The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed., Mar. 5, 2025

Yea Racing thanks all patrons who supported our family friendly Picnic Racing Days and charity raffles this season. Our exciting 2025/2026 picnic Racing season will start on Caulfield Cup Day 2025

NEW WAYS TO LOOK AT NILLUMBIK’S PAST DEATH THREAT FOR MAYOR UNDER FIRE

■ Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq, along with representatives from the Eltham District Historical Society Inc. and Yarra Plenty Regional Library, officially launched two local history projects outside Eltham Library: a newly installed Listening Post and the Little Eltham Heritage Walking Brochure.

“These initiatives bring to life the history, culture, and community of the area in an accessible and exciting new way. Visitors manually wind a handle to hear stories about Eltham via the Listening Post,” said a Nillumbik Council representative.

Cr Dumaresq said the area now known as Nillumbik has always had a rich and varied history, and that these projects are a reflection of the pride we all have for our Shire’s heritage.

He also thanked the Eltham District Historical Society, which has been pivotal in shaping both projects, and Plenty Valley FM which provided the studio to record the audio for the Listening Post. The Listening Post is the first of its kind in Victoria, and a new way of sharing the stories of the Shire. It is low-maintenance and does not require electricity to function.

Themes and subjects listeners can learn about include:

■ The history of the Shire of Eltham and the Nillumbik Shire Council

■ Whittlesea Council Mayor Cr Aidan

McLindon - whose Councillor colleagues have unanimously called upon to resign - says he has received a death threat.

In a statement posted to social media, Cr McLindon said: “Yesterday I met with the Victorian Police. It is of public interest that I make this statement as the safety of my family and I has been compromised.

“This has intensified over time, and my family is now living in fear.

“Since September 2024 I have been targeted by a highly organised and politically motivated group of Labor Party members in response to my policies advocating for the following positions:

m”A rates freeze, a family friendly council that protects the innocence of children (in an increasingly hyper-sexualised environment), to swiftly act on any internal misconduct and to ensure Council can help stop the construction of the proposed Northern Incinerator. These were policies I expressed and championed in my campaign material.

“ These policies gained widespread community support and I was elected as a local representative with a clear majority.

“As with all policies, not everyone will agree.,” Cr McLindon said.

■ Alistair Knox Park, features and history

■ Shillinglaw Cottage and history

■ Early small farm activities along the Diamond Creek valley

■ Historic Trestle Bridge

■ The award winning Eltham Library and Alan Marshall sculpture

■ The Diamond Creek Trail

■ History along the Diamond Creek Trail

The self-guided walking brochure allows visitors to step back in time and explore our living history.

● ● From left: Liz Pidgeon, Local and Family History Librarian YPRL; Jim Connor, President Eltham District Historical Society; Cr John Dumaresq, Nillumbik Mayor; and Russell Yeoman, Secretary Eltham District Historical Society.

● ● ● ● Aidan McLindon, Whittlesea Mayor ● ● Continued on Page 4

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025

STARSTRUCK BY TV COVERAGE

Shire tribute for Ilona Gerencser

■ Standing orders were suspended at last Wednesday’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting to pay tribute to the life of former Kinglake Councillor Ilona Gerencser.

Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher said: “I was truly honoured in January to be invited by Jacob and Rocky Mammoliti to share some thoughts on the contribution of their Mum, the former Murrindindi Shire Councillor, Ilona Gerencser, upon her passing on January 18.

“Thank you again, Jacob for being here this evening.

“On behalf of the Murrindindi Shire community, I offer our appreciation to you, Inge for your daughter, a passionate and dedicated servant of the community.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Ilona Gerencser on 5 November 5, 2020. It was a time in which the shroud of COVID-19 well and truly cloaked our daily lives.

“We met in the Yea Shire Hall wearing masks and practicing extreme hygiene and social distancing; the occasion being the declaration of the 2020 Victorian Local Government election.

“The shiny new Councillor Gerencser was elected unopposed, to represent Kinglake Ward on the Murrindindi Shire Council Turn To Page 6

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors continue to be starstruck if the municipality gets coverage in the electronic media.

“In local media, the work of Council’s Economic Development Team and their Key Worker Housing Accommodation project attracted the attention of WIN News with the innovative approach being recognised as part of the solution to a lack of available, affordable housing stock,” Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher told last week’s Shire meeting.

“WIN News also covered Council’s efforts to attract funding for the Alexandra East Development Plan and the important work of the community reference group to shape the sustainable growth of our municipal community.

“I hasten to acknowledge the efforts of Council’s Economic Development Team in supporting the Dindi Daycare and Inferno Marine business success stories, collectively attracting $100,000 from the Victorian Forestry Transition Fund to help establish over a dozen new local jobs, not to mention their respective service outcomes.

“Nationally, ABC’s 7.30 program featured the collaboration between Murrindindi Shire Council and Yea and District Memorial Hospital and the incredible health outcomes that are being realised with health services being taken to the community at the Yea Saleyards

“Right now, Council is calling on our community to help guide the shaping of the 2025 Council Plan. I continue to encourage everyone who lives, works or visits Murrindindi Shire to be heard by completing a survey on Council’s engagement platform, The Loop.”

The deadline was last night (Tues., Mar. 4).

Last year, Cr Sandice McAulay made a report to Council about coverage of Eildon in a program on a cable service that has a minimal audience.

In other news, Cr Gallagher said: “As a community, we reflected upon the tragedy that was unfolding in Los Angeles as wildfires devastated their landscape.

“While separated by distance, Council conveyed to Los Angeles County Mayor Karen Bass, that our shared experiences unite us in empathy and resolve.

“All the while, locally, we celebrate the contribution of our emergency services volunteers throughout this challenging fire season.

“Council thanks those who spent extended periods away from home and family in support

of strangers in Western Victoria. These displays of inclusion, empathy, mateship and selflessness are the behaviours we celebrated on our national day.

“To Council’s recent advocacy, which is to say: Hearing our community and expressing the story of Murrindindi to decision makers beyond the sphere of control of local government:

■ Council has liaised with our local state Member of Parliament and Victoria’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety to effect a postponement and review of the Transport Victoria project of road maintenance on the Melba Highway.

■ Council is pleased to report that road flood water gauges have been installed in proximity to Home Creek on the Goulburn Valley Highway.”

SDCA results

■ A-Grade. One Day. Saturday, March 1. Yea Tigers A Grade v Pyalong A Grade. scores not to hand at press time. At Yea Recreation Reserve.

Tallarook A Grade 10/134 v Seymour A

Grade 8/175. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed 9/151 v Alexandra A Grade 9/152. At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground - Oval #1

■ B-Grade. One Day. Saturday, March 1. Avenel Senior Men 5/96 v Alexandra B Grade 10/93. At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers B Grade v Tallarook B Grade. At Yea High School Seymour B Grade v Pyalong B Grade. At Chittick Park (East)

Footy countdown

■ Outer East. Division 1. Saturday, April 5. Yea v Pakenham. Powelltown v Yarra Junction. Belgrave v Warburton-Millgrove. Seville v Yarra Glen. Alexandra: Bye. ■ Goulburn Valley Football League. Saturday, April 5. Mansfield v Mooroopna. Shepparton v Tatura. Echuca v Shepparton United. Shepparton Swans v Benalla. Rochester v Seymour. Kyabram v Euroa. ■ Northern Football League. Division 1. Saturday, April 5. Banyule v Montmorency. South Morang v West Preston-Lakeside. Heidelberg v North Heidelberg. Bundoora v Eltham. Hurstbridge v Greensborough.

Damien Gallagher, Mayor

● ● Ilona Gerencser

The Local Paper

Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.

In association with 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

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

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

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Local News

Death threat for W’sea Mayor

● From Page 1 Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon continued with his statement:

“Democracy means that we are free to disagree, free to debate robustly, and free to live respectfully in that disagreement.

“Unfortunately, some of the views I represent and advocate for have attracted behaviours from a small contingent in the community that have now become volatile.

“ Whittlesea deserves councillors who express all manner of views and advocate for all positions in the council chamber and wider community. We are the sum of our diversity.

“Regrettably, my family is now living in anxiety as I have received a death threat, our car has been broken into and ransacked, leaflets have been distributed across the community accusing me of being 'Islamophobic' having a 'history of hate' and 'promoting bigotry and violence'.

“I have also been falsely accused of causing pain and confusion to the transgender community and not being supportive to First Australians - none of which is true or validated.

“The level of vilification and slander directed at me personally from some members of our community has been unreasonable and unwarranted.

“I want to make it clear, as Mayor, I will always fight for all views to be protected and respected.

“I have shared some of the hardships suffered by my family with my councillor colleagues some time ago.

“I consider the response from one Councillor to be unacceptable and inconsistent with the Councillor code of conduct

“Recently I have been followed by vehicles acting with intent to intimidate.

“I have also met with the Police Inspector of Whittlesea and found myself in a position where I had to request a private security detail to be posted outside my family home.

“I was also informed that the safety alert in the public council chambers had been elevated to ‘high’ and that I was posed as the highest risk to my personal safety.

“When seeking further details from the CEO as to what those threats were which required a 'high alert' I was advised that I was unable to have them disclosed to me.

“The last council meeting saw rate-payers fund four security guards along with local police presence on standby.

“This is not the Whittlesea I grew up in and this is not what local democracy should look like in Victoria

“We should be able to visit the Council chambers without fear for our safety and sit in the public chambers, just as we saw former Whittlesea CEO Simon Overland do last Tuesday.

“I will state that the length and volume at which Simon's eyes stared directly at me as I chaired that meeting, was somewhat unsettling. It was a rather strange experience.

“Simon Overland is the former Victorian Police Commissioner who was sacked as the Whittlesea CEO in December 2019 as he was preparing to give evidence to the Lawyer X Royal Commission

“His presence was somewhat confronting.

“I hold no malice to any councillor or member of the organisation.

“Politics can be a very challenging space to navigate.

never buckle to bullying, tactics of intimidation, vilification, threats, manipulation, coercion or verbal and online slander.

“I will however, take all necessary measures to ensure that my family is safe at all times - they do not deserve this, and they should always feel safe in the Whittlesea community.

“Today, I have formally lodged a wideranging complaint with the Independent Broad-based Anticorruption Commission (IBAC)

“My hope is that this will assist in ensuring our Council is firmly focused on the community in an accountable and transparent way.

“As a multi-faith, multi-cultural community of decent hardworking people, what is happening currently in this city is not reflective of who we are.

“We each have different views and life expereinces to draw from, and this is what makes a good council.

“We have been elected to serve the people and that is what I am doing.

“I am proud to be Mayor and I genuinely want to ensure all Councillors and Community members are heard, regardless of the diversity of our views.

“It is not our diversity of views that is the challenge, rather, it is the manner in which we respect and treat each other for expressing those views that counts.

“Please know that as your Mayor I will

“We all deserve a lot better. I will continue to do everything within my power to make sure that as elected representatives we are transparent and accountable at all times so that as councillors we can get on with the job without fear or favour (including undue political influence) to do the basics brilliantlyshort grass, good roads, reasonable rates and of course, clean streets and public areas.

“Together, we can ensure Whittlesea continues to be a safe place to work, live and play providing opportunities for everyone,” Cr McLindon said.

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

Cartoonist

● ● ● ● Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aidan McLindon raised questions about Simon Overland’s presence at the February 18 Council meeting.

Regional Round-Up

Howqua Inlet Trail first stage

■ A partnership between Mansfield Council and community volunteers has successfully delivered the first stage of a new community trail in Howqua Inlet

“When all three stages are complete, the trail will provide a walking and cycling link between Howqua Inlet and the Howqua Valley Holiday Park,” a Mansfield Council representative said.

“The first stage saw construction of a new trail between Edmanson Avenue and Barnetts Rd, linking to the service road alongside Mansfield-Woods Point Rd

“This project was initiated by the Howqua Inlet community. In 2023 the Jamieson Community Group and Associated Bodies Inc helped to secure funding from Council’s Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund for a feasibility study and design of the trail.

“Council supported the planning work and provided construction materials such as gravel, culverts, and signage.

“The trail was built by community volunteers who donated their time, equipment and skills.”

Nick Hyslop, President of the Howqua Inlet and Macs Cove Community Group, thanked everyone involved for their support.

"The Community Trail began as a community dream – to create a safe and accessible path linking key local assets,” he said.

“Through hard work, collaboration, and unwavering persistence, that dream has become a reality.

“With incredible support from Mansfield Shire Council, the generosity of local volunteers, and the guidance of Jamieson Community Group, we have successfully completed stage one.

“This project stands as a testament to the power of community, dedication, and shared vision,” said Mr Hyslop

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the project was a successful partnership between Council and the community.

Shire Tribute to Cr Ilona Gerencser

● ● ● ●

From Page 3

■ “That day, and for every moment of the balance of her four year term, she demonstrated a keenness to be the voice for her beloved communities of Toolangi, Castella and Kinglake,”

Cr Gallagher said.

“From the outset, Ilona was a vocal campaigner for those with very immediate, personal concerns, such as land-use planning issues, the siting of local bus stops, the roadside slashing program, requests of speed restrictions, and waste collection and toilet concerns at Bollygum Park

“All the while, Ilona supported the strategic work of Council in the development of the Council Plan and the recruitment of Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Livia Bonazzi.

“Ilona also represented Council on its Audit and Risk Committee, and she leveraged her professional expertise on Council’s important Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee.

“Throughout her Council term, Ilona was at various times, Council’s spokesperson for the portfolios of:

■ Tourism, Events, and Business Support

■ Emergency Management

■ Customer Experience

“I recall fondly, that as a Councillor, Ilona was as comfortable speaking with local traders and residents as she was addressing Council meetings and putting forward the case for Murrindindi to Ministers, Senators, and heads of government departments.

“Ilona was a great listener, and to me, a sounding board, an analyst, a joker, an inquirer, and to my wife and I, and many around this table, a friend.

“All of us have our distinct memories of Ilona. Tamara Fowkes of the Rotary Club of Kinglake sends her apologies for not being here tonight.

“She said, “I absolutely adored the passion, strength and determination of a woman you

could really look up to and someone you could trust.

“I know we all wish we had more time with her, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to learn more from her.”

“One of Council’s former executive directors, remembers her passion and commitment. He recalls a very early discussion with the community regarding the Kinglake Streetscape project.

“The meeting had the potential for tension and heat, but Ilona ensured that every voice was, in turn, heard and understood.

“Ilona’s calm, compassionate approach turned a challenging discussion into a positive exchange.

“Another director was introduced to Ilona when he commenced his role, less than two years ago. He remembers visiting the Kinglake Ward

and seeing it through her eyes.

“‘It was clear how deeply she knew every corner of her ward and the people who brought it to life.” He added “We paused at the bushfire memorial to reflect, and visited many wonderful businesses and community groups. Ilona knew the people, their stories, and their aspirations.”

“The achievements of which Ilona was most proud include:

■ her influence upon the Kinglake Streetscape project which has improved amenity and safety for residents and visitors alike; ■ regular and rigorous scrutiny of the register of capital works projects for Kinglake building, sporting, and road and footpath assets; ■ her successful advocacy alongside State Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish, for road safety treatments on the Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd; and ■ speaking up for the mental health and wellbeing needs of residents.

“Over her last year, Ilona and I spoke about how incredibly grateful she was for the love and support she received from her family, and her friends, and many kind people in Kinglake as she fought her toughest battle.

“We also spoke about the strength she drew from every moment shared with young Luca, and how stubbornly intent she was on welcoming the newly arrived Nicholas.

“I encourage everyone, as best you can, to not dwell on her absence but to enjoy the solace of having known her.

“Your positive memories are your "phunke" gift from Ilona. Let your heart ache only for those who did not know her kindness, her laughter, and her unhealthy obsession for teal and turquoise.

“Ilona Gerencser gave all that she could muster to improve the experience of her beloved community. Ilona is Murrindindi. She continues to remind us all that tomorrow is a gift,” Cr Gallagher said.

●

● Ilona Gerencser

Council Rounds

Ruffy, Kirwan’s Bridge score funds

■ Strathbogie Shire Council has received grant funding for Ruffy and Kirwans Bridge to establish a Local Emergency Action Plan

Strathbodie Council will collaborate with the local communities of Ruffy and Kirwans Bridge to create a Plan to outline the actions and responsibilities that stakeholders can undertake to better prepare, respond and recover from local emergency events.

The Kirwans Bridge LEAP steering group has already been formed and commenced meetings in February.

Strathbogie Council is seeking expressions of interest from the local Ruffy community to form a community-led steering group to guide the Ruffy LEAP project to completion which is expected to take approximately eight months commencing in May.

Strathbogie Mayor Cr Claire EwartKennedy said: “We are pleased to support the preparation of LEAPs for both Kirwans Bridge and Ruffy communities, and we invite people who live and engage in Ruffy to apply to participate in this valuable community project.”

The project further aims to create greater community awareness of the risks to the Ruffy and Kirwans Bridge areas and promote greater community resilience in being able to plan, respond and recover from emergency events.

The LEAPing into Safer Communities Project is a joint initiative between Strathbogie Shire Council and the Greater Shepparton City Council to enable our communities to prepare for emergencies, extreme weather events, and other disasters.

“On behalf of Council , I would like to thank the Victorian Government Safer Together Strengthening Local Government Partnerships Program, which has enabled this valuable project to commence,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

Nominations close on Thursday, April 24.

Council pushes for Beveridge

■ The City of Whittlesea has moved to strengthen key planning controls in an important step towards delivering the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct

Whittlesea Council voted at its February 18 meeting to endorse a submission to the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny on proposed changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.

The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, located in the municipality’s north-west, will be a major freight and logistics hub adjoining the existing Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor.

It will support the movement of more freight rail between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, and deliver increased productivity, stronger supply chains and reduced road congestion.

Whittlesea Council has long been an advocate for the project due to the expected economic benefits, with the precinct forecast to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.

The precinct will also provide increased employment opportunities in the municipality through the creation of both direct and indirect jobs.

“Whittlesea Council’s submission aims to ensure issues such as transport infrastructure, environmental management and cultural heritage are addressed prior to construction starting this year,” said the representative.

“The initial stage – referred to as Stage 1A will involve building a permanent rail connection to the rail freight corridor and an interim intermodal terminal.

“The interim terminal, to be delivered by the Commonwealth-owned National Intermodal Corporation, will have the capacity to handle up to two 1800-metre interstate freight trains a day.

“Planning for Stage 1B, featuring the permanent intermodal terminal, and Stage 2, comprising the broader employment precinct, will continue throughout 2025.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Aidan

McLindon said: "The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a transformative infrastructure project for our region that will create thousands of jobs to support a growing population," he said.

"It is vitally important that all aspects of this project are planned to the highest standard and that is why we have provided a comprehensive submission for the Minister’s consideration."

"We are excited for this project to progress to the construction stage and for our community to start reaping the benefits of this substantial investment,” Cr McLindon said.

Power sign-on

■ Mansfield Shire Council has agreed to sign up for 100 per centrenewable energy with the endorsement of a contract agreement with the Victorian Energy Collaboration at the February Council meeting.

The Council will be the 61st local government to sign up to the agreement for the supply of 100 per cent renewable energy from July 1 until December 31, 2030.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said this is one way Council was achieving value for money and implementing its Climate Action Plan.

“Going in on a collaborative purchase of energy like this means we know we’re getting the best bang for our buck with ratepayers money,” said Cr Rabie

Conflicts declared

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors declared a number of conflicts, when they met last Wednesday at Yea.

Cr Sue Carpenter declared an interest in a grants and contributions program matter, being a member of Yea Rotary Club . She stated she is not conflicted as that matter relates simply to noting a decision made under delegation by council officers.

Cr Carpenter declared general conflict of interest with an item about a proposed road deviation and land exchange at Cummins Rd Murrindindi, as she is a friend of the proponent.

Cr Anita Carr declared a material conflict of interest with a a grants and contributions program matter given her role on the general committee of the Alexandra Football Netball Club

Cr Damian Gallagher declared an interest in a grants and contributions program item, given he is a member of the Buxton Progress Association. He stated he is not conflicted as that matter relates simply to noting a decision made under delegation by council officers.

Cr Gallagher declared a material conflict interest with a grants program matter due to being a patron member of Alexandra Football Netball Club.

Public speaking

■ David Carabott spoke at last week’s Murrindindi Shire meeting about his planning permit application experience, relating to a permit at Break O’day Rd, Glenburn

Grants provided

■ Murrindindi Council has provided grants including those to Alexandra Community Shed - Window Block Out - $1500; Yea Bowls Club - Access and Safety Improvements Project - $4846; Acheron Mechanics Institute Hall Committee - Removal of trees on the Acheron Tennis Court - $4800; and Goulburn Valley Suicide Awareness Group Inc – Suicide Awareness Walk #5 - $3373.

● ● Beveridge intermodal Precinct

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, March 6

Local Briefs

Reconcilation time

■

■

■

■

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel.

65 Grant St.

■

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

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

■

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

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour

Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

■

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

■

■

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

■

■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

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

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

■

■

■ ■ 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.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ 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.

■

■

■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ 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.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ 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.

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main

St.

■

■ YEA. Country Club Hotel. 18 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■

■

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

■

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

■

■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■

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

■

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

■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■

■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store.

280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

■

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

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

■

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64

High St.

■

■ ■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ ■ 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.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

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

Austin, Mark Baines, Dylan James Baker, Kye Bentley, Ricky Bermingham, Sarah Bowen, Ashley Boyd, Matthew Bugden, Scott Burns, Jema Byrne, Lesley Cassar-Kendall, Jayden Chilcott, Cameron Robert Christie, Corey Crowley, Frank Joesph Dalton, William Neil Denahy, Jeremy Georgiou, Antony Grant, Aaron Harkam, Kellie Horton, Bradley Hughes, Kevin Jones, Holly Jones, Taylah Kara, Deniz Keamy-Quirk, Caleb Lippert, Chantelle Lokay, Paul Love, Robert James Macrae, Louise Meldrum, Christopher Moran, Martin Murphy, Ziek Murphy, Ziek Patrick Nash, Callum Nesbitt, Anthony Orourke, Shaun Pearse, Chantelle Playfoot, Hannah Pritchard, Jason Sanderson, Mathew Shanahan, Daniel Sherwood, Jeremy Leigh Sleddon, Alison Souter, Billy Wilson, Rebecca Yee Yap, Tiffany Zeqir, Danielle

Friday, March 7

■ The City of Whittlesea is calling for First Peoples and their allies to collaborate as members of the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group.

The WRG was formed in 2001 and has a long and proud history of working in partnership with Whittlesea Council to advance reconciliation in the community.

In recent years, the knowledge and expertise of WRG members has been instrumental in planning for the Aboriginal Gathering Place and developing Council’s Aboriginal Action Plan 2024-2029

Whittlesea Council is keen to work with the WRG on a number of important initiatives in the coming years, including embedding First Peoples voices in Council’s advisory groups and committees.

Other priorities include monitoring and evaluating Aboriginal programs delivered through Council and partnering with the Wurundjeri and Taungurung Peoples on the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Community members are appointed for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend their membership for two further oneyear appointments.

Prospective members must live, work or study in the City of Whittlesea for the duration of their term and be able to attend at least four meetings a year.

The City of Whittlesea published a media release about expressions of interest on February 24. Submissions closed on February 28.

Region on track

■ The City of Whittlesea has moved to strengthen key planning controls in an important step towards delivering the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct

The Council voted at the Meeting on February 18 to endorse a submission to the Minister for Planning on proposed changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.

■

■

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

■

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

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

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

■

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

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

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

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

■

■

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

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■

■ ■ ■ 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.

■

■ ■ ■ 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.

■ 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.

■ 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.

Alverez Gonzalez, Maria Ubaldina Clegg, Ricky Rizzo, Nando

The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, located in the municipality’s north-west, will be a major freight and logistics hub adjoining the existing Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor.

It will support the movement of more freight rail between Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, and deliver increased productivity, stronger supply chains and reduced road congestion.

“Council has long been an advocate for the project due to the expected economic benefits, with the precinct forecast to contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy,” said a Whittlesea Council representative.

The precinct will also provide increased employment opportunities in the municipality through the creation of both direct and indirect jobs.

Whittlesea Council’s submission aims to ensure issues such as transport infrastructure, environmental management and cultural heritage are addressed prior to construction starting this year.

■

■

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

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

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

■

■

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

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

Wednesday, March 12 Ahmad, Bilal Borg, Joseph Burkett, Jayden Dunmore, Emma Even Par Pty Ltd Finn, Luke Anthony Fitzgerald Nesbitt, Tianna Storm Hagoss, Solomon Hanley, Christopher Hore, Andrew William Mcbean, Paul Mccabe, Mystina Mueller, Kelly Newell, Patrick James Oyeniyi, Mufan Ayinde Penigilly, Vaughn William Pereira, Luke Rickard, Katelyn Rudd, Neale Douglas Sheh Shuhaimi, Sheikh Anmar Strongman, Annalise Teuma, Dean Turnbull, Michael Ustuner, Abdulkerim Vella, Patrick Walker, David Edward Warraich Tradings Pty Ltd Young, Michael

The initial stage – referred to as Stage 1A will involve building a permanent rail connection to the rail freight corridor and an interim intermodal terminal.

The interim terminal, to be delivered by the Commonwealth -owned National Intermodal Corporation, will have the capacity to handle up to two 1,800-metre interstate freight trains a day.

■

■

■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

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

■

■ ■ ■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

Plan allowed

Planning for Stage 1B, featuring the permanent intermodal terminal, and Stage 2, comprising the broader employment precinct, will continue throughout 2025.

■

■

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

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

■

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

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has voted to allow the proposed deviation of part of an unused government road known as Cummins Road, Murrindindi. The deviated part of the government road will be exchanged for land owned by Ms D Williams, that will then be created as a road reserve and vested in Council.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Aidan McLindon, said: "The Beveridge Intermodal Precinct is a transformative infrastructure project for our region that will create thousands of jobs to support a growing population.

■

■

■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ 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.

“The son of the Proponent occupies a dwelling that is primarily situated on the unused government road and wishes to extend the building for family reasons. The Proponent was not aware that the building was on the unused government land until a request was made to Council for planning approval.”

"It is vitally important that all aspects of this project are planned to the highest standard and that is why we have provided a comprehensive submission for the Minister’s consideration. We are excited for this project to progress to the construction stage and for our community to start reaping the benefits of this substantial investment."

Closing Down Sale

Vast collection of antiques, chinaware, artworks, napery, crystal, bric-a-brac, Meccano sets with accessories and more!

Store will be trading only until mid-April

De Bretts Antique Market, located at 646 Mount Alexander Road in Moonee Ponds, is sadly closing after 50 years of trading.

As the last antique shop of its kind North of the Yarra River, its closure marks the end of an era for collectors, traders, and vintage enthusiasts.

The old barn is holding a major clearance sale with a vast collection of antiques, vintage clothing, chinaware, artworks, napery, crystal, bric-a-brac, Meccano sets with accessories and more!

This includes approximately 200 lighting fittings hanging from the rafters, all available with substantial discounts, all offers considered.

The store will be trading until mid April 2025. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit soon to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support. To all our past and present customers, we deeply appreciate you as we mournfully come to a close.

See you all soon at De Bretts (the old barn)!

De Bretts Antique Market Major Clearance.

ouncil Rounds

Funds for Sydney Rd

■ Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed a Federal Government announcement of a $45 million commitment for funding for the seal and upgrade of Old Sydney Rd in Beveridge.

The project, which will see the 5.57km stretch of Old Sydney Rd from the Mitchell/ Hume boundary to Camerons Lane in Beveridge upgraded, is part of the Federal Government’s $1.2 billion suburban road blitz.

The project has been a critical priority for Mitchell Shire, as it will improve road safety and usability, ensuring reliable alternative north-south access to support the region’s rapid population growth.

“Reliable road access is essential not only for everyday life but also for unlocking future housing developments, ensuring that the growing community has the infrastructure it needs to thrive,” said a Mitchell Shire representative.

“The upgrade is especially vital as Old Sydney Rd serves as a diversion route when incidents occur on the Hume Freeway, as was the case with the truck fire in Decembe.

“The incident highlighted the limitations of the current road network and underscored the urgent need for investment in infrastructure that can accommodate the increasing traffic demands.

“Upgrading Old Sydney Rd is a key infrastructure priority for Mitchell Shire, alongside the Watson Street Interchange upgrade in Wallan and the Camerons Lane Interchange project in Beveridge

“Together, these projects will play a crucial role in reducing congestion, improving traffic flow, and supporting the region’s rapid growth.

“The Watson Street Interchange project has received $90 million in Federal Government funding, with an additional $80 million from the State Government.

“A business case has been completed, paving the way for the construction of an outbound exit ramp and inbound entry ramp. Once complete, this upgrade will enhance access, ease congestion, and improve safety for commuters.

“Meanwhile, Camerons Lane has secured $900 million from the Federal Government, with a business case and planning study set to begin this year. This critical project will unlock future urban development and ensure smoother traffic flow across the region.

“With Mitchell Shire’s population booming, it is imperative that the State Government pushes these projects forward without delay. The combined impact of these upgrades will significantly ease congestion, providing safer, more efficient road networks for the community now and into the future.”

Mitchell Council will continue advocating for the timely delivery of infrastructure to support current and future residents.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall thanked McEwen MHR Rob Mitchell and the Federal Government for the vital funding commitment towards the Old Sydney Rd works.

"We are very grateful to the Federal Government for hearing the voices of our community and championing this project," he said.

"We’re pleased to see Old Sydney Rd as one of the first three projects under this funding package.

“It will enable us to enhance safety and reliability along this crucial route for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

"As we embark on the Old Sydney Rd improvements, we eagerly anticipate further announcements from the State Government and the commencement of works on the Watson St and Camerons Lane projects."

Mitchell Council will now begin planning the delivery of the upgrade to Old Sydney Rd.

Women’s footy

■ A practice match will take place at 10am on Sunday, March 23, at the Thornton Recreation Reserve when Thornton-Eildon Football Club plays Mansfield. There is free entry. The canteen and bar will be open.

■ Construction is underway on the expansion of Greater Beveridge Community Centre, marking a significant milestone in supporting the growing needs of the local community.

Funded by a $3.97 million investment from the State Government, the project will extend the centre with two additional kindergarten rooms, as well as a minor expansion of the outdoor play space.

This upgrade will provide increased kindergarten places, aligning with the roll-out of funded kindergarten for three-year-olds, offering more local children two years of high-quality early education.

In addition to the new kindergarten rooms, the project will also include landscaping works to ensure the facility remains accessible and welcoming to all.

Works on the expansion are expected to be completed by December.

The concrete slab has been poured, creating a strong foundation for the new facility, and framing is now underway, giving a clear glimpse of the structure that will soon provide additional kindergarten spaces for local families.

With construction progressing steadily, the project remains on track for completion by December 2025.

Councils under pressure Beveridge expansion takes shape

■ Councils are under increasing financial strain as they take on more responsibilities without adequate funding, Murrindindi Council CEO Livia Bonazzi said last week.

Ms Bonazzi was quoting the Federal Parliament’s Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability Committee which has released its interim report.

“It acknowledges that councils are managing increasing infrastructure, service, and compliance demands while facing funding models that do not reflect these expanding roles.

“Regional and rural councils, like Murrindindi, are particularly impacted by costshifting from other levels of government and reliance on competitive grants,” Ms Bonazzi told the February 26 Council meeting.

New Trust chair needed

■ The State Government must appoint a new Chair to the board of Remembrance Parks Central Victoria Trust when the current Chair’s term ends, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell.

The RPCVT looks after a number of cemeteries including Donnybrook.

The current chair of Remembrance Parks Central Victoria was appointed in September 2020, and her term ended on February 28.

“This presents an opportunity for new leadership and a fresh start for the trouble-plagued cemetery trust,” said Ms Lovell

“During her tenure, the chair has presided over a series of governance failures at the cemetery trust.

“The trust has failed to meet the general meeting and annual reporting requirements for a public entity, during an ongoing series of operational scandals.

“It is a statutory obligation, set down in the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003, that a Class A cemetery trust must “hold an annual meeting before December 30 in each calendar year” and must “make the cemetery trust’s most recent annual report available”. But RPCV has repeatedly failed in these two

● ● ● ● Wendy Lovell MLC basic obligations, Ms Lovell said.

“The last annual report lodged by the trust was 2021-22, and no annual report for the trust has been released for 2022-23, or for 2023-24.

“During this time the trust also failed to hold annual general meetings on time, or at all.

“This means the board has completely avoided public scrutiny and accountability at the very time that its cemeteries have been involved in a series of operational scandals,” Ms Lovell said.

Regional Round-Up

GV Hwy works

■ The Department of Transport is undertaking road maintenance works on the Goulburn Valley Hwy between Upper Goulburn Rd and Botterills Lane, Whiteheads Creek.

The project will involve reinstating bridge embankments with rock fill. Works are scheduled from early March to early May, operating between 7am-6pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend and night works for efficiency and worker safety.

During construction, temporary traffic lights or traffic controllers will manage lane closures, reducing traffic speeds to 40-kmh and potentially causing delays of 5-10 minutes.

Access to properties, local council roads, and paddocks will be maintained throughout the project, with efforts to minimise disruptions wherever possible.

Residents are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead, allowing extra travel time during this period.

MP visits Wallan

■ Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence was in Wallan on Friday (Feb. 28) to view the site of the Wallan Central Cycle and Nature Trail Project at Wallan Community Park.

The $1.02 million project, which is jointly funded by $800,000 from the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and $220,000 from Mitchell Council, aims to create a vibrant community space that celebrates both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The project will introduce an array of enhancements, including improved park entrances, an expanded network of paths, and engaging nature-based play features such as sand play, a rope climbing agility course and teepees and other structures for cubbies and imaginative play.

The Roll and Ride learn to ride trail is designed to encourage outdoor activity and skill development.

Educational and interpretive signage will be installed throughout the area, providing insights into the cultural significance and natural values of Wallan Creek, further enriching visitors' experience.

Additional amenities such as drinking water stations, seating areas, and picnic settings will ensure comfort and accessibility for all park users.

Due to the nature of the construction works, parts of the park are temporarily closed to the public to facilitate safe and efficient project delivery.

The Windham St entrance is inaccessible during this period; however, alternative access points via Wedding Drive and Watson St remain open.

The wetlands, bus stop, and eastern fenced area will also remain accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said these enhancements will not only beautify the area but also provide new opportunities for recreation, education, and appreciation of our natural environment.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing safe, accessible spaces that benefit all residents,” he said.

"By creating an environment where both children and adults can engage in outdoor activities, we are investing in the health and well-being of our community.

"We are grateful to the Victorian Government for their generous contribution to this project. It is through strong partnerships like these that we can continue to deliver important infrastructure improvements for Mitchell Shire."

Warb. park rates

■ Rates for the Visitor Paid Parking Pilot Project in Warburton were agreed

● ● Greater Beveridge Comm. Centre

● ● ● ● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire CEO

✖Murrindindi Shire Council is concerned about the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, a state government levy to ensure adequate funding of emergency services to protect our communities. “Council is concerned about the financial impact of the new ESVF, particularly on our commercial and farming ratepayers. Council is closely monitoring the issue and engaging with the Municipal Association of Victoria and other councils to advocate for a fairer approach. In the interest of efficiency, Council will continue to ask that the state government leverage State Revenue Office systems for the collection of state taxes rather than proposing that 79 municipalities across Victoria fund the cost of setting up 79 separate systems for the implementation of the new ESVF collection process,” last week’s Murrindindi Shire meeting was told.

✔Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire CEO, has thanked the local community for improving the disposal of batteries. “Over the past several months, Council has actively campaigned to improve recycling awareness in the community, with a strong focus on responsible battery disposal and correct recycling practices. This has included adedicated jingle reminding residents not to bin batteries and not to bag recyclables, staff attending 16 public events, engaging face-to-face with hundreds of people, egular radio interviews, print ads, and social media posts to educate the community, ngoing radio jingles and advertisements airing since October.” There has been a 300 per cent increase in correct disposal rates - “an outstanding result”.

‘48 bullets’

■ Eltham -educated David Scherpenhuizen has chronicled his Dutch father's unique wartime experiences in a book entitled 48 Bullets

The book has been reissued to mark the 80-year anniversary since the end of World War II

David’s brother, Sydney-based illustrator Jan Scherpenhuizen, drew and designed the book's cover.

David now lives in Amsterdam and his father who is now 96 lives in Maastricht where the events described in the book took place 80 years ago.

“I have heard these stories all my life and I wanted to record them for posterity as a testimony to my grandfather and dad.

I also wanted to share my dad’s tale because I think the angle of his friendship with two unusual friends, ‘Karl’ a member of the Hitler Youth and ‘Avi’, a Jewish boy is something that hasn’t been delved into before. Besides that, I wanted to clear up some misconceptions that youngsters today seem to have about World War II.”

Whittlesea teen arrested

■ Whittlesea Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a teenage girl after two people were stabbed at a shipping centre in Epping on Friday night (Feb. 28).

Police were called to reports of a fight involving three girls at the High St complex about 9.20pm.

A security guard attempted to stop the fight and was stabbed in the stomach by one of the girls.

Investigators have been told the girl then chased the other two teenagers and stabbed one of them several times before leaving the scene.

A 14-year-old girl and the security guard, a 19-year-old man from Lalor, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the Whittlesea area on Saturday morning where a 17-year-old girl was arrested.

She has subsequently been charged with intentionally cause serious injury, recklessly cause serious injury, recklessly cause injury, affray, assault with weapon and unlawful assault.

She will face a children’s court at a later date.

CRIME CRISIS AT DONNYBROOK

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has called for increased police patrols in Donnybrook as a “crime crisis” sweeps the northern suburb.

Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament last week to share harrowing stories of her constituents from Olivine and other housing estates in Donnybrook, who are living in fear as break-ins, car thefts, and burglaries continue to rise.

Two women were terrified when an attacker tried to smash through the front door with a hammer while the women fought to hold the door shut.

Homes have been broken into while the owners are on holiday or overseas, and criminals are even cutting the electricity to homes, in order to disable the security cameras and prevent themselves being recorded and identified.

The local neighbourhood watch group regularly sees suspicious cars lurking in the streets of the isolated suburb, and spots thieves with torches peering inside utes and trucks searching for tools to snatch.

Ms Lovell called on the Minister for Police to act urgently to secure the safety of Donnybrook residents by instructing police to increase patrols in the suburb at night, and liaise with the local neighbourhood watch group on crime prevention initiatives.

Ms Lovell is encouraging oncerned residents from Donnybrook and surrounding suburbs to attend and share their experiences at the Victoria Police Neighbourhood Policing Forum to be held in South Morang tonight (Wed., Feb. 26) at 5.30pm.

$17m cattle sales

■ Last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting was told that $17 million worth of cattle sales had proceeded through the Yea Saleyards.

“Council has further supported our business community by hosting a business networking and information sharing breakfast in Kinglake, as part of series of well-attended events to inform and support small businesses. Our agriculture sector has been well served by the Yea Saleyards Committee,” Cr Damian Gallagher said.

Draft Poll Policy

■ Whittlesea Council’s draft Election Policy is open for feedback, following amendments made ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

“The draft amendments aim to ensure that prospective candidates and nominated candidates, whether a Councillor or Council officer, maintain integrity leading up to and during an election,” said a Council representative.

Some of the proposed amendments include:

■ Councillors are prohibited from promoting their election campaign or individual policy positions during any Council meeting.

■ Council officers are prohibited from approaching Councillors leading up to an election in attempt to gain an advantage or benefit in exchange for a formal decision to be made by the Council.

■ A Councillor or Council officer must not place any election materials on or in any Council owned or operated facility or land.

■ A Council officer will not use their position or their access to other Council officers and resources to gain media attention in support of an election campaign.

Consultation closes on Wednesday March 12, with the final policy to be presented at an upcoming Council meeting.

■ The Department of Transport and Planning temporarily closed some ramps to the Hume Freeway near Beveridge and Wallan earlier this week for essential pavement repairs and investigations.

The Hume Freeway outbound off-ramp (Lithgow Street), Beveridge was closed on Monday (Mar.3). A detour wias n place via the Northern Highway.

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.

Local Briefs

Grants to groups

■ Murrindindi Shire has provided ‘quick response grants to:

■ Koori Kids - NAIDOC Week School Initiative - $500

■ Thornton Eildon District Football Club

- Playing Bibs for off season community sports - $625

■ Marysville Triangle Business and Tourism - Retaining governance design service to incorporate new not-for-profit members association - $2500

■ Yea Rotary Art Show - Art Show 2025$2400

■ Alexandra and District Traders and Tourism Association Inc - Christmas Carols

- $2500

■ Flowerdale Landcare Inc. - Yarning for Unity - $327

■ Buxton Progress Association Inc - Annual Celebration - $500

$2200 for Rebels

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has provided a 2200 grant to the Alexandra Football Netball Club for the Anzac Spirit and Community Celebration.

Eildon park name

■ ‘ Baanh ba Djila’ is the proposed new name for thefor the Splash Park located within Walter Moore Reserve in Eildon, in recognition of the Taungurung language and cultural heritage.

Murrindindi Shire Councillors decided on the move last Wednesday (Feb. 26), and Council officers will now submit the proposal to Geographic Names Victoria for approval and subsequent gazettal.

Business charter

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is to sign the Small Business Friendly Council charter.

“Signing the charter is a commitment for Council to work with the Victorian Small Business Commissioner in supporting small businesses. There is minimal impact on Council’s current practices, as outlined in the report,”: said a briefing to Councillors.

Motions for MAV

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has voted to endorse a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting on May 16, calling on the MAV to advocate to the State Government to fully implement all 48 recommendations of the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services.

CEO Livia Bonazzi has been authorised to make any minor changes to improve the wording of the motion and/or update the motion if required prior to the date of lodgement with the MAV

$5.5 mil. deficit

■ Murrindindi Shire Council expects to have an underlying deficit of $5.5 million for the 2024-25 financial year, Councillors were advised last week.

“Forecast revenue for the year has risen by $12.29 million, whilst forecast expenditure has increased by $10 million,” said a report.

“The increases in revenue are driven by increases in operating grants of $8.7 million, primarily related to flood recovery and $2.7 million in capital grants, including the first instalment of $1.2 million for the Eildon Key Worker Housing Project and $696,000 for the Roads to Recovery program.

“Additionally, user fees and charges have increased by $430,000 for the Yea Saleyards and $137,000 for Recycling and Waste Management

“There is a forecast increase in expenditure of $9.3 million for materials and services, partially offsetting the grant funding, $8.2 million of which is related to funded flood recovery and repair works.

“Overall, with these adjustments the operating surplus is expected to increase from $2.9 million to $5.2 million, while the underlying result, which removes capital grants from the calculation, remains relatively unchanged, “ the report said.

17 at Yea Golf Club for Stableford event

Fun at Club’s Gender Challenge

■ Some 17 members and guests assembled for Wednesdays Stableford event at Yea Golf Club Course conditions were excellent for this time of the year and full credit must go to our fantastic team of volunteers that team together each and every week of the year.

Scores reflected the excellent playing conditions, none better than Russ Wealands (25) who rustled up 40 points.

A close second was the ever improving Chris Keogh (34) who registered 39 points. Rob Gill (32) continued his recent run of good form to win a five way countback on 37 points from Neil Peterson (15), Stephen Rumney (25), Brendan Chenhall (16) and Peter Johnston (16) who all recorded 37 points.

No one claimed NTP on the 18th Hole and Slammin Sam Wright was awarded the Club Award for his adventurous round. The highlight of the day began when players returned to the Clubhouse and were greeted by the “Working Class Girls” who provided a magnificent lunch, drawing the curtain down on this years Gender Challenge. A delicious & delightful meal. Another memorable day for everyone involved. Thanks to our amazing Ladies group.

- Phil Armstroing

Gender Challenge

■ Once again the girls outdid themselves, not only with creativity, courrtesy of Sharon and Lois being in charge, but, also another splendid menu. It made ones mouth water.

Boys, you are spoilt. I think maybe they rig the deal just so they can reap the spoils. The menu wasfit for a king, Slow cooked lamb, beef and pork , placket potatoes, roast pumpkin salad and coleslaw.

It was followed by Pavlova, apricot torte, apple crumble and lastly, fruit salad and icecream. If you were not amply satisfied there had to be something wrong with you.

I do believe one man responded by message that it was of A1 quality, very much appreciated, having to leave early but not without sampling the goods.

The last day trailing a 70 point lead, the girls battled bravely. Miranda Gill topped the last day (also winning the Mary Walker Trophy) but still, was not quite enough to topple the leaders. Sadly for the girls, still a minus of 25.

Typical of the good old Aussie spirit, the days festivities were celebrated with much laughter and jolliness, a thing very familiar to all those that attend any function created by the folk at the Yea Golf Club.

- Karen Sangster

M’dindi Masters

The final round of the 24-25 Foodworks Murrindindi Masters was held at Marysville GC on Saturday. Yea GC took out many of the awards including the Men’s Overall Master Champion going to Terry Chaplin. Marysville’ s Sabrina Stow was the Ladies Overall Master Champion. Miranda Gill was the Ladies Mini Masters Champion. Rob O’Halloran was the Mens Mini Masters Champion. Oakley Ness was C Grade Winner, Brian Simmons was A Grade RunnerUp, Chris Keogh was C Grade Runner-Up, Phil Armstrong was NTP on the 18th and Vicki Clements and Miranda Gill both won raffle hampers. Cathie from Foodworks presented trophies and vouchers.

- Alan Pell

● ● Winners at Marysville

● Fun at the Yea Golf Club Gender Challenge

● ● Miranda Gill

● ● Terry Chaplin

● Rob O’Halloran

● Chris Keogh

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025

Farewell to Philip Brady

■ Funeral Mass for Philip Brady was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kew, last Thursday (Feb. 27).

There was standing room only as Melbourne farewelled a favourite entertainer who had started at Channel 9 in 1958, and took his certain call last month as co-host of 3AW’s Remember When.

Melbourne’s showbiz royalty was in attendance to pay their respects. Mourners included Pete and Jackie Smith, Patti Newton, Steve Vizard, Derryn Hinch, Stephen Beers, Annette Allison and Simon Owens.

The Melbourne Observer was represented by Kevin Trask.

Main celebrant was old friend Rev. Brendan Byrne, with Rev. Michael Kong and Rev. Malcolm Crawford and other priest friends assisting.

Gathering music was Holy God We Praise Thy Name, Sweet Heart of Jesus, Faith of Our Fathers, Soul of My Saviour and Jesus, My Lord, My God. Entrance music was The Trinity Song.

Words of remembrance were offered by Pete Smith, Stephen Beers and Rev. Jackson Saunders.

Fellow entertainer Pete Smith told of his friendship that extended back to their teenage years, when they had makeshift radio studios at their Kew homes.

Stephen Beers, General Manager of radio station 3AW, told of Philip Brady’s love for radio and his audience. He said the listener reaction to Philip’s passing at 85, had been unprecedented.

A photographic reflection, prepared by Philip’s radio co-

host Simon Owens was shown to the music of These Precious Moments and It’s Hard To Leave.

In accordancre with Philip’s wishes, a comprehensive Funeral Mass took place.

Archpriest Michael Kala conducted the sprinkling of Holy Water, Mary Murphy lit the Pascal Candle. The placing of the pall was carried out by Lisa Nettlefold and David Foster.

Virginia Hodgkinson shared the First Reading, with Elinor Niall leading the Responsorial Psalm.

The Second Reading was offered by Penelope McBain. The Rev. Michael Crawford read from the Gospel, followed by a Homily by the Rev. Brendan Byrne.

Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Jeannette Hodgkinson, Jane Sloan, Catherine McGrory, Nick Foster, Mary Boyd and Chris Feil.

Communion was shared to the music of You Have Made Us For Yourself and Kamnenoi Ostraw.

Pall bearers were Ken Francis, Rob Craig, Pete Smith, Wes Turnbull, Ken Keech, Kevin Trask, Diego Leon and Stephen Beers.

Recessional music was Sweet Sacranment Divine. The coffin departure was to the tunes of Love Will Find A Way, Lord Be My Rock of Safety, On Eagles Wings and Kamenoi Ostraw.

The cortege made its way to Kew Cemetery, arrangements being in the hands of Tobin Brothers Funerals. Friends gathered afterwards for refreshments at the Kew RSL.

Philip Brady achieved a unique 67-year career in Australian show business. He will be sadly missed.

Philip Brady’s ‘final show’

● Stephen Beers, 3AW General Manager, pays tribute to Philip Brady.

● ● Rev. Brendan Byrne was the Main Celebrany.

● ● ● ● The funeral procession at the end of last Thursday’s Funeral Mass. ● ● Pall bearers carried the coffin to the hearse bound for Kew Cemetery.

● ● Rev. Jackson Saunders offers his memories.

● ● Inside teh church. :ottom right: Pete and Jackie Smith, Patti Newton.

●

● Pete Smith delivers the first eulogy at Philip Brady’s funeral service.

● ● Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Kew was filled to capacity.

The Whip

Inside Information from State and Federal Parliaments

Missing the mark

■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and her Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny used last week’s non-sitting time to launch their revised long-term housing strategy.

They identified 25 new train and tram ‘activity centres’, around which housing will be supposedly accelerated.

Of course, it is all pie-in-the-sky. Many governments will come and go, and have their own preferences by the time, these planned housing spikes could become reality.

The announcement was actuially to deflect from the Cheltenham-Box Hill Suburban Rail Loop, which the Prahran and Werribee by-elections brought back into the spotlight. It seems that the Allan Government has had the overdue ephiphany that the SRL isn’t getting traction in the minds of the electorate.

Few families, apart from those in the Cheltenham-Box Hill line, are concerned about what rail might be available in 2050 or 2060. They are more concerned about putting food on the table next week.

The 25 centres

■ The State Government’s 25 preferred activity centres are:

■ Caulfield Station

■ Springvale Station

■ Noble Park Station

■ Yarraman Station

■ Dandenong Station

■ Glen Huntly Station

■ Ormond Station

■ Bentleigh Station

■ Mentone Station

■ South Yarra Station

■ Prahran Station

■ Windsor Station

■ Elsternwick Station

■ Ashburton Station

■ Riversdale & Willison Stations

■ East Malvern Station

■ Holmesglen Station

■ Coburg Station

■ Brunswick Station

■ Heidelberg Station

■ High St, Thornbury (tram corridor)

■ St Georges Rd (tram corridor)

■ Kew Junction (tram corridor)

■ Inner City (City of Melbourne)

■ Inner City (Yarra)

Whittlesea dilemma

■ The State Government has a dilemma on its hands ... the Mayor of the City of Whittlesea, Cr Aidan McLindon.

All other Councillors at the recently reappointed municipality have voted for Cr McLindon to resign, after he is alleged to have breached the Code of Conduct.

The Council, which already has monitors in place, has sent on its concerns to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne. Cr McLindon was a no-show at last week’s Council meeting. He has, however, issued a statement that he has gone to Police, and that he has gone to IBAC.

Points of order

■ Calwell Greens candidate Mohamed El Masri has resigned to run for a new political party.

■ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is throwing billions at the Melbourne Airport Rail project. Voters have heard it all before.

ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S CHOIR BACK IN MELB.

● ● By Di Rolle

■ It’s always wonderful to work with Andrew Kay and Associates and Desert Song Festival on the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir and they are back by popular demand to do a ‘live on stage’ tour in March.

The National Indigenous Music Awards winners will be embarking on a national tour across Australia.

This will be their biggest tour since they last performed across the East Coast in 2022.

Every time I work with this choir I learn something not only about myself but my country.

The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir contains 30 core members. The women come from six remote communities within a 1000- kilometre radius throughout Central Australia - Hermannsburg, Areyonga, Titjikala, Mutitjulu, Docker River and Alice Springs.

The choir was formed as an amalgamation of various individual community choirs, including the renowned choirs from Ntaria (Hermannsburg), Areyonga and Ernabella

There is an opportunity to see this 30-member choral ‘tour de force’ in a full concert.

This extraordinary vocal ensemble first came to popular attention following ABC TV’s Australian Story, and the feature documentary, ‘The Song Keepers’

The choir also featured in the ABC’s brand campaign for the celebration of the broadcaster’s 90 th year.

The audience id transported by this extraordinary meeting of cultures and an unforgettable evening of song and history.

The Northern Territory is a robust crucible of living languages and vibrant cultures. The Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir will present a unique choral program that highlights the wisdom and culture of 60,000 years of human occupation of Central Australia.

The choir’s repertoire represents a unique compendium comprising Early Romantic Era and Baroque musical arrangements, German sacred poetry(hymns) preserved and presented in Australin First Nations languages, a peerless cultural anthology and an Australian national treasure preserved by these extraordinary women from remote Central Desert Communities.

Morris Stuart, the choir’s charismatic Artistic Director and Conductor, is the person who is responsible for bringing Central Australia’s sacred sounds to the world

Morris said, “ I am once again thrilled to doing another tour with this fine group of people., I am deeply proud of this choir, when I started out little did I know that my work and this choir would become the stuff of legend in Central Australia and the subject of both a documentary and an ABCTV episode of Australian Story

“There is something about music, especially singing, choral singing, which is powerful, transformative, therapeutic, that brings people together.”

“The choir’s greatest achievement so far has been a 12,000km trip to Germany to share some of the 53 hymns that German missionaries translated into local languages in the 19th century.

“The songs had all but vanished from use in Germany but had been preserved in the Central Australian desert for 140 years.”

Morris says: “Tthe preserved German hymns are like an outback secret, it is a delight to be bringing the choir back for a tour in collaboration with my friend Andrew Kay, we have created quite a family.”

Producer Andrew Kay said, “It is always a privilege to collaborate with the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir and with Morris Stuart, who I have known for many years now through our collaborations and love of supporting our Indigenous communities.

“It is a strong and special association, and it is most exciting to be bringing the choir back to perform around Australia on this national tour, audiences are in for a special treat .”

The Melbourne performance will be on Sunday, March 23, at the Melbourne Recital Centre; and on Monday, March 24 at the Brunswick Ballroom.

150-kmh driver alleged to have blown .248

■ A 36-year-old man from Shepparton has had his car impounded after he was allegedly caught drink driving in Stanhope.

Officers were patrolling the Midland Highway about 5.20pm Friday (Feb. 28) when they detected a Honda sedan travelling at 150-kmh in a 100-kmh zone.

Police intercepted the car and spoke to the driver who underwent a preliminary breath test.

He accompanied officers to a police station for an evidentiary test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.248. The Honda was impounded for 28 days at a cost of $1390.

He was released and expected to be charged on summons for drink driving.

Teen over limit

■ Emergency services responded to a crash in Point Cook on Friday nuight (Feb. 28).

It is believed a silver Toyota Corolla collided with a tree on Tom Roberts Parade about 10.40pm.

The driver of the Toyota , a 15-year-old Point Cook girl, underwent a preliminary breath test at the scene where she allegedly returned a positive result.

She was taken to a police station for an evidentiary breath test, returning an alleged reading of 0.122.

The girl is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving and other traffic related offences.

The passengers, two 14-year-old girls and a 15-year-old girl were treated by paramedics at the scene.

The Toyota substantial sustained damage.

At Taylors Hill

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Taylors Hill on Friday evening (Feb. 28).

It is understood a car and a motorcycle collided in the intersection of Gourlay Rd and Kirribilli Avenue just after 6pm.

The male rider died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a woman from Taylors Hill, was being interviewed by detectives. She did not sustain any injuries.

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

Hoppers death

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Hoppers Crossing. Investigators have been told a bus hit a pedestrian on Heaths Rd about 9.45pm on Friday (Feb. 28). The driver stopped and emergency services arrived but could not revive the male pedestrian.

Melbourne Observer

Established

1969

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Hospital appeal launches

Our newspaper friends at The Herald & Weekly Times Ltd yesterday (Tues.) launched the 2025 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

The Appeal has origins to 1931 when then Herald boss Keith Murdoch joined with journalists in organising a sports carnival, with proceeds to go towards the muchloved Hospital, then in Carlton.

As years went by, that company’s Sporting Globe newspaper was later joined by radio station 3DB, then the Herald and Sun newspapers, followed by a Telethon on HSV-7.

Many millions have been raised by the public. Last year’s Appeal total was $23.4 million.

Yesterday, saw Keith Murdoch’s grand-daughter Penny Fowler continue the tradition with the launch of this year’s Appeal at Parkville in the company of Appeal Director Rebecca Cowan, and Hospital Chair Dr Rowena Coutts.

As well as being Chair of The Herald & Weekly Times, Ms Fowler is a long-time and committed leader of the Appeal.

The Good Friday Appeal raises funds to enable The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to provide world class care to our children.

Donations go towards research, which is essential in transforming the future of children’s health and community support helps research teams to push the boundaries of paediatric care.

Acquiring the most advanced equipment and technology is essential to achieving the best outcomes for patients.

The hospital invests in academic leadership, education programs, scholarships, fellowships and fostering excellence for their highly skilled staff and the future generation of health care professionals.

The Royal Children’s Hospital is committed to focusing not only on the patient but the whole family. This ensures families are considered and included each step of the way in their child’s care.

Victorians have a worldwide reputation for their generosity in supporting the Good Friday Appeal.

We commend Ms Fowler, Ms Ms Cowan and Dr Coutts, their teams and the many thousands of Victorians who will join in the weeks prior to April 18 in supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Minister won’t listen

Sir, You wouldn’t think fishermen in our southern oceans and farmers in northern Victoria and southern NSW would have much in common? But they do. Their livelihoods are all threatened by a Federal Environment and Water Minister who won’t listen to their concerns, but is ever ready to make rulings that defy commonsense.

In what has been labelled ‘Plibersek’s green tide’, the Minister has changed marine park rules to ban fishing, and as a consequence the fishermen say it will affect livelihoods and force up seafood prices.

Simon Boag, of the Southern Shark Industry Alliance, was quoted saying: “It reeks of poor decision making – failing to get in the car and come to regional Victoria and Tasmania and actually talk to fishermen about the reality of what they are proposing.”

Talking to those affected by her decisions and listening to viable alternatives is not something Minister Plibersek seems to care about.

In northern Victoria and southern NSW she barges ahead with water buybacks, despite all the evidence that they are unnecessary and have significant adverse social and economic impact on communities.

Yet numerous invitations to Minister Plibersek to visit these regions and get a greater understanding of how to effectively balance water management so alternatives can be considered are ignored.

It seems the Minister is too comfortable in her North Sydney lifestyle to bother about the impact of her actions on those who are trying to put food on our tables.

So when you pay more at the supermarket for staple foods, or start paying more for your seafood, please think about why this is occurring, and give a nod to the Minister who is making a unique contribution.

Especially one in a government which claims it wants to tackle the cost of living crisis.

- Shelley Scoullar, Chair Speak Up Campaign

More of the same

Sir,

The first monthly Whittlesea Council meeting for this year was held on February 18 which in my opinion was an absolute cesspit of woke extremism.

Ratepayers were locked out of the Public Gallery and treated as second class citizens and put behind a glass wall whilst media and staff were given pride of place in the Public Chamber.

Half the seats were empty whilst the people most affected by their over the top rules were left out back.

Nasty comments were made across the floor by a recycled Labor endorsed Councillor who had been sacked from the last Council.

Observer Mailbag

Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers.

Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

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

I think the CEO should stick to playing guitar instead of trying to lock out ratepayers who fund his large salary.

One resident had the courage to speak up in protest, good on him.

Nothing has changed since they were sacked the last time except for the Mayor who is battling hard for reform and Councillor Christine Stow

Mayor Aidan McLindon chaired the meeting with decorum despite attacks upon his character by members two of whom were sacked prior to years of administration.

One is being investigated for alleged election breaches by the VEC and the case is going to VCAT

As a curious aside the previously sacked CEO Simon Overland attended the meeting in the public section. This seemed very strange.

I’m afraid it’s more of the same at Whittlesea City Hall

- Ross Lee Doreen

Stopping buybacks

Sir,

The only way to stop damaging water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin is to elect a Coalition Government

The Albanese Labor Government has raced to commence another 100 gigalitres of water buybacks on the eve of the election being called.

Labor said it would consult

communities, but this round of buybacks has been started before completing the last round, evidence that consultation is a sham.

The government claims minimising social and economic impacts is one of the three guiding principles of its Basin Plan, but it is only interested in recovering unnecessary additional water, whatever the cost.

The Department of Climate Change Environment Energy and Water will proceed to purchase a further 100GLof water identified through the Expressions of Interest process while they still have not finalised all the contracts for the 70GL purchase held last year.

Irrigators and communities have a right to be cynical about another round of open tender water buybacks before the election, without knowing which communities the water will come from or what environmental outcomes will be achieved.

Only a Dutton-Littleproud Government will restore balance to the Basin Plan and end the open tender buybacks.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud could not have been clearer when he confirmed in an interview after the buyback was announced that we won't be taking an extra 450 gigalitres out of the consumptive pool if elected.

The economic and social risks to basin communities are too great to trust Labor with water policy.

- Sam Birrell Nicholls MHR 426 Wyndham St, Shepparton

Help for 3G users

Sir,

I call on the Government and Telcos to provide financial support for people whose phone coverage has worsened since the 3G shutdown.

As a result of the shutdown, people living just outside regional towns like Beechworth and Benalla are unable to receive emergency warnings, information about power outages, or access banking and other government services.

I am deeply concerned about this loss of service, which is contrary to Telstra and Optus ’ repeated assurances that people would not be worse off because of the 3G shutdown.”

When people contact their provider, as recommended by the Government, most are told that their only option if they want mobile coverage is to purchase expensive hardware such as antennas and boosters.

These can cost thousands of dollars and is a cost burden falling onto regional Australians just because of where they live.

I don’t think that’s a fair go for those that have poor service because of the 3G shutdown.

- Helen Haines Indi MHR 117 Murphy St, Wangaratta

Phone bets plan

● ● Argus. March 5, 1955

■ TheVictoria Racing Club decided yesterday to discuss with Mr. Galvin, Chief Secretory, a proposal for off-the-course telephone bettingat Flemington.

It also hopes to reopen discussions with Mr. Galvin on its "No. 1" proposal, the Manifold off-the-course betting plan.

V.R.C. secretary Mr. K. A. Morrison said the scheme for bettors to telephone Flemington racecourse and bet with registered bookmakers arid the Totalisator would be discussed with Mr. Galvin as soon as possible.

Compo for fish

■ Some time ago, the fruit fly men from the Agriculture Department had treated trees in her Essex rd., Surrey Hills, home, a householder found the goldfish in her pond had died.

So she wrote a letter to the Agriculture Department to tell them about it.

Yesterday, eight weeks later, she had a reply from the department saying it would recognise her claim for compensation. And would she please forward them the goldfish.

Police pay rises

■ Police yesterday received an overall 22% increase in pay, but compensatory rates were abolished.

The increases, which will operate froth March 13, were announced by the Police Classification Board.

The wages of Inspecting Superintendentthe officer second to the Commissioner - rise £305 to £1,600; Superintendents, £260 a year to £1,250; Chief Inspector, £220 to £1,090; Inspector, £220 to £1,010; Sergeant, £124 to £732; First-constable £101 a. year for grades on a sliding scale from £581 to £624 per year.

Constables will receive increases ranging from £78 a year to £472 for those in their first year's service to £72 a year to £532 for those in their 10th year.

Sale at Eildon

■ Part of Eildon township, established by the Govern ment at a cost of £24 million to build the Eildon dam, has been sold for £325,000.

Mr. Cain, Premier, an nouncing this last night, named Masonite Corporation as the buyer.

Trish Vandervolk, St Thomas The Apostle Primary School, Greensborough

At St. Thomas the Apostle School, Greensborough North, we are committed to fostering a love of learning, nurturing spiritual growth, and prioritising student well-being.

As a welcoming and vibrant community, we provide a supportive environment for students from Prep to Year 6, ensuring each child is encouraged to flourish.

Under the leadership of our principal, Trish Vandekolk, we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence in education.

With a passion for collaboration and inclusivity, Trish fosters a school

Fact File

NAME: St Thomas The Apostle Primary School

ADDRESS: 251 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough North, 3088

PHONE: 9434 4565

WEBSITE: www.stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au

EMAIL: principal@ stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au

culture where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Grounded in a strong faith-based tradition, we embrace evidence-informed teaching practices that enable each child to develop a deep sense of the world around them.

Our dedicated educators create engaging and enriching experiences that build a rich vocabulary, foster curiosity, and ignite students’ passions.

With exceptional facilities—including a Bush School, Vegetable Garden, Science Block, Food Technology Building, Basketball Stadium, and Athletics Track—students benefit from hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery.

Our small class sizes ensure every child is known, valued, and supported in a nurturing environment.

Join us at St. Thomas the Apostle School, where learning is an adventure, curiosity is celebrated, and every child is inspired to thrive.

●

● Trish Vandevolk

Nighttime Travesty

■ The musical theatre show A Nightime Travesty, which played at The Malthouse, was a wild rollercoaster of a ride.

It had some great music and songs but, while applaudable for its bold efforts at providing provocative challenging theatre, was ultimately a failed experiment.

In an apocalyptic end-of-days scenario two flight attendants, Angel (played by Carly Sheppard) and Alexa (Kamari Bell-Wykes), are aboard the last flight to ever leave a devastated Earth on the brink of environmental collapse.

As they attempt to get the flight airborne and cater to the needs of a few sundry passengers, our fearless attendants deal with all manner of bizarre situations.

The script was written/created by BellWykes and Sheppard, with sound design credited to small sound and Richie Brownlee

The latter was more successful as the show was peppered with wonderful songs, music and soundscapes leading to some affecting moments of tenderness and despair.

Unfortunately the script, anarchic in style and involving elements of absurdism, bawdy slapstick and vaudeville, was only occasionally successful in either amusing the audience or giving them a genuine sense of dread as to how this had all come to pass.

Both main performers, Bell-Wykes and Sheppard, had a wonderful madcap energy about them totally suited to the anarchic nature of the script.

Sheppard in particular was most arresting when she sang. They were ably assisted by Peter Wykes and Zach Blampied who played smaller roles.

Musicians small sound and Matt Pana brought the musical score to life in a marvellous fashion.

Stephen Nicolazzo directed and kept things moving at a cracking pace. Importantly though he also allowed for moments of silence and calm amidst the madness which gave the show variety in its tempo and improved its ability to capture the audience.

A Nightime Travesty was then an ambitious mishmash of styles and genres of theatre, sometimes succeeding but more often failing, in spite of its spirited performers and musicians.

- Review by Peter Murphy

Purple is the gayest colour

■ Alayne Dick never forgets an insult, in fact she wrote a whole show about it. Purple is the Gayest Colour will be presented at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 26-April 6 at Tasma Terrace. Following sold-out seasons at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and the New Zealand Fringe Festival, Alayne is bringing her debut stand-up hour to Melbourne.

Alayne's comedy show tells of growing up queer in rural New Zealand, reading fanfiction on dial-up internet, being a walking stereotype (a librarian with terrible eyesight who is very hot), and finally, becoming a Bunnings gay.

During her New Zealand seasons, people from Alayne’s high school came and she didn't even feel weird about it. She also made a scissoring joke in front of her very supportive parents which Alayne says “was harrowing, but when you’re dedicated to comedy, these are the feats of bravery required”.

Performance Season: March 26 - April 6 at 7.25pm Venue: Tasma Terrace, 4 Parliament Place, East Melbourne

Bookings: comedyfestival.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Media Flashes

■ Antony Green is stepping down as the ABC's Chief Election Analyst after more than three decades.

■ Lauren Day will start as a North America Correspondent for the ABC

■ Sophie Smith has rejoined Southern Cross Austereo as a Casual Newsreader for The Fox and Triple M

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Vale Lorna Osborne

■ Lorna Osborne (Axon) , veteran Melbourne-based Tivoli dancer, choreographer, director and long-term dancing teacher, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, aged 96.

Born in Richmond on June 21,1928, and an only child, Lorna attended dance classes with Miss Lorna Vesper in Richmond from age five to fifteen.

She studied RAD classical ballet, tap, musical comedy, Highland, Irish and National dancing and from the age of seven successfully entered competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne.

Lorna then studied dancing with Miss Olive Wallace in the city, performing in various concerts. Lorna's mother Mary, a pianist, also sent her daughter for piano lessons with Miss Myra Prout.

Primary school years spent at Richmond State School in Brighton St were followed by a scholarship to Prahran Technical School for Girls, where Lorna achieved high marks in all artistic and technical subjects, including commercial drawing, dressmaking, needlework, millinery, design, cookery and social studies.

Lorna's professional dance career included White Horse Inn at His Majesty's Theatre, Love Racket (1950), Where's Charley?/ Charley's Aunt (1950) with Tommy Fields (brother of Gracie Fields), Brigadoon (1951) at His Majesty's Theatre before touring Sydney, Brisband and Adelaide, Oklahoma! at His Majesty's Theatre Melbourne, then the Theatre Royal in Brisbane/Adelaide, and Zipp Goes a Million/Brewster's Millions at the Tivoli Theatre, Melbourne. Lorna was also declared 'Miss Tivoli 1952'.

Following her professional career on stage, Lorna started her own school of dance in Oakleigh in 1957. 'The Lorna Osborne Dancers' operated for 53 years, and Lorna was immensely proud of her collection of formats for hundreds of tap time-steps.

Lorna would choreograph, direct, design costumes, sets, lighting and publicity for her annual 'Spectacular Song and Dance Revues', presented at the Oakleigh and Springvale Town Halls and the Alexander Theatre at Monash University.

Lorna also became involved in choreographing and performing in amateur musical theatre shows with her husband, Gordon Axon, for companies such as the Southern Cross Light Opera Company, Dandenong Light Opera Company, Whitehorse Musical Theatre, Festival Theatre Company, CLOC Musical Theatre, 1812 Theatre, Sandringham, Malvern and Encore Theatre Companies

Family friend Leigh Baker describes Lorna: " With grace or pace our Lorna thrilled with beautiful ballet or scintillating tap, no showbiz pretensions yet a total all round professional with a heart of gold and a myriad of friends and admirers!"

Lorna Osborne's funeral will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 11.30am at Emmanuel Anglican Church, 26 Abbeygate St, Oakleigh. No flowers by request.

All attending are asked to wear bright colours. Lorna's friend Kathie Walsh also requests: "Dancers are asked to bring their tap shoes to wear after the Church service to celebrate the life of this fabulous lady."

- Cheryl Threadgold

Piera Dennerstein

■ Opera singer turned cabaret cantatrice Piera Dennerstein performs her award-winning solo cabaret Pursuing Pleasure at the Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park, on March 7 and 8 and also at The Round in Nunawading on April 4, as part of a Creative Australia funded national tour.

From Puccini to Cardi B, Piera tells the story, with humour, sincerity and hope, of her experiences forming her values and beliefs as she recovered from the toxicity of the opera industry and intimate partner abuse.

Extrapolated from a poem she wrote in 2020 entitled, 'This is what my body was built for', this

● Lorna Osborne work will explore how leaning into the pleasurable - demonstrated in the operatic and sensual - as long as it causes no harm to others, is a powerful political act.

"A large portion of my healing from the challenges I will gently touch on in this work occurred due to strong artists and women showing me what is possible," says Piera

As fellow soprano and cabaret performer Ali McGregor says: “Cabaret particularly is a place where people can see themselves on stage when they may not otherwise be able.

“I hope that through presenting a work such as this, where I am publicly vulnerable and share my story, I will in some way show others who have experienced such challenges what is possible, and that they are not alone. As performance art legend Betty Grumble says, ‘it is wonderful to be seen’."

With dramaturgy by Melbourne Fringe Living legend Moira Finucane, and from the director of Skank Sinatra, Olivia Charalambous, this personal work continues Piera’s dramatic aims of blurring the boundary between high and low art and cultivating a shared humanity.

This cabaret was developed through The Round's Midsumma Residency program, aimed to support the development of LGBTQIA+ performing arts projects, assist local LGBTQIA+ artists to develop/maintain their arts practice and advance their creative development.

Following a decade of operatic training and performance both here and internationally, Piera 'ran away and joined the circus' in 2018 when she commenced her tenure as an artist with cabaret company, Finucane and Smith.

From there, Piera has performed everything from opera, to jazz, to country; everywhere from rural China to Kalgoorlie. Piera is also an awardwinning writer and poet and has MC'ed extensively throughout a variety of performing artforms.

Performance Details: March 7 and 8 at 8pm at Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park. Also on April 4 at 8pm at The Round, Nunawading. Bookings: pieradennerstein.com

■ Australian playwright, former journalist and cartoonist Jane Cafarella has published her memoir titled Cleaved Jane's work has been widely published in Australia and overseas, her plays have been performed nationally and internationally, and her cartoon archive is held at the State Library Victoria.

But what Jane didn't write about until now was growing up with Milroy's Disease, a rare form of the incurable swelling disease lymphoedema - and how she came to be estranged from her family of origin for most of her adult life.

Cleaved is described as “an illuminating and moving story of coping with a difference - and of two sisters, foot soldiers in their parents' marital war, who lost and then found each other”. Jane's memoir has already received five-star reviews.

I couldn't wait to purchase a copy and was engaged throughout. Particularly interesting were mentions of various Melbourne locations and suburbs such as Mentone Cleaved is reader-friendly - articulately expressed in down-to-earth style with raw honesty, a beautiful personal and evocative narrative.

Congratulations to Jane Cafarella.

Cleaved is available in hard copy for $39.99 (including postage) from janecafarella.com.au/product/cleaved-amemoir-by-jane-cafarella-hardcopy/ or as an e-book for $3.99 from janecafarella. com.au/product/cleaved-a-memoir-by-janecafarella/ - Review by Cheryl

Encounters

● ● Mark Robert Walters, Fanny

and

■ Four short plays written by award-winning Australian playwright Alex Broun will be presented in Encounters, from March 19 - 22 at the MC Showroom, Prahran

An ensemble of ethnically and age diverse Australian actors, spanning from GreenRoom -award winning to experienced allrounders, internationally renowned movie/ stage performers to versatile rookies, tells stories about the human condition from quiet drama to hilarious comedy.

Directed by Wolf Heidecker, the plays include: Yell(ow) - A chain of revelations about a fragile relationship. Love and loyalties are being tested; The Dead Sun - Love goes both ways… giving and accepting; You – Who did it with whom Disco Bombing – Telling the truth… at what cost.

Performed by Arunabh Banerjee, Ehsan Bayatfar, Shivangi Bhowmick, Fanny Hanusin, Shanshan Kou, Kay Morton, Mark Robert Walters, Isabelle Wang and Sunil Shanker.

Performance Season: March 19 - 22

Venue: The MC-Showroom Theatre, Level 1, 50 Clifton Street, Prahran at 7.30pm Tickets: $38, $30 Concession themcshowroom.com/ whatson/encounters - Cheryl Threadgold

Threadgold

● Jane Cafarella

● Piera Dennerstein. Photo Karin Locke

Hanusin

Arunabh Banerjee rehearse Encounters.

Photo: Shanshan Kou

Shows

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria: Fledermaus! March 8, 9 at The Round Studio, Nunawading. April 12 at Moe Plaza. Director: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Geoffrey Urquhart. Bookings: gsov.org.au

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

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

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

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

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

■ The 1812 Theatre: Spider’s Web (by Agatha Christie) Until 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) Until March 8 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Steve Saul. elthamlittletheatre.org.au

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

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Holmes and Watson (by Jeffrey Hatcher) Until 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) Until March 8 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Bookings: phoenixtheatre.org

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

■ CentreStage: Come from Away. March 7

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

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

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

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

■ NOVA Music Theatre: The Music Man. March 21 – 30 at The Round, 379 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/whats-on/novathemusicman

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Glimpses (a collection of monologues and short oneact plays) March 26 – 28 at the Brighton Town Hall, Wilson St., Brighton. Director: Alison Knight. Bookings: www.brightontheatre. com.au

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: When the Wind Blows (by Raymond Briggs) March 28- April 12 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: David Tynan. Bookings: trybooking.com/ cyjqt - Cheryl Threadgold

Alanah Parkin’s Garage Sale

■ Described as a 'character chameleon', Alanah Parkin brings this debut solo show, Alanah Parkin's Garage Sale to the 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 26 - April 6 at DoubleTree by Hilton in Flinders Street, Melbourne

Directed by Isaac Haigh (MICF Best Newcomer 2023, Melbourne Fringe Best Comedy 2022), Parkin has previously graced Melbourne’s festival stages in ensemble improv shows including Les Improvise, Story Soup, and Lowest Prices are Just the Beginning Garage Sale follows the journey of Greg and Denise – a Narre Warren South couple nervously preparing for their Big Move to the retirement village up the road.

Parkin transports audiences to the suburban garage sale of their (fever) dreams, seamlessly blending narrative character comedy with improv, song, dance, and audience immersion to tell the tale of an ageing couple grappling with entirely too much at once: Love, longing, secrets, regret, and the bittersweet sorrow of leaving their youth behind.

Performance Season: March 26 - April 6 at 8.45pm

Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, 270 Flinders St., Melbourne.

Bookings: https://www.comedyfestival.com. au/browse-shows/alanah-parkin-s-garage-sale/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Honour

■ Joanna Murray-Smith’s Honour has lost none of its vitality and relevance in the 30 years since its first performance.

The writing is crisp and the examination of love in all its iterations and guises remains timeless.

Murray-Smith does not attribute blame when the 32 year marriage of Honor (Caroline Lee) and George (Peter Houghton) unravels.

The ambitious Claudia (Ella Ferris) has come between the couple leaving their daughter, Sophie (Lucinda Smith), questioning her parents’ love for each other and for her.

Sophie wonders just how forthright she should be and if, in fact, Claudia is an exemplar for contemporary women.

The portrayals are dynamic. Caroline captures a woman unexpectedly deserted. Sophie embodies a young woman divided not just between her parents but between just how exactly a woman should behave given Claudia is merely five years older than her character.

Peter gives the right degree of confusion to a man who is seeking but fails to find himself. And the complexity Ella gives to Claudia speaks to a pathology of a brilliant but troubled individual seeking both love and retribution because of her past.

The sparse set (Jacob Battista, Sophie Woodward) is reminiscent of a photographer’s plain backdrop.

This accentuates the power of the lines for they are unadorned but allows the lighting (Harrie Hogan) to cast shadows and silhouettes.

Sam Strong’s direction keeps the momentum inexorably moving forward and the touches of intimacy cleverly insinuate the changing dynamics between the characters.

To that is added the tonal shifts between anger and reflection where individuals see that there is not one single idea of love but a love that is passion, memory, loss, joy, recriminations, acceptance and sacrifice.

Audiences of all ages will be able to identify and see themselves along the continuum of love that Murray-Smith has provided and even see themselves, how they are or were, in the characterisations the actors have provided.

And if this work is anything to go by, we are in for another unmissable year from Red Stitch Performance Season: Until March 16

Venue: Red Stitch Actors Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: redstitch.net

- Review by David McLean

And Then There Were None

■ A masterpiece of the murder mystery genre, there is a wonderful production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None playing at the Comedy Theatre until March 23.

Ten strangers are invited to a solitary mansion on an island off the English coast. Trapped there by a storm one of them suddenly dies from poisoning. The rest realise that they have a murderer among them and that dark secrets from their pasts are the reason for their being on the island.

Based on her best-selling crime novel And Then There Were None, the play was written by Christie herself. However, unlike her original script, which changed the play’s ending to one less grim than that of the book, this production has adapted an ending faithful to the book’s nihilism.

The script is a tightly structured work which, after a relatively slow start in setting the scene, then swiftly and efficiently moves between scenes as, one-by-one, the characters die from unnatural causes. Its language faithfully captures the class structure of British society and the various social milieu the characters inhabit.

Those characters, all eleven of them, are brought vividly to life by wonderful performances from the cast in what is a marvellous example of ensemble acting.

In less experienced or talented hands the characters could all-too-easily have been stereotyped. However, this cast, to a person, brings subtlety and finesse to their portrayals of the dramatis personae.

Bringing forth performances of this quality is no mean feat and speaks volumes of the skill and talent of the director, Robyn Nevin. A doyen of Australian theatre, her consummate direction has given Melbourne a superb entertainment.

Christie was, of course, a masterful storyteller and And Then There Were None is certainly one of her best tales. While certainly of its time in terms of its setting, it nevertheless is a classic which provides for an evening that engrosses and thrills in equal measure.

Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne

Dates and times: Until March 23 with matinees and evening performances at various times Tues.-Sun. Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes - Review by Peter Murphy

The Campers

■ Readers who enjoyed Maryrose Cuskelly’s bestselling novel The Cane will be intrigued by her latest book, The Campers

It is a story that looks at what happens when the concepts of ‘woke’ and ‘not in my backyard’ collide with each other.

Protagonist Leah enjoys her live on The Drove , an inner-city cul-de-sac where the neighbours look out for each other and there is a strong community vibe.

But when itinerants set up camp in the adjacent park, it challenges the well-meaning residents of The Grove

The Campers was inspired by both the housing crisis and the way well-meaning community groups can flounder and are suddenly not the open supportive community on which they prided themselves.

Living in Melbourne, Cuskelly says that the story is also inspired by an experience in her own past, and that writing the novel caused her to challenge her own thoughts and perspectives.

Filled with humour, The Campers covers some relevant contemporary issues and challenges readers to think how they would behave in the same situation.

The Campers is published by Allen and Unwin – for more details visit www.allenandunwin.com

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

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

■ Gem Players Community Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Information Evening: May 29 at 7pm; Auditions June 6 and 7 at the GEM,19 Kilvington Dr., Emerald. Director: Annette O’Shea; Choreographer: Payge O’Shea; Musical Director: Margie Gemmell\. Enquiries: gemcoplayers.org

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) March 12 at 7pm, March 15 at 1pm at Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180-186 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: James Banger. Audition enquiries: james.banger@ outlook.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) March 16, 18 at 7pm at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Audition enquiries: werther110@gmail.com; Phone: 0402 222 090

■ The 1812 Theatre Ltd: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) April 6 at 6pm, April 7 at 7.30pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calbert. Audition enquiries: aj267@outlook.com or phone 0432 804 803

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Humansm (by Stephen Karam) April 13, 14 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky Neville-Jones. Audition enquiries: nicky.neville-jones@bottledsnail.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Don’t miss issues

● The Melbourne Observer is published weekly online. Don’t miss an issue. Free subscriptions available at www.FreePaper.com.au

Alanah Parkin

● ● Maryrose Cuskelly

● ● ● ● Caroline Lee and Peter Houghton in Honour. Photo: James Reiser

★All the Green Room Award nominations for 2025 are listed in a five-page section in this edition.

★Caleena Sansbury and Rikki Wilson as the recipients of the 2025 Blak Futures residencies for their projects, Mullamar and I Am Pirbilya.

★The Irish Film Festival ad vertises St Patricks events including those at O’Donnell Gardens in St Kilda and Geelong Racecouse on Saturday March 15; and O’Donnell Gardens and Edinburgh Gardens on Sunday, March 16.

★Violinist Natalie Chee has re turned from Europe to become MSO Concertmaster.

★Jason Morrison is part of the Australian Digital Holdings consortium to purchase SCA’s TV stations. He is joined by CEO Jack Bulfin, and former ABC Chairman Maurice Newman

★ Lucy Holmes and Kel McWilliam on Melbourne’s 89.9 The Light have launched an initiative to support young female athletes, in the wake of Marty Sheargold’s controversial comments about the Matildas. The campaign will cover sports registration fees for girls whose families face financial barriers.

★The musical magic of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown comes back to The MC Showroom this April.

★Tina - The Tina Turner Mu sical had its final show in its Melbourne run at the Princess Theatre last Sunday (Mar. 2).

★Jurassic Unearthed Live is coming to Caulfield Racecourse from March 28 until April 27.

★VicRoads announced the in troduction of passkeys, allowing users to simply and securely access their myVicRoads accounts using biometrics (face ID or fingerprint), PIN or swipe pattern instead of a traditional password

★ Conductor Vanessa Scammell will bring John Williams' Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert to life with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall on June 4-7.

★The Australian 2025 Euro pean Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad team has just been announced, with four female high school students heading to Pristina in Kosovo to compete from April 11-17. There are two Victorians: Laura Nan in Year 12 at Fintona Girls’ School; and Olivia Sun in Year 10 at Lauriston Girls’ School

★Melbourne-based activist, Maree Davenport , today launches an Australia-first guide to navigating endometriosis

★Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is this week launching the first-ever National Bone Marrow Failure Syndrome Awareness Week (March 3-9) urging Australians to donate blood and register.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Cicero

Marc Cicero

★The 2025 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was officially launched yesterday (Tues.), led by Appeal Chairman, Penny Fowler, Appeal Executive Director, Rebecca Cowan, and Hospital Chair, Dr Rowena Coutts.

★Muslims across Australia welcomed the holy month of Ramadan starting from the evening of last Saturday (Mar. 1). Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community service.

★Melbourne’s Dr Michaela Guthridge is organising the inaugural Sing It Sister! - a vibrant, all-genders International Women’s Day event dedicated to raising funds for Juno.

★The Cake Decorators Asso ciation of VictoriaFrankston Branch will conduct workshops/demonstration day on Saturday, April 5. Email: frankston cdav@gmail.com

★Publicist Katie Gonzalez says The Ten Tenors are back on tour this year as they celebrate 30 years since their first performance in Brisbane in 1995. Their Australia wide tour will start in April, encompassing 38 shows over two months and will be performing at the Frankston Arts Centre on May 20.

★Craft Alive Ballarat will be at the Ballarat Showgrounds Pavilion from March 1315.

★The Melbourne Motor Show will be at MCEC on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7.

★One of the world’s greatest ten ors Juan Diego Flórez is returning to Australia, with a performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday, November 29.

★ A new Floribunda exhibition curated by renowned artist David Sequeira, exploring the enduring connection between humans and flowers and the influences of flowers across art, premieres at Bunjil Place Gallery on March 29.

★Rock legend Jimmy Barnes has new album, Defiant, to be released on June 6.

Castlefield Estate

■ The centenary of the Castlefield Estate, Hampton, will be celebrated by an event at the Castlefield Oval , Ludstone St, Hampton on Sunday, March 23 at 11am, to be opened by Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria.

In the 1850s, the Castlefield Estate site was an 87-acre property with a grand residence, 'Castlefield', built during Victoria's Gold Rush.

In 1920, the War Service Homes Commission acquired much of the property to build affordable homes for First World War veterans.

Established in 1924-25, Castlefield Estate became the second-largest war service housing development in Victoria, featuring architecturally significant Californian bungalows.

In 1989, the Estate was declared a heritage precinct by the Sandringham Council.

Nine streets in the estate are either named after war victories, or Rouen is named after the largest war hospital.

The original Castlefield mansion and the remaining 10 acres was sold to Haileybury College in the 1930s and now forms part of its Castlefield campus.

Felicity Frederico who lives in the Hampton Castlefield Estate, has obtained funding to facilitate the special centenary celebration.

Felicity says the objective of the Castlefield Estate Centenary Project is: "To raise awareness of the historical significance of the Castlefield Estate as a 'living memorial' to its original residents.”

The Royal Australian Navy Band will entertain, and the event will be attended by former and current Estate residents, local schools, community members, MPs, Mayors and Councillors and the - state and local.

The event will be celebrated through the installation of interpretative signage in each street (nine plaques are being installed at the beginning of each street), a centenary party for residents and the Bayside community (BYO picnic lunch) and a webpage to enhance access to information on the Estate.

Event details: Sunday, March 23 at 11am

Venue: Castlefield Oval, Ludstone St., Hampton - Cheryl Threadgold

The Substance

■ (R). 140 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

With its incredible word-ofmouth which has lead to a huge following and wonderful awards attention (including at this year’s Oscars ), this is superb, provocative film-making.

But a word of warning first; this new film from Coralie Fargeat (whose excellent debut 2017 feature, Revenge, had a similarly divisive impression on audiences) will not be for everyone, but those who tap into the writer/director’s wavelength, will be rewarded with a ferociously, and gorily, entertaining horror/comedy/satire, one which takes no prisoners from its first frame to the last.

Demi Moore plays Elizabeth Sparkle, a once A List actress who now keeps viewer attention through a popular, Jane Fonda style daytime workout show and product commercials.

After taping one particular episode, Elizabeth overhears a conversation with TV executive Harvey (an especially grotesque Dennis Quaid), who is about to fire her because she is ‘too old’ at 50.

Once officially given the news of her departure by Harvey, Elizabeth is involved in a car accident, and while being medically treated at hospital, first encounters someone who may have something secret to offer.

Via a USB slipped into her jacket pocket, Elizabeth is introduced to a procedure known as ’The Substance’, where, if the potential client follows a set of strict rules, will be able to create a younger version of herself.

Feeling a deep sense of selfloathing as the industry turns on her, Elizabeth takes up the mysterious offer, which will lead to Sue (Margaret Qualley) entering her life.

But this symbiotic relationship will lead both down a very dark path. The Substance is a film that is relentless, exhausting and overwhelming.

Fargeat forgoes subtlety in favour of pummelling her audience, tackling subject matter that has been a major issue for women for decades and decades, and the sense of anger and outrage is always on display, entwined with a dark sense of humour.

Working with cinematographer Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman, Beast), production designer Stanislas Reydellet (The Mad Woman’s Ball) and costume designer Emmanuelle Youchnovski (Mascarade), Fargeat creates a vivid world of pleasure and pain, and invokes other film-makers such as Stanley Kubrick ,

Gaspar Noe, Terry Gilliam and David Cronenberg. There is also a propulsive, highly effective music score by Raffertie.

Fargeat’s script gets a real shot in the arm with the casting of Moore, someone whose own career has mirrored Elizabeth’s, with her looks being deemed more important than any acting ability, and she fully commits, knowingly moving between the humour and horror of the material.

Qualley is also terrific, and both completely trust Fargeat’s vision. Some may say that Fargeat doesn’t know when to quit, allowing the film to go on longer than is necessary, but when the film-making is as genuinely passionate as this, and delivered with such striking skill, one can accept a director’s indulgence, which here is totally deserved. The Substance is truly something to behold, but be prepared for a graphically wild ride. I just hope that it doesn’t take another seven years for Fargeat to make her next film.

RATING - *****

A Hidden Life

■ (PG) (2019). 174 minutes. Now available on DVD.

With The Way Of The Wind still in the editing process, now is the time (particularly with what’s currently happening around the world) to revisit Terrence Malick’s most recent film, A Hidden Life.

Set in the early 1940’s, the story centres on Franz and Fani Jagertatter (August Diehl and Valerie Pachner), an Austrian couple who earn a living as farmers. The effects of war are getting closer, with young men sent to training camps so they can be ready to serve Hitler at a moment’s notice. When all Austrians are asked to swear an oath to Hitler, Franz refuses, as he rejects the leader’s monstrous beliefs and predilection for war, and as time goes on, his fellow neighbours begin to turn on him, as toxic, pure blood nationalism starts to stain and distort their way of thinking.

Franz’s pacifist views will soon put him and his family in harm’s way. Fans wholly appreciate the director’s fearless, free-form approach. Like all of his films, A Hidden Life is extraordinary to look at. It really says something about Malick’s lengthy, meticulous editing process when one of the cast members is Michael Nyqvist (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), who passed away in June 2017. A Hidden Life probably won’t win Terrence Malick any new admirers, but for those who cherish his unique, heartfelt vision, A Hidden Life may be seen as one of this filmmaker’s best artistic endeavours.

RATING - *****

● ● Felicity Frederico

by

Local people in the picture

● ● ● ● Anthony McCarthy

● ● Jan Joyce

Bob Lawrance

Elsie Murphy

Glen Jones

Jean Scott

David Aldous

Jan Beer

Brendan Sier ● ● Joan Byrne

Bob Lockhart

Helen Godfrey

Photos

Ash Long

■ I feel very privileged to have met some wonderful people in my lifetime and one of the nicest was Bud Tingwell

Bud acted in almost 100 films and starred in radio, television and theatre during his outstanding career.

I have written more than 300 articles for the Melbourne Observer but it is an honour to share the story of Bud Tingwell with you.

Charles William Tingwell was born in 1923 at Coogee in Sydney.

His nickname of ‘Bud’ came from the neighbours’ comments that his mother had a baby "budding" in her tummy.

Somehow the nickname stuck with him throughout his lifetime. In 1941 at the age of 18 he enlisted in the RAAF and trained as a pilot in Canada he later flew Spitfires in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Bud wrote a marvellous book titled War Stories about his wartime experiences and also paid tribute to 70 Australian war heroes and heroines. (published by Wilkinson Publishing in 2009)

He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star and Defence Medal.

When the war finished Bud married the love of his life Audrey Wilson and they had two children, Virginia and Christopher

His first film role was in Smithy in 1946. He had roles in Bitter Springs, Kangaroo and I Found Joe Barton.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Bud Tingwell

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Bud was also working in radio dramas and serials whilst appearing in the Jack Davey radio shows.

In 1952 he received a call from Grace Gibson to tell him that Twentieth Century Fox studios wanted him in the US immediately to play a role in the film The Desert Rats opposite Richard Burton and Robert Newton

During the next 20 years Bud worked in Australia and the UK and some of his notable films included The Shiralee, Smiley, Murder At The Gallop and Murder Ahoy

His numerous UK television credits included Thunderbirds, Z Cars and the lead role in Emergency Ward 10.

Bud permanently returned to Australia with

Kevin Trask with Bud Tingwell his family in 1973 and spent four years as Inspector Reg Lawson in the Crawfords series Homicide

He continued to work in stage, television and film for the rest of his life. One film role that stands out was as the QC in the film The Castle. I saw him onstage in many plays including The Carer which he toured extensively.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame

Bud had a deep respect for the non-professional theatre world and always said it was a great training ground for actors to learn their craft.

He was patron of the Victorian Drama League. I was honoured to be presented with a Best Director award from Bud in 2005. (the annual trophy still bears his name)

Audrey passed away in 2006 and in that year

Bud published his memoir titled Bud: A Life. His last show was Follies for The Production Company and I was in the audience for his final onstage appearance.

Bud passed away in 2009 at the age of 86 and I attended his State Funeral at St Paul's Cathedral

Dignitaries included the Premier John Brumby, Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett and Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition

Julie Bishop

Showbusiness friends included Bert Newton, Jack Thompson, Tommy Dysart and Joan Brockenshire, Val Jellay, Michael Caton and Brian Dawe

His children and his brother paid tribute and his RAAF service was acknowledged by his friend Alf Payne.

Matthew Newton performed Hamlet's Speech to the Players by William Shakespeare. It was fitting that this very special Australian was given a standing ovation as his coffin was carried from the Cathedral . He was a friend and mentor to thousands. What a gentleman. Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

AUNTY KIM WANDIN’S WATER RATS

Cultural hub opens

■ TarraWarra Museum of Art, located in the Yarra Valley, opens the doors publicly to its new building, the Eva and Marc Besen Centre, from this week.

The Centre is a dedicated place of learning and creative inspiration for all ages, utilising flexible and adaptable spaces to deliver a diverse array of events including exhibitions, educational workshops, talks, lectures, performances, classical music concerts and live arts events.

The new Centre provides visible access to more than 300 stored artworks from the TarraWarra Museum of Art permanent collection, providing a panoramic display of iconic artworks gifted to the nation by renowned philanthropists, the late Eva Besen and Marc Besen

During the opening weekend, on Saturday(Mar. 8), the Centre will be activated by a full program of activities in partnership with Arts Project Australia, celebrating the final few days of the exhibition Intimate Imaginaries, curated by Anthony Fitzpatrick.

The day-long event Rhythms of the Handmade will feature talks, live artist demonstrations and family-friendly making activities.

The festivities will continue until the end of March as TarraWarra Museum of Art’s new centre comes alive with behindthe-scenes tours, weekend activities for children to explore the surrounds, creative making-tables for all ages based on artworks by Kate Beynon and Rosalie Gascoigne, and performances by musicians.

Adjacent to the TarraWarra Museum of Art and embedded within the landscape of the Yarra Valley, the new 2205-square-metre Centre was designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, with landscape design by OCULUS and Wurundjeri horticulturalist and artist Craig Murphy-Wandin

■ Baanj Dayang (Rakali) is a sculpture by indigenous artist Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy featuring a pair of local rakali (water rats), playfully emerging and returning to the water.

Ripples etched in concentric circles symbolise the rakali’s eternal connection to place, as a significant entity in Aboriginal culture.

This public artwork celebrates ‘indigenous Cultural Heritage’ together with local marine life and biodiversity of Port Phillip Bay at the redevelopment Mentone Lifesaving Club

The work features a combination of bronze, glass and concrete. The design team worked with Wathaurong Glass, an Aboriginal glass company to design he glass elements which feature Aboriginal iconography depicting rakali footprints and journey lines.

The bronze rakali are life-size presenting the rakali’s interactions with their aquatic environment.

Baanj Dayang (Rakali) Wilam Mentone Lifesaving Club Beach Boardwalk Mentone

Rhys Lee

Two & a Jalf Coats of Paint –Rhys Lee

Rhys Lee has held solo exhibitions since 2000 in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and internationally in New York, Los Angeles, Germany, Greece, Belgium, France, Thailand and New Zealand.

His work has been included in group exhibitions at Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne (2029), the Ian Potter Museum Melbourne (2015), the Archibald Prize at he Art Gallery of New South Wales (2012), Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery(2011) and many more.

Exhibition closes March 15.

Nicholas Gallery 155 Langridge St, Collingwood

9 by 5

9 by 5 Exhibition

Discover the creativity of over 200 artists at the 9 by 5 Exhibition returning for its 17th year in 2025.

This modern take on the iconic 1889 Melbourne exhibition reimagines the tradition of creating art on nine by five cigar box lids, as pio-

The Arts

neered by Australian artists Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin

Arts in Greater Dandenong’s nationally celebrated interpretation showcases the incredible diversity of the arts community, demonstrating how small-scale works can deliver a profound impact

Featuring a vibrant mix of painting, photography, and more, this exhibition invites artists of all experience levels to present their unique vision, each confined to the compact dimensions of 9by 5 inches (22.86cm by 12.7 cm)|

Exhibition closes May 2. Open Minday – Friday 10am – 4pm, Saturday’s Openings March 8, March 22, and April 5. 10.30am – 2.30pm. . Drum Theatre foyer 22 Lonsdale St, Dandenong

Resilience

■ Discover the beauty, resilience and spirit of Ukrainian at the Ukrainian art exhibition, running from Monday April 7 until Sunday April 13. This unique showcase brings together stunning works by talented Ukrainian artists, including paintings, folk art and traditional crafts that reflect Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage. Ukrainian Art Exhibition Ukrainian Community Centre 26 Chancler Rd, Noble Park - Peter Kemp

Boys from The Bush go again

■ Lee Kernaghan and his Gang will hit the highway once again from May, with 30 performances in total. Lee has been touring for years and releasing Country and Western albums for 33years. Notable highlights of one performance was when a couple jumped on stage and the guy dropped to his knees and proposed.

When cashless society arrives

■ The Canadian rapper known as Drake appeared in Australia including a concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. During breaks between songs, he handed out bundles of money to the audience, many of whom were waving signs wanting money for any number of reasons. Drake obliged with 'donations' of $20,000 up to $40,000. Man, this Drake dude is one cool bro.

Aussie ingenuity, US gains

■ Seven years ago, The French Family Band packed their bags and guitars and left Australia to see if they could make it in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon arrival they collided with COVID. Not to be deterred they converted a spare room in their rented home into a recording studio and beamed their Country and Western songs/music via You Tube to an ever growing international audience. After COVID, next stop was the honour of appearing centerstage at the Grand Ol' Opry, next came gigs at County Fairs around America, club appearances, not forgetting Celebrity Cruises here, there, everywhere. The latest news is parents, Stuie and Camille French, have taken out American citizenship. Eighteen-year-old Sonny is an integral part of the Band and collecting rave reviews for his harmony, wholesomeness and personality. Check The Band out on You Tube. At last count The Band had 180,000 followers on Facebook.

Aussies star in new film

■ Originally from Geelong, Guy Pearce plays the lead role in a tense new drama called 'Inside'. The film is a gripping prison drama exploring lines of institutionalism, blurred lines between salvation and condemnation. Also, making their debut are 12-year-old twins from Ballarat, Raif and Zaiv Weaver, who despite lack of acting experience were chosen to play minor roles in this film bound for worldwide release very shortly. 'Inside' was filmed in both Melbourne and Ballarat

Worst kept secret

■ It seems almost everyone knows, but for those who haven't caught up with the news, Hugh Jackman and actress Sutton Foster are very much a item and supposedly looking for a house to share. The couple met on the set of 'The Music Man'.

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Lee Kernaghan

●

Melbournewide

Hit-run death

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man after he was struck by a vehicle in Toolamba on Wednesday (Feb. 26).

The 53-year-old Invermay Park man and a friend attended a bush track near Pyke Rd to collect his Ford sedan, which had broken down, about 2.20pm.

Upon arrival they noticed several men in the vicinity of the man’s vehicle.

There was a verbal altercation between the parties before the group of men returned to their vehicles.

The 53-year-old was then struck by a Mitsubishi Triton utility.

The man was airlifted to hospital where he later died.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, a 32-yearold Mooroopna man, fled the scene but was arrested a short time later in Mooroopna He was expected to be interviewed.

GREATER GEELONG

Nazi salute claim

● ● ● ● Adolf Hitler

■ Police have charged seven men who allegedly performed the Nazi salute at a venue in Geelong on Saturday February 8.

The charges follow an extensive investigation into an image circulating online which depicted a group of men performing the prohibited gesture.

Detectives from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit retrieved CCTV footage from the Bell Park venue on Separation St as part of their inquiries.

All seven men have been charged on summons for public display or performance of Nazi symbols or gestures.

Those charged are:

■ Two 20-year-old men from Newtown;

■ A 25-year-old man from Williams Landing;

■ A 19-year-old man from East Geelong;

■ A 22-year-old man from Lara;

■ A 22-year-old man from North Geelong; and

■ A 23-year-old man from Geelong

All will appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on May 6.

The maximum penalty for public display of Nazi symbols or gestures is a fine of up to $23,710, 12 months’ jail or both.

Victoria Police stresses there is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated.

FITZROY

Dog Park starts

■ Works to install a brand-new play area at Smith Reserve in Fitzroy have started. A picnic area, pathway, green space and improved fencing for dogs safe in the off-leash area. The upgrades are expected to take three to four months to complete.

Temporary fencing will be in place during this time to ensure the safety of our community during the works.

Some areas of the park will be unavailable during this time, but efforts will be made to allow continued access for off-lead dog exercise whenever possible.

TECH SAVVY THIEVES RESPONSIBLE FOR SURGE

■ Tech savvy thieves are behind a surge in car thefts across the state.

Increasing numbers of cars are being stolen from residential streets, driveways, and other community locations, where no associated burglary, robbery, or carjacking takes place.

While there are instances where people leave their keys in their car, most commonly in these thefts, the owner reported to police they retained the keys and their car had simply vanished.

Police intelligence suggests as many as one in five Victorian cars are stolen in these circumstances.

This trend has coincided with third party electronic devices, which are capable of programming or mimicking keys, becoming increasingly available for purchase.

Once inside a vehicle, this device can be plugged into the cars on board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine.

Car thefts using third party electronic devices have been occurring in other countries such as the United States and United Kingdom for several years and are now becoming more prevalent locally.

Police believe this methodology is well known among criminal circles and being used extensively, hence this public warning.

Police intelligence suggests certain makes and models with electronic push start technology are being targeted, given no ignition key is required.

Victoria Police’s Vehicle Crime Squad has been working with impacted manufacturers on this issue, given the devices are being used to exploit car electronic security systems. Insurance companies have also been engaged as part of these discussions.

The intelligence reveals the makes and models most stolen in circumstances where police believe key reprogramming devices were used include:

■ Holden thefts increased by 92.9 per cent (+1,377) in the 12 months to January 2025, when compared to the previous 12 months. 1.7 x as many Holdens stolen in this period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Commodores (sedans, utes, and station wagons) manufactured between 2013 and 2017.

■ Toyota thefts increased by 76.4 per cent (+1,391) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous 12 months. 1.7 x as many Toyotas stolen in this period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Hilux (2016 –2023), Landcruiser (2008 –2021), Camry (2014 – 2017), Prado (2012 – 2022), Rav4 (2019 – 2024), 86 (2012 – 2017) and C-HR (2017 – 2020).

■ Subaru thefts increased by 107.8 per cent (+402) in the twelve months to January 2025, when compared to the previous twelve months. 1.8 x as many Subarus stolen in this

Across Victoria

MORNINGTON

Kidnap duo

■ Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man and a woman following an alleged kidnapping in Mornington. Investigators have been told a ride-share driver was stopped on Mornington-Tyabb Rd about 8.30pm on February 20 by a potential fare.

A man and a woman got into the car and it is alleged the driver was threatened with a knife and told to drive to an address in Joffre St, Noble Park where the pair got out of the car.

The driver, a 26-year-old man, was not injured during the incident.

Detectives have made a number of enquires and on Tuesday executed a warrant at an address in Cooba Court, Mornington.

They arrested a 34-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man at the address.

The 23-year-old has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, theft and other charges.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 4.

The 34-year-old woman has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, assault with a weapon and theft.

She was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 4.

HASTINGS

Endangered life

■ Mornington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man with reckless conduct endangering life and other offences following an investigation into an alleged assault and separate aggravated burglary.

Statewide

DEVICE MIMICKS KEYS

period, when compared to the rolling five yearly average. Specifically relates to Impreza/WRX (2015 – 2018), Outback (2015 – 2018), XV (2014 – 2018) and Levorg (2016 – 2017).

Police are urging owners of these vehicles to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle. These locks are highly affordable and self-installable.

Other security tips include parking your vehicle off the street and always ensuring your vehicle is locked, even when at home.

As always, police urge the community to lock their cars and remove items such as garage remotes and car/house keys.

Police have made numerous arrests in relation to offenders stealing cars using these devices including:

■ On January 10 at around 10.30am, an owner of a large vacant factory in Wantirna found multiple people within their factory and called police. Officers quickly attended as

multiple people attempted to flee on foot. One person drove through a fence in a stolen Renault van to escape, before dumping it in Ringwood East Another eight alleged offenders were arrested at the scene. Located inside the factory were two stolen cars (including a VF Commodore), OBD re-programmers, and blank vehicle key fobs. Large amounts of methyl-amphetamine, GHB and cannabis were also uncovered, as well as a handgun. A large number of allegedly stolen power tools were recovered. A 35-year-old Craigieburn man, a 31-yearold Wallan man, a 27-year-old Oakleigh South man, a 34year-old man of no fixed address, a 23-year-old Deniliquin man, a 28-year-old Badger Creek man and a 23-year-old Mooroolbark woman and a 20year-old Rowville woman were interviewed in relation to car theft, trafficking methyl-amphetamine, possess ing a handgun, and handling stolen goods. They have been released from custody with an intent to charge on summons. The driver of the allegedly stolen Renault van was arrested on January 14 by Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives. A 23-yearold Clayton man was charged with reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage and driving while disqualified.

Officers were called to Simon St, Hastings about 8.30am on November 2 last year after reports a man had been doused in flammable liquid and was chased by two men with a blow torch.

The victim suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Investigators believe one of the offenders was also involved in an alleged aggravated burglary on Stump Gully Road, Tuernong on February 4.

Investigators have been told a man broke into the property about 2.15am and stole a BMW sedan.

The owner of the property attempted to stop the car from driving away and was allegedly hit by the vehicle as it exited the property. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

On Thursday (Feb. 27) intelligence led detectives to attend a disused refinery off The Esplanade in Crib Point to arrest and interview a man in relation to the above matters.

It is alleged he ran from police and the Air Wing, Dog Squad and local drone unit were called in to help search for the man.

He was arrested a short time later in dense scrub off The Esplanade

The 35-year-old man was charged with reckless conduct endanger life, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, assault, aggravated burglary and other charges.

He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 3. BAYSIDE

Rocks moved

■ Bayside Council has moved large piles of rocks left in the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve without prior permission.

The rocks will be relocated to another section of the reserve to be appropriately treated and ‘solarised’ (left in the sun).

“This will help to kill any fungus or other pathogen on, or in, the rocks which may pose a threat to wildlife in the reserve,” said a Council representative.

“We have taken this step as the origin and suitability of the rocks for use at the reserve is unclear.

“The ecosystem of the nature reserve is being carefully developed according to a Council endorsed masterplan and based on expert scientific advice. Council is aiming to ensure that any works that may impact habitat in the reserve is done in a carefully controlled manner ,” the Council said.

● Holden Commodores are stolen most.

Statewide

JEFFCOTT NORTH

Charged over fatal

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal crash in Jeffcott North last year.

Emergency services were called to reports that a Nissan X-Trail had rolled on Donald-Swan Hill Rd about 2.15am on March 2 last year.

The front-seat passenger of the Nissan, a 67-year-old Nyah woman, died at the scene.

Two male passengers from Woorinen South, aged 29 and 31, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old man, was taken to hospital under police guard at the time.

He has since been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, drive in a manner dangerous, careless driving and drive under the influence of drug.

The man from Norseman, Western Australia , was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 28.

SOUTH PURRUMBETE

Car left the road

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in South Purrumbete

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Walshs Road and Ansons Rd about 2.35pm on Saturday (Mar. 1) after reports a car had left the road and rolled.

One arrival police located the driver, a man. He was treated at the scene but could not be revived.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

●

● ● ● There are no advertising charges for Local Paper readers to list private items for sale. A colour photo can be included. See all the details at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

JACK, 22, IS MISSING FROM DINGLEY VILLAGE

■ Police continue to appeal for public assistance to help locate missing Dingley Village man

Jack

The 22-year-old was last known to be in Frankston catching a train headed to Stony Point about 12.55pm on February 19.

Police and family hold concerns for Jack’s welfare as his disappearance is extremely out of character.

Jack is known to frequent public transport and he may have travelled to the Hastings area. Jack is Caucasian, about 165cm tall with a thin-medium build, black straight hair, wears corrective glasses and has a crooked front tooth.

BUNDALONG

Driver dies

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Bundalong on Thursday afternoon (feb. 27).

Investigators have been told a ute and truck collided near the intersection of Boomahnoomoonah Rd and Carmichaels Rd about 2.30pm.

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

The female driver of the ute has been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Statewide

Across Victoria

GREATER BENDIGO

Man’s

crime spree

■ Bendigo Police arrested a man on Friday (Feb. 28) following a series of alleged aggravated burglaries, attempted aggravated burglaries and multiple theft of motor cars in the Bendigo, Maryborough and Melbourne areas along with an alleged home invasion in Melbourne

It is alleged the offender armed with a meat cleaver was involved in a home invasion on Park Crescent in Fairfield about 12.30am on February 22.

Offenders allegedly entered the premises via a doggy door where they stole personal items, car keys and a Subaru

It is alleged the offender was involved in two separate burglaries targeting massage parlours in Bendigo on February6 and in Richmond on February 11 where 30 handbags were allegedly stolen.

Officers from Central Victoria Response Unit, Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit and the Western Region Crime Squad, Bendigo Highway Patrol officers and Bendigo police arrested a man at a California Gully property about 9.30am Friday (Feb. 28)

An 18-year-old California Gully man has been charged with home invasion, four counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of attempted aggravated burglary, robbery, two counts of burglary, six counts of theft of motor vehicle, six counts of theft and other related offences.

He was remanded into custody to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on March 3.

Detective Inspector Dan Davison said, local police working with other specialist units are dedicated, focused and will continue to work hard to hold those who offend to account.

● ● ● ● Did you know that are local editions of The Local Paper in every Melbourne suburb, the Mornington Peninsula and selected country areas?

● ● ● ● Jack from Dingley Village.

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 32

Across Across Down Down

2. Supervisory (position)

7. Pays brief visit (5,2)

11. Rule

17. Yacht pole

18. Untruth

19. Spanish cheer

20. Ellipse

21. Hangover symptom

22. Decreased

23. Woeful

26. Unfilled space

28. Citizen soldiers

29. Adolescent

31. Existence

34. World computer link

36. Archfiend

39. Female equines

41. Roused

43. Suspension of workers (3-3)

46. Morocco's capital

47. Writer, Emily ...

49. Frolicked

51. Pharaohs' tombs

52. Repaints (car)

53. Short-sighted

54. Lieu

55. Flip in air

56. Ill-treatment

61. Featured musicians

64. Nautical speed unit

65. Fellows

66. Extending

67. ... or nay

69. Possessor

71. US coins

74. Not apparent

76. Penny-pincher

78. Elderly horse

79. Phlegm condition

81. Anti-terrorist squad (1,1,1)

83. Wigwam

84. Aunt's husband

86. Scented purple flower

89. Desert illusions

90. Humility

93. Roll (dice)

94. Sailor's yes (3,3)

97. Made (wage)

100. From India or China

101. Saviour

103. Subway

106. Long letter

108. Short-circuited

109. Mistake (4-2)

110. Untied

111. Islamic governors

112. Renowned

113. Power group

115. Salon worker (4,7)

118. Minor roads (4,7)

121. Be without

124. Early harps

128. Hickory tree nut

129. Aimed

130. Cosmos scientists

134. Brings up (child)

135. Excessively fat

136. Overshadow

137. Fragrance

138. Existing

139. Abandon

140. Alluring

143. Natural disaster, ... wave

144. Vote in

147. Film

150. Extinct bird

151. White flower (7,4)

155. Not justified

157. Chime

158. Smell

159. Concur

162. Snapshots

164. Harrowing trial

167. Doctor

168. Rid of lice

169. Comfy seat (4,5)

172. Journalists' credits (2-5)

173. Polite

174. Unassuming

177. Deprive of food

180. Islands

181. Flight from reality

183. Reconstructed

184. Notorious gangster (2,6)

186. Potato variety

187. In vain, to no ...

188. Fulfilled (demand)

191. Actress, ... Diaz

195. See next page (1,1,1)

197. Megastars

198. Earphones

200. Idiocy

202. Middle-distance runner

203. Weeding implement

205. Protrudes (6,3)

206. ... de Cologne

208. Pleasant

209. Fireproof material

212. Funeral guests

215. US Mormon state

217. Feeble

220. Capital of Iowa, Des ...

222. Hiding game

224. Close watch (5,3)

226. Fries lightly

228. Wife, the ...

229. Bake (meat)

230. Crazier

232. Check

235. La Scala city

236. Dallas is there

238. Well-meaning person (2-6)

241. Spot

242. Admonish

243. Gain through will

244. Singer, ... Horne

246. Require

252. Mental stress

253. Renounce throne

254. Eyelid swelling

255. Focal point

256. Rug

257. East European

258. Opposition

259. Shipping route (3,4)

260. School project

1. Right on target (4-2)

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

3. Ark builder

4. Moves (towards)

5. Recognise

6. Peru beasts

7. Battery segment

8. Grass

9. Weary sound

10. Xmas

11. Responds

12. Contraptions

13. Crocodile relatives

14. Taverns

15. Small lump

16. Wine jug

24. Trophies

25. Addressed crowd

26. Shaking motion

27. Listing articles

28. Actors Gibson or Brooks

30. Lamb's mother

32. Lack of aptitude

33. Instructors

35. Lament

37. Defence force

38. Beastliest

39. Raider

40. Glimpse

42. Map guide

44. Chooses

45. Thrifty

47. Long-snouted monkey

48. Ice-free Norwegian port

50. Rounded roof

53. Ponder

57. Freedom from guilt

58. Bare

59. Rocket ship crew

60. Talks keenly

62. Mountaineer's tool (3,3)

63. Oppress

65. Judi Dench stars in ... Henderson

Presents

68. Aviator, ... Johnson

70. Vigilantly

72. Admission

73. Old photo colour

74. Open sore

75. Dessert, ... caramel

77. Kenya & Tanzania region (4,6)

80. Letter jumbles

82. Italian city

85. Come together

87. Daunted

88. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex

91. Biblical garden

92. Auction

95. Containing nothing

96. Upwardly mobile young people

98. Ripped apart, torn ...

99. Naked models

102. Group loyalty (6,2,5)

104. Nimble-fingered

105. Helps

107. Piercingly

113. Flowered

114. Requested from menu

116. US cotton state

117. Betrayal crime

119. Cavalryman

120. Codswallop

122. Accomplish

123. US motorbike stuntman, Evel ...

125. Extract (metal)

126. In the Arctic Circle

127. Specifically (2,3)

128. Sacred song

130. Astern

131. Weight unit

132. Record label (1,1,1)

133. Droop

141. Pseudonyms

142. US Rhode Island resort

145. Lengthy (4-6)

146. Droll plays

148. Totally preoccupies

149. Unable to read and write

152. Behaved

153. Louts

154. Finish

155. Great Bear constellation, ... Major

156. Jockey

160. Congers or morays

161. Native American tribespeople

163. Stitched garment edges

165. Cain & ...

166. Vending machine

167. Hitler book, ... Kampf

170. Vile act

171. Largest Turkish city

175. Leaves out

176. Praise highly

178. Panic

179. Current (permit)

182. Prison occupant

185. Progressed (4,2)

188. Names used wrongly

189. Most easily offended

190. Cigar dust

192. Almond biscuit

193. Most corroded

194. Flightless bird

195. Trite remark

196. Band

199. Induces

201. Made amends

204. Rowing aids

207. In present condition (2,2)

210. Companies

211. Samples (wine)

213. Coral bank

214. Safari

216. Large yacht

217. Scavenge

218. Tardiest

219. Your school, ... mater

221. Slip up

223. German or Greek

225. Eastern veils

227. In the past, long ...

228. Russian space station

231. Putrefy

233. Four score

234. Toughen (steel)

235. Liqueur, crème de ...

237. Afternoon nap

239. Most senior

240. Enfold

245. Urges on, ... up

247. Junior Scouts

248. Epic tale

249. Notion

250. Highest point

251. Windmill arm

By Rob Foenander

Chris Boots Lee

■ Gippsland country music artist Chris Boots Lee has released his new single Where Corn Don't Grow.

This song is literally his life story, says his media release.

Whilst not written by Boots himself it mirrors his experience of leaving the family farm at the age of 18 and moving to town and realising how challenging that life on your own can truly be.

Chess is back

■ There's no stopping Aussie music legend Johnny ‘Chess’ Chester.

This time he’s joined forces with Grant Luhrs to tell the tale of much more than a country band.

‘They’re “Loud, Confident and Wrong’ is the new single and is from the combined minds and leaking biro of Chess and Mick Hamilton.

You’re invited to turn up your listening device to 11 and grin.

The Story So Far

■ Normie Rowe, the first King Of Pop and one of Australia’s most successful music idols, will bring his show ‘The Story So Far’ to the Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, on Sunday, May 25. Expect a memorable trip back to the 60s and more with a set list that’s sure to include Que Sera Sera, Shakin’All Over, It Ain’t Necessarily So, It’s Not Easy and Ooh La La.

Tickets at trybooking.com - Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Milestone: William Yang and the MSO

■ William Yang has built a reputation as a social profile photographer but his presentation, Milestone, documents not just his life but the social changes that have occurred in Australia over the last 80 years.

Born to Chinese parents, he has weathered the racism, lived in a variety of regional areas and become an advocate for the LGBTQI movement.

Original music composed by Elena Kats-Chernin and played by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra punctuates Yang’s recounting of significant events in his life.

This is a perfect way of capturing the mood and tone of Yang’s experience.

And Yang’s life is intriguing touching as it does on pivotal changes in Australian culture.

Moreover, his wit is evident as he touches on the nature of family, his connection to the landscape, the role of photography and the break from traditional social roles and expectations.

Yang’s delivery is disarming and charming. It’s a form of storytelling.

The narrative, however, is actually quite involved and the arc of the story segues between sometimes disparate elements all of which could be worthy of deeper examination.

But this is the story of his life so it is hard to leave anything out.

Yang’s pictures accompany his story ranging back to his childhood, his documentation of the emerging

Crossword Solution No 32

gay scene in Sydney and the personalities he has met on his life’s journey.

In all, the multi-media aspect provides points of connection enabling the audience to relate on a multiplicity of levels.

There is much in Milestone to encourage people to think about what makes us Australian and the aspects of our own lives that have parallels with the topics Yang touches upon.

Presented at Arts Centre Melbourne's Hamer Hall as part of Asia TOPA.

- Review by David McLean

Women In Film Festival

■ Melbourne Women in Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Rebellious and Radical Filmmaking will be held at ACMI and Fed Square from Thursday-Monday, March 20-24.

““I am thrilled to invite audiences to immerse themselves in a celebration of both emerging and established women and gender-diverse filmmakers from across the region.” said MWFF Festival Director, Sian Mitchell

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Victoria Pictorial

Williamstown Nostalgia Collection

● ● ● ● Court House, Williamstown, rear view. Circa 1960-70.

● ● ● ● Williamstown Beach. 1966

● ● Williamstown. Aerial photo. Circa 1950s.

● ● North Williamstown State School. 1880.

● Williamstown Volunteer Fire Brigade. 1890

● ● Wiulliamstown Football Club. 1904

● Gas Works, Williamstown. 1879

● ● Williamstown ferry. Early 1900s

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Amateurs

■ Premier Firsts. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 10/ 274 v Carlton 1st XI 10/276. Prahran 1st XI 10/195 v Ringwood 1st XI 6-d/280. Geelong 1st XI 10/141 v St Kilda 1st XI 4/164. Northcote 1st XI 9/194 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/ 153. Richmond 1st XI 10/161 v Melbourne 1st XI 9/163. Footscray 1st XI 10/251 v Dandenong 1st XI 5/363. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 10/252 v Melbourne University 1st XI 8/255. Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/63 & 7/148 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/171. Essendon 1st XI 10/135 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/224.

■ Premier Seconds. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Carlton 2nd XI 9/284 v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/295. Ringwood 2nd XI 9/238 v Prahran 2nd XI 10/267. St Kilda 2nd XI 10/277 v Geelong 2nd XI 10/91. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/39 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/186. Melbourne 2nd XI 10/184 v Richmond 2nd XI 9-d/412. Dandenong 2nd XI 10/285 v Footscray 2nd XI 5/289. Melbourne University 2nd XI 8-d/284 v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 6/286. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 10/223 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 6-d/349. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 7-d/337 v Essendon 2nd XI 9/ 290.

■ Premier Thirds. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 10/77 v Carlton 3rd XI 10/295 & 7/95. Prahran 3rd XI 10/221 v Ringwood 3rd XI 10/139. Geelong 3rd XI 6-d/332 v St Kilda 3rd XI 10/147. Northcote 3rd XI 10/245 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 7/248. Richmond 3rd XI 10/325 v Melbourne 3rd XI 6-d/328. Footscray 3rd XI 10/173 v Dandenong 3rd XI 6/174. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/165 & 9/108 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 3-d/236. Essendon 3rd XI 10/ 229 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 9-d/272. Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/245 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 5/247.

■ Premier Fourths. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Carlton 4th XI 10/334 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/123. Ringwood 4th XI 10/318 v Prahran 4th XI 3-d/326. St Kilda 4th XI 10/301 v Geelong 4th XI 10/173. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 10/66 & 3/186 v Northcote 4th XI 10/259. Melbourne 4th XI 9/248 v Richmond 4th XI 10/247. Dandenong 4th XI 10/ 221 v Footscray 4th XI 10/240. Melbourne University 4th XI 10/248 v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/176. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/184 v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 5/226. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 10/169 v Essendon 4th XI 5/186.

Sub-District

■ North-East First XI. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 6-d/199 v Donvale 1st XI 10/130 & 8/164. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/155 & 10/101 v Kew 1st XI 4d/170 & 2/90. Croydon 1st XI 10/159 & 7-d/ 77 v Plenty Valley 1st XI 9-d/80 & 4/149. Strathmore 1st XI 10/116 v Brunswick 1st XI 10/183, Noble Park 1st XI 7/337 v Balwyn 1st XI 10/266. Bayswater 1st XI 9/217 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/351. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/ 192 v Box Hill 1st XI 10/185. Preston 1st XI 10/232 v Coburg 1st XI 10/232.

■ North-East Second XI. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Donvale 2nd XI 10/130 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 6/291. Kew 2nd XI 0-d/ 143 & 0/7 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/51 & 9/ 97. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 5/257 v Croydon 2nd XI 10/176. Brunswick 2nd XI 8/213 v Strathmore 2nd XI 10/209. Balwyn 2nd XI 10/ 200 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/162. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 6/197 v Bayswater 2nd XI 10/195. Box Hill 2nd XI 10/141 & 1/45 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 7d/224. Coburg 2nd XI 10/178 v Preston 2nd XI 4/187.

■ North-West Third XI Division 1. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Preston 3rd XI 10/220 & 2/7 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/ 173 & 10/65. Werribee 3rd XI 9/201 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/118. Melton 3rd XI 10/131 v Brunswick 3rd XI 10/230. Kew 3rd XI 8/210 v St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/208.

■ North-West Third XI Division 2. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 3/

150 v Spotswood 3rd XI 10/148. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/241 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/128 & 2/53. Altona 3rd XI 10/206 v Coburg 3rd XI 10/170. Yarraville 3rd XI 9/377 v Strathmore 3rd XI 9/119 & 8/49.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 10/129 v Preston 4th XI 10/179. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/226 v Werribee 4th XI 8/270. Brunswick 4th XI 8/487 v Melton 4th XI 10/86 & 10/48. St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/176 v Kew 4th XI 10/175.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Spotswood 4th XI 10/78 & 0/63 v Ivanhoe 4th XI 4-d/210. Williamstown 4th XI 10/72 & 0/71 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 5/394. Coburg 4th XI 10/178 v Altona 4th XI 10/62. Strathmore 4th XI 9/119 v Yarraville 4th XI 10/283.

■ South-East Third XI Division 1. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Croydon 3rd XI 10/162 & 0/71 v Balwyn 3rd XI 10/141. Oakleigh 3rd XI 10/175 v Malvern 3rd XI 10/ 110. Caulfield 3rd XI 10/189 v Bayswater 3rd XI 10/130. Mt Waverley 3rd XI 2/71 v Brighton 3rd XI 10/70.

■ South-East Third XI Division 2. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Elsternwick 3rd XI 10/228 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 10/124. Noble Park 3rd XI 10/188 v Donvale 3rd XI 10/116 & 5/142. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/ 122 & 1/28 v Ormond 3rd XI 10/162. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/218 & 1/70 v Box Hill 3rd XI 10/175.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Balwyn 4th XI 6/ 230 v Croydon 4th XI 7/228. Malvern 4th XI 10/152 v Oakleigh 4th XI 10/228. Bayswater 4th XI 10/167 v Caulfield 4th XI 10/57. Brighton 4th XI 10/360 v Mt Waverley 4th XI 6/367.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. Two

Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/106 v Elsternwick 4th XI 7/107. Donvale 4th XI 10/111 & 10/82 v Noble Park 4th XI 6-d/273. Ormond 4th XI 7/272 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/267. Box Hill 4th XI 10/238 v Moorabbin 4th XI 10/222.

■ South-West First XI. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Yarraville 1st XI 7/175 v Melton 1st XI 10/172. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 7-d/140 v Moorabbin 1st XI 10/99 & 7/143. Caulfield 1st XI 6-d/152 v Ormond 1st XI 10/97 & 4/136. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/157 & 4/105 v Altona 1st XI 10/128. Oakleigh 1st XI 4/168 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/161. Spotswood 1st XI 5/326 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/236. Malvern 1st XI 10/154 v Brighton 1st XI 7/ 208. Williamstown 1st XI 8/232 v Werribee 1st XI 10/115.

■ South-West Second XI. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Melton 2nd XI 10/168 v Yarraville 2nd XI 8/169. Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/ 163 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 8/277. Ormond 2nd XI 10/203 v Caulfield 2nd XI 4/205. Altona 2nd XI 5-d/127 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/ 126. Elsternwick 2nd XI 7/204 v Oakleigh 2nd XI 9/200. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 10/197 v Spotswood 2nd XI 10/170. Brighton 2nd XI 10/ 172 v Malvern 2nd XI 10/306. Werribee 2nd XI 7/233 v Williamstown 2nd XI 7/232.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. One-Day. Macleod 1st XI 6/194 v Riverside 1st XI 8/195. Rosanna 1st XI 7/201 v Bundoora 1st XI 9/202. Bundoora United 1st XI 9/146 v Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/135. Heidelberg 1st XI 8/146 v Diamond Creek 1st XI 5/148. Epping 1st XI 7/107 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/106.

■ Money Shield. One-Day. Lalor Stars 1st XI 9/183 v Montmorency 1st XI 4/186. Lower Plenty 1st XI 7/239 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 10/186. Rosebank 1st XI 8/155 v Eltham 1st XI 8/151. Greensborough 1st XI 7/153 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/149. Banyule 1st XI 8/90 v Plenty 1st XI 10/89.

■ Mash Shield. One-Day. Panton Hill 1st XI 6/279 v South Morang 1st XI 8/259. Thomastown 1st XI 10/45v Laurimar 1st XI 2/ 46. Mill Park 1st XI 9/197 v Rivergum 1st XI 7/246. Mernda 1st XI 10/127 v Dennis 1st XI 10/106. Hurstbridge 1st XI 10/232 v

Thomastown United 1st XI 6/180.

■ B-Grade. One-Day. Diamond Creek 2nd XI 10/78 v Heidelberg 2nd XI 4/79. Montmorency 2nd XI 10/143 v Rosanna 2nd XI 2/ 147. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 4/304 v Epping 2nd XI 10/135. Plenty 2nd XI 7/164 v Banyule 2nd XI 10/106. Riverside 2nd XI 7/ 183 v Mernda 2nd XI 10/84.

■ C-Grade. One-Day. Eltham 2nd XI 6/168 v Riverside 3rd XI 6/165. Greensborough 2nd XI 10/129 v Macleod 2nd XI 3/131. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 10/78 v Lower Plenty 2nd XI 2/79. Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 10/158 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/175. Rivergum 2nd XI 1/135 v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 7/145.

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Glen Iris 1st XI 9/204 v Bulleen 1st XI 7/317. Edinburgh 1st XI 10/62 v East Doncaster 1st XI 10/61. Mont Albert 1st XI 6/ 203 v Old Carey 1st XI 10/201. Canterbury 1st XI 1/11 v North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI Forfeit 7-d/283.

■ Wright Shield. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/143 v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 8/145. Heathmont 1st XI 10/270 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 4/273. Richmond City 1st XI 8/294 v Mazenod OCCC 1st XI 10/259. Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/190 v Mulgrave 1st XI 10/171.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Day,. Mar. 1 and 8. Baden Powell 1sts 10/181 v Pines 1sts 1/ 13. Red Hill 1sts 10/251 v Dromana 1sts 0/ 14. Old Peninsula 1st XI v Langwarrin 1sts 10/ 298. Sorrento 1sts 5/153 v Heatherhill 1sts 10/58.

■ Peninsula Firsts. Two Day,. Mar. 1 and 8. Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1 4/69 v Seaford 1sts 10/93. Rosebud Senior Men 1sts 10/188 v Somerville Senior Men 1sts 0/0. Moorooduc 1sts 10/108 v Long Island 1sts 0/7. Mornington 1sts 6/272 v Seaford Tigers 1sts.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Donath CC 1st XI 3/206 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/202. Keon Park CC 1st XI 9/313 v Camrea CC 1st XI 7/336. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 10/184 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/188.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Cameron CC 1st XI 9/106 v Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 10/150. Fairfield CC 1st XI 6/177 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/ 131. Strathewen Cougars CC 1st XI Forfeit v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI. ■ Jack Kelly Shield. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 10/173 v Keon Park CC 2nd XI 6/354. West Preston CC 1st XI 10/103 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 4/362. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 4/ 110. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/ 106.

Ringwoood

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Two Day. Feb. 22 and Mar. 1. Warranwood 1XI 7/200 v St Andrews 1XI 7/201. East Ringwood 1XI 9/125 v Wonga Park 1XI 9/192. Mooroolbark 1XI 9/213 v Templeton 1XI 6/226. Bayswater Park 1XI 10/ 131 v Wantirna South 1XI 5/219. Heatherdale 1XI 5/147 v Vermont 1XI 3/151.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Finals. Two Day. West Bentleigh 1 1/174 v East Sandringham 1 10/ 173. Bentleigh Uniting 1 8/205 v Le Page Park 1 10/203.

Western Suburbs

■ A-Grade. One Day. Seabrook A Grade 3rd XI 9/195 v Wyndham Vale A Grade 3rd XI 4/ 199. Western Utd SC A Grade 2nd XI 10/147 v Altona Sports A 1st XI - Two Day 7/198. Werribee CC A 6th XI 5/192 v Point Cook CC A Grade 5th XI 8/188.

Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.5. Lotto Numbers: 8.4.13.24.34.41. Relationships that started under present circumstances could become very successful. There are many chances of improving your financial position, too. Contacts from the past could bring some surprises into your life.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,5,6, Lotto Numbers: 8,13,15,23,36,44. This should be one of those periods in which what you need will just come when you expect it to. Someone you helped in the past will return the favour, which could not come at a better time.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3,5,6,7 Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,2, If you push too hard for your own way, you could encounter stiff opposition. Some may be very restless and want to change just because something else looks better on the outside. Think before you do anything.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5, Lotto Numbers: 7,8,34,42,21,11, Because of your quick wit and ready mind, you could be first in line for something you have been waiting for a very long time. Romantic vibes should be the thing to take your mind off too much work.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.5.6.7

Lotto Numbers: 9.24.31.33.36.4. Your imagination could get the better of you during this period, and some situations could be wrongly read. In the romance scene, there is a reason to celebrate for the singles. Do not take an answer you do not want.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7,3,4,5

Lotto Numbers: 2,5,13,35,41,22, It could be a little impatient for you, but anything planned well should succeed. This could be a period of many surprises, and someone from your past could surface again in your life with a thud.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5,7,8,2

Lotto Numbers: 4,6,23,31,11,19, You might need to be diplomatic and understanding in your domestic relationships to prevent fireworks. Everything will depend on maintaining harmony; most of what you are working toward will eventually occur.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2,6,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 2,4,13,21,28,38, Take the opportunities as they come along. This way, much progress will be achieved during the next few weeks. Your partner could have a problem coping with your moods. Try not to impose your views on others.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4,8,2,8, Lotto Numbers: 1.7.12.25.32.41. If you have a few problems in the domestic area, you could very likely be pushing a willing horse too far. If you take life as it comes for the next week or two, your nervous tension will subside.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7,3,4,1, Lotto Numbers: 1,6,12,25,34,41, A tendency to go to extremes will make life more difficult for you. If you push too hard, you will only generate more opposition to your ideas. You must realise that some involvements will only take and not give.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 1,6,2,4, Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,31,11,19

The unusual and different are likely to change your established routines. This is a very fast-moving period, but for many, it will turn out to be profitable if you have any ambitions as a businessperson.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,3,4,1, Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,35,41,22, Success is assured for those who have done their homework, but for the others, you will just have to start again, this time with more thought about what you are doing. Some lucky periods are coming up very soon.

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

ALL STAR MILE AT FLEMINGTON THIS SAT.

■ Despite a few of our top gallopers deciding to give the All-Star Mile a miss, we will end up with a field of top-class horses to go around.

The classy Via Sistina is the top pick at the moment with the money coming for her over the 1600 metre trip.

Her run in the Cox Plate was out of this world and then she buttered up to win the Champions Mile at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

We will see the reliable Mr Brightside having a go to add to the millions he has earned so far.

He was the just beaten by Another Wil in the Orr Stakes at Caulfield

Then he won at Caulfield taking the Futurity Stakes.

The classy galloper, I Wish I Win, looks likely to have a go, but had been off the scene for some time.

Maybe he could reproduce the form he showed when he beat Giga Kick in the T.J.Smith Classic in Sydney

He has evidently been showing a bit on the track and he is all class on his day.

His trainer, Peter Moody, knows what it is all about and is sure he will have him cherry ripe on game day.

However they give it a miss with him.

On the next line is the winner of the C.F.Orr Stakes back on February 8, Another Wil, now five. He has always shown that he has the talent to mix it with the best.

He showed that in winning the Orr Stakes beating a good horse in Mr Brightside, and has run some great races.

From his 14 starts up until the C.F.Orr, he had won eight of his 13 starts with three placings, all in top company.

He is by the top American sire, Street Boss, who is taking all before him in the producing stakes.

Add to all this he is trained by one of the best in the business, Ciaron Maher, what else to you want to know?

Next the young New Zealander, Savaglee, may have a go.

Turning four this year, he showed his class in winning against the best in New Zealand and was the early favourite for the Australian Guineas.

He is trained by one of the top lady trainers in New Zealand, Pam Gerard, and is by the former Cox Plate winner, Savabeel

There are still pretty classy horses that have been nominated and all have a bit of class on their side.

The first of these is the good Perth horse Amelia’s Jewel now with Chris Waller in Sydney. Her form is a bit up and down at present, but on her day, she can hold her own.

One of my favourites is the former Queenslander, Fan Girl, another that joined the Waller team in Sydney and h s met the best time and time again, and always puts in. Don’t leave her out.

Another that goes well is the Les Bridge trained Celestial Legend, a winner of the last Doncaster. The showy grey horse is among the best around over this journey and will be right in this.

Ted Ryan

The course offers a pathway into the breeding section and the opportunity to gain a bationally recognised qualification while being paid full time.

Developed in response toindustry staffing shortages, the 12-month course targets people for outside breeding and racing and introduces them to Australia’s vibrant thoroughbred sector.

It gives them the foundational skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers.

Now in its eighth year, the program has proved to be a successful pathway, with 90 per cent of trainees continuing to work in the industry after completing the course.

TBA’S Education and projects manager, Madison Tims, said “This course is great because it doesn’t matter whether you’ve had experience with horses or not.

“On this course you get a chance to learn those skills from some of the best in the Thoroughbred Industry.

“We’ve had people from all types of backgrounds on the program before who have gone on to great things with their career.

“Fast Track is also unique in that the trainees are working on a farm, so receiving a wage, while also studying for a Certificate III.”

Among the diverse occupations of students from previous intakes are Electricians, a Beauty Therapist, an Army Veteran, a Café Barista, and a Cricket Coach, all looking for a career change.

Graduates have gone on to take up Management roles on Thoroughbred Breeding Farms, travel to Ireland to take part in the prestigious Irish National Stud course ad participate in the Northern Hemisphere Breeding and sales seasons.

We’ve also had a student graduate from the Godolphin Flying Start Course

To complement the on-the-job learning, students attend learning blocks in Scone (six weeks in total), where they receive a mix of practical training and classroom theory and participate in various field trips and personal development workshops.

Employers around the country have embraced the program.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of Australian breeders, who have ensured the success of the Fast Track program over seven. Any farm that is interested in taking on a Trainee can get in touch directly with TBA Applications close March 10th and can you can go to tbaus.com or email madison@ tbaus.com for further information.

Madison Tims : 04025 535 436. Email. madison@tbaus.com - Ted Ryan

● ● Mr Brightside.Racing Photos.

KILMORE SUCCESS REPEATED

■ The regular Tuesday night Shepparton fixture was held on February 25 and 4Y0 Betting Line-Dee Emm Dancer gelding Kalkadoon Dreaming repeated his Kilmore success on February 13 by taking the 2190 metre Granada Park Standardbreds Concessional Drivers Pace.

Driven once again by Louis Emerson, Kalkadoon Dreaming starting from gate two on the second line settled one out five back after Clives Girl led from gate two for Charlene Gusman and Nick Beale.

Sent forward three wide solo approaching the bell, Kalkadoon Dreaming was left stranded three wide solo for the rest of the journey before joining a death-seating Karuma Kev which surged to the front prior to the home turn with the pair turning together.

Despite the tough passage, Kalkadoon Dreaming trained at Leichardt by Scott Rains was superb in outstaying Karuma Kev to record a 1.5 metre margin. Epic Orion held up three pegs ran on late in the sprint lane when a run presented for third 11.4 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.

■ Local Kialla trainer Stephen O’Donoghue has the John Eichhorn bred and raced 6Y0 Art Major-Cullens Ace gelding Followtheace in rare form by greeting the judge in the 2190 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Pace.

Driven by Murchison’s Ryan Sanderson, Followtheace began swiftly from gate three to led throughout with no challengers coming until the final bend when the race was virtually over with Our Vincent Van Gogh (one/one from the extreme draw) making the turn wide as Arggghhh after racing exposed was still there.

Surprisingly shortening stride as the post loomed, Followtheace jast lasted by a head from Our Vincent Van Gogh who was meritorious , with Mongiana after trailing the winner from the pole gaining a late split for third a head away. The mile rate 1-58.5.

■ Longlea owner/trainers Paul and Rebecca Morrissey snared the Hunter Rural Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with home bred Creatine-Livingonadream 5Y0 mare Tella Shes Dreaming at start number two.

Driven by Ellen Tormey, Tella Shes Dreaming led from gate three before surrendering the front running when pressured by Pocketoflollies (gate four) racing for the bell. Trottersmakemegray (gate five) after racing exposed for a long way issued a strong challenge three wide three wide on turning only to be grabbed by Tella Shes Dreaming along the sprint lane in the last few strides to score by a head in a rate of 2-02.3. Pocketoflollies was 3.2 metres away third.

Miex grades

■ Charlton raced on Wednesday with a big program of mixed grades and Byrneside trainer/ driver Damian Wilson’s 3Y0 American IdealFlying Moth filly Ideal Moth was ultra impressive in taking the Stahl Electrical Pace over 1609 metres.

Bred and raced by Maryborough’s Len and Irene Parker, Ideal Moth second up since January 28 settled at the tail after being taken back from inside the second line as Lochiel Lad outside the front line crossed Hes Gonski (gate 5) to lead from gate six with Foregone Conclusion (gate 3) easing away from three pegs to race exposed.

Gaining a split in-between runners in the last lap, Ideal Moth once into the clear eased wide on turning and rattled home at 100 miles an hour to register a 1.2 metre victory over Lochiel Lad which looked all over a winner on turning. Forgone Conclusion fought on doggedly for third 5.9 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.4.

■ Six year old Sunshine Beach-Champagne Heaven mare Beach Heaven was a tough victor of the 2100 metre North West AG Services Trotters Mobile for Dunnstown’s David Murphy, Restrained from gate four to be four back along the markers after Col Du Granon (gate five) led, Beach Heaven came away from the inside to lead up the outside line racing for the bell.

Taking a narrow margin approaching the final bend, Beach Heaven showed plenty of tenacity to fight back and defeat Whats The Tea along the sprint lane by 1.5 metres, with Abbie five pegs from outside the front line (one/one at

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

the bell – three wide home turn) weakening on her finish to be third 1.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.

■ Toolleen’s Alby Ashwood trained and reined 5Y0 Major In Art-Special Ball gelding Likeable Rogue to victory in the 2100 metre Community Bank Charlton & District Charlton Cup Day March 16 Pace.

Restrained from outside the front line to settle at the rear with Smart And Mighty leading from gate four with Major Manbar (gate five) outside him crossing shortly after, Likeable Rogue following Major Drama (gate two) which had crossed the leader in the last lap raced clear to gain the day by 3.4 metres.

Major Manbar which dropped out on the home turn came again in the straight to finish third a head away. The mile rate 1-55.9.

■ Marong co-trainers Terry and Jacinta-Allen Gange landed the 2100 metre Heenan’s Charlton Newsagency Pace with honest 8Y0 Modern ArtCaro Ella gelding Mister Jimaringle who has been racing well of late.

Trailing the poleline leader Lollipop from inside the second line, Mister Jimaringle enjoyed a charmed trip as the leader was given no peace.

Angling five wide on the final bend, Mister Jimaringle ran home strongly to blouse a sprint laning Budd Sidewinder (three pegs) by three metres in a 1-58.1 mile rate. Lollipop fought on tenaciously for third 2.1 metres back.

10 events

■ Popular Kilmore was Thursday’s venue where a massive 10-event card of entertaining racing was held.

Veteran Bendigo trainer Bruce Morgan probably had the longest priced winner of his long career when speedy 8Y0 Four Starzzz SharkRuby Slippers at odds of $51.00 led throughout in the Buds and Branches Florist Pace over 1690 metres.

Driven by Liam Older, Polly Peacham raced in partnership by Bruce and Tony Vlaeminck began with her usual speed from gate six to lead throughout, just lasting by a head from Our True Colours (gate three on the second line), with polemarker Hurrikane Dusty using the sprint lane from three pegs third a nose away in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 1-56.7.

■ When your lucks in anything can happen and Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham can testify to this after winning a double – 5Y0 Used To Me-Sonoko mare Dossier taking the 2180 metre C & M Build Group Trotters Mobile and 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Bettor Downunder mare Bettorsweetvictory the 1690 metre MC Security Pace.

Dossier bred and raced by twin brother Leigh with Ellen Tormey in the sulky after being trapped wide from gate three on the second line went forward to be one/one at the bell as Charlie Walker (gate four) led.

Easing three wide for the last lap, Dossier ran home stylishly to prevail by 1.2 metres from Manda Kyvalley which raced exposed, with Charlie Walker battling on gamely for third after having pressure applied approaching the final bend. The mile rate 2-05.

Bettorsweetvictory backed as if there was no settling to run at $1.40 was sent forward from gate five by Josh Duggan after being trapped wide to lead from the bell and score by 7.4 metres

This Week

■ Wednesday – Terang/Bendigo, Thursday – Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Geelong, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Charlton (Cup) / Cranbourne, Tuesday – Shepparton.

from the early leader Alcatraz Girl (gate two), with polemarker Taste It using the sprint lane from three pegs last lap third 4.9 metres away. Raced by a large syndication Bettorsweetvictory certainly was for connections returning a mile rate of 1-58.4.

■ Seven year old Auckland Reactor-Village Guest gelding Playnice backed in from $10 in the morning line to run at $2 justified the heavy support when successful in the Jet Roofing Pace over 1690 metres.

Trained at Heathcote by Terry French, Playnice driven by Murchison’s Ryan Sanderson led throughout from gate four to win as he pleased by 18 metres in advance of a deathseating Tex Goes Bang (gate six) and Kimchi from last which rattled home for third 1.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.1.

■ Six year old Sunshine Beach-Sterita gelding Sunstar was rewarded for consistency when winning the Momentum Gaming Pace over 1690 metres. Trained at Pipers Creek (Kyneton) by Tony Xiriha and driven by son Ben, Sunstar after beginning fast from gate four led throughout, just lasting by a half head from the raging hot favourite Poppy Wah Wah (three wide last lap from the tail). Black Cameo which trailed the winner from the pole was third 1.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-56.8.

Pacing Cup

■ What was once the showcase of the Ararat Club’s season – the Ararat Pacing and Trotting Cups each to the value of $20,000 were held last Friday. The Pacing Cup sponsored by the Ararat Advocate over the short trip of 2195 metres was taken out by Kooreh (St Arnaud) co-trainers Shaun and Jason McNaulty’s 6Y0 Sunshine Beach-Our Prima Regal entire Pesci much to the delight of owners the Charantoss Racing Syndicate.

In what was an outstanding drive by James Herbertson, Pesci starting from the extreme draw settled at the tail as the heavily backed Sometuffluv led from gate two for Josh Duggan and Beeac’s Courtney Slater.

Trailing up both Chasing Rex (gate five) one/ two and Dawson (one/three – gate three on the second line ) racing for the bell which cleared the leader prior to the final bend, Pesci was angled to drop to the back of the leader approaching the home turn as the leaders looked like fighting out the finish.

Using the sprint lane, Pesci ran home strongly to record a 3.7 metre margin over Chasing Rex and Dawson which looked the winner halfway up the running but gave ground over the closing stages to be third 4 metres away.

In quarters of 30.2, 31.4, 29.1 and 28.4 for the final mile after a lead time of 40.1 seconds, Pesci returned a mile rate of 1-56.7 which was a second outside Perfect Stride’s 2022 record of 1.55.7.

■ There have been some great horses that have won the race in the past such as Love Ina Chevy (2019), Antigua Bay (2007), Send Me A Dream (1998), Allbenz (1997) Empire Fella (1991), Its Motor Power (1990) and Ararat’s own Sporting Star who was the inaugural victor in 1976.

The Ararat Pre Mix King Trotters Cup over 2570 metres went to 40 metre backmarker Aldebaran Vera, a daughter Trixton and Kyvalley Aldebaran trained by Ecklin South duo Marg and Paddy Lee.

Driven by Jason Lee, Aldebaran Vera raced by the family’s Levarg Racing Group bided her time at the rear before going forward on the back of local hope Jazspur (30m) in the last lap which got the better of the pacemaker Our Villa Boy prior to the final bend, Aldebaran Vera raced clear over the concluding stages to record a convincing 5.7 metre margin over Jazzspur, with More Wanted (three pegs) for most of the race third after angling three wide running into the home turn. In quarters of 31, 30.9, 30.4 and 29.9 after a lead time of 76.5 seconds, Aldebaran Vera returned a mile rate of 2-02.5.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

Latest News Teen over limit

■ Emergency services responded to a crash in Point Cook on Friday nuight (Feb. 28)/ It is believed a silver Toyota Corolla collided with a tree on Tom Roberts Parade about 10.40pm.

The driver of the Toyota, a 15-year-old Point Cook girl, underwent a preliminary breath test at the scene where she allegedly returned a positive result.

She was taken to a police station for an evidentiary breath test, returning an alleged reading of 0.122.

The girl is expected to be charged on summons with drink driving offences, dangerous driving, unlicensed driving and other traffic related offences.

The passengers, two 14-year-old girls and a 15-year-old girl were treated by paramedics at the scene.

The Toyota substantial sustained damage.

AI-generated abuse

■ Two Australian men are among 25 people arrested as part of a global operation targeting the alleged production and distribution of child abuse material generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

The Australian Federal Police charged the Australians as part of a global resolution for Operation Cumberland, which was led by Danish Police and involved Europol and law enforcement agencies from 19 countries.

A Queensland man, 31, was charged on February 25, and was granted police bail to appear in court on March 19.

A New South Wales man, 38, was charged on February 26. He faced Downing Centre Local Court on February 27, and was granted bail to reappear in court at a later date.

The men are not believed to know each other.

The extensive investigation began in Denmark, Europe, when local police arrested a Danish national for allegedly producing AIgenerated child abuse material and selling it online to users through a subscription service.

Danish law enforcement allegedly identified 273 subscribers in 19 countries and alerted the relevant authorities, including the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.

Art at Herring Is.

■ The Contemporary Art Society Victoria presents A4 Art Australia 2025. It opened last Saturday (Mar. 1) at Herring Island Gallery

The exhibition continues March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 and April 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

Gallery hours are 11am to 430pm

Gallery access is via Como Landing, South Yarra. The Parks Victoria Punt leaves regularly from Como Landing South Yarra during opening hours.

★

Portland Bay Press presents Miniatures in March, small works by PBP members.

The exhibition continues through March at 19-21 Julia St, Portland.

Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm.

★

The Contemporary Art Society Victoria will be exhibiting at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2025 from March 26-30. at the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.

Entertainment

2025 GREEN ROOM AWARD NOMINATIONS

■ The nominations for the 42nd Annual Green Room Awards were announced last Wednesday (Feb. 26).

The most nominated productions this year includeGroundhiog Day (11 nominations), Candide (9 nominations), 37 (8 nominations), My Brilliant Career (8 nominations) and Counting & Cracking (7 nominations).

Anton Berezin, President of the Green Room Awards Association, said: "During 2024, our vibrant industry delivered a remarkable breadth and depth of theatrical experiences to Victorian audiences.

“Over 380 shows were considered by the Green Room Awards panelists in arriving at this year’s nominees.

“We look forward to coming together to honour and acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the artists who enrich our lives and communities through their creativity, hard-work and determination.”

CABARET OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Stephen Nicolazzo for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Sharnema Nougar for Boklesque presented by Lauren Bok as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Declan Fay for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Jonathan Homsey (Choreography) for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

OUTSTANDING ORIGINALSONGS

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

Imogen Whittaker for The Last Word presented by Imogen Whittaker and The Butterfly Club

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Reuben Kaye and Shanon D Whitelock for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Rachel Tunaley for Motion Sickness presented by Rachel Tunaley and The Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

OUTSTANDINGWRITING

Reuben Kaye for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Natalie Gamsu and Ash Flanders for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION DESIGN

Joe Noonan (Production Design) for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Finucane & Smith with the support of Melbourne Fringe (Space/Staging Design); Liam Maitland Way and Finucane & Smith (Lighting Design); David Anderson, Wear Isaac, Keon Couture, Catherine D'Lish, Imogen Kelly and Glennys Briggs’ Cloak from Yorta Yorta Country (Costume Design); Wear Isaac for Glory Box and Adrienne Chisholm for Burlesque Hour (Drapes Design) for Finucane & Smith's Global Smash Club as part of Melbourne Fringe. Josh Sanders for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

Bec Matthews (Sound Design), Romanie Harper (Designer), Monique Aucher (Lighting Design), Chris Bennett (Video), Nathan Burmeister, Jo Foley, Jodi Hope, Zoë Rouse (Costume construction) for Fuck Christmas presented by Malthouse Theatre Fat Fruit (Sarah Ward & Bec Matthews) and Susie Dee

Bethany J Fellows (Visual Design), Spencer Herd (Lighting Design), Rachel Lewindon (Sound) for SUGAR presented by Bullet Heart

Club for Melbourne Fringe

Alex Saad (Lighting Design), Tamara Keane (Costume Design), Gabe Freeman (Costume Design – mascot), Kitiya Palaskas (Set Design), Julia Green (Makeup Design) for Outgrown presented by Em Rusciano OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

Fuck Christmas (The Company) presented by Malthouse Theatre and Fat Fruit (Sarah Ward & Bec Matthews) and Susie Dee

Gabi Barton, John Marc Desengano, Joh Fairley, Jess Love, Wai-zea Man, Bec Matthews, Seth Sladen, Sarah Ward, Nicci Wilks, Dale Woodbridge-brown, Milo Hartill (standby)

Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias

Finucane & Smith's Global Smash Club (The Company) as part of Melbourne Fringe

Moira Finucane, Maude Davey, Yumi Umiumare, Mama Alto, Imogen Kelly, Zitao Deng, Xiao Xiao, Isabel Finucane, Piera Dennerstein plus guests Iva Rosebud, Glennys Briggs, Ian Muir

The Von Donk Family Old-Timey Vaudeville Revue presented by Andrew McClelland and Louisa Fitzhardinge and the Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy

FORM 7

Festival. Louisa Fitzhardinge and Andrew McClelland

Mel & Sam – The Platonic Human Centipede presented by Mel & Sam as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Mel O’Brien and Samantha Andrew OUTSTANDINGMUSICALDIRECTION

Natalie Gamsu and Mark Jones for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Geraldine Quinn with Mark Jones, Sonja Horbelt, Ash Smith and Steven J. Hearne for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Shanon D Whitelock for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

John Thorn for Love Can Be Easy presented by John Thorn as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 1 on Title Plan TP112609T contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09656 Folio 652, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920068J depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of TR LA Spina Super Fund Pty Ltd (ACN 629 971 740) (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 9 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival OUTSTANDINGARTISTE

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Reuben Kaye for Apocalipstik as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Josh Sanders for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

Natalie Gamsu for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Tomáš Kantor for SUGAR presented by Bullet Heart Club part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDINGCONTRIBUTION TO CABARET

To be announced at the Ceremony ★ CONTEMPORARYAND EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCE OUTSTANDINGWORK

Continued Next Page

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision PS328749K contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10207 Folio 952, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920062W depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Phillip Raymond Pollock and Victoria Louise Pollock (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Entertainment

From Previous Page

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by

The Substation and Club Greg International

The Splendid Anomaly presented by Arts House

Desastres presented by Now or Never Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER

Marcus Ian McKenzie for The Crying Room: Exhumed

Ahrmanya Price for The Splendid Anomaly

Dr Melinda Smith for Conduit Bodies OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg International Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe

In Place presented by Na Djinang Circus with Circa Cairns as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival Edging presented by Arts House OUTSTANDINGSOUND WORK

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg International Desastres presented by Now or Never Electric Cathedral presented by The Consort of Melbourne as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Headwater presented by Musica Viva Australia in association with Abbotsford Convent as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Rorqual presented by Rubiks Collective OUTSTANDING DESIGN

Marcus Ian McKenzie, Romanie Harper, Richard Vabre, Anna Nalpantidis, Derrick Duan

Classifieds

FORM 7

and Maria Moles for The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club

Greg International

Ahmarnya Price, Susie Dee, Kelly Ryall, Rhian Hinkley and Richard Vabre for The Splendid Anomaly presented by Arts House

Justin Talplacido Shoulder, Matthew Stegh, Anthony Aitch, Fausto Brusamolino and Corin

Ileto for ANITO presented by Arts House and RISING

Samara Hersch, Belle Santos, Fred Rodrigues and Jen Hector for Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank

Marco Fusinato for Desastres presented by Now or Never

OUTSTANDINGTECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT

The team of The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg In

The team of Desastres presented by Now or Never

The team of Conduit Bodies presented by Arts House and Melbourne Fringe in association with Arts Centre Melbourne – Alter State

The team of Transmission presented by The Substation and Melbourne Fringe

The team of Soft Centre: Supermodel Late Night presented by Now or Never OUTSTANDINGWORK BY OR FOR YOUNGAUDIENCES

The World is Lava presented by ArtPlay and House of Muchness

Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 7 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 385, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920067L depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Mohamed Mahmoud Khairy Morsi Mosa (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

DANCE OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE

Cuddle (Harrison Ritchie-Jones), presented by Arts House

One Single Action (Lucy Guerin), presented by RISING

Arkadia (Melanie Lane), presented by The Substation and RISING

Pieces: Swallow (Joel Bray), presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMAC

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

Hold me closer Tony Danza (The Farm), presented by MPAC

OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

One Single Action (Lucy Guerin), presented by RISING

Superposition (Gabriel Sinclair and Jazmyn Carter), presented by Dancehouse

Temple of Desire (Govind Pillai/ Karma Dance), presented by Melbourne Fringe Fertile Ground (Ashleigh Musk and Michael Smith), presented by Dancehouse

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - SOUND

Reuben Lewis for Animalising presented by ImPermanence Productions

Chris Clark for Arkadia presented by The Substation and RISING

Anna Whitaker for Fertile Ground, presented by Dancehouse

Robert Downie for Pictures & Ghosts, presented by Dancehouse

Andrew Wilson for Four Sites: Muddy, presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne Fringe

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 6 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 384, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920066N depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Qi Wang and Zhengmin Li (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - LIGHT

Damien Cooper for Momenta, by Sydney Dance Company and Arts Centre Melbourne

Rachel Lee for Pieces, presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMAC

Paul Lim for One Single Action, presented by RISING

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - VISUAL

Chunky Move with Honey Long and Prue Stent (Set) of You, Beauty, presented by Chunky Move and RISING

Eugyeene Teh (Set & Costume) for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Jenni Large (Visual Design) for Wet Hard Long, presented by Dancehouse

Katy Moir (Visual Design) for Gurr Era Op, presented by Arts House

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER(S) (TWOAWARDS)

Christopher Gurusamy for Ananda: Dance of Joy, presented by Dancehouse

Trevor Dunn for The Solos, presented by Weave Movement Theatre and Dancehouse

Bec Jensen for Four Sites: Muddy, presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne FringeBenedicte Bemet for Oscar, presented by Australia Ballet

Ako Kondo for Oscar, presented by Australia Ballet

Samuel Harnett-Welk for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Georgia Rudd for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Arabella Frahn-Starkie for Pictures & Ghosts, presented by Dancehouse

Jordan Charles Herbert for Vanguard presented by Boss Dance Co.

Ashtyn Gloury for Vanguard presented by Boss Dance Co.

Tra Mi Dinh for Pieces: Seven Dances for Two People presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMACAgus Riyanto for Animalising, presented by ImPermanence Productions BREAKINGGROUNDAWARD

Harrison Ritchie-Jones for 2024 body of work Weave Movement Theatre for The Solos

Alisdair Macindoe for the concept execution of Plagiary, presented by Arts Centre Melbourne OUTSTANDINGCREATION

Cuddle (Harrison Ritchie-Jones), presented by Arts House

Four Sites (Jo Lloyd), presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne Fringe Pictures & Ghosts (Arabella Frahn-Starkie), presented by Dancehouse

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

Fertile Ground (Ashleigh Musk and Michael Smith), presented by Dancehouse ★ INDEPENDENTTHEATRE OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

Hamlet, presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company. Jacob Collins-Levy, Simon Maiden, Peter Houghton, Natasha Herbert, Christopher Stollery, Orion CareyClarke, Darcy Kent, Laurence Boxhall, Ben Walter, Aisha Aidara, Gispa Walstab, Dulcie Smart, Gareth Reeves, Darren Gilshenan, Terry Yeboah, and Emmanuel Mattana Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation. lem Baade, Swann Biguet, Michael Buxton, Rachel Edward, Nilgun Guven, Jorlene Lim, Joshua Lynzaat, Paul Matley, Mike McEvoy, Isha Menon, Ryan New, Heath O'Loughlin, Kerryn Poke, and Louise Riisik

Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald, Harry McGee and Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta)

The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs Iopu Auva'a, Rupert Bevan, Juan Gomez, Tomáš Kantor, Javon King, Joss McClelland, Dion Mills, Jillian Murray, Hunter Perske, Charles Purcell, Karl Richmond, Christian Taylor, and Alex Thew

We're Banking On It! presented by MUST in association with Bloomshed, with fortyfivedownstairsKieran O'Baoill, Ava Toon, John Burgess, Eloise Vernon, Thu Pham, Sophie Foster, Cal Darvall, Luca Edwards,Tiara Pires and Simmar Chawla OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER (Two Awards)

Nicci Wilks for Bad Boy, presented by Dee, Cornelius and Wilks with fortyfivedownstairs and Melbourne Fringe, as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Felix Nobis for Beowulf: Reforged presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival Continued Next Page

Entertainment

From Previous Page

Brigid Gallacher for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Charles Purcell for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Noni Hazlehurst for Mother, presented by Hey Dowling and Arts Centre Melbourne

Molly Holohan for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Hayley Edwards for Shitbag, via Tiny Table Reads as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Charles Purcell for The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Belinda Anderson-Hunt for The Sun and The Hermit, presented by Belinda AndersonHunt as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Lana Schwarcz for The Terminator, presented by Lana Schwarcz with La Mama as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN

Jenny Hector for Bad Boy, presented by Dee, Cornelius and Wilks with fortyfivedownstairs and Melbourne Fringe, as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Richard Vabre for Milked, presented by The Ninth Floor

Meg Wilson for The Exact Dimensions of Hell, presented by Mackey, Darling & CollaboratorsSpencer Herd for the last train to madeline, presented by Fever103 Theatre

Shane Grant for The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long OUTSTANDINGWRITING

Liv Satchell for Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship), presented by VIMH with La Mama Theatre as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Benjamin Nichol for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Alex Hines for Putting On A Show, presented by Sons of Stratford as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Hayley Edwards for Shitbag, via Tiny Table Reads as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald and Harry McGee) for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Pummel Squad, presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION

Katrina Cornwell for Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation Cassandra Fumi for Rhinoceros, presented by Spinning Plates Co with fortyfivedownstairs

Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald, Harry McGee and Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta) for Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad

Kitan Petkovski for The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Nadja Kostich for The Word, presented by St Martins

OUTSTANDINGSOUND DESIGN

Georgie Wolfe for Beowulf: Reforged presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Con Coutis and Justin Gardam for CON 2077, presented by Bright Side Presents with Malthouse Theatre as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Jack Burmeister for The Roof is Caving In, presented by Frenzy Theatre Co with La Mama Theatre

The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long

Yanto Shortis for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Pummel Squad, presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION DESIGN (Two Awards)

Tom Halls of TumYumSim (Technical / Digital Design) for A Suffocating Choking Feeling, presented by TomYumSim (Simone French & Tom Halls) with La Mama Theatre

Nathan Burmeister (Set and Costume Design) for Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation

Alex Hines, Alex Orlando-Smith and Riley McCullagh (Set & Costume Design) for Putting On A Show, presented by Sons of Stratford as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival Erin Adams (Scent) for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Eloise Kent (Set) for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Jacob Battista (Set) & Dann Barber (Set & Costume) for Rhinoceros, presented by Spinning Plates Co with fortyfivedownstairs

Savanna Wegman (Set) for the last train to

madeline, presented by Fever103 Theatre

Joanne Mott (Set) for The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald and Harry McGee) (AV / Production Design) for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, presented by Pummel Squad

Nathan Burmeister (Set & Costume) for We're Banking On It! presented by MUST in association with Bloomshed, with fortyfivedownstairs OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship), presented by VIMH with La Mama Theatre as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad

The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, presented by Pummel Squad as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival ★

Music Theatre – Independent/Fringe OUTSTANDINGARTIST – LEADING ROLE

Jude Pearl for Share House – The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents Nadine Garner for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Stephanie Astrid John for Twelfth Night - A Musical presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company

Maxwell Simon for Twelfth Night - A Musi-

cal presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company

Lansy Feng for Hidden Tunes presented by Small Ripples Theatre OUTSTANDINGARTISTSUPPORTING ROLE

Anthony Craig for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Kerrie Anne Greenland for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Madeleine Featherby for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne

Melanie Bird for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Jennifer Vuletic for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OR FEATURED ENSEMBLE

Emma Clair Waxman, Olivia Charalambous, and Stephanie Astrid John for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

The Company for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

The Company for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

The Company for Twelfth Night - A Musical presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN MUSIC THEATRE WRITING

Samuel Kristy (Music) for Quasimodo The Musical (In Concert) presented by Broadwest Productions in association with The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra

Jude Pearl, Desiree Munro, Brendan Tsui for Share House - The Musical presented by Arts

FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision LP126750S contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10115 Folio 577, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920061Y depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Michael Leigh Lambe and Emma Kate Lambe (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Centre Melbourne presents Bec Price (Vocal Arrangements) for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

Simon Stone (Score), Peter Fitzpatrick (Book & Lyrics) for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne OUTSTANDINGDESIGN

Jason Bovaird (Lighting) for Son Called Moon presented by Mammoth Records NSG

Britni Leslie (Costume) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

Damien Jones (Set) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

Jason Bovaird (Lighting) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

Rachel Porter (Production Design) for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

Shannon Rogers for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre CompanyLouise Panagiotidis for The Three Little Pigs presented by Andrew Gyopar (AG Theatre)

Freya List for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – MUSIC

Simon Stone for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne

Vicky Jacobs for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Daniele Buatti for Lucky Stiff presented by Bold Offer Productions & Be You Productions for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Continued Next Page

FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision LP207991T contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09784 Folio 604, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920060B depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Beverley Lorraine Holinger (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 11 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

From Previous Page

Brendan Tsui for Share House - The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents

Dave Barclay & Ned Dixon for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – STAGE

Miranda Middleton with Ashley Taylor Tickell for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Bec Price for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

Tyran Parke for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Share House - The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company ★

Music Theatre – Commercial/Funded OUTSTANDINGARTIST –LEADING ROLE

Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty Kala Gare for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Elise McCann for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Ruva Ngwenya for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

FORM 7

Andy Karl for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR

Productions

OUTSTANDINGARTISTSUPPORTING ROLE

Peter Rowsthorn for CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live

Raj Labade for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Genevieve Lemon for Sister Act presented by Crossroads Live

Blake Bowden for The Rocky Horror Show presented by Crossroads Live

Robert Grubb for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE/FEATURED ENSEMBLE

The Company for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

The Company for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

The Company for CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live

The Company for Carousel – A Concert presented by Enda Markey

OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN MUSIC THEATRE WRITING

To be announced at the Ceremony

OUTSTANDING DESIGN (Two Awards)

Marg Horwell (Set) for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Rob Howell (Set & Costume) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment &

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 5 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 383, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920065Q depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Kelvin Stewart Drummond and Claire Robina Drummond (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 13 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council. For

Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Hugh Vanstone (Visual-Lighting) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Paul Kieve (Visual-Illusions) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

David Greaseley (Sound) for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Tom Brickhill (Sound) for CAROUSEL - A Concert presented by Enda Markey

Campbell Young and Associates (WHAM: Wigs, Hair & Make-Up) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Campbell Young and Associates - Harold Mertens & Wouter Somers (WHAM: Wigs, Hair & Make-Up) for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

Matt West for Beauty and The Beast presented by Disney Australia

Amy Campbell for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Lizzi Gee for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Cameron Mitchell for MENOPAUSE - THE MUSICAL presented by Sam Klingner, SK Entertainment

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision 149469D contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09611 Folio 720, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920059K depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Jiancai Hao (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 17 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

For and on behalf of the Council

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – MUSIC

Paul Christ and Kristen Blodgette for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Victoria Falconer for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Nigel Ubrihien for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Christina Polimos for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

Guy Simpson for CAROUSEL - A Concert presented by Enda Markey

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – STAGE

Anne-Louise Sarks for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Matthew Warchus for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Phyllida Lloyd for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

Paul Warwick Griffin for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Cameron Mitchell for MENOPAUSE - THE MUSICAL presented by Sam Klingner, SK Entertainment

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live ★

OPERA

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANCE INA LEAD ROLE (Two Awards)

Diego Torre for Tosca presented by Opera Australia

Christopher Hillier for Rothschild’s Violin presented by iOpera

Michael Honeyman for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Lyndon Watts for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Desiree Frahn for Eucalyptus presented by Victorian Opera and Opera Australia

Karah Son for Tosca presented by Opera Australia

Elena Xanthoudakis for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera

Kiandra Howarth for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Katherine Allen for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANCE INA SUPPORTING ROLE (Two Awards)

Chloe Taylor for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Juel Riggal for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Alex Lewis for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Doug Kelly for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Nina Korb for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Eddie Muliaumaseali’I for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera OUTSTANDINGDESIGN

Gabriel Bethune (Lighting) and Max Bowyer (Set) for Don Giovanni presented by BK Opera

Peter Amesbury (Lighting) for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera

Jacob Battista and Sophie Woodward (Set) for La Boheme presented by Melbourne Opera

Dann Barber (Set and Costumes) Matt Scoot (Lighting) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Jacob Battista (Set) and Amelia LeverDavidson (Lighting) for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Gary Abrahams for La Boheme presented by Melbourne Opera

Dean Bryant (Direction) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Stuart Maunder for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera Freya List (Choreography) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Katy Maudlin for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne OUTSTANDINGMUSICALACHIEVEMENT

Orchestra Victoria, Ben Northey (Cond.) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera Continued Next Page

From Previous Page

Orchestra Victoria, Tobias Ringborg (Cond.) for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Programming for Rothschild’s Violin presented by iOpera

Ensemble for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Ensemble for Eucalyptus presented by Victorian Opera/Opera Australia

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Candide presented by Victorian Opera La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne ★ THEATRE COMPANIES

OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN WRITING:

S. Shakthidharan (writer) with Eamon Flack (associate writer) for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Nathan Maynard for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Suzie Miller for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Maxine Beneba Clarke for The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

Merlynn Tong for Golden Blood. Melbourne Theatre Company presents a Griffin Theatre Company Production

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE:

37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

English presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Emu in the Sun as part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

Community News

Unlocking legacy of Vietnam War

■ Ffity years after its conclusion, the State Government says that it continues to recognise and honour the enduring legacy, courage and resilience of Vietnamese refugee communities and veterans who served in the Vietnam War.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt and Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman attended a commemorative event on Sunday (Mar. 2) at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum to mark the anniversary.

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, in partnership with the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, held the commemorative event with $29,900 in funding support from the Government through the Regional Multicultural Festival and Events fund.

“The Vietnam War shaped the lives of many Victorians – both those who served and the Vietnamese families who sought refuge here,” a Government representative said.

“Victoria’s Vietnamese community makes countless ongoing contributions to the rich social, economic and cultural fabric of the state, which is a testament to their strength and resilience.

“Six decades after Australia became involved in the Vietnam War, Victorians also pay respect to the 60,000 Australians who served for more than a decade including 3000 who were wounded and 521 who lost their lives.

“The Government has invested $6.67 million to build Australia’s first ever Vietnamese cultural centre and museum in Sunshine – set to provide Vietnamese Victorians with a place to celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of migration and refugee settlement.

It will form the sixth cultural museum in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, alongside the Hellenic Museum, Museum of Chinese Australian History, Jewish Museum, Islamic Museum and Museo Italiano

OUTSTANDINGCOMPOSITION & SOUND DESIGN

Dan West for The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

James Henry for Body of Work (37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre and Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company)

Paul Charlier for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Marco Cher-Gibard for Homo Pentecostus presented by Joel Bray Dance and Malthouse Theatre

Stefan Gregory for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN

BROCKMAN for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Ben Hughes for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Alexander Berlage for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Amelia Lever-Davidson for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre

Katie Sfetkidis for Body of Work

(Homo Pentecostus presented by Joel Bray Dance and Malthouse Theatre and Blak in the Roompresented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING SET+

COSTUME DESIGN

Zoe Rouse for The Hate Race presented by

FORM 7

Malthouse Theatre

David Fleischer for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Dale Ferguson for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Sophie Woodward for Topdog/Underdog presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Dann Barber for Emu in the Sun as part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Dino Dimitriadis for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Isaac Drandic (Director & Co-Choreographer) & Waaneega Blanco (Co-Choreographer) for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Priscilla Jackson for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Eamon Flack (director) & S. Shakthidharan (associate director) for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Kat Henry for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANC (Two Awards)

Heather Mitchell for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Nadie Kammallaweera for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 4 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 382, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920064S depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Henning Horn Enterprises Pty Ltd (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

Ras-Samuel for Topdog/Underdog presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Lucy Ansell for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre

Melodie Reynolds for Gunawarra Re-Creation part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

Syd Brisbane for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Tibian Wyles for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Janet Anderson for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Oli Pizzen Stratford for Cost of Living presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Rachel Edmonds for Cost of Living presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

English presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGCREATIVE COLLABORATION (SpecialAward)

To be announced at the Ceremony

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN

of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 381, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920063U depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Honglan Hou and Campbell Ross Thompson (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.