various things wrong with it, and as a result he ended up in Court and was fined a total of £35.

Which, the motorist said sadly later, was even worse thon it sounded. He'd only paid £30 for the car.

Diggers to Malaya

■ Australia will have a fully-trained jungle fighting battalion ready for Malaya by the middle of August.

Mr. Francis, Army Minister, tonight announced that jungle training of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, had been speeded up. It would be fully, trained by mid August.

He gave no reason for stepping up training, but Canberra observers are certain that the speedup is to prepare the battalion for Malaya service.

"Every effort is being made to ensure that the training is most realistic," said Mr. Francis

Duke to visit

■ $2.1M for expert energy

“We hear stories of farmers paying out of their own pocket to fix powerlines because they aren’t getting reliable electric-

■ The Duke of Edinburgh finally has agreed, in talks with Mr. Menzies, Prime Minister, to visit Australia for the Olympic Games next year. Mr. Menzies also is understood to have dis cussed the possibility of a later visit by the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. He told the Palace Australia would always give a warm welcome to the Royal Family any time a Royal Tour was practicable and convenient. Mr. Menzies will make his second visit to Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

loves what he does

■ I have been doing publicity for a long time, and I get to meet some fantastic people.

Tom Burlinson would have to be among my top five people I have worked with, always gentlemanly, kind and so talented.

And, like me, he loves what he does.

Tom is bringing a new show, Tom Burlinson , Still Swingin’, to the Frankston Arts Centre and I cannot recommend him highly enough.

The Australian star of stage and screen, Tom presents a sensational salute to the masters of vocal Swing. Tom will perform with his big band.

This dazzling, energetic show presents a montage of swing classics made famous by the great superstars Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Nat ‘King' Cole, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra, through to the hits of the hugely successful modern favourites - Harry Connick Jr and Michael Bublé.

Tom’s illustrious career stretches from acting and singing to television host and theatrical producer.

He first shot to stardom in the early 80s when he was cast in the title role in the movie

The Man from Snowy River, which became one of the most successful Australian films ever made. This led to a string of starring roles in Australian and international films.

In the 90s, Tom revealed that as well as being a talented actor, he also had an amazing singing voice.

He was cast by Frank Sinatra’s daughter, Tina in his first professional singing engagement as the voice of young Frank in the Warner Brothers mini-series‘Sinatra’.

Later Tom created and starred in the acclaimed theatrical production ‘Frank – A Life in Song’, a celebration of the life and career of the legendary Sinatra , which played highly successful seasons at premier venues around Australia and overseas.

Now he has explored the renowned achievements of other stars of the genre and chosen their best songs to perform, as well as some Sinatra classics and timeless standards in Still Swingin’. This show truly has one great song after another!

He has included classics from the great Tony Bennett, who was Sinatra’s favourite singer; the smooth and jazzy Nat ‘King’ Cole, the multi-talented, highly energised Sammy Davis Jr, the ‘King of Cool’ Dean Martin, and the sensational Bobby Darin

Tom says his show would not be complete without a selection of Sinatra songs.

“Many people who come to see the show will be expecting to hear some Sinatra. For me, he was the greatest of them all, but that’s not to say they weren’t all great.”

Throughout the show Tom has included all-time favourites such as I’ve Got the World on a String, Fly Me to the Moon, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, and, of course, New York, New York

And there will be a surprise. After the show members of the audience will be invited to purchase some albums of Tom’s and get a chance for a photo and to meet him.

Accompanying Tom on stage as always will be a fabulous big band including some of Australia’s best musicians.

Tom Burlinson S till Swingin’ . Frankston Arts Centre, Sunday, March9. 4pm-5.30pm

Bookings: www.frankstonartscentre

I promise you will be singing all the way home.

- Di Rolle

FLEDERMAUS

● ● ● ● Gilbert and Sullivan’s Fledermaus showtunes. There’s no set list, no stage, no microphone and no 'shooshing'.

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria presents a newly orchestrated, staged and choreographed version of Fledermaus from Robert Ray and Geoffrey Urquhart, for its opening season at the historic cottage and gardens of The Knowe, Sassafras, from February 15.

Two hundred years after the birth of Johann Strauss Junior , this GSOV production of Fledermaus is a story of revenge, infidelity, disguises, and false imprisonment decorated by Strauss's splendid waltzes.

Described as having 'glorious music, wonderful singing, and a charming and witty libretto,' there are two opportunities to see this joyful work in Melbourne

The first is in the shady garden setting of The Knowe, an historic cottage in Sassafras (February 15, 16 and 22, 23, March 1-2).

The second is the recently refurbished and modern, The Round Studio (Nunawading) with two matinees and a Saturday evening show between March 8 and 9.

Fledermaus will also be presented in Moe with the assistance of Henkell Wines

For tickets and details go to gsov.org.au/ fledermaus

Performance Venues and Dates:

■ The Knowe, Sassafras: Feb 15-16, 22-23 March 1-2 at 2pm.

■ The Round Studio, Nunawading: March 89 at 2pm or 8pm.

■ Moe Plaza: April 12 at 5pm.

Revenge, Infidelity, Deceit and Laughter from Strauss - Master Composer of Viennese Waltzes.

Details and Tickets: gsov.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Marie’s Crisis

■ For six nights only, Marie's Crisis and its top pianists from New York's West Village iconic basement piano bar are visiting Melbourne's Fringe Common Rooms in Carlton from February 20 - March 2.

It’s just the crowd, the piano and the Tom

Everyone’s welcome to sing their heart outor just stand and enjoy the musical mavens who know all the lyrics. All are welcome.

This communal sing-along night features songs from musicals ranging from popular classics, such as Les Mis, Wicked, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Grease, to the cult show tunes from the musicals of Stephen Sondheim - and everything in between.

Marie’s Crisis performers include: actor/director/singer and educator teaching musical theatre performance at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy (NY) Kenney GreenTilford ; composer, performer and educator based in New York City, Adam Michael Tilford; and Brandon James Gwinn, a Drama League nominated and Richard Rodgers Award and Bistro Award winning composer-lyricist, performer, pianist and producer, and two-time winner of the Broadway World Award for Best Piano Bar Entertainer.

Marie's Crisis Cafe is a West Village NYC fixture dating back to the late 1800s. Originally owned by Marie Dumont, the location is also the site of the death of Thomas Paine who authored the crisis papers sparking the American Revolution.

Throughout its history Marie's has always prided itself on being a safe space for all, but particularly the gay community long before they were accepted members of society.

Today Marie's welcomes people from all walks of life and from all over the world seven days a week.

Performances: February 20, 21, 22, 28, March 1 at 7.30pm; March 2 at 6.30pm

Duration: 270 minutes

Venue: Fringe Common Rooms - Cnr Victoria and Lygon St, Carlton, Victoria

Age Suitability: 18+

Price: $50 per person; Blax Tix $40 per person

Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au/event/ maries-crisis-pop-up/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Roar Fest

■ The full program has been announced of events for the inaugural Rokar Fest Celebrating Women in Music taking place across St Kilda on the Labour Day long weekend – March 8-9.

Coinciding with global celebrations of International Women’s Day, Roar Fest will shine a spotlight on women in the Australian music industry, on and off the stage, and is led by Roar Ambassadors: Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko and Ella Hooper.

They are to be included in an exclusive IWD In Conversation Panel (Sunday, March) 9 where they will share their personal journeys as trailblazers in their fields, insights into the global challenges women face.

There will be a headline concert at the historic National Theatre on Sunday, March 9.

Auction postponed

■ Three Brownlow Medals awarded to VFL/ AFL legend, Ian Stewart, have been withdrawn from the sale by Leski Auctions promoted in last week’s Melbourne Observer. The medals were awarded in 1965, 1966 and 1971. The first two were awarded when Stewart was contracted to St Kilda. The second medal coincided with the Club winning its first and only premiership. The third medal was awarded when he played for Richmond The Sporting Memorabilia auction will still go ahead without the medals on February 12 and 13 from 12 Noon.

Writers Fest

■ The inaugural Footscray West Writers Fest will transform West Footscray into a celebration of stories, people and community from March 28 to March 30.

Showcasing the rich diversity of the west through storytelling, performance and creative exchange, the festival will bring writers and community together to experience the vibrant voices of Melbourne’s West in a series of intimate and interactive experiences.

Supported by Maribyrnong City Council and presented by West Footscray Arts, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to enriching Melbourne’s West with arts and cultural events, FWWF offers a dynamic program of free and ticketed events across some of Footscray’s most beloved spaces.

From site-specific storytelling that explores the suburb’s iconic landmarks to thought-provoking discussions and hands-on workshops, the festival fosters deep connections between writers, readers and the neighbourhood they call home.

Jess Lilley and Donita Richards, Footscray West Writers Fest co-curators, said: “We’re thrilled to launch a festival that is truly for the west, by the west.

“This is about amplifying the voices of local writers and celebrating the distinct character of our communities.

“It also gives the community an opportunity to engage with familiar places in new ways, whether that’s hearing a writer read their work in a pizza restaurant or sit down at a typewriter and write their own story at a local art studio.”

Highlights of the festival include:

Stories from the West — Friday, March 28. To launch the festival, Ernest Price, André Dao and Maxine Beneba Clarke will discuss what it means to be a writer in the west, alongside Footscray High School students sharing their stories of living in the west.

In Conversation: Helen Garner and Bob Murphy on The Season — Sunday, March 30. Helen Garner will be joined in conversation by Bob Murphy at Whitten Oval to discuss sport, belonging and community. Moderated by Mel Fulton.

Stories From the Belly of the West Sunday, March 30. To close the festival, local writers will present original, site-specific stories inspired by Footscray’s iconic places, including the Westgate Bridge, Cheaper by Miles and Savers. Authors include Alice Pung, Jinghua Qian, Emilie Collyer, Sam Elkin, Tina Cartwright and Rijn Collins. With more names to be announced, participating writers and storytellers include: Alice Pung, Jinghua Qian, Sam Elkin, Thuy On, Dr Vicki Couzens, André Dao, Deborah Frenkel, Shu-Ling Chua, Najma Sambul, Benjamin Millar, Emilie Collyer, Saanjana Kapoor, Rijn Collins, Tina Cartwright, Rochelle Siemienowicz, Fiona Scott-Norman and Charlie Lewis

The Footscray West Writers Fest is supported by the Maribyrnong City Council. The Festival has support from Community Bank Seddon, Victoria University, Tradewind Australia, The Westsider, Chestnut Tree Bookshop, Bad Writers Club, The Open Arms, Athletes of Wine, Harley & Rose and West Footscray Wines.

West Footscray Arts is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enriching Melbourne’s West with arts and cultural events.

It is co-founded by local writers and storytellers, West Footscray Arts sprung out of the Chestnut Tree Bookshop in West Footscray - Contributed

Adam Michael Tilford and Kenney Green-Tilford from Marie's Crisis.

with Di Rolle

● ● Tom Burlinson

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ PEP Productions: The Toxic Avenger (musical) February 14 – 22 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director/choreographer: Natasha Harvey; Co-Musical Directors: Daniel Kim and Kristie Thai; Ass’t. Choreographer: Xi Gui Griffi. Bookings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ CentreStage: Come from Away. March 7

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

CRIME EVERY MOUNTAIN

■ Sisters in Crime present Crime Every Mountain at 8pm on Friday, February 28 at the Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan St, South Melbourne

Women’s crime writing has risen to new heights. It’s left the dry, dusty plains behind and headed for the hills or rather the mountains –with thrilling and chilling consequences.

Claire Sutherland (The Crag), Bronwyn Hall (The Chasm) and Erina Reddan (Deep in the Forest) will talk to Leslie Falkiner-Rose, convenor and keen skier, about the challenges they have faced trying to get to the top.

Event Date: Friday, February 28 at 8pm, Dinner from 6.30pm

Venue: The Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan St, South Melbourne.

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/crime-everymountain-tickets-1117255494259?aff= oddtdtcreator

- Cheryl Threadgold

The Substation

■ The Substation launched its Season One program which, due to an unfortunate bout of ill health, had to be presented in digital format rather than at its Newport premises as originally planned.

Nevertheless, going digital did not lessen the impact of what promises to be an exciting first half of 2025.

Staying true to its stated aim of being multidisciplinary, experimental and contemporary in its approach, a range of different artists make up the program.

Drawn from the Asia Pacific region, the United States a nd urban as well as regional local and interstate places, ten creators will have work exhibited or performed during the season.

In addition, another six will take up residences based at Newport while a further seven will be in the Substation’s development program. All will be able to avail themselves of the large scale gallery, performance space and dance studio that make the Substation so unique.

All in all then, after some excellent shows over the last couple of post-COVID years, Season One 2025 promises to build on the momentum created and deliver exciting new works.

The Substation, 1 Market St., Newport.

Further details: thesubstation.org.au

- Peter Murphy

Shadows In Twin Cities

■ The City of Melbourne and the Jeonju Cultural Foundation have collaborated to create a new intercultural playful exchange that connects children from Melbourne and Jeonju in Korea, from February 20 to March 10.

Shadows in Twin Cities is an interactive experience where children from each city connect with each other via a life-sized, live-video screen that is 1.8 metres tall.

Melbourne’s ArtPlay and Jeonju’s Palbok Art Factory are creative spaces that offer engaging and innovative art-based experiences for children and families.

For over four years, ArtPlay artist Jessica Wilson teamed up with Palbok Art Factory artist Gijong Yoo to develop Shadows in Twin Cities, a project where children engage with each other through play and conversation across hemispheres.

Through an unusual one-on-one exchange with movement and gestures, Shadows in Twin Cities encourages children to learn about each other and the city landscapes where they live.

As part of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Asia TOPA festival, Shadows in Twin Cities will feature three events for children aged between 5 to 11 years at ArtPlay and Fed Square in Melbourne as well as Palbok Art Factory in Jeonju.

Meet Me is a workshop where Melbourne children will meet new friends from Jeonju. They will trace a life-sized silhouette of each other using translucent hand-crafted Hanji paper and fly them outside in the wind.

Find My Shadow features 16 life-sized Hanji shadows made by Melbourne children of their new Korean friends. The shadows are pasted in unexpected locations throughout Fed Square for

children and their families to find.

Watch Me Fly is a large-scale video installation that is broadcast simultaneously on the Fed Square Big Screen and at Palbok Art Factory. The footage shows children flying each other’s shadow in their urban environment.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece says: "The City of Melbourne is proud to collaborate with our international partner at the Jeonju Cultural Foundation to create Shadows in Twin Cities which offers an engaging and creative exchange between children in Australia and Korea.”

Meet Me. Feb. 22 – 23, Mar. 1 – 2. 11am, 12pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. ArtPlay. 60 mins. $20

Find My Shadow. Feb. 20 – Mar .10. 10am – 5pm. Fed Square. 45 mins. Free.

Watch Me Fly. Feb. 20 – Mar. 10. 10am –2pm Fed Square. Big Screen. 15 mins on loop. Free.

Shadows in Twin Cities is a collaboration between the City of Melbourne and the Jeonju Cultural Foundation. It is supported by ArtPlay, Palbok Art Factory, Fed Square, Art Centre Melbourne Asia TOPA, the Australian International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund, the Playking Foundation, the Korean Consulate in Melbourne and the Australia Korea Foundation

- Ben Starick

Cats

■ Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats is returning to Australia to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live announced that Cats will be stage at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne from December.

“Cats is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre,” said John Frost

A waitlist has been established to buy tickets in Melbourne at www.catsthemusical.com.au

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and set to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats has been captivating audiences around the globe since it opened at the New London Theatre (now known as the Gillian Lynne) in 1981, where it played for 21 recordbreaking years and almost 9,000 performances, winning both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical

Since then, Cats has been presented in over 50 countries, translated into 23 languages and has been seen by over 81 million people worldwide. On Broadway, Cats played for 18 years and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.

The musical tells the story of the Jellicle cat tribe. On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to ‘The Heaviside Layer’ and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

The timeless musical score includes the hit song Memory, which has been recorded by more than 150 artists including Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Nicole Scherzinger, Johnny Mathis, Liberace and Barry Manilow.

With “timeless music, spectacular sets and a superb cast”, breathtaking choreography and of course the unforgettable Memory, Cats is a magical musical like no other.

Tickets now at catsthemusical.com.au

Bad Bridesmaid

Rachael Jones

■ What do you do when you don’t approve of your mother marrying for the sixth time?

In Rachael Johns’s new novel The Bad Bridesmaid , anti-romantic serial dater Winifred (Fred) joins forces with the groom’s son Leo to execute Operation Breakup

That certainly qualifies her for the title of bad bridesmaid.

Author Johns describes her plot as a reverse Parent Trap, referencing the Disney movie where two twins who were separated when their parents divorced.

They discover each other at summer camp and plot to bring their estranged parents together.

Set on picturesque Norfolk Island, The Bad Bridesmaid is a madcap romp following these two naughty adult children and their anti-wedding machinations.

Happily married for more than 20 years, Johns says she is a cursed bride as all of her own bridesmaids are now divorced.

In conjunction with the book, publisher Penguin Random House is running a competition for the best bridesmaid with a $500 travel voucher as the prize. To enter, visit penguinrandomhouse.com.au

The Bad Bridesmaid is an ideal fun novel to while away the rest of summer.

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

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

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

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

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

■ 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 - Cheryl Threadgold

To your In-Box

● ● ● ● The Melbourne Observer is published weekly, February-December. It appears inside all editions of The Local Paper. Have weekly copies emailed free. www.FreePaper.com.au

● ● ● ● Claire Sutherland

Victoria Pictorial

● ● ‘Coolart’, Balnarring

● ● ● ● Balnarring Store

● ● ● ● Point Leo beach, 1910

● ● Shoreham Beach

● ● ● ● Flinders. Circa 1870s.

● ● ● ● The pier, Stony Point.

● ● ● Main Road, Crib Point

● The Foreshore, Balnarring Beach

Local History

How Alexandra was named

■ “The statute of Queen Alexandra was unrveiled on Friday afternoon last, in the presence of a large gathering of residents and the child ren attending the school,” noted a local press report on August 4, 1939.

“The statue has been erected in the small park created by the C.W.A. on portion of the Library block.

“Cr. W. A. Murray, Shire Presi dent, opened the proceedings, and said the statue had been received on permanent loan from the Trustees of the National Gallery Mr. Elliott was instrumental in having it sent to Alexandra.

“Thanks were due to the committee of the local Library for permission to place the statue on their land, and he would also like to mention the assistance given by the local branch of the C.W.A

“Later on the C.W.A. hoped to erect a building to serve as a baby health centre.

“Cr. Murray then asked Mr. Elliott to unveil the statue.

“Mr. R. D. Elliott said be was very pleased to be present. He thought the action of the Trustees indicated a wider outlook, and showed that the National Gallery was a national institution - not a Melbourne one.

“There was no fitter site for the statue than Alexandra. It was "lent" to Alexandra, and would never be returned.

“The statue, the work of Charles Summers, was a permanent monument" of that artist's work.

“He was born in 1825, and as a boy received 1/ a week for scaring crows fiom the field.

“Later on be attended the Royal Academy School . He arrived in Melbourne in 1853.

“When at Tarnagulla goldfields he saw an advertisement for modellers at Parliament House, and disposed of his claim (the purchasers of which afterwards struck a patch that netted £20,000.)

“He modelled figures in the Legislative Council Chamber, and was responsibte for the statue of Burke and Wills . He went to Rome , and died in 1878.

“Continuing his remarks, Mr. Elliott said: The life of an English King (or Queen) is one of complete devotion to duty and personal sacrifice.

“More than a man in position and less than a man in human liberty. Monarch and servant in one. Trustee of the rich heritage of the past and guarantor of the immeasurable future.

“Above the law, yet the assurance

sculpture of Princess Alexandra was unveiled in 1939

that. justice will be done. The ruler of the people, the slave of the people, and the embodiment of the people's immortality.

“One holiday time when the royal family were all at Sandringham, the late King George V (son of the Queen) was checking up on church attendance and found that his three elder sons were missing.

“Sending for Sir Louis Greig, the King banged the table with his fist and roared, "I'll take no excuses as long as I am the King and their father, these young rascals have damned well got to go to church every Sunday morning."

“Fear can do much mischief. It is an active force for harm. Have no fear of war in the Far East. Have no fear of war in Europe. The war that can be lost is the one of nerves which has for its battle cry the oolish bleating of "it's coming in September."

“Kill the bogey; don't believe it ; develop our own industries - develop Australia

“Mr. Elliott then unveiled the statue, which had been covered with the National flag. He also intimated that he would pay for the cutting in of the lettering on the base of the statue.

“The Hon. E. J. Mackrell said he was delighted to be present at the unveiling of the monument by Mr Elliott, whom he hoped would be a Senator again.

“He was not so optimistic as Mr. Elliott in regard to the war rumblings, but sincerely hoped there would be no war.

“They must, however, buckle on the armour, and endeavour to be prepared.

“Mr. Mackrell then spoke of the various forms of government in the world, and the great freedom enjoyed under the British flag.

“Mr. C. R. Long was the next speaker. He said: I esteem it a great privilege to be present and to speak at this ceremony to-day. I should be thankful; it is a unique experience.

“Just think of it. To be on this spot

where we are standing before there were any houses in sight, and to be so circumstanced as to be able to return and find around me a prosperous community and a thriving town.

“I was driven in a waggonette with my father, mother, and a sister along a bullock dray track, which led from the Josephine cutting to the Recreation Reserve, crossed the creek, came down this side of it, turned into Grant Street, and then went In the direction of Thornton, at a time when there was not a house to be seen from the vehicle.

“That was in the sumnmer of 1865 - 74 years ago. Gold was discovered in the neighborhood in une of the next year - '66, and a township speedily came into being.

“Most of the houses were placed along the bullock-dray track. Gold was being got in plenty, both from quartz and from alluvial.

“The Government decided, therefore, to have a town and parish surveyed.

“John Downey, surveying in the district, was given the work to do. Most of the town was laid out in January, 1867, commencing from about where we are now.

“The Shire Hall is on Allotment 1 of Section 1.

● Continued Next Page

In honour of Danish princess

■ Reference to certain documents and plans in the Land Office, Melbourne, has brought to light some facts concerning the naming of Alexandra, which have more than ordinary interest at this time, when a statue of Queen Alexandra is about to be unveiled in Perkins Street,” said a 1939 press report.

“A. McGregor and S. Don discovered gold in quartz, on the bullock dray track from Thornton to Yea, not far from McKenzie's homestead, in June, 1866.

“As they were first discoveries of a goldfield (there being no mining between their find and Yea at that time), they received a reward-to each £75.

“In regard to the international situation to-day lt must be remembered that Britain is strong, and Germany knows it,” said the August 4, 1939, newspaper report. [War was declared on September 3, 1939.

“Therefore, in spite of all the massing of troops, the fiery speeches and the rattling of the sabre, and because of the strength of Britain, there will be no war.

“But there is one very great danger - the war of nerves. The campaign is become intense all the time.

“It is being conducted from Berlin , with Goebbels in command. Tientsin is part of the campaign. Goebbels' army extends beyond the frontiers of Germany to international financiers who spread rumours to the stock markets of the world, so that confidence is de stroyed. Nor does it stop there.

“There are the unpaid, unwitting agents here in Australia, Melbourne (even Alexandra ) who spread the news to their fellow townspeople that the war is coming in September.

“Goebells and Hitler believe that by rumours, alarms and excursions they can create such a state of nerves that to end the intolerable strain we shall give the Nazis what they want.

“Denounce the prophets of war! Criticise the people who go about saying war is inevitable. They are enemies of the public.

“They spread unemployment, driving many out ofwork. They breed in every classof the community anxiety and fear.

“They named their claim "Eglinton," which was that of a run and homestead (occupied by Henry Johnson, on the Yea side of McKenzie's Mount Pleasant run), and also of a creek (now Johnson's Creek.)

“Other claims were soon being worked from McGregor's and Don's claim in the direction of the U.T. Creek and there were alluvial diggings along that creek forseveral miles.

THE NAMING

“The track ran along what is now Grant Street till it came within a few yards of the U.T. Creek, where it turned up the stream and led to a crossing place near the junction of the present Webster and Perkins Streets

“There was a chock-and-log fence (the boundary at one time between the Mount Pleasant and the Eglinton runs) along the bank of the creek.

“In this fence stood a gateway (painted red), through which the track passed not many yards from the turn. The track became, after crossing the creek, almost a straight line to the neighbourhood of the present Josephine cutting (so named after Henry Johnson's sister).

“There was a rush in the second half of 1866 to the Red Gate diggings (that name, contracted to ‘Redgate' for the field, appearing for the first time in "Bradshaw's Guide" in May, 1867.)

“Richard Vining erected a small building in the vicinity of the turn of the track from Grant Street up the creek, and other buildings rapidly followed.

“There upon John Downey was instructed to survey a town and a parish. The Shire Hall at the junction of the present Grant and Perkins Streets is on allotment I of section 1.

“The title-page of Downey's Field Book, No. 1, runs thus: "John Downey's Field Notes. Survey of the Township of Eglinton on the U.T. Creek, Upper Goulburn River, Surveyed by John Downey, Government Contract Surveyor, Jan.,1867.'

“His finished plan, with the title, "Township of Eglinton, Upper Goulburn River, County of Anglesey,'' was dated February,1867.

“A proclamation in the Government Gazette in the following month (March) begins : "Sale of Crown Lands in fee simple at Alexandra, on the 5th April, 1867.'"

“This shows that the name had been changed. Downey's plan has now a slip with the word "Alexandra'' on it gummed over "Eglinton."

“The new name was that of a Danish princess, the "Rose of Denmark," who, about four years earlier (the exact date being March 7, 1863), had married the Prince of Wales (afterwards Edward VII).” - July 28, 1939

★Tickets have sold out for the VicRoads Heritage plate auction on Tuesday February 18. Some 500 tickets were claimed. The auction can be viewed online at heritageonly.com.au

★Melbourne Opera presents Richard Wagner’s comedy Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at 3pm on February 16 and 22, and 5pm on February 18 and 20. The performances will be at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton.

★The 48th Historic Winton to be held on May 24-25 at Winton Motor Raceway, will run without motorcycles for the first time.

★Labyrinth-Forest Collective, an immersive dance-opera-piano concerto exploring the ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur, is at the Abbotsford Convent Magdalen Laundry until February 8.

★ Old Scotch Collegians Football Club is mouring the passing of former club coach Dale Tapping who died from myeloma on February 4, two years after being diagnosed with the blood cancer.

★Elizabeth Anderson has been appointed as Assistant Artistic Director of the Australian Chamber Choir.

★MSO Cybec Assistant Conduc tor Leonard Weiss has been selected for prestigious Boston Symphony Orchestra Tanglewood Fellowship.

★ Sullivan+Strumpf an nounces its first Melbourne group exhibition, bringing together key voices working in contemporary abstraction. Open 10am –5pm Tuesday to Saturday. Entry is free. Until March 8. 107 - 109 Rupert St, Collingwood.

★Sundays With Wit is presenting an Intro To Intimacy with Rebecca Fortuna. Learn the art of staging intimacy with creativity, clarity, and consent. 10.30am-12 Noon, Sunday, February 23. At Bluestone Church Arts Space , 8A Hyde St, Footscray.

★ Yacht Rock Revival , d smooth sounds of '70s and 80’s light rock, funk and pop classics, is being geld 6pm on Saturday, February 22, at Packer Park, Carnegie. Free.

★Jude Perl and her jazz trio will perform from the American Songbook, as well as original tunes, from 7.30pm on Friday, February 14 (Valentines Day) at Caulfield Park Lake, Corner Hawthorn and Balaclava Rds, Caulfield North. Free.

★Mark Robinson, Herald Sun's Chief Football Writer, has retired after more than four decades in journalism.

★Laura Tingle has also writ ten her final column for The Australian Financial Review . She joined the paper in 1981. She continues at the ABC website.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Cicero

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★Professor Anna Peeters will become the new Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

★Tina The Musical will close at the Princess Theatre on March 2.

★The 2025 UniSport National 3x3 Basketball Championships will be hosted at Monash University in May. 3x3 basketball's popularity is exploding. The brightest university athletes will be attracted to Victoria

★The Big Issue is celebrating magazine vendors all around the country with a special edition of the fortnightly magazine on sale.

★Bill's Secrets , a book by Belinda Probert, was launched last week by Don Watson at Readings Carlton.

★ Joanna Murray-Smith’s Berlin returns to Melbourne this month following its sell-out run in 2023. Directed by Erica Chestnut and starring Georgia Latchford and Lachlan Hamill, the romantic thriller will play a strictly limited season from February 27.

★Caroline Lee, who played Jean Pascoe in ABC-TV’s The Newsreader is Deputy Chair at La Mama Theatre.

★PJ Lane, famous son of the TV star, is looking to bring his Don Lane Story floor show to Melbourne. Perhaps The Palms At Crown?

★

Follies enjoyed a short sixnight season at the Palais, St Kilda. Theatre royalty united for an unmissable production in Australian musical theatre history: Marina Prior, Antoinette Halloran, Adam Murphy, Alexander Lewis, Colette Mann, Geraldene Morrow, Evelyn Krape, Merlyn Quaife, Rhonda Burchmore and Geraldine Turner

★The Australian Children's Music Foundation has welcome Beth Appleton to its Board of Directors.

★Dementia Australia’s largest annual fundraising event, Memory Walk & Jog, will set off on Sunday May 18 at Princes Park, Carlton North, to raise money and awareness.

Arts House Season 1

■ Arts House launches Season 1 2025 with two Australian premieres presented in partnership with Asia TOPA: Goldfish by Terrapin in association with Aichi Prefectural Theatre ; and Fire Drill Scenario by Geumhyung Jeong.

Goldfish asks: what role should humanity, and the theatre, play in times of increasing disaster?

Developed by Tasmanian puppetry company Terrapin and Japan’s Aichi Prefectural Art Theatre, Goldfish is a dynamic work for children and their families where reality and fantasy collide.

A solo puppeteer spins a fable for children using everyday items. But fiction turns to fact as a flood arrives, devastating the land and two disaster recovery workers burst in, interrupting the performance.

As the theatre turns to an evacuation centre, familiar items illustrate the story – a tarpaulin becomes a surging ocean, pallets of tinned food become battlements and bags of rice become sandbags to hold back the tide.

For each season of Goldfish , a new set is made using disaster recovery materials specific to each location.

Terrapin Artistic Director Sam Routledge says: “To stay true to the intention of the work, we have set ourselves the challenge of telling the story using only the materials of the theatres we play in and items that will be useful to disaster recovery organisations at the season’s end.”

Fire Drill Scenario is an emergency evacuation contingency like no other. It is a wry and unexpected performance that challenges the safety zones of art and life.

Created by South Korean choreographer and artist Geumhyung Jeong, Fire Drill Scenario scrutinises the risks that audiences and artists are exposed to when they gather in confined spaces.

In a work that is both ridiculous and useful, Jeong will choreograph and coordinate Arts House’s safety instructions with meticulous detail and dry wit.

■ Goldfish – Terrapin in association with Aichi Prefectural Art Theatre. Feb. 26 – March 2. 7.30pm Wed. – Fri., 1pm and 7.30pm Sat. and 5pm Sun. Duration 60 minutes, no interval School shows: 11am Thu and Fri Relaxed performance: 1pm Sat

Post-show artist talk: 7.30pm Thu

■ Fire Drill Scenario – Geumhyung Jeong

March 6 – 9 . 7.30pm Thu. – Sat. and 5pm Sun. Duration 90 minutes, no interval

Venue: Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne

Tickets + transaction fee

$40 Standard ticket

$25 Reduced ticket

$15 Blaktix

Bookings: artshouse.com.au 9322 3720.

– Ben Starick

Night Call

■ (MA). 97 minutes. Available to rent or buy on selected digital platforms.

Similar to films such as Sleepless Night, REC and MADs, Night Call is a taut French/Belgian thriller that, like a couple of the films mentioned, will most likely go down the Hollywood remake route.

Beginning quietly, the story, set in Brussels , centres on Mady (Jonathan Feltre), a young black man who works long, unusual hours as a locksmith.

One evening, Mady receives a phone call from Claire (Natacha Krief), who has accidentally locked herself out of her flat.

Helping Claire out, Mady waits for his client to get the money to pay him, but things go down a very different path, which will have the terrified locksmith trying to stay one step ahead of other parties to survive.

The premise is simple, but cowriter/director Michiel Blanchart (making his directorial debut) uses the basic, even familiar, set-up to send his main character on a dark journey, surrounded by a huge Black Lives Matter protest that he feels doesn’t have anything to do with him at first, but by the end, will have a much more personal connection to him.

Like a number of visceral thrillers, this requires a certain level of suspension of belief for everything to work, but Blanchart shows incredible confidence in making sure these implausibilities can be overlooked, drawing us in to Mady’s precarious situation skilfully and with a lot of energy.

Special praise must also go to cinematographer Sylvestre Vannoorenbergh e and editor Matthieu Jamet-Louis, who help make everything vivid and immediate.

Feltre is perfect as Mady, who allows the viewer to engage with what’s going on, and care about his character’s outcome.

Krief is fine as Claire, as is Jonas Bloquet as Theo, and Romain Duris (who played Aramis in the excellent, two-part Three Musketeers films) as the intimidating Yannick.

Night Call is very entertaining stuff, made by a film-maker who cleverly threads his messages into the scenario, rather than bogging everything down by hitting you over the head with them.

Like I said, keep an eye out for the inevitable remake, but make sure you watch the original first. and escalates in expert fashion.

RATING - ****

Companion

■ (MA). 97 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas. With recent films like Afraid and Subservience failing to effectively explore the dangers of ever-evolving technology, Companion comes as a nice surprise, successfully getting its messages across while also entertaining, particularly through a smart sense of humour and good performances.

Sophie Thatcher (who costarred in the recent, excellent thriller Heretic) plays Iris, an oldfashioned young woman who is totally devoted to her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid, son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid), who seems to appreciate her commitment to their relationship.

The two drive to a remote, luxury house for a relaxing getaway with friends; Kat (Megan Suri), Eli (Harvey Guillen) , his partner Patrick (Lukas Gage), and Kat’s Russian (and married) boyfriend Sergey (Rupert Friend), who owns the house they are staying at.

Once settled in, the group enjoy their surroundings, but things turn sour after a sudden, unexpected confrontation, one that will affect Iris in particular.

The less an audience knows going in, the better, even though the advertising has spoiled some of its twists.

Even if you know what the main twist is (the opening scene certainly references a 70s favourite), it shouldn’t dampen the film’s entertainment value.

Despite its themes being largely told instead of shown, debutant writer/director Drew Hancock establishes his premise well enough to build on, and by using comedy more than horror, does tap into a mindset that is increasing in uncomfortable fashion, in regards to how men view women, with an ingrained sense of control that has lead to worrying levels of misogyny.

Performances range from good to strong, with Thatcher the standout, giving her character a depth and humanity that allows us to fully engage in her plight.

Quaid does well with his role, while Guillen, Suri and Gage all approach the material with suitable conviction.

Technically the film is wellcrafted, belying its very modest budget.

While it never really reaches its full potential, Companion is a welcome addition to a sub-genre that has proven mostly disappointing in recent years, and will hopefully find a following, which it does deserve. You could see it as the genre alternative to Barbie.

RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke

Marc Circero

■ Leo G. Carroll was one of those wonderful character actors in Hollywood films. He played many dignified characters in some of the classic films of the 20th century.

As a young boy I often wondered what the G’ stood for. Leo G. Carroll was an outstanding stage screen and television actor during his career.

Leo Gratten Carroll was born in Weedon Bec in the UK county of Northamptonshire in 1886.

He came from a wealthy Catholic family and he was named after Pope Leo XIII

Leo made his stage debut at the age of 26. He served in the British Infantry during World War I and fought in France, Greece and Palestine where he was wounded and hospitalised for two years.

In 1923 he took up residence in the US. He made his Broadway debut in 1924 in the play Havoc and the following year appeared in Noel Coward's The Vortex (recently re-staged by Malvern Theatre Company).

In 1926 he married Edith de Silva who was born in Lancashire and they had a son together.

Leo loved the theatre and during his lifetime he appeared in more than 300 plays.

His first film role was in 1934 when he played a butler in Sadie McKee and worked with some of the Hollywood greats Joan Crawford, Gene Raymond and Franchot Tone.

Leo made a big impression and appeared in

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Leo G. Carroll

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

five films in his first year in Hollywood . He changed his name to Leo G. Carroll and during the 1930s appeared in some classic films which included The Barretts of Wimpole Street, Wuthering Heights, A Christmas Carol and Captains Courageous

During the 1940s Leo began working with director Alfred Hitchcock and they went on to make six films together: Rebecca, Suspicion, Spellbound, The Paradine Case, Strangers On A Train and North by Northwest

In 1953 Leo starred in the television series Topper and I was fortunate to interview his costar Anne Jeffreys several years ago who said that Leo was a joy to work with. He is mentioned in the lyrics of the song Sci-

ence Fiction/Double Feature from the stage musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show because of his role in the 1955 horror film Tarantula

In 1962 Leo played Fr Fitzgibbon opposite Gene Kelly in the television series Going My Way which was based on the Bing Crosby film.

But his biggest success came in 1964 when he was cast as Alexander Waverly in the hit series The Man From Uncle starring opposite Robert Vaughn and David McCallum

He reprised his character in the spin-off series The Girl From Uncle with co-star Stefanie Powers

He sent himself up with an appearance on the comedy series Laugh In. My favourite of his films is North By Northwest where he has some great scenes with Cary Grant

One of his final acting roles was in an episode of the television series Ironside

Leo G. Carroll passed away from pneumonia as a complication of cancer in 1972 at the age of 86.

His wife Edith died 13 days later. They were survived by their son William and three grandchildren.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

ART TEXTILES AT BENDIGO GALLERY EXHIBITION

Material cause: art textiles in Bendigo Art Gallery’s collection

The notion of a hierarchy of materials in art – with the fine arts of painting and sculpture elevated above the applied or decorative or decorative arts – is challenges by innovative artistic collaborations between fashion designers and visual artists, reflective of a broader tendency to multi-disciplinary practices pursued by many contemporary artists today.

Historically associated with ‘women’s work’ and embraced by diverse counter-cultural movements and communities over time, textiles are a competing medium for political and social messaging, and conversations around gender and sexuality, status, power and perceptions of value.

Bendigo Art Gallery 42 View St, Bendigo

Ecologies

Project

How Climate Changes Culture

The Ecologies Project looks at the effects of climate change has had on deep time of human culture. With First Nations voices and continuing calls for the importance of sustainability, this show asks: how does a changing ecology change our culture.

Thousands of years ago the Mornington Peninsula did not exist,

The Banuong/BoonWurrung people were People of the River not People of the sea and heir traditional and extended to what is now the top of the north-west central Tasmania. Climate changes culture. The current climate calamity differs from previous mega-changes in that it has come from us, our colonial, extractionist and capitalist culture has changed the climate.

The exhibition looks at generational conversations about climate, what the changes might look and feel like and what we are creating now that will make it into a wider cultural milieu. With over 600 works, including photographs, painting, prints, installation, video and sound work.

Exhibition closes March 16.

MPRG – Mornington Peninsula

The Arts

On The Wing

Jesse Yvette Journoud-Ryan

Step into a world of intricate wall sculptures and freestanding pieces that celebrate the vibrant centre 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 history of European, Japanese and Australian antique ware alongside hand-sculpted and painted ceramics.

Each bird portrait captures their unique personalities, striking plumage and lively spirit.

Exhibition close Sunday March 23. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am –4pm.

Burrinja Gallery 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey

Closure

■ From Monday March 3 until Friday March 7, the Geelong Gallery will be closed for repairs to the roof

If good weather permits the job will be completed on schedule, the Gallery will reopen Saturday March 8.

Geelong Gallery

60 Little Malop St. Geelong

Croydon Urban Tour

Croydon Urban Art Tour

Launching for the first time this autumn the 60-minute Croydon Urban Art Tour showcases some of the diverse and ground-breaking public art int the vicinity of Main Street, Croydon, including work at Croydon station, Devon Street car park and along the laneways off Main St.

The tours highlight the ways in which local, nationally and internationally recognised by artists have responded to public spaces in the heart of Croydon.

Meeting point; outside the subway, 147 Main St, Croydon

Tour Dates: Saturday, February 22. 11am – 12 Noon. Saturday, March 22. 11am – 12 Noon Friday, March 28. 11am – 12pm. - Peter Kemp

Spellbound

A Night of Magic and Grand Illusion

Get ready for a spectacular night of magic and grand illusion with one of Australia’s leading illusionists, Anthony Street.

Witness levitations, impossible vanishes, mentalism and a deathdefying escape as Anthony pushes the boundaries of reality and distorts your senses.

With his unique and edgy style performing one of the oldest of art forms, Anthony will enthral and astonish you and keep you on the edge of your seat.

At Clocktower , 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds Wednesday, March 19 at 7pm.

★

Bill Cherry presents Forever Elvis at 7.45pm tonight (Wed., Feb. 12) at Clocktower.

Experience the magic of Elvis Presley through the incredible talent of Bill Cherry, hailed as one of the most authentic Elvis artists in the world. Cherry is the winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest held by Graceland

■ Remember Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova? She is he statuesque blonde who reached No. 8 in world rankings including winning the Australian Doubles title in 2002 ? Now 44, Anna has three young kids, is married to singer Enrique Iglesias, and is a naturalised American citizen living in Florida. Anna retired early from tennis due to serious back injury. She still looks very chic being the celebrity Mum far away from the tennis circuit, and occasional film appearances.

Station attracts Premier

■ Soon after the bounce of the ball for the New Year , the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, officially opened Studio One at Phoenix FM, Bendigo. It broadcasts on 106.7FM. New broadcasting decks, new sounds make Phoenix the station for all genres of music.

Ads for Super Bowl

■ The audience who watched this year's string of commercials during Super Bowl is estimated at 123 million. Cost per 30 second spot was $8 million.

From the Sick Bay

■ The health of media personalities has taken a hit of recent weeks. Nova breakfast member Kate Ritchie has taken compassionate leave on the grounds of mental health . Another radio casualty is Karl Sandilands who may have to have an operation because of a diagnosed brain aneurysm. On recovery is Channel Nine newsreader Peter Overton who is back on light duties following a polyp being removed from his vocal chords. Good luck, get well.

Bedtime stories

■ Former President, Joe Biden, has re-appointed Creative Arts Agency to organise

Leo G. Carroll

Anna Kournikova

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 38

AcrossAcrossDownDown

1. Supporting structure

6. Discreetly

11. Discontent

15. Enlisting (7,2)

20. Verve

21. Circle (planet)

22. Aria-nominated singer, ... Murray

23. Soiled

25. Reflector

26. Nastier

27. Of kidneys

29. Debar (4,3)

32. Close

34. Go berserk, run ...

36. Self-centredness

39. Acute remorse

41. Tree, copper ...

43. Merits

46. Fatigued

48. Blunder

49. Swerve

51. Stone god

52. Revenge

55. June 6, 1944 (1-3)

56. Louts

59. Confuse

61. Whisky & ...

62. Tennis ace, Steffi ...

63. Condition

64. Verb modifiers

67. Many-sided figure

68. Pacify

70. Earth's environment, Mother ...

71. Stern

72. Cricket side

73. Anxious (2,4)

74. Polite form of address

75. Italian rice dish

77. Lead-in

78. Radiate

79. Measly

82. German war vessels (1-5)

86. Madden

87. Russian leader

89. Alpine flower

92. Truck's unloaded weight

94. Country, Sri ...

96. Catch sight of

98. Negative votes

100. Cure (fish)

101. Feel the loss of

103. Old Testament son of Isaac

105. French cap

106. Murder (2,2)

108. In charge, at the ...

111. Domestic servant

112. Bread grillers

114. Light classical musical

116. Early guitar

119. Authentic

120. Hasten

121. Typist's ailment (1,1,1)

123. Arguable

124. Engrave

125. Wipe out

126. Revenge

127. Constantly busy (2,3,2)

130. City's chief mail centre (1,1,1)

131. Thin-petalled flowers

135. Tartan skirts

138. Leonardo da Vinci's ... Lisa

139. Genuine thing, the ... McCoy

141. Barbie toys

144. Chew like rat

146. Sergeant or corporal (1,1,1)

147. At that time

148. Hawaiian garland

149. Female horse

150. Nautical yes

151. Cut (timber)

152. Amounted to (4,2)

153. Wine, ... spumante

155. Happily ... after

157. Garden tool

158. Volleyball court dividers

160. Requirements

161. Elevate

162. Progress chart

163. Mirth

165. Light purple

166. Uncle Sam (1,1,1)

167. Anger

168. Official decree

169. Europe/US defence pact

171. Pale beer

172. Board

175. Jottings

176. Per, for ...

179. Swelled

180. Lessen

182. Tennis great, Arthur ...

184. Prompting (actor)

185. Uprising

186. Achieve

188. Drag with effort

189. Drilling platform

190. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1)

191. Utilise

193. Perfumed powder

194. Community spirit

196. Father

197. Covers

198. Overfills

200. Furtiveness

205. Definite article

207. Climbs

210. Intoxicate

211. Chatty

212. Suffer pain

213. Saint's ring

214. Mayday signal (1,1,1)

216. Zodiac crustacean

218. Wickedness

219. Eastern European

220. Dining table protector (5,3)

224. Dreamer

227. Pint-size

229. Jeans maker, ... Strauss

230. Black soft drink

231. Bounders

232. Front of leg

233. Concept

235. Durable fabric

237. Performs

239. Hitler's ... Kampf

241. The Devil

244. Dancer, ... Pavlova

246. Coiffure

249. Eye lustfully

252. Gives birth to pups

254. Make untidy (4,2)

256. Charmingly unusual

258. Pill

259. Hostile frown

260. Primped

263. Cowardly informer

264. Minor details

265. Interfere

267. Sand granules

270. Threat

271. Imperial ruler

272. Marine mollusc

273. Ancient Arabic tribesman

274. Partners

277. Yuletide

279. Sudden invasion

281. Fires (from job)

284. Famed lioness

286. High temperature

288. Died before

292. Additional

294. Encounter

295. Half-diameters

298. Cook in oven

300. Come up

301. Screened (film) again

303. Marten fur

306. Racing car's protective frame

308. Single thing

309. Embraces

311. Paltry sum of money

314. Internet message

315. Cease operating (3,3)

316. Gradually implant (ideas)

317. Dinners or lunches

318. Meadows (poetic)

319. Supplementary

320. Fiddling emperor

321. Tough circumstances

322. Nipped with beak

323. Sat lazily

324. Freedom fighter

1. Load completely

2. Actor, ... Baldwin

3. Encourage (3,2)

4. Skips

5. Lock openers

6. Movie star, ... L Jackson

7. Join

8. Set fire to

9. Big Apple resident, New ...

10. Engross

11. Maximum

12. Estate agent

13. Lance

14. Expressed as 15. Yank

16. Personal

17. Eskimo shelter

18. Mongolian desert

19. Rhyme

24. Picnic blankets

28. Taj Mahal city

30. Had to repay

31. Philosopher, ... Marx

33. Atomic devices (1-5)

35. Most likely to win (4-2)

37. Brisk pace

38. Filter

40. Natives of Lhasa

42. Hag

44. Church corridors

45. Gold ore lump

47. Foolish

48. Cosmetic pencil

49. Most conceited

50. Opinion column

53. Narrowed

54. Volcanic (rock)

57. African anteaters

58. Dissolved (ties)

60. Tag for future use

63. Similar-meaning word

65. ... Sea Scrolls

66. Golfer, ... Ballesteros

68. Edible flesh

69. Front

76. Forth

79. Woman's title

80. Yawning gulf

81. Satirical play

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

84. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley

85. Pig's home

88. Of beauty

90. Wanes

91. Interested in 93. Sheepishly

95. Amongst

97. Medieval farm labourer

99. Actor, ... Banderas

100. Indecent material

102. US Rockies state

104. Loft

107. Request from menu

109. Composer, Andrew ... Webber

110. Broad smile

111. Engage (with)

113. Thinks logically

115. Author's alias (3,4)

117. Snake-like fish

118. Point of perfection

121. Splendid clothes

122. Play piano, tinkle the ...

127. Liver or spleen

128. Stretch (of land)

129. Family-tree specialist

132. Varieties

133. Altogether (2,3)

134. Burn (hair)

135. Enlightenment

136. Gandhi's garment

137. ... & weaknesses

138. Fulfil expectations (7,2)

140. Bulkiness

141. Crystal brandy bottles

142. Verbally attacks (6,3)

143. Items of stage scenery (3,6)

145. Rinse (4,3)

151. Section

154. Snares

156. Yashmaks

159. Historical period

164. And so on

169. Standards

170. Steak cut (1-4)

173. Makes fizzy

174. Young eagles

177. Anew

178. Pawns

181. US cotton state

183. Crowded together

187. From Addis Ababa

192. Picking

195. Be melodramatic

199. Idiotic

201. Mite

202. Primates

203. Pull strenuously

204. Brutal

206. Prince Andrew's ex

207. Diminish

208. Covet

209. Quacking bird

213. ... & hearty

215. Supervise

217. Bigotry

221. Fees

222. Ruined Inca city, ... Picchu

223. Siamese

224. Child's guessing game (1,3)

225. East England county

226. Restrict

228. Vagrants

234. Frivolous time-wasting

236. Caravan nomads

238. Wheel-shaft projection

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

242. Rouses

243. Be unfaithful to (3-4)

245. India's capital (3,5)

247. Satisfy

248. Accounts books

250. Connections

251. Non-believer

253. Swindle

255. Jug

257. Charged atoms

258. Docile

261. Rubber

262. Gallows loops

265. Composer, Wolfgang Amadeus ..

266. Gets rid of

268. Stage whisper

269. Malay garment

275. Singing pitch

276. Tea, ... Grey

278. Paintings & drawings

280. Spray can

282. Prayer ending

283. Conserved

285. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist

287. Shoe reinforcement

289. Moved swiftly

290. Musky cats

291. TV reception pole

292. Manhandled

293. Explorer, ... Tasman

296. Aids in crime

297. Baghdad native

299. Tickle

302. White wine, ... Riesling

304. Quickly

305. High-quality printer type

306. Hurry

307. Suggestive look

308. Troubles

310. Urban haze

312. Russia's ... Mountains

313. Two-seater lounge

Rob Foenander

Chasing The Girls

■ Singer songwriter Brendan McMahon has released his new single Chasing The Girls. He says the song is about the fun growing up in a small country town. We rode our bikes everywhere, went fishing down at the river, played every sport we could and then when we turned 12 or 13 years old, we started noticing girls and that changed a lot of things. More info at www.brendanmcm.com/

Sing

■ Jackie and Susie have been a dynamic duo headlining the iconic Melbourne Abba tribute band Babba since the early 2000s til present day. Over these two decades they have brewed their special chemistry of fun and honed their love of singing together in perfect harmony to a level that is a joy to behold. They’ll perform their show Sing at Birds Basement on Friday, Match 7, with a repertoire of Olivia Newton John and Karen Carpenter songs.

Nothing better

■ Triple Golden Guitar winner and soonto-be dad Andrew Swift has dropped his first single for the year.

Ahead of a massive national headline tour, the country music trailblazer celebrates new beginnings with the release of ‘Nothing Better’. The song was penned alongside co-writers Lindsay Rimes and Tyler James Bellinger , while attending the APRA Melbourne - Nashville Song Hubs sessions in Nashville.

- Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Major exhibition at Heide Museum

■ Heide Museum of Modern Art has announced a major exhibition developed in partnership with The Torch

Presented from April 5 to July 20, the exhibition Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience calls attention to the pressing issue of Indigenous incarceration in Australia through a compelling selection of artworks by leading First Nations artists alongside participants of The Torch program.

The Torch provides art, cultural, and arts industry support to First Nations people who are currently incarcerated or have recently been released from prisons in Victoria

Curated by Kent Morris, Barkindji artist, curator and Creative Director of The Torch, Blak In-Justice presents works by acclaimed First Nations artists that address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system and the crisis of deaths in custody.

Their powerful responses are shown alongside the remarkable creative achievements of former and current prison inmates, many of whom have connected with their culture and Country through The Torch program.

Generating powerful political commentary, the exhibition includes work by the internationally renowned Birri Gubba and Darumbal artist Gordon Bennett, whose visceral triptych Bloodlines

Crossword Solution No 38

confronts colonial violence; provocative and darkly comic photographs by the trailblazing Kuku and Erub/Mer artist Destiny Deacon; Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman, and Gurang Gurang artist and activist Richard Bell’s painting Walk On (Bell’s Theorem) that reworks words from the Old Testament to engage with the complex history of race relations in Australia; the major painting Brush with the Lore by Ngarrindjeri artist Trevor Nickolls, offering sharp social commentary on contemporary Aboriginal life; and emotive portraits by Badimaya artist Julie Dowling that draw from a range of artistic traditions, including icon painting and Renaissance portraiture, to individualise and elevate real-life stories about the incarceration of First Nations people.

A selection of works in diverse media by Walmajarri man and artist Jimmy Pike will also be on display, reflecting stories of his Country. Pike’s unique style was developed while he served time in Fremantle Prison, before rising to prominence as one of Australia’s most significant national and international artists. Never before seen garments from his early Desert Designs range are also included in the exhibition.

First Nations Australians make up 3 per cent of the Australian population yet represent 32 per cent of the national adult prison population.

- Isabel Wright

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Kent Morris. Photo colourised.

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24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

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WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET MATCH RESULTS

Amateurs

■ Premier Firsts. Round 19. Two-Day. Saturdays., Feb. 8 and 15. St Kilda 1st XI 10/234 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 0/16. Prahran 1st XI 0/25 v Melbourne 1st XI 7-d/ 295. Carlton 1st XI 10/205 v Ringwood 1st XI 0/7. Melbourne University 1st XI v Northcote 1st XI 10/284. Geelong 1st XI 10/145 v Footscray 1st XI 3/85 (34). Dandenong 1st XI 0/6 v Richmond 1st XI 6-d/326. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 5/297. Frankston Peninsula 1st XI v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/231. Essendon 1st XI v Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 7/309.

■ Premier Seconds. Round 19. Two-Day. Saturdays., Feb. 8 and 15. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI v St Kilda 2nd XI 8/286. Melbourne 2nd XI 10/239 v Prahran 2nd XI. Ringwood 2nd XI v Carlton 2nd XI 10/299. Northcote 2nd XI 4/121 v Melbourne University 2nd XI 10/147. Footscray 2nd XI v Geelong 2nd XI 8/310. Richmond 2nd XI 7/92 v Dandenong 2nd XI 10/129. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI v Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 7/278. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 0/5 v Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9-d/317. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/122 v Essendon 2nd XI 3/125.

■ Premier Thirds. Round 19. Two-Day. Saturdays., Feb. 8 and 15. St Kilda 3rd XI 0/8 v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 10/179. Prahran 3rd XI 10/209 v Melbourne 3rd XI 0/ 16. Carlton 3rd XI 8/224 v Ringwood 3rd XI. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/87 v Northcote 3rd XI 6/61. Geelong 3rd XI v Footscray 3rd XI 10/391. Dandenong 3rd XI v Richmond 3rd XI 10/233. Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 10/193 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 3/53. Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 10/181 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 1/40. Essendon 3rd XI 3/16 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/286.

■ Premier Fourths. Round 19. Two-Day. Saturdays., Feb. 8 and 15. Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/143 v St Kilda 4th XI 1/ 35. Melbourne 4th XI 7/119 v Prahran 4th XI 10/94. Ringwood 4th XI v Carlton 4th XI 8/ 282. Northcote 4th XI v Melbourne University 4th XI. Footscray 4th XI v Geelong 4th XI 10/ 307. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 9-d/259 v Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 2/4. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 4/50 v Essendon 4th XI 10/148. Sunday, February 9: Richmond 4th XI v Dandenong 4th XI. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI v Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI.

Sub-District

■ North-East First XI. Round 12. TwoDay. Saturdays , Feb. 1 and 8. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/ 141 & 10/72 v Donvale 1st XI 10/123 & 6/92. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 10/ 212 v Croydon 1st XI 10/182. Kew 1st XI 10/ 148 v Strathmore 1st XI 8/243. Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/140 v Noble Park 1st XI 10/237. Brunswick 1st XI 10/170 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/157. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/302 v Balwyn 1st XI 10/57 & 10/91. Bayswater 1st XI 10/167 v Preston 1st XI 6/168. Box Hill 1st XI 10/124 & 2/56 v Coburg 1st XI 8/416.

■ North-East Second XI. Round 12. TwoDay. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Donvale 2nd XI 10/160 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/102. Croydon 2nd XI 2/170 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/151. Strathmore 2nd XI 10/198 v Kew 2nd XI 10/156. Noble Park 2nd XI 10/167 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 8/170. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 10/ 118 v Brunswick 2nd XI 2/44. Balwyn 2nd XI 8/218 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 8/215. Preston 2nd XI 10/178 v Bayswater 2nd XI 10/166. Coburg 2nd XI 10/115 v Box Hill 2nd XI 6/203. ■ North-West Third XI Division 1. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Melton 3rd XI 10/163 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/107. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/165 v Preston 3rd XI 10/179 & 2/74. Brunswick 3rd XI 10/324 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/147 & 10/ 69. Kew 3rd XI 10/150 v Werribee 3rd XI 0/ ■ North-West Third XI Division 2. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Williamstown 3rd XI 10/153 v Ivanhoe 3rd XI 7/169. Coburg 3rd XI 10/128 & 9-d/109. Spotswood 3rd XI 10/80 & 8/150. Strathmore

4/131. Yarraville 3rd XI 10/57 & 7/116 v Altona 3rd XI 10/143 & 3-d/163.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 8-d/267 v Melton 4th XI 10/161 & 8/81. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/116 v Brunswick 4th XI 10/204. Preston 4th XI v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/ 188. Werribee 4th XI 7-d/259 v Kew 4th XI 9/ 106 & 9/114.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Ivanhoe 4th XI 10/132 v Williamstown 4th XI 10/159. Spotswood 4th XI 10/80 & 5/ 97 v Coburg 4th XI 9-d/321. Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/102 v Strathmore 4th XI 6/210. Altona 4th XI 10/149 v Yarraville 4th XI 10/170.

■ South-East Third XI Division 1. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Brighton 3rd XI 10/73 & 10/92 v Caulfield 3rd XI 9-d/175. Bayswater 3rd XI 10/214 v Oakleigh 3rd XI 10/122. Malvern 3rd XI 9-d/ 207 v Croydon 3rd XI 10/122 & 4/85. Mt Waverley 3rd XI 8/162 v Balwyn 3rd XI.

■ South-East Third XI Division 2. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/226 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 7/ 227. Moorabbin 3rd XI 1 8-d/264. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/266 v Noble Park 3rd XI 10/ 229. Donvale 3rd XI 10/165 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 9-d/250.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Caulfield 4th XI 10/134 v Brighton 4th XI 9/164. Croydon 4th XI 10/116 & 3/76. Malvern 4th XI 9/145. Balwyn 4th XI 10/119 v Mt Waverley 4th XI 10/123. Oakleigh 4th XI 2/141 v Bayswater 4th XI 10/140.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. Round 12. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Elsternwick 4th XI 10/156 v Box Hill 4th XI 10/74 & 9/63. Ormond 4th XI 9-d/377 v Moorabbin 4th XI 9/171 & 6/278. Noble Park 4th XI 7-d/229 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/80 & 8/154. Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/146 & 6d/90. Donvale 4th XI 9/110 & 7/77.

■ South-West First XI. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Ormond 1st XI 8-d/ 175 & 7/82 v Melton 1st XI 10/123 & 10/ 139. Moorabbin 1st XI 10/135 v Altona 1st XI 10/231. Yarraville 1st XI 6/258 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/255. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 10/89 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/172. Caulfield 1st XI 10/153 v Brighton 1st XI 10/135. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/170 v Werribee 1st XI 9/ 265. Oakleigh 1st XI 10/188 v Williamstown 1st XI 10/87. Spotswood 1st XI 9/270 v Malvern 1st XI 10/150.

■ South-West Second XI. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Melton 2nd XI 10/ 196 v Ormond 2nd XI 10/225. Altona 2nd XI 5-d/196 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/194. Elsternwick 2nd XI 8/278 v Yarraville 2nd XI 10/199. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 9-d/217 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/133 & 0/111. Brighton 2nd XI 8/192 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/191. Werribee 2nd XI 7/126 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/123. Williamstown 2nd XI 10/153 v Oakleigh 2nd XI 8/222. Malvern 2nd XI 10/ 135 & 4/77 v Spotswood 2nd XI 8-d/176.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Diamond Creek 1st XI 10/207 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/242. Heidelberg 1st XI 10/86 v Macleod 1st XI 10/ 90. Rosanna 1st XI 7/141 v Epping 1st XI 10/ 139. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/ 149 v Riverside 1st XI 2/382. Bundoora 1st XI 6/137 v Bundoora United 1st XI 10/134.

■ Money Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Montmorency 1st XI 5/234 v Banyule 1st XI 10/142. Lalor Stars 1st XI v Lower Plenty 1st XI. Rosebank 1st XI 9/225 v Greensborough 1st XI 10/79. Eltham 1st XI 10/220 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 9/166. Plenty 1st XI 3-d/163 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/126 & 2/53

■ Mash Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Rivergum 1st XI 4/307 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 10/122. Panton Hill 1st XI 5/321 v Mernda 1st XI 10/343. Thomastown United 1st XI 10/281 v Dennis 1st XI 9/209.

South Morang 1st XI 10/114 v Laurimar 1st XI 7/238. Mill Park 1st XI 9/273 v Thomastown 1st XI 9/234.

■ B-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Banyule 2nd XI 10/159 v Rosanna 2nd XI 10/254. Epping 2nd XI 10/98 & 9/114 v Heidelberg 2nd XI 2-d/203 & 0/13. Mernda 2nd XI 10/168 v Plenty 2nd XI 10/118. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 7/228 v Montmorency 2nd XI 10/76. Riverside 2nd XI 9/ 200 v Diamond Creek 2nd XI 10/72 & 3/23. ■ C-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Greensborough 2nd XI 10/85 v Eltham 2nd XI 10/144. Bundoora United 2nd XI v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 4/51. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 10/ 85 v Rivergum 2nd XI 6/104. Macleod 2nd XI 10/96 v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 9/ 249. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 9/252 v Riverside 3rd XI 10/223. ■ D-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Dennis 2nd XI 10/308 v Montmorency 3rd XI 10/163. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 10/229 v Rosebank 2nd XI 10/ 131. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 4-d/299 v Mill Park 2nd XI 10/119 & 10/158. Laurimar 2nd XI 10/ 148 v Bundoora 2nd XI 10/195. Diamond Creek 3rd XI 8/211 v South Morang 2nd XI 8/454 ■ E-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Thomastown United 2nd XI 10/301 v Greensborough 3rd XI 10/236. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 2/204 v Mernda 3rd XI 9/201. Riverside 4th XI 10/229 v Banyule 3rd XI 9/297. Heidelberg 3rd XI 10/299 v Bundoora 3rd XI 10/292. Thomastown 2nd XI 10/245 v Panton Hill 2nd XI 10/179.

■ F1-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Banyule 4th XI 10/246 v Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 10/147. Greensborough 4th XI 3/132 v Bundoora United 3rd XI 10/131. Laurimar 3rd XI 9/207 v Macleod 3rd XI 6/209. Plenty 3rd XI 7/281 v Rivergum 3rd XI 10/175.

■ F2-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Eltham 3rd XI 10/292 v Whittlesea 1st XI 10/175. Montmorency 4th XI 10/186 v South Morang 3rd XI 10/271. Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI 10/215 v Dennis 3rd XI 7/ 217. Bye: North Eltham Wanderers 4th XI ■ F3-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Bundoora Park 3rd XI 8-d/273 v Greensborough 5th XI 7/149. Riverside 5th XI 9/453 v Laurimar 4th XI. Hurstbridge 3rd XI 6/ 194 v Lower Plenty 4th XI 7/196. South Morang 4th XI 9/131 v Banyule 5th XI 9/125.

■ G1 East-Grade. One-Day. Diamond Creek 4th XI 0/59 v Montmorency 5th XI 10/ 55. Lower Eltham 3rd XI 5/102 v Heidelberg 4th XI 10/101. Panton Hill 3rd XI 7/215 v Riverside 6th XI 10/193. Rosanna 3rd XI 9/ 182 v Plenty 4th XI 10/110.

■ G1 West-Grade. One-Day. Bundoora 4th XI 6/26 v Rosebank 3rd XI 10/182. Bundoora United 4th XI 8/149 v Laurimar 5th XI 10/158. Dennis 4th XI 10/183 v Bundoora Park 4th XI 10/67. Lalor Stars 3rd XI 9/150 v Thomastown United 3rd XI 8/273.

■ G2-Grade. One-Day. Research Eltham Collegians 5th XI 6/175 v North Eltham Wanderers 5th XI 9/155. Rivergum 4th XI 9/230 v Diamond Creek 5th XI 8/216. Eltham 4th XI 6/147 v Riverside 7th XI 0/149. Macleod 4th XI 5/129 v South Morang 5th XI 6/128. ■ G3-Grade. One-Day. Montmorency 6th XI 10/198 v Hurstbridge 4th XI 8/168. Greensborough 6th XI 6/165 v Lower Plenty 5th XI 3/187. Thomastown 3rd XI 10/62 v Eltham 5th XI 10/148. South Morang 6th XI 9/179 v Diamond Creek 6th XI 10/94. North Eltham Wanderers 6th XI 0/65 v Thomastown United 4th XI 7/63. Mernda 4th XI 7/128 v Whittlesea 2nd XI 3/129. Bye: Dennis 5th XI

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Glen Iris 1st XI 2/106 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/180. North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 10/172 v Old Carey 1st XI 0/2. Mont Albert 1st XI 5-d/296 v Bulleen 1st XI 2/4. East Doncaster 1st XI 7/47 v Canterbury 1st XI 10/151.

■ Wright Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Heathmont 1st XI 1/81 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/118. Richmond City

1st XI 2/17 v Mulgrave 1st XI 10/174. Mazenod OCCC 1st XI 0/22 v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/213. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 0/20 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/217.

■ A Turf. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Surrey Hills 1st XI 10/101 v Boronia Hawks 1st XI 2/69. Ashwood 1st XI 4/23 v Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/177. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 2/26 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/177. Old Carey 2nd XI 1/14 v Burwood 1st XI 10/224.

■ B Turf. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/142 v North Balwyn Bulls 2nd XI 3/30. SKOBs 1st XI v Heathmont 2nd XI. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 1st XI 2/24 v East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/300. Richmond Union 1st XI 7/249 v Glen Iris 2nd XI.

■ C Turf. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Marcellin OC 2nd XI v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/202. Mulgrave 2nd XI 8/ 306 v Bulleen 2nd XI. Burwood 2nd XI 10/139 v La Trobe University 1st XI 4/62. Boronia Hawks 2nd XI 6/205 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI.

■ D Turf. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Surrey Hills 2nd XI v Ashwood 2nd XI 10/225. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 1/6 v Edinburgh 2nd XI 10/270. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/ 189 v Mazenod OCCC 2nd XI 4/43. Richmond City 2nd XI 2/54 v East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/113.

■ E Turf. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 2nd XI v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 8/195. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/216 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 0/4. Deepdene Bears 3rd XI v SKOBs 2nd XI 7/81. Edinburgh 3rd XI 0/28 v Heathmont 3rd XI 10/131. Bye: La Trobe University 2nd XI ■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 1st XI 1/5 v STC South Camberwell Senior Men- 1st XI 10/232. Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/208 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 0/86. Glen Waverley 1st XI 0/7 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 10/ 203. Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 1st XI 8/276 v Trinity Willison CC 1st XI. ■ Kevin Burt Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. STC South Camberwell Senior Men- 2nd XI 9/74 v West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 5/211. Toorak-Prahran 1st XI 1-d/91 v Holy Trinity 2nd XI 10/85 & 1/21. Clifton Hill 2nd XI 2/6 v Mount Waverley Catholics 1st XI 8-d/369. Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 5/356 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 2nd XI. ■ John Menzies and Keith Mackay Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. North Alphington 0/2 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/155. Holy Trinity 3rd XI 0/1 v ToorakPrahran 2nd XI 10/274. Blackburn North United 1st XI v Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI 8/209. ■ A Synthetic. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Clifton Hill 3rd XI 9/229 v Mount Waverley Uniting 1st XI. Mulgrave 3rd XI 0/62 v Holy Trinity 4th XI 10/171. West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI 3/67 v Burwood 3rd XI 10/119. ■ B Synthetic. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Trinity Willison CC 4th XI 9/255 v Glen Waverley 3rd XI. Toorak-Prahran 3rd XI 8/ 154 v Edinburgh 4th XI. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 2nd XI 8/253 v Mazenod OCCC 3rd XI.

■ LOC1. One Day. Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI 3/141 v Malvern Valley 1st XI 10/139. Knox Churches 1st XI 7/253 v Northcote United 1st XI 6/252. Hartley 1st XI 7/201 v Manningham 1st XI 6/196. Bye: Eagles 1st XI

■ LOC2. One Day. Eagles 4th XI 10/135 v Monash University 1st XI 7/137. Eagles 2nd XI 7/308 v East Doncaster 4th XI 8/243. Glen Iris 3rd XI 2/155 v Mulgrave 4th XI 9/154. Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 9/144 v AYC Harlequins 1st XI 10/126.

■ LOC3. One Day. Manningham 2nd XI 10/ 166 v Melbourne Sixers 1st X1 8/170. North Balwyn 3rd XI 4/208 v Eagles 3rd XI 10/103. Burwood United Canterbury 3rd XI 4/174 v St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI 10/173. East Doncaster 5th XI 10/202 v Salesian 1st XI 10/ 200.

■ LOC4. One Day. STC South Camberwell 3rd XI 8/194 v Ashwood 3rd XI 2/197. Salvation Army Waverley 1st XI 9/175 v Mount Waverley Catholics 2nd XI 10/149. AYC HarleContinued on Next Page

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Continued From Previous Page quins 2nd XI 10/165 v Burwood 4th XI 6/219. Malvern Valley 2nd XI 9/261 v St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 3rd XI 9/151. North Balwyn 4th XI 8/224 v Mulgrave 5th XI 9/211.

■ LOC5. One Day. Hawthorn Boroondara 5th XI 4/98 v Glen Iris 4th X1 10/97. Northcote United 2nd XI 3/255 v Toorak-Prahran 4th XI 10/56. Mount Waverley Uniting 2nd XI 5/152 v Clifton Hill 4th XI 10/150. Heathmont 5th XI 4/215 v Blackburn North United 2nd XI 8/213. Deepdene Uniting 3rd XI 8/227 v St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 9/239.

■ LOC6. One Day. Glen Waverley 4th XI 4/ 168 v Manningham 3rd XI 7/167. Salesian 2nd XI 4/169 v Abbotsford Anglers 1st XI 10/168. Ashwood 4th XI 4/65 v Ashburton Willows 3rd XI 10/64. Mount Waverley Uniting 3rd XI 6/ 221 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 4th XI 10/120. STC South Camberwell 4th XI 9/204 v Knox Churches 2nd XI 10/200.

■ LOC7. One Day. Mount Waverley Catholics 3rd XI 8/211 v Richmond Union 3rd XI 9/ 160. Mont Albert 5th XI 4/176 v Glen Waverley 5th XI - Sunday 8/175. Bulleen 4th XI 8/164 v STC South Camberwell 5th XI Saturday Synthetic 7/166. East Doncaster 6th XI 9/225 v Hawthorn Boroondara 6th XI 9/188. Bye: Edinburgh 5th XI.

■ LOC8. One Day. Mazenod OCCC 4th XI 10/148 v Heathmont 6th XI 9/210. Ashburton Willows 4th XI 3/139 v Ashwood 5th XI 8/135. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 5th XI 9/103 v Monash University 2nd XI 2/105. Sunday, February 9: Glen Waverley 6th XI - Sunday v Malvern Valley CC 3rd XI. Bye: STC South Camberwell - 4th XI Saturday Synthetic

■ LOC9. One Day. Monash University 3rd XI 10/118 v East Doncaster 7th XI 1/119. Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 7/134 v West Ivanhoe United 3rd XI 9/135. Richmond Union 4th XI 8/93 v Richmond City 4th XI 4/99. Edinburgh 6th XI 10/128 v Balwyn Saints 4th XI 7/178. Clifton Hill 5th XI 1/194 v Holy Trinity 5th XI 9/ 193.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Dromana 1sts 10/212 v Baden Powell 1sts 10/207. Heatherhill 1sts 10/40 & 7/136 v Red Hill 1sts 10/181. Old Peninsula 1st XI 10/205 v Sorrento 1sts 10/125. Langwarrin 1sts 9/185 v Pines 1sts 10/171.

■ Peninsula Firsts. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Somerville Senior Men 1sts 10/213 v Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1 4/217. Long Island 1sts 10/152 v Rosebud Senior Men 1sts 5/153. Mornington 1sts 9-d/145 & 3/60 v Moorooduc 1sts 10/97 & 10/107. Seaford Tigers 1sts 10/35 & 10/96 v Seaford 1sts 10/ 158.

■ District Firsts. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Boneo 1sts 10/237 v Carrum Downs 1sts 6/363. Crib Point 1sts 10/140 v Balnarring 1sts 5/142. Main Ridge 1sts 6/211 v Baxter 1sts 10/207. Carrum 1sts 10/153 v Flinders 1sts 10/222.

■ Provincial Seconds. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Baden Powell 2nds v Dromana 2nds. Red Hill 2nds 9/212 v Heatherhill 2nds 7/228. Sorrento 2nds 4/227 v Old Peninsula 2nd XI 10/226. Pines 2nds 9/ 228 v Langwarrin 2nds 9/227.

■ Peninsula Seconds. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Mt Eliza Senior Men 2nd X1 10/70 v Somerville Senior Men 2nds 7/280. Rosebud Senior Men 2nds 10/72 & 1/ 51 v Long Island 2nds 4-d/173. Moorooduc 2nds 9/84 & 4/120 v Mornington 2nds 3-d/ 342. Seaford 2nds 10/174 v Seaford Tigers 2nds 10/136.

■ District Seconds. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Carrum Downs 2nds 10/224 v Boneo 2nds 10/210. Balnarring 2nds 1/148 v Crib Point 2nds 10/142. Baxter 2nds 7/318 v Main Ridge 2nds 10/194. Flinders 2nds 7/325 v Carrum 2nds 10/183

■ Sub-District Seconds. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Rye 2nds 10/109 & 2/102 v Tyabb 2nds 8-d/126. Skye 2nds 9/51 & 9/99 v Tootgarook 2nds 8-d/155. Frankston YCW 2nds 10/144 v Mt Martha 2nds 6/150. Delacombe Park 2nds 9/172 v Ballam Park 2nds 10/171.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Camrea CC 1st XI 9-d/280 v Donath CC 1st XI 5/46. Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/222 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 3/32. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 0/4 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/167.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 3/63 v Cameron CC 1st XI 10/136. Fairfield CC 1st XI 4/63 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/248. Strathewen Cougars CC 1st XI 9/74 & 1/49 vOlympic Colts CC 1st XI 7-d/252.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 7-d/359 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 7/47. West Preston CC 1st XI 0/43 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/199. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 1/31 v Keon Park CC 2nd XI 10/177.

■ B-Grade. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Victorian Nepalese CA CC 10/182 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 0/21. Preston YCW District CC 1st XI 1-d/111 vCamrea CC 2nd XI 9/37 & 8/64. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 7/272 v Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 9/37. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI v Strathewen Cougars CC 2nd XI.

■ C-Grade. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Donath CC 2nd XI 7-d/244 v Fairfield CC 2nd XI 0/13. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 8/214 v Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 8-d/256 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI 4/38. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd XI 9/246 v West Preston CC 3rd XI.

■ Robert Young DODC. Cameron CC OD 8/186 v Camrea CC OD 4/187. Olympic Colts CC OD v Bellfield Rocketz CC OD. Preston Baseballers CC OD 10/124 v Preston YCW District CC OD 7/132. Kinglake CC OD 8/115 v Fiji Victorian CC OD 10/113. Keon Park CC OD 8/153 v Northern Socials CC OD 9/192.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Norwood 1XI v Ainslie Park 1XI 7/215. Lilydale 1XI v South Croydon 1XI 5/310. Montrose 1XI v North Ringwood 1XI 7/286. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/ 191 v Kilsyth 1XI 1/12.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Wonga Park 1XI 8/254 v Bayswater Park 1XI. St Andrews 1XI 10/150 v Heatherdale 1XI. Wantirna South 1XI 1-d/95 v Mooroolbark 1XI 10/83 & 2/35. Templeton 1XI 10/87 & 0/22. Warranwood 1XI 6-d/102. Vermont 1XI 9/292 v East Ringwood 1XI.

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Croydon North 1XI 4/319 v Montrose 2XI. Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/259 v Seville Burras 1XI 3/36. Warrandyte 1st XI 10/280 v Heathwood 1XI. Chirnside Park 1XI 10/281 v South Warrandyte 1XI. ■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. South Croydon 2XI 10/113 v Warrandyte 2nd XI 4/129. Ainslie Park 2XI v Norwood 2XI 10/207. Kilsyth 2XI 10/263 v Croydon Ranges 2XI. North Ringwood 2XI 10/239 v Yarra Junction 1XI.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Lusatia Park 1XI v Lilydale 2XI 8/229. East Ringwood 2XI v Wonga Park 2XI 10/194. Healesville 1XI v Templeton 2XI 10/171. Eastfield 1XI v Wantirna South 2XI 10/172.

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Warranwood 2XI 4/45 v Montrose 3XI 10/214. Coldstream 1XI 10/ 120 v Vermont 2XI 0/48. Mooroolbark 2XI 10/ 192 v Chirnside Park 2XI. South Warrandyte 2XI 10/229 v North Ringwood 3XI 2/18. Heatherdale 2XI 3/42 v St Andrews 2XI 10/ 109.

■ David Beatty Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Heathwood 2XI 4-d/ 96 v Croydon Ranges 3XI 10/83 & 0/10. Seville Burras 2XI v Mt Evelyn 2XI 9/241. Yarra Glen 1XI v East Ringwood 3XI. Bayswater Park 2XI 3/13 v Norwood 3XI 10/111.

■ Don Smith Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Ainslie Park 3XI 8/

351 v St Andrews 3XI. Wonga Park 3XI 0/21 v Wandin 1XI 10/183. Warrandyte 3rd XI vWarranwood 3XI 10/279. Montrose 4XI 10/ 206 v Hoddles Creek 1XI 1/15.

■ John Springett Shield. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Chirnside Park 3XI 0/9 v Kilsyth 3XI 10/218. Wantirna South 3XI 3/27 v Lusatia Park 2XI 5-d/345. Yarra Junction 2XI 10/235 v Eastfield 2XI 2/10. Lilydale 3XI 10/171 v Healesville 2XI 0/75.

■ A-Grade. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Norwood 4XI 3/84 v Croydon North 2XI 2/155. Powelltown 1XI v Wonga Park 4XI. St Andrews 4XI 6/114 v Templeton 3XI 5/158. South Croydon 3XI v Seville Burras 3XI.

■ B-Grade. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Heatherdale 3XI v Coldstream 2XI. Croydon Ranges 4XI 3/120 v Heathwood 3XI 4/142. Mooroolbark 3XI 2/134 v South Warrandyte 3XI 7/114. Mt Evelyn 3XI 1/164 v Warrandyte 4th XI 2/139.

■ C-Grade. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. North Ringwood 4XI 2/188 v Healesville 3XI 2/112. Kilsyth 4XI 3/102 v Chirnside Park 4XI 3/134. Warrandyte 5th XI 1/145 v Wantirna 1XI 4/88. Warranwood 4XI 0/136 v St Andrews 5XI 3/105.

■ D-Grade. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Norwood 5XI 3/85 v Wonga Park 5XI 4/51. Yarra Junction 3XI 8/139 v Heatherdale 4XI 4/178. Croydon Ranges 5XI 7/139 v Lilydale 4XI 7/101. East Ringwood 4XI v Mooroolbark 4XI.

■ E-Grade. Two Days. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 15. Wandin 2XI 7/149 v Boronia Hawks 4XI 4/148. Wonga Park 6XI 1/98 v Warrandyte 6th XI 4/176. St Andrews 6XI 0/119 v Yarra Glen 2XI 8/158.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. CHAG 1 8/295 v Kingston Heath 1 10/215. Brighton Union 1 10/161. East Sandringham 1 6/301. Bentleigh Uniting 1 10/ 235 v West Bentleigh 1 10/310. Le Page Park 1 10/74 v Bentleigh ANA 1 8/158.

■ Woolnough Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Elwood 1 10/355 v Hampton United 1 10/264. Omega 1 5-d/178 & 0/9 v Hampton Central 1 10/84 & 10/102. Cheltenham Park 1 10/227 v Washington Park 1 10/214. Cluden 1 10/130 v Mackie 1 10/ 192.

■ Quiney Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Carnegie South 1 5/165 v Le Page Park 2 10/160. Washington Park 2 10/ 137 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 1/139. CUCC Kings 3 10/157. Omega 2 6/292. Kingston Heath 2 10/209 v Elwood 2 10/120.

■ Pullen Shield. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Mackie 2 10/182 v Melbourne Wanderers 1 8/183. West Bentleigh 2 10/290 v Cheltenham Park 2 10/181. East Sandringham 2 10/373 v Brighton Union 2 10/ 216. Hampton United 2 10/175 v Highett West 1 10/198.

Western Suburbs

■ A-Grade. Two-Day. Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 8. Wyndham Vale A Grade 3rd XI 10/229 v Point Cook CC A Grade 5th XI 2/63. Western Utd SC A Grade 2nd XI 10/176 v Werribee CC A 6th XI 10/161. Altona Sports A 1st XI - Two Day v Seabrook A Grade 3rd XI Forfeit.

■ Division 1. Truganina Strikers D01 Yellow 6/300 v Tarneit Central D01 Blue 10/168. 5ABI Caroline Springs D01 10/101 v West Point Titans D01 1st XI 8/103. Williams Landing SC D01 1st XI 5/239 v Utd Tarneit SC D01 1st XI 10/111. Truganina CC D01 3/109 v Manor Lakes D01 1st XI 10/106.

■ Division 2. Edgar CC D02 - Stallions 10/ 165 v Melb District D02 1st XI 9/71. Brimbank Strikers D02 9/136. Williams Landing SC D02 2nd XI 9/137. Manor Lakes D02 2nd XI 9/175 v West Point Titans D02 2nd XI 10/117. Truganina Utd CC D02 1st XI 8/182 v Utd Tarneit SC D02 2nd XI 6/184.

■ Division 3. Brimbank Strikers D03 8/190 v Edgar CC D03 - Eagles 10/145. Tarneit Central D03 Green 10/170 v Truganina Strikers D03 Blue 7/177. Seabrook D03 4th XI 10/ 140 v Western Lions CC D03 1st XI 8/144. AA Tarneit CC D03 7/225 v Williams Landing SC D03 3rd XI 8/190.

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.33.

Financially, it was a very progressive period, and some luck in money matters also. People whom you already know could be of help. Some exciting surprises in your romantic life are coming up.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.44.45. Some travel plans could go astray, but wherever you go or whatever you do, you will be very successful. Someone you have not been sure about will show their value.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.36.39.3. It's a good period for your romantic interludes and new friendships but do keep out of the way of irritating people to keep peace and harmony at your place. Keep your eye open for business deals.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.8.33. Because of some sudden travel arrangements, your love life could suffer a bit. But business and finances should benefit and add to your extra buying power. There are also some bargains about.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.3.36.39.5. Tact and diplomacy will get you a long way now, so avoid trouble with loved ones by not getting involved with things that do not concern you. Money should be a little easier to come by.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.22. People in a position to help you could do so now if approached the right way. Try not to be too critical of loved ones; it will only lead to conflict within the family members.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 8.12.5.16.20.33. There are big changes coming up, and many of them are because of some new friendships. Keep a tight eye on your possessions, as it is not a good period for lending or borrowing, and something might not comeback.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33. There should be much happier times ahead and more interest in you personally. The romance department looks good but keep your cool. If a new romance is developing, it might take time to adjust.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.5.9.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.4.20.29. People might not be too keen on sharing your ideas, and you might have to make up your own mind about whether or not to tell them about your ideas in the first place. Meeting new people could help you get ahead in your endeavours.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1.3.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33. If you are planning a new business or starting something ahead of time, you could benefit from expert advice. If you have not had the chance to say your piece, do it now.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.9. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.29.8.7. Try not to worry about things that might not even happen. A positive outlook will achieve much more. It could be a reasonable period for love and new interests in this field.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.22. You could get a surprise in your love life, but it will be pleasant. You will have lots of new ideas, and many of them will become very profitable for you. Good luck with someone born in September.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

BIG RACES FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS

■ The first two bi events for our top two- yearolds are fast approaching.

First of these is the Blue Diamond Stakes to be run at Caulfield late this month.

The big one in Sydney, the Golden Slipper, will get underway a month later.

Over the years these two particular races have produced many a champion.

For the Blue Diamond there were something like nearly 250 nominations this year, which has always proved been popular with owners, trainers and breeders.

The big meeting swings into action on Fenruary 223, with some very smart gallopers going around.

The previews of the Blue Diamond were run at Sandown due to Caulfield being out of business because of a fire that destroyed the old Norman Robinson Stand.

On January 25 we saw a smart colt by the name of Shining Smile in the Hayes brothers camp. He won in great style and they have a high opinion of him, having won two of his four starts.

Another stood out winning the fillies preview over 1000 metres. A nice type of filly named Miss Gladiola, which her trainer John McCardle purchased for connections costing $550,000 and she proved she was all worth it.

Her rider, leading jockey, Jamie Mott, said she has great potential and why not, she is by one of the best stallions in the land in I Am Invincible, out of the very good mare, Villa Verde

She has hit the top shelf in the betting alongside, the Ciaron Maher trained Cherish Me, who won brilliantly at her last start.

There were a few unlucky runs especially Palm Angel who struck trouble in the run.

On top of this, if the smart Sydney youngster Wodeton runs in the Blue Diamond, he would be hard to beat.

He’s in the strong Chris Waller camp, and they are confident they have the goods in him.

Inglis sales

■ Inglis looks at the coming year for their Yearling Sales after a big year in 2024.

Last season featured any number of extraordinary moments in breeding and racing for Inglis

Who will forget the unprecedented spectacle of the Pierro Yearling out the champion mare Winx selling for a world record price of $10 million for a yearling filly. Truly it was incredible theatre.

So too was the day at Randwick when Inglis Classic Yearling Sale graduate, Pride of Jenni, announced herself to the world with a performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes that had to be seen to be believed.

It’s amazing to think a mare that held the mantle of being the highest rated female horse in the world in 2024 was sourced in Sydney for just $100,000.

Year and after year, we see people realising their dreams through Inglis, be they in the sale ring or on the racecourse.

The 2025 Inglis Sales will again present countless opportunities for you to buy the horse you dream about to achieve the results of which you

Ted Ryan

you dream. The $12.55 million Inglis Race Series brings participants to famed Australian tracks like Flemington, Royal Randwick, and Scone to race for huge prizemoney in races that have consistently showcased top-class horses.

The world’s leading female ownership incentive, the one million-dollar Inglis Pink Bonus Series, has proven exceptionally popular since it was introduced three years ago, and has already resulted in many fantastic experiences for their clients.

The new $5 million Inglis Xtra Bonus Series which creates an opportunity for more of our clients to win more prizemoney more often, has been a revelation since its commencement in August.

It gives us all great joy being able to see those who support our sales-both live and digital, being rewarded so regularly, be it at Country, Provincial, or Metropolitan level.

Inglis continues toprove to be the best auction house for buyers to engage with to maximise their chance of success.

Put simply, Inglis offers more successful

horses though its series of sales than anyone else in the Southern Hemisphere

The figures are World Class. Since 2018, their sales produced 102 individual Group One winners, 27 Group One winning colts, 39 Group One winning Fillies, and 43 Group winning three-year-olds. All equal or more than their nearest competitor.

And with a fabulous crop of current threeyear-olds like Switzerland, Autumn Glow, Glowing Empire, and Lady Shenandoah, etc. that record looks set to continue.

Epsom Golf Day

■ The Woodlands Golf Club welcomes all, and new teams, for their 9th Annual Epsom Golf Day, to beheld on Monday March 17.

All proceeds raised on the day will be shared between the National Jockeys Trust and the Woodlands Foundation Trust.

To date this event has raised $250,000.

This year’s event will include:

■ The Brighton Mazda Hole in One (to the value of $35,000).

■ $10,000 Hole in One (can be won twice).

■ The Longest Drive: and Nearest the Pins. Registration from 10.30am. In interviews from 11am will this year feature well-known ex-jockey and now leading trainer, Robbie Laing, and John Allen, honouring both families.

It’s always a great day on the picturesque course. Be in it to win it, give the top man, John Sweeney, a call on mobile 0425 796 318. Email: Jmsween@ bigpond.net.au

- Ted Ryan

● ● ● ● Shining Smile. Racing Photos.

Swayzee brilliant in Hunter Cup victory Harness Racing

■ It was Sportsbet A.G. Hunter Cup night at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday February 1 and Victoria’s major feature race meeting attracted more stars than what you would see on the American flag.

Attracting a tremendous field in what was possibly the best race ever seen on the Melton circuit which included the best horse in the Southern Hemisphere Queenslander Leap To Fame, giant killer Swayzee from NSW a duel NZ Cup winner and half brother (by Bettors Delight) who had brilliantly won the Victoria Cup in October last year, Kiwi’s Republican Party, Tact McLeod and Don’t Stop Dreaming, plus Inter Dominion winner Don Hugo along with Shepparton Gold Cup victor Kanena Provlema and a host of other open class winners, the race was set to be the highlight of the season so far and it was.

Gaining a great run through the field from gate four on the second line although trapped wide as Tact McLeod led from gate two in the 2760 metre feature with Republican Party trailing from the pole, Swayzee was off and running in the straight with two laps to travel.

Don Hugo (gate four) had been trapped in the open momentarily being trailed by Leap To Fame which was able to come away from four pegs to possie one/one on his back, with outsider Hector now four pegs.

Leaving the prime spot prior to the bell to race exposed to the roar of the crowd, the two fancied runners were set to fight out the finish with Leap To Fame joining the leader on the final bend.

In a thrilling two horse battle all the way up the running, Swayzee (Cameron Hart for trainer Jason Grimson) renowned for his staying prowess kept on giving under hard driving to gain the day by a head in a thriller over Leap To Fame, with Republican Party using the sprint lane inside Tact Command for third a half neck away a head in advance of Tact Command which also used the sprint lane.

In quarters of 28.2, 28.1, 27 and 27.6 after a lead time of 80.9 seconds, Swayzee a 7Y0 gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven and Lettucereason returned a new scintillating track record mile rate of 1-51.9 taking 1.3 seconds of Tiger Tara’s 1-53.2 set in 2019.

The $250,000 Great Southern Star over 1720 metres was a blowout with Andy and Kate Gath’s Majestic Son-Watts Up Rainbow 5Y0 gelding Watts Up Partytime bred and raced by Bradley Watts winning both the heat and final at given odds of 100/1 in both races, returning a mile rate of 1-53 in the final.

Average - really!

■ I read with interest and disappointment at Adam Hamilton’s comments in both the Herald Sun and HRA web page on Tuesday February 4 concerning the classification of some of our sports past ‘champions’.

To say horses such as Paleface Adios who without doubt was everybody’s favourite standardbred, Gammalite (duel Inter Dominion winner 1983/84), Koala King (1980 Inter Dominion), Golden Reign (1995 Inter Dominion), Im The Mighty Quinn (three time ID winner 2011/ 12/13) and Mr Feelgood (2009 I-D) were not stars of our sport is a distinct understatement. Many of these horses had a cult following (none greater than Paleface Adios) who would draw crowds whenever they were gracing the race track.

Considering these horses had won dozens of major races in every state of Australia and New Zealand between them, they were well worthy of ‘champion’ classification’ and I’m sure many of the connections and relatives of those who raced them would be offended (if you could read between the lines) by the comments made. Sure each decade bring new heroes to the fore, but please don’t neglect those in the past who had a huge status when they were racing. Adam, I can honestly say is and has been a close friend of mine for a long period of time and his knowledge of the sport is exceptional, but in some case you can be a little forgetful and what was written is an example of this.

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

At Shepparton

■ Shepparton’s usual Tuesday meeting commenced the week on Tuesday February 4 with a eight race program and local trainer Stephen O’Donoghue was victorious with 7Y0 Changeover-Lombo Mini Lamouch gelding Frugal Farein the 1690 metre Cottrell electrical Pace to open the night’s racing.

Driven by Ryan Sanderson, Frugal Fare starting from the extreme draw settled near last as Community Art (Liam Older) led from gate four. Following Hez Harrywho ahead of him home in the last lap which joined the leader running into the final bend as Frugal Fare was able to drop into a one/one trail momentarily, Frugal Fare after getting on terms halfway up the running, finished best to prevail by 2.8 metres over Hes Harrywho, with Spirit Of Sahara (four pegs) running home late after being extricated wide on straightening for third 1.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.2.

■ Young (Monteagle) trainer David Micallef who has over 315 wins to date combined with prolific winning son Blake (341 wins around the Riverina) to bring off a profitable plunge after Downbytheseaside-Light In Ever Day gelding Seaside Delight backed from an $18 opening quote to run a $1.80 favourite led throughout from gate three to run his rivals ragged in a mile rate of 1-56.7 to take the 1690 metre Neatline Homes 3Y0 Maiden Pace. First up since October last year, Seaside Delight was allowed to run and that’s what he did, greeting the judge by five metres ahead of Fifty Seven Chevy (gate two) which trailed not shirking the effort. Mid Summer after racing exposed from outside the front line was third 23.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.7.

■ Ardmona duo Donna Castles and husband Doc Wilson brought up two wins in succession with 5Y0 Fly Like An Eagle-Our Dream Girl gelding Eagle Major in the 2190 metre $100 Members Draw Every Tuesday Pace. Driven once again by Doc, Eagle Major (one/ two) from gate two vacated the cosy trip approaching the bell to park outside the pacemaker Scrittore before striding clear in the last lap. Giving plenty as the winning post loomed, Eagle Major defied all challengers to score by a nose only in 2-01.8 from Epic Orion (one/three – one/ one home turn) in a strong performance proving that his win at Wedderburn on Cup Day was no fluke. Sophies Scooter (three pegs) was third 6.3 metres away.

■ Melton trainer Ken Tippet’s recent run of success continued when 10Y0 Four Starzzz Shark-Ebilix gelding Alpha Crucis at start 86 led throughout in the 2190 metre Central Tyre Service Pace with talented 22 year old reinswoman Ewa Justice in the sulky. Rated to perfection from gate three, Alpha Crucis ran out an easy 5.1 metre victor much to the delight of the family syndicate which race him, accounting for Well Well which trailed from the pole. Marako Shark ran home late from a mile back for third 5.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.3.

Double Day

■ It was double day on Wednesday with Maryborough racing in the afternoon and Bendigo at night. Seven year old Majestic Son-Lady

MacKendon gelding Mielicki chalked up his ninth success (25 placings) in 88 outings when taking the 2190 metre Redpath Tyre and Battery Service Trotters Mobile for Daylesford trainer Anne-Maree Conroy and reinsman brother Glenn no doubt exciting the new owners.

Settling three pegs from gate three as Boutika (gate five) was driven with urgency to cross the leader Christmas Babe, Mielicki was able to extricate into the clear prior to the home turn to follow Astrid (four pegs) which had raced exposed from the bell before taking over on the final bend.

In a head and head dual all the way up the running, Mielicki did best to gain the day by a head returning a mile rate of 2-01.9. With Aplomb (one/one at bell) was third for AnneMaree 11 metres away.

■ Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke has had a phenomenal run of late with his team and recent stable addition Love Who. a 7Y0 gelded son of Love You and Total Affirmation driven by daughter Reagan led throughout to land the 2190 metre AB Paint Concession Drivers Trotters Mobile.

Allowed to bowl, Love Who a maiden after 33 starts in NSW and Queensland ran his rivals ragged in defeating Champagnes (three wide last lap from the tail) after starting solo on the second line and Touchandgo (one/two from outside the front line).

The margins 3.4 by 15.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-03.1.The winner is raced by Stephen’s father Jim always on hand to assist.

The pair were again victorious in the McPhersons Printing Group Concession Drivers Pace over 2190 metres when 6Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-Lucky Ha Ha mare Lollipop returning from NSW outstayed her rivals after racing exposed from gate three, accounting for One Off (one/two) by 1.4 metres in a rate of 2-01.2. Polemarker Summerhill after trailing the pacemaker Northern Terror which had circled the field from the extreme draw to lead was third 1.4 metres away.

■ Stawell trainer Jason Ainsworth combined with Kerryn Manning aboard 6Y0 Racing HillFloweronthewall mare Alfnalma to snare the Bartlett Manufacturing Pace over 1690 metres.

Taken back to the rear from outside the front line, Alfnalma made ground in the last lap to be four back along the markers before surging home along the sprint lane on turning to register a 2.6 metre margin from the pacemaker Asmileandawinx (gate three) and Black Cameo which came away from the peg line on turning for third 1.7 metres away. The mile rate a slick 1-55.2.

■ At Bendigo Long Forest trainer Andy Gath’s 7Y0 Bettors Delight-Coppagoodone gelding Yambuckian looked ideally placed in the 1650 metre Haeuslers Echuca Pace and had no trouble in winning.

Driven by wife Kate, Yambuckian who has run some mighty races at times settled well back from the extreme draw before making a swift three wide move racing for the bell to cross the well supported leader Repelling (gate two).

With no challengers in sight approaching the final bend, Yambuckian was never extended to greet the judge by 3.2 metres over Repelling which tried to make a race of it, with Harrywho (one/one) third 11.2 metres away. The mile rate a brilliant 1-50.9

■ Arcadia part-owner/trainer Jamie Egan’s 6Y0 Badlands Hanover-Clearwater Blue mare Harley Blue brought up her 8th success in 92 outings when successful in the Impact-A Fasteners & Construction Supplies Mares Pace over 1650 metres.

With Michael Bellman in the sulky, Harley Blue enjoyed a sweet passage trailing the leader Amber Alert (gate two) after having an unsuccessful bid for the front running from gate five. Using the sprint lane on straightening, Harley Blue finished best to register a neck margin over the pacemaker, with Kimcando third 1.4 metres away from mid-field in the running line. The mile rate 1-56.7.

■ You have to hand it to Carisbrook part-owner/ trainer Brett Shipway after ‘iron’ 8Y0 Ships SpurEarls Gold mare Black And Gold home bred by partner Carol Batson after racing at Melton on February 1 in the Great Southern Star, backed up in the 2150 metre Aldebaran Park Trotters

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Tuesday – Shepparton, Wednesday –Maryborough/Mildura, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Maryborough/Terang (Cup), Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Echuca.

Mobile when having start number 190. Beginning best to lead from gate two, Black And Gold defied all challengers to record an easy 6.3 metre victory in 2-01.1 over Majestic Ga Ga from last after being trapped wide from gate five. At The Distance after going forward from mid-field to race uncovered at the bell was third 3.6 metres away.

Ballarat bulletin

■ Ballarat held a seven event card on Thursday and local part-owner/trainer/driver Ryan Duffy landed the ballarattrottingclub.com.au Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres with well supported 5Y0 Pegasus Spur- Goodtime Truscott gelding Rileys Pegasus.

Raced by Gordon’s Tim McGuigan in partnership, Rileys Pegasus first up since last November settled one/one from gate three as polemarker Maoris Return led.

Easing three wide racing for the bell, Rileys Pegasus showing a great turn of speed to lead for the final circuit to easily account for No Telling Heather (one/one last lap) by 3.7 metres, with Maoris Return holding down third 2.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.1.

■ Gisborne part-owner/trainer Don Lock’s honest 8Y0 Caribbean Blaster-Need A Boyfriend mare Calypso Mistress snared the 1710 metre Woodlands Stud Pace in a rate of 1-56.1.

With Long Forest based Jordan Leedham in the sulky, Calypso Mistress (gate five) was trapped three wide before going forward to park outside the pacemaker Blue Miki (gate four) before the favourite Reign Em In went forward to park in the open giving her one/one cover and Archaa sprinting brilliantly from mid-field to lead.

Angling three wide on turning, as Reign Em In despite racing exposed took over, Calypso Mistress issued a strong challenge with Royal Saxon coming from the tail and making the final bend four wide looking likely to score, however Calypso Mistress rallied in grand style to gain the day by a nose over Blue Miki along the inside, with Royal Saxon weakening on his run to be third a half neck way. The mile rate 1-56.1.

■ Fourteen year old Kiwi bred Live Or DieLady Petrol gelding River Patrol a winner of sixteen from 274 outings with 85 placings was victorious in the 7+ Pace over 1710 metres.

With Chris Alford driving, River Patrol (gate six) began with his customary speed to lead before handing over to Goodtime Stryker (outside front line). Angling away from the markers on turning, River Patrol defied his age to race clear and score by 4.1 metres in 1-59.1 from Blissfull Lilly (three pegs) along the inside with Goodtime Stryker third a head back.

Massive plunge

■ Geelong raced on Friday and a massive plunge was landed in the Hoyts Foods Pace over 1609 metres when beautifully bred 5Y0 Captain Treacherous-Golden Flyin gelding Admiralofthefleet backed from a morning quote of $18 to start a short priced $2.50 favourite scored narrowly. Trained at Glen Park (Ballarat) by Wayne Ronan and driven by son Connor who also holds a share, Admiralofthefleet first up since October last year settled three back in the moving line from gate two as the speed was on with Tinsel Tiara retaining the lead from the pole being pressured by Iamawingate (gate five) three wide to race exposed entering the straight on the first occasion with Micton Mouse three widefromoutsidethefrontline.

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Go directly to www.LocalPaper.com.au or www.MelbourneObserver.com.au to read digital editions (exact replicas of print editions), free. Online edition dates in 2025 are: Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, Mar. 5, Mar. 12, Mar. 19, Mar. 26, Apr. 2, Apr. 9, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, Jun. 4, Jun. 11, Jun. 28, Jun. 25, Jul. 2, Jul. 9, Jul. 16, Jul. 23, Jul., 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 10, Aug. 27, Sep. 3, Sep. 10, Sep. 17, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10. Lodge ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.

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FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

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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

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Marian Snary© i n c a r e of Ferntree Gully, Victoria State, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names (MARIAN VAN RYSWYK, EMPATHIC CONNECTIONS) since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 17985 22604, Proclamation Date (1st Day of April in the year 2024). Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Marian Snary© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

MEMOIR by Owen Douglas. From early life to times as a Psychiatric Nurse. (‘An outstanding book’ North Central Review’, Oct 2024) paperback and ebook. I grew up in Dundas St. Preston. Attended Preston South Primary and went to Northcote High School. At Amazon.com.au F-M

NEWSPAPERS. Herald; end of First World War; start of the Second World War. Original papers, worn. Offers. Seymour. 0419 881 573.

F-M

OLD STAMPS, tools, tobacco bins, Telephone, pocket knifes, cigarette lighters, LP records, first covers and more. Australia decimal and pre-decimal bank notes. Used. Prices negot. Thomastown. 0425 733 890.

F-M

PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114.

F-M

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $20. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. F-M

Genesis 1.29 SELL TO ORDER microgreens, Peashoots, Sunflower, Broccoli and Cabbage etc. Tasty nutritious microgreens. $5. Wallan. 0419 545 806 F-M

SUBARU Rego Plates. B/ W Slimline: MISUBI. VGC. $1500 or offer. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

TELESCOPE. 76/700EG. Premium. 76 mirror diameter. 700mm focal length. 28x-233x magnification. Equatoirial mount. As new. $60 ONO. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123. F-M

WELLNESS Circulation Stimulator. $20 or offer. VGC. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

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Sat., Mar. 22. 10am2pm. Watsonia Primary School Open Day and Fair. Join us for a special day of celebration at our School Open Day and Fair, marking an incredible milestone—our 65th Birthday. Explore our vibrant school community with guided tours, showcasing our facilities and curriculum for prospective families. Enjoy a variety of fun rides, delicious food trucks, live music, stalls, and a historical display highlighting our 65year legacy of excellence. The day will be filled excitement, discovery, and a chance to connect with our past and present. Don’t miss this memorable event as we celebrate 65 years of learning, growth, and achievement. Free entry. Meagher St, Watsonia. Phone: 0407 885 580. Web: https://www. facebook.com/share/ 1DRdcx3Wch/ F-L WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Lightweight, easy to manoeuver, strong battery life. Perfect for everyday use. Sellng due to owner passing away. GC. $1000. Thomastown. 0421 819 286. F-M

WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set encyclopedia, $90. Plus Science Books and Dictionary. GC. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-M

FREE ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY PHONE Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community organisations. There are no charges, no fees and no commissions. All Free Ads are published at the entire discretion of the Editor.

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interests in the land described as 820 Lower Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotments 72C and 72D Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in respective Certificates of Title Volume 8541 Folio 538 and Volume 5107 Folio 358:

Easements for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-1” on the plans for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE4 Ver B for Crown Allotment 72C and Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE3 Ver B for Crown Allotment 72D) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127. Interests Acquired: That of Alan Russell Launder and Cheryl Elizabeth Launder and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BOX HILL INCLUDING 5G

Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade the telecommunications facilities at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment:

Box Hill Hospital, Nelson Road, Box Hill VIC 3128 (RFNSA: 3128017)

The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

• Replacement of three (3) existing Optus panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Replacement of three (3) existing Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Installation of six (6) new Optus 5G panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

• Replacement of twenty-four (24) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with eighteen (18) new RRUs;

• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• Internal works within existing equipment outdoor unit.

Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 20 February 2025.

If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3128017

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 40 Thomas Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotment 72E Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 9737 Folio 676: An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-1” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE5 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127. Interests Acquired: That of Adam Harvey Schreurs and Donna Chandelle Schreurs and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name:Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning

South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P24/2046

Applicant name: SQUAREBACK PLANNING PTY LTD

The Land affected by this application is located at: 8 HIGHFIELD WAY TYABB LOT 42 LP 214329 VOL 9875 FOL 877

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOPMENT OF A SHED AND AMENDMENT TO COVENANT MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

CLAUSE: 43.02-2 (DDO6) To construct a building or construct or carry out works.

CLAUSE: 52.02 (Easements, Restrictions and Reserves)

Under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 19 FEBRUARY 2024

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION

COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 22A Brownes Road, Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Crown Allotment 69C Parish of Drumdlemara and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10747 Folio 568:

An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-2” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE1 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127.

Interests Acquired: That of Nicholas Terence Browne and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name: Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

The Local Paper

Email: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

Land Acquisition and Compensation Regulations 2021 FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 NOTICE OF ACQUISITION

COMPULSORY ACQUISITION OF INTEREST IN LAND

The South Gippsland Region Water Corporation (ABN 40 349 066 713) (South Gippsland Water) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as 65 Haws Road, Middle Tarwin, Victoria 3956, being part of the land described as Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision PS817348D and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 11983 Folio 908:

An easement for water supply and sewerage purposes over that part of the land shown as “E-2” on the plan for creation of easement (Surveyor’s File Ref: 3201sCE2 Ver B) depicted below in accordance with the rights and obligations set out in Memorandum of Common Provisions number AA3127.

Interests Acquired: That of Thomas William Browne and Raelene Catherine Browne and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 130 of the Water Act 1989 for the purpose of the Middle Tarwin Pipeline Renewal – 2024/ 2025.

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 5 July 2024. Published with the authority of South Gippsland Water.

For and on behalf of South Gippsland Water:

Signed: MARK LYNCH

Name: Mark Lynch

General Manager Infrastructure and Planning South Gippsland Water

Date:28 November 2024

Notice of Praecipe

Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© of Marysville, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names REBECCA PARKER, R.A. PARKER, R A PARKER, Rebecca PARKER, PARKER Rebecca, REBECCA A. Parker, Parker, Rebecca A. PARKER, Rebecca Ann Parker, REBECCA A PARKER, REBECCA A. PARKER, Rebecca A. Parker, Rebecca A. Parker, PARKER REBECCA ANN, Rebecca Ann PARKER, REBECCA ANN PARKER, Rebecca, REBECCA, Rebecca A, Rebecca A., PARKER REBECCA, R.P., RP, RAP, R.A.P., and REBECCA ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA ANN, REBECCA ANN ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A ZVIRBULIS, REBECCA A. ZVIRBULIS, R.A. ZVIRBULIS, R A ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS REBECCA, Rebecca A. ZVIRBULIS, Rebecca ZVIRBULIS, ZVIRBULIS Rebecca, REBECCA A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca Zvirbulis, Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, Rebecca A. Zvirbulis, R.A, RFA, R.F.A., and becaboo.no2@gmail.com., becaboo22@protonmail.com, Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker Public Recording Number PRPP4463900051003040453605, WillowRose Elanor Parker Public Recording Number RPP4463900051003040452608, and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP4463900051003040454602, Proclamation date the 3rd day of June 2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Rebecca Ann Zvirbulis© Gypsy-Mae Rebekah Parker©TM, Willow-Rose Elanor Parker©TM in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

NOTICE OF PRAECIPE. Michael Charles Anderson© of Dandenong, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names MICHAEL ANDERSON, M.C. ANDERSON, M C ANDERSON, Michael ANDERSON, ANDERSON Michael, MICHAEL. C. Anderson, Michael Anderson, Michael C. ANDERSON, Michael Charles Anderson, MICHAEL C. Anderson, ANDERSON MICHAEL CHARLES, Michael Charles ANDERSON, MICHAEL CHARLES ANDERSON, Michael, MICHAEL, Michale C, Michael C., ANDERSON MICHAEL, M.A., MA, MCA, M.C.A., and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil Jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP:44 63900 05100 30408 63602, proclamation date the 28th Day, June,2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon this copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Michael Charles Anderson© in fraudulent debased Dot-Latin, GLOSSA.

Public Notice of Praecipe Tacit Acceptance and Conveyance

Roberto Leereveld© i n c a r e of Upwey, Victoria State is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names ROBERTO LEEREVELD since unrebutted lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 30274 45609, Proclamation Date 2nd Day of October in the year 2024. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Roberto Leereveld© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.