PLANS to export hydrogen from Western Port to Japan are in doubt, after the lead company in the venture, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, issued conflicting reports about its viability and their intention to proceed.
The project was seen as an essential part of the hydrogen energy supply chain (HESC) that would see the manufacturing of hydrogen from brown coal in the Latrobe Valley, before being liquefied at Hastings and shipped to Japan to provide what proponents call “green energy” in that country. The brown coal-to-hydrogen
project’s commercial partners, led by Kawasaki, have been backed by the federal and state governments, who each provided $50m towards the pilot project, with another $2.35b reportedly offered by the Japanese government towards the commercial project, should it proceed.
The project has been controversial from the start, with former Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne effectively bypassing Mornington Peninsula Shire’s planning authority by fast-tracking approval in 2019.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor at the time, Cr Bryan Payne, said news of the government’s takeover of planning powers for the hydrogen project “sadly reflects on the
Work begins on the Somerville to Baxter Trail
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh and Hastings MP Paul Mercurio have turned the first sod to celebrate construction starting on the Somerville to Baxter Trail.
This much-anticipated new shared path is a vital missing link in the grand vision for the Peninsula Trails project, a 170km network of connected trails traversing the Mornington Peninsula.
Once the Somerville-Baxter section is complete, walkers and cyclists will be able to travel off road from central Melbourne all the way to Balnarring.
“The Somerville-Baxter Trail was council’s first priority in terms of filling in the missing links of the Peninsula Trails project, and we are extremely grateful to both the Australian and Victorian governments for providing funding,” said Marsh.
state of planning in Victoria and raises issues of where public health and safety responsibility fits with government at both the federal and state level” (Hydrogen plant to get all clear, The News 6/11/18).
Environmentally, opponents argue the HESC project is just another inappropriate development in ecologically delicate Western Port, with an estimated 3.8 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and other noxious gases produced each year from the production process. The HESC project partners have said they will use carbon capture and storage technology to pump those gasses deep underground in the Gippsland Basin; a process opponents say has never succeeded anywhere globally despite
“The Victorian government contributed $3m and the Australian government committed $2m. Council contributed the remaining $2.8m to allow this important project to go ahead.
“Our community has been calling for this shared path for many years. It will dramatically improve access, connectivity and amenity for our Western Port communities, connecting up existing paths and giving our residents the chance to ditch the car and travel safely by foot or by bike to school, the shops or work.
“It will also further cement the peninsula’s reputation as a cycling and walking destination, attracting off-peak visitors lured by the opportunity to walk or cycle off road from central Melbourne – via the Bay Trail and Peninsula Link Trail – all the way to Balnarring.
“This project will create economic, health and wellbeing benefits for countless Victorians for many years to come, and that’s something worth celebrating. I look forward to trying out the new path once it’s complete.”
Construction of the new shared path is anticipated to be complete by late 2025. For more on the Somerville-Baxter Trail, visit: mornpen.vic. gov.au/pentrailupdate
billions being spent in developing the technology.
It’s argued that while the project would enable Japan to cut it’s CO2 emissions, it would lift Victoria’s emissions, raising doubts whether the state will meet its emissions target reductions of 75-80 per cent by 2035; net zero by 2045 (MPs under pressure over hydrogen, The News 14/11/23).
But delays and setbacks in the project have seen it falter. Pressure in Australia against the project has remained high, and the safety of the project was questioned after a fire aboard the purpose-built hydrogen tanker, Suiso Frontier, while moored in Western Port in 2022 (Fire aboard hydrogen ship, The News 5/4/22).
Japanese media reported in mid-November that Kawasaki had “significantly revised its plans” to “establish an international supply chain to procure hydrogen from Australia” as it had become difficult to procure hydrogen in Australia within the deadline. The report by Japanese news outlet Nikkei stated “the company has changed hydrogen procurement to domestic” and it was “downsizing its hydrogen carriers and is steering towards a more ‘realistic solution’”. The apparent policy change by the global energy giant was a cause for celebration by environmental groups that had lobbied against the project for years.
Continued Page 4
DEREK Rotter, Cr Kate Roper, Will Connard, mayor Cr Anthony Marsh, Hastings MP Paul Mercurio, Davey Smith, and Kevin Chuck celebrate the start of the Somerville to Baxter Trail construction.
Picture: Supplied
Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees
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Baby dolphin brings joy to scientists
A HEARTWARMING discovery of a new baby dolphin at Port Phillip Bay has created a whirl of excitement for scientists from the peninsula’s Dolphin Research Institute.
The newborn calf, born in the middle of November, marked an exciting milestone the dolphin community – with the sighting being even more remarkable as Port Phillip is the only bay in the world where common dolphins reside.
Ella Hutchinson, the Institute’s Williamson Research Fellow, expressed her delight.
“It wasn’t until I uploaded the images to my computer that I realised the significance of this tiny dolphin,” she said.
“At first, I couldn’t believe what I saw and needed to confirm it with my colleagues.”
The newborn was conformed as the first known calf of the fourth generation of Port Phillip’s community of common dolphins.
The tiny dolphin is the first calf of Starfall, the grandcalf of Hailey and the great-grandcalf of Esther, the Institute said.
“Esther is a remarkable mother who we think had her first calf in 2007. She also has a new calf, her fifth, and it’s only a few weeks older than her great-grandcalf!”
There are now 165 common dolphins in the bay following the Institute’s first sighting of five common dolphins near Mornington in 2005.
With at least seven common dolphin calves reliant on their mothers, the Institute said the coming months were crucial for their survival.
“We urge boat owners to respect
our dolphins during Summer and not deliberately approach them”, the Institute’s executive director Jeff Weir said.
“If you see dolphins, just slow down or stop if it’s safe; they may even come to you. Enjoy the experience and let them swim off without following.”
He said the basic rules are not to approach dolphins closer than 30 metres for swimmers), 100 metres for boats, and 300m for jetskis.
The newborn calf does not have a name yet with the Dolphin Research Institute inviting everyone who joins their Adopt-A-Dolphin program over summer to suggest names for these unique dolphins.
Visit www.dolphinresearch.org.au for more information.
Brendan Rees
A new baby dolphin has been discovered at Port Phillip Bay. Picture: Supplied
Crump calls for action on ‘disgraceful’ road reserves
Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au
COMMUNITY campaigner Fred Crump is calling on the state and local governments to do more to maintain roadside corridors to reduce the fire danger this summer.
The call comes amid warnings from the Country Fire Authority about heightened risks this fire season, and calls on individuals to reduce vegetation loads around their properties.
“The CFA are asking individuals to act to reduce the fire risk, but what about state and local governments?” said Crump.
“The roadsides are an absolute disgrace. Very little maintenance is being done, and the grass and undergrowth is the worst I have ever seen.”
Crump believes the issue is being swept under the carpet, and the time has come to speak out.
“The grass should be cut and maintained. Do we have to wait until we have a major fire to realise the importance of maintaining these road reserves?”
Crump believes that as temperatures rise, and the fire risk gets higher, governments are doing less rather than more.
“It is also a safety issue. Some of the grass is so long at roundabouts and intersections, it is hard to see oncoming cars. It is ridiculous.”
“There just doesn’t seem to be any concern these days, and the local and
state governments will end up regretting their inaction.”
Crump’s call comes as Victorians are being urged to continue preparing for increased fire activity across large parts of the state this summer, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer.
A lack of rainfall across the Mornington Peninsula has resulted in more fuels available and an increased chance of fires.
In addition, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a higher chance of warmer maximum day and night temperatures over summer.
“Preparing for the higher risk weather season is a shared responsibility, and we’re asking the community to take action now to stay safe,” said Emergency Management Commissioner, Rick Nugent.
“It’s critical that you understand your fire risk – whether you’re at home, at work or on holiday. Know where you can go to receive emergency information and never rely on just one source.”
Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan, said “Now is the time for Victorians to understand their local risks, continue preparing their properties diligently, and to plan ahead with their families by reviewing their Bushfire Survival Plan.”
Keep up to date with the Fire Danger Ratings and warnings on the VicEmergency app and VicEmergency website. Make a fire plan at fireplanner.vic.gov.au.
NEW YEAR
STOCK CLEARANCE
FRED Crump inspects the roundabout on the corner of Coolart Road and Hodgins Road. Picture: Gary Sissons
Future of hydrogen export to Japan in doubt
Continued from Page 1
The secretary of Save Westernport, Julia Stockigt, told The News “Save Westernport and community groups around Western Port Bay have opposed the HESC project since 2018”.
“Western Port’s internationally recognised Ramsar Wetlands are forever being imperilled by ludicrous industrial projects with significant environmental impacts - and HESC has been the biggest threat of all.
“We were delighted to read a report in the Japanese press that said one of the key project partners has decided to pull out of HESC.
“The scale of the commercial HESC proposal was enormous; Western Port was to be used as the world’s guinea pig, with huge liquefaction, storage and shipping facilities for the commercial stage, far bigger than anything attempted anywhere in the world, to produce what the project proponents claimed was ‘renewable hydrogen’ to decarbonise Japan’s energy future.”
But celebrations could be shortlived with Kawasaki announcing what appeared to be conflicting information in December, less than a month later, stating they were “committed to developing a commercial scale project to produce clean hydrogen from brown coal and transport it to Japan”.
“However, due to time and cost pressures, the commercial demonstration phase of the project will now occur in Japan [instead of Australia].”
The release stated that representatives of Kawasaki had recently met with both state and federal government
stakeholders in relation to the project.
A Kawasaki spokesperson, Yasushi Yoshino, said “The change to phase 1 of the project does not impact Kawasaki’s commitment to the commercial scale project.”
The conflicting information has left environmental groups and Australian taxpayers, who have stumped up over $100m towards the project, in the dark.
Save Westernport and many other environment groups, including Environment Victoria and Friends of the
Pickleball at Bittern Stadium, Table Tennis, Walking, Dancing for Fun & Fitness, Exercise to Music (Beginners), Ageless Grace, Yoga, Tai Chi, Cycling, Golf, Petanque
Watercolours, Acrylic Arts, Play Reading, Craft Group, Scrabble, Mahjong, Rummikub, Card Making
Guest Speakers
Earth believe both the federal and Victorian Labor governments have an onus of responsibility to come clean on the status of HESC.
“Western Port belongs to the people of Victoria. It is a world recognised wetland — not an environment to be forever jeopardized by projects like HESC,” said Stockigt.
“We have sought clarification from our elected representatives on numerous occasions, including from Hastings MP, Paul Mercurio, but as
HASTINGS
yet we’ve received no clear answer. Decisions about HESC have always been made under a cloud of secrecy, and it seems nothing has changed.
“We’ll be meeting with Mercurio again in early 2025, and we hope to get the response our community deserves.”
“Save Westernport’s position is that any ongoing support or funding for HESC by Labor governments completely undermines their credibility on climate change, emissions and the
transfer to renewables, which, in the case of hydrogen must be authentically ‘green’— that is, not reliant on fossil fuels or on (unproven) carbon capture and storage efforts to manage the extensive emissions from gasifying coal.”
Multiple sources have told The News it appears likely the project would not proceed, discounting the most recent announcement as “a facesaving exercise”.
NEW COURSES FOR HASTINGS U3A
Be an Early Bird
After a very successful year, Hastings U3A is now forging ahead with new and exciting courses for 2025 at our venues at Bittern Memorial Centre and Hastings Hall classroom New courses have been announced for 2025:
Spanish Conversation, Computer Tasks, Acoustic Guitar, Exercise to Music (Beginners), Yoga and Tai Chi
Many of us retire with not much thought about what we will do with all that spare time We often find that not going to work leaves a fair size hole in life Suddenly your day has no plan, no social interactions, no output Why not learn something new? Enjoy social activities, participate in low impact sport, exercise and games, make new friends and social contacts There is no need to be bored or lonely If you would like a more rewarding retirement check out Hastings U3A and enjoy the company of like minded people in Hastings and the wider Western Port Community. If you are aged 50 years plus and semi or fully retired you can join our U3A as a full member for just $60 for the year which will allow you to attend any of our courses/activities (subject to availability)
What’s not to like?
Online enrolment commences 10am 16th January and there is no doubt that many courses will be full within days of online enrolment opening Don’t delay the early bird catches the worm! In person enrolments at Hastings Hall (next to library) 10am to 12noon 20th, 22nd and 24th January 2025
CHECK OUT OUR COURSES NOW website: u3ahastings org au
THE Suiso Frontier’s arrival in Western Port in January 2022 was greeted with jeers by environment groups and cheers from its backers. Within hours a “serious incident” fanned fears of the safe transportation of liquified hydrogen. Picture: Gary Sissons
Police arrest girl after fire destroys station
Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au
POLICE have interviewed a 13-yearold girl after a suspicious fire ravaged Hastings train station last month, causing significant damage to the platform’s building.
Eight CFA units were called to the fire at the Church St station about 3.45am on 21 December where they found the station “well alight”.
The blaze was brought under control within 25 minutes but despite their efforts much of the decades-old station including the waiting area and Myki terminal was destroyed.
Victoria Police confirmed the fire was suspicious with investigators having arrested and interviewed a 13-year-old Bayside girl.
“The girl has been released and may be charged at a later date,” a police spokeswoman said. Details have not been released about the cause of the fire or whether it was still being investigated.
A Metro spokesperson said the station was demolished after being “severely damaged” in the fire.
The station was temporarily closed as buses replaced trains on the Stony Point line while the area was made safe.
Trains resumed as normal from 22 December with lighting at the station also repaired.
“A temporary shelter has been erected for passengers while we will work with the Department of Transport and Planning on future plans for the station,” the spokesperson said.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio con-
gratulated Metro “for getting on to this so fast and making sure we have a station that is operational at this very important holiday and Xmas period”.
The station first opened in 1889 and was rebuilt in February 1986, replacing the original timber building. In recent months the station’s con-
dition and overall maintenance has been in the spotlight with Hastings stalwart and resident of more than 50 years Brian Stahl calling for the improvement of the rail precinct and the possible repurposing of the disused building for a social enterprise (Call for railway station renewal hosed down, The News 13/11/24).
At the time he said it was not a welcoming place for those who regularly used the station or visited Hastings for the first time by public transport.
“On behalf of our community I appeal to have this unacceptable situation dealt with promptly and properly maintained in the future,” he said.
Food relief boost to peninsula charities
TWO peninsula organisations dedicated to alleviating food insecurity have been awarded state government grants to enhance their efforts in helping those in need.
Rye Community House received $18,000, which will help build a custom outside food-safe cupboard and buy a portable fridge and freezer, while Dromana Community House has been given $31,650, which will go towards expanding its food relief with the establishment of a Dromana Community Pod.
The community pod will be at the Dromana Recreation Reserve Sporting Pavilion and in portable buildings to be provided by the shire.
The funds will also allow the house to establish a Community Pod Café providing free coffee and snacks, as well as a community pod share and training kitchen, and a seed pod kitchen garden.
“Providing free lunch from the Community Pod Cafe and an opportunity to connect over a coffee for a chat and catchup and an opportunity for those using the service to pitch in will add value to the community capacity,” Dromana Community House manager Tracey Trueman said.
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh announced the grants on 20 December as part of the government’s community food relief program, which is helping respond to the rising demand for food relief amid cost-of-living pressures.
“Our wonderful community organisations have local knowledge and connections, and these funds mean they can provide food relief where it’s needed most,” he said.
Hot springs overflow carpark used after council permit denied
spaces and 348 overflow parking spaces, including for events and festivals.
AN overflow carpark at the popular Peninsula Hot Springs, which was shut down by Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors last month after not having proper permits, is still allegedly being used.
The spa and wellness centre in Fingal had made a formal planning application to the shire to continue using the carpark at 170 Devonport Drive even though it had been operating without a permit for the past four years when the existing car park reached capacity, with access via Springs Lane.
But the proposal was rejected unanimously by councillors at their 17 December meeting after facing a community backlash, with their decision also going against council’s management’s recommendation to approve a permit despite the application attracting 66 objections.
But just weeks later, hundreds of cars could be seen on a hot day using the overflow carpark space with a sign saying “more parking this way” after the regular car park, which has 184 spaces and an additional 52 spaces for accommodation, had reached its capacity.
The application for the unpermitted carpark was for 106 staff parking
A resident showed The News a confirmation letter from the shire that a refusal to grant a permit for the carpark was issued on 20 December.
The resident said they did not see any council officers at the site enforcing the ban of the overflow carpark.
The shire and the Peninsula Hot Springs have been contacted regarding the unauthorised use of the carpark.
Several residents voiced their opposition to the proposal during the council meeting including concerns of impacts to amenity, increased traffic, noise levels, and disrupting the peaceful character of the area, as well as effects to the green wedge zone.
They also had concerns about removal of vegetation, environmental and wildlife impacts, and light pollution impacts.
“We can hear patrons laughing and yelling throughout the night; scheduled concerts, festivals and movie nights can be heard within our homes,” resident Elizabeth Stigter said.
“These last five years of increased patronage due to the access to the overflow car park clearly demonstrate the effect additional patron numbers have had on the amenity of Fingal,” she said.
The Peninsula Hot Springs’ development manager Karl Vaitiekunas was put under pressure by councillors with several questions during the meeting in which he conceded the overflow carpark had been used “informally for the last few years” and “now is the time to use the right approach”.
In response to a question about “why is it taking you so long” to seek a formal permit for the overflow carpark, Vaitiekunas said, “That’s a really, really good question”.
“I’ve been at the hot springs since October last year, and I think there’s been a procedure in place to remedy and formalise, and I believe there’s been infringements for the misuse of that area,” he said.
“We want to do it properly. That overflow carpark has been used because otherwise these cars are on Springs Lane or elsewhere, creating havoc or hazards so we believe that overflow carpark has been beneficial throughout this period, at least for that management of cars and for safety.”
Vaitiekunas said by council approving the permit, “we would have a very strong opportunity to continue the current volume of cars that we do not intend to change or intensify”, noting the venue attracted up to 800 to a thousand patrons per day at different times with the last Awaken Festival
having drawn 800 people.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro asked Vaitiekunas about the business taking the “right approach” and “what’s going to stop you” from using the overflow carpark for events to which Vaitiekunas said there “is a process for accountability and we have that at the hot springs”.
“Yes, it hasn’t been in existence previously, but there’s been significantly far more engagement with council … we acknowledge that it hasn’t been exactly to the letter of what council would typically require, so we’re remediating that situation”.
Residents in the meeting’s gallery clapped the councillors’ decision to reject the application.
One resident said their quiet amenity would “be lost” had a permit been allowed while Michael Stephens, chair of Moonah Links Estate, said there had been “substantial increase in traffic volumes” with the previous Awaken Festival held at the hot springs seeing a “full time traffic management and speed regulation” on Springs Lane and Browns Rd.
“It is time this council and its planning department held them (Peninsula Hot Springs) to account when it comes to upholding the principles of the council’s own Green Wedge management plan of 2019,” Stephens said.
Another resident said an increase
in traffic would pose a serious safety risk in the event of a major fire with cars “competing for space on roads”, while another pointed out that Devonport Drive had already been used as an access point with no monitoring from council.
Cr David Gill said while the hot springs was an important economic driver for the region there was a “growth problem” which required reviewing, as well as the council issuing secondary consents or amendments to the hot springs’ planning permit which had been extended by 31 years, which he described as “almost unheard of”.
“For some reason we’ve extended and extended this one, which means that you’re not really going back to the base, and the base is, is it acceptable?” Cr Gill said.
“I think that matters have got out of kilter with what a planning permit should be.”
Cr Bruce Ranken addressed the community concerns, emphasising the importance of balancing tourism and the needs of residents.
“I think we need to work with the residents a little more, particularly around the noise and the other components … the bushfire and the traffic management, particularly around the big events,” he said.
“So, I think going forward, how do we do it together better?”
AN unpermitted overflow carpark at the Peninsula Hot Springs was open to customers last week. Pictures: Supplied
Brendan Rees
Council rate cap set
A RATE cap of three percent has been set for Victorian councils by the state government for the next financial year.
The rate cap limits the amount of revenue that councils can raise from general rates and municipal charges. It will be three percent in the 2025/2026 financial year, a small increase on the 2.75 percent rate cap in effect for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Local government MP Nick Staikos said the rate cap “will mean local councils are able to raise necessary revenue for the services they provide, without adding cost of living pressure on households.”
“‘Fair Go’ rates are there so families have certainty over their council rates, and next financial year the increase will again be in line with the inflation rate,” he said.
“The rate cap has made a real difference to household budgets since it was introduced”.
Frankston Council and the Mornington Peninsula Shire each made submissions to the state government’s inquiry into local government funding and services prior to the local government elections last year outlining concerns about cost shifting onto councils.
Frankston Council’s submission to the inquiry, signed by then-mayor and current Liberal Dunkley candidate Nathan Conroy, read “the current rate cap system is not providing sufficient rate revenue to match the actual increase in the cost base of existing services and infrastructure.” Frankston Council called for the introduction of a “Local Government Cost Index for the setting of the Victorian rate cap,
WHAT'S NEW...
that reflects the cost factors of local government.”
(“Mayor calls for rate cap review” The News 22/7/2024)
The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s submission read that cost shifting would result in an increase of $38.1m in operational costs for 2023/24, with projections reaching $234m over the next five years.
“The ongoing practice of cost shifting by the state and federal governments over the years has posed a significant financial challenge, jeopardising both the provision of essential services and the financial sustainability of local government.
Examples include the recent kindergarten reforms, the Recycling Victoria kerbside reform and the management of the expansive foreshore.
However, these mandates often come without sufficient funding, considering the level of service expected,” the shire’s submission read.
Both the mayor Cr Anthony Marsh and deputy mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro campaigned on pushing for a rates freeze, with the focus returning to core services and eliminating unnecessary spending.
“The three percent cap is the maximum increase allowed, but of course, that doesn’t mean we must lift our rates by three percent,” Marsh told The News
“Rather than automatically increasing rates by the cap, we need to challenge our costs before we can justify any rate increase”
“Naturally, the shire will always find ways to use extra revenue, but all public spending needs to be in the best interests of our ratepayers”
Parker and Justin Hellyer (captain) with the new defibrillator installed at the front of the Dromana fire station.
Picture: Gary Sissons
New Dromana defib deployed in beach rescue
A NEW life-saving defibrillator at the Dromana fire brigade was deployed within hours of it being set-up but ultimately not used to save a man who was pulled from the water at Dromana beach.
The unit, installed at the front of the station in the middle of December, was accessed by members after a man suffered a seizure in the water, across the road from the fire station.
Brigade members, along with paramedics, and Fire Rescue Victoria immediately responded to the call for help after beachgoers rushed to the man’s aid.
Dromana fire brigade’s third lieutenant Jason Fevola said the man had been walking along the beach with
St John’s Fete - a great day for a traditional Fete
ST John’s in Flinders has held a fete since 1939 raising funds for the dear little church and for local charities who they have supported for many years.
With a white Eeephant stall ready with treasures saved and donated, over 600 pots of jams and marmalades made, a Pet Show, vintage cars and a spinning wheel with fantastic prizes all ready to go, what more could we ask except for perfect weather?
The St John’s Fete will be held on 18 January and supported by over 100 volunteers who, for months have baked, jammed, pickled, sorted, ploshed and cleaned, sewed and knitted to ensure the fun of an old-fashioned village fete.
The St John’s Fete only comes together with the support of so many locals who not only vol-
unteer for months prior, but who all turn up at 7am to put up marquees and bunting and ensure everything is displayed beautifully.
Come to the fete and enjoy the book stall, sausage sizzle and bacon and egg rolls and the kids bottle stall and the mini golf for aspiring adult golfers! See the vintage cars roll onto the lawn with their proud owners and enter the wellknown Pet Show. The church will be open for visitors who will see the beautiful windows by well known local artist David Wright who will also have cards for sale depicting his windows!
The 2025 fete is generously sponsored by Community Bank Balnarring and DistrictBendigo Bank and supported by Kay & Burton and the Flinders Community Association.
his wife before he went for a quick swim.
“She turned her back for a minute or two; he had the seizure, and was underwater,” he said.
After passers-by raised the alarm, emergency crews pulled the man, believed to be in his 60s, from the water and administered first aid for about 30 to 40 minutes.
This included clearing his airway and putting him on oxygen before he was taken to hospital.
Fevola said about three to four days later the man was “up and about” as he walked past the Dromana fire station to thank the brigade members.
While the defibrillator was not needed nor CPR performed in this
instance, Fevola said the incident highlighted the importance defibrillators can play in saving lives, especially where cardiac arrest was a concern and in any life-threatening situations.
“It’s actually hooked up to our alarm system, so if someone opens the case they’ll be able to have it readily available and can access it anytime – they don’t have to wait for us,” he said.
“The brigade is always looking for ways to better service the community and having a spare defib just made sense to install it at the front of the station.”
Brendan Rees
Saturday 18 January 9am to 1pm
& Biscuits
EVAN
Justice campaigner Russell’s legacy lives on
Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au
CARMEL Russell was farewelled by mourners last week following her death aged 81 in the days before Christmas.
Carmel Russell was the mother of Natalie Russell, who was killed in Frankston in 1993. Since her daughter’s death, Carmel Russell and her husband Brian have become vocal advocates for justice.
On 22 December 2024, Carmel Russell passed away surrounded by her loved ones. Her funeral was held on 2 January at St Francis Xavier Church in Frankston.
Russell had six children: Lisa, Ja-
nine, Natalie, and Damien, and two step-children with her husband Brian, Darren and Jane.
Darren Russell was among the speakers at last week’s funeral. He said that his step-mother was a kind woman and an excellent judge of character.
“Something that always struck me was how well Carmel could read people. It was almost supernatural - she had this deep understanding of people, knew what made them tick and understood their natures phenomenally,” he said.
Thanks in part to the hard work of Natalie Russell’s parents, new legislation was passed in 2023 to keep the serial killer responsible for her death locked up for life.
“Carmel was very much an ordinary woman in an ordinary family,” Darren Russell said. “In more recent years, the ordinary women from that ordinary Frankston family once again became extraordinary, helping to lead the fight to keep the killer incarcerated.”
Carmel Russell was born on 23 July 1943. A statement sent out by the Russell family shortly after her passing read “Carmel had been unwell on and off for some time and had been in hospital in the lead-up to Christmas. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her. Carmel is finally reunited with her beloved daughter Natalie who we are sure was there to greet her when the time came.”
The Frankston community wrapped its arms around the Russell family
once again after news spread of Carmel Russell’s passing. A fundraiser for her funeral raised more than $10,000.
Tributes to Russell have come from far and wide. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said “it was very sad to receive a message from family on Sunday that Carmel Russell had passed away. I had tears in my eyes.”
“Last time I saw Carmel, we had a good chat by her bedside about delivering the justice that her family had been fighting for 30 years to achieve,” Edbrooke said. “Carmel was an amazing woman who possessed a strength, resilience and beautiful kindness I’d never seen before. Carmel had told me that she took comfort knowing that she would see Natalie again and I hope they are together right now.”
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said “Carmel and husband Brian have been an important part of Frankston City for many years. Our community rallied around the Russells in their time of horrendous grief, and again recently in 2019 when they almost lost their home, and instead a very generous local investor extended their lease for as long as they both lived.
“Carmel and Brian always looked out for one another and the community as a whole. They have supported other families who were also victims of horrible crimes and together they vigorously fought to implement ‘Nat’s Law’ which prevents people convicted of serious crimes, including murderers and sex offenders, from making repeated parole applications.”
First sod turned for new early parenting centre in Hastings
WORK has started on a new early parenting centre in Hastings with the first sod being turned on 18 December.
The new facility at 185 High St is set to provide essential support and advice for families with babies and toddlers up to four years old.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio and Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke joined Peninsula Health CEO Helen Cooper and Queen Elizabeth Centre CEO Sue White for a ceremonial sod turning, with the new facility to be built next to the Hastings Community Health site.
The multi-million-dollar project will contain 10 residential family units and four day-stay spaces, providing short-term and longer stay programs to improve health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for children.
This included help with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas emphasised the importance of the centre in addressing the growing needs of young families.
“Bringing a newborn into the world is a joyous but also challenging time for any family – that’s why we’re investing in centres across the state to provide that vital support for parents and carer,” she said.
Thomas said the new centre had been carefully designed to “create an environment where families can feel safe, comfortable and at home”.
The new centre is being delivered in partnership with Peninsula Health and the Queen Elizabeth Centre.
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio said, “We know how important sleep and settling a new baby is for the wellbeing of parents and siblings. This centre will help guide local families through this stage in a safe, inclusive and comfortable space”.
CARMEL Russell (pictured left with husband Brian) died just before Christmas Day. She became a tireless advocate for justice after her daughter Natalie (pictured above with Carmel) was murdered in Frankston in 1993. Pictures: Supplied
Fully renovated forever family home
STANDING proud as one of Bittern’s original and most notable homes, this divine c.1920 family residence delivers the forever family home you’ve always dreamed about. From its endearing timelessness to its exceptionally reimagined spaces, its melding of old and new is nothing short of impeccable in what stands as one of the area’s most distinguished renovations.
Its manicured gardens beyond high fences and full-width verandahs graced with vines
HOME ESSENTIALS
whisk you away to a world unto itself, promising a scintillating stance towards family living that takes your breath away at every turn. Engineered hardwood floors move under heightened ceilings and original fireplaces into a distinct family, dining and kitchen layout, where the modern stone-topped touch over Bosch appliances, premium cabinetry and a unique butler’s pantry makes for a gourmet experience unlike any other.
Meandering brick BBQ terraces under
established palms stretch into a significant yard under stunningly grand Oak trees, where fitted play equipment underscores the utmost enjoyment for young and old. An on-trend twin-vanity ensuite with clerestory windows and a fitted dressing room with plush carpets enhance a considerable rear-set master, with two additional bedrooms closely supported by a matching central bathroom.
Other highlights include a lavishly fitted laundry with a separate powder room,
ADDRESS: 54 Morton Crescent, Bittern FOR SALE: $1,360,000 - $1,496,000 DESCRIPTION: 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car, AGENT: Lisa Roberts - 0488 910 368, Roberts Partners, 99a High St, Hastings, (03) 5979 2489
ducted heating, split-system air conditioning, solar power, vegetable gardens, a chook pen, rainwater storage, a single carport beyond electric gates, and a powered workshop ideal as a working studio.
A must-see just metres from Bittern Fields shopping and Bittern Station, it provides the perfect balance of serenity and convenience, moments from Balnarring and Somers beaches, and the greater appeal of the Mornington Peninsula hinterland.n
The Guide
TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK
FRIDAY
THURSDAY THE DARKNESS
SBS, 9.30pm
Swedish star Lena Olin (Chocolat Alias) leads this English-language Nordic noir as 66-year-old DI Hulda Hermannsdóttir, a woman who has endured many painful things during her life – most recently, the death of her daughter. With decades of experience in the police force, Hulda is easily the best cop on her team, but is surrounded by men with big egos and attitudes. As she unwillingly approaches retirement, Hulda is faced with one final investigation: a missing woman, found trapped in ice.
GARDENING AUSTRALIA JUNIOR
ABC FAMILY, 7.05pm
A new cast of kids pulls on the gardening gloves alongside GardeningAustralia hosts Costa Georgiadis, Clarence Slockee, Hannah Moloney, Tammy Huynh and Millie Ross in the second season of this colourful companion series. Offering up family-friendly projects and DIY tutorials to level up your green space, the show encourages kids to get out in the garden and grow stuff, while learning the importance of looking after the environment.
SCHOOL TIME
Thursday, January 9
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SUNDAY
MIRIAM MARGOLYES IN NEW ZEALAND
ABC TV, 7.30pm
Candid character actor Miriam Margolyes calls Australia home, but when a film role looks like taking her to New Zealand, she’s struck by how little she knows about our Kiwi cousins across the ditch. Determined to overcome her own ignorance, Margolyes sets out to learn more about the Land of the Long White Cloud and its inhabitants in this two-part road trip adventure. Beginning in Wellington, self-proclaimed nosy parker Margolyes wants to find the heart and soul of the country – but did not expect it would be located at a rugby game, a sport she “loathes”.
MONDAY HOME AND AWAY SEVEN, 7pm
Home and Away fans can finally take a breath: after last year’s cliffhanger finale left multiple lives hanging in the balance, the soapie staple is back for 2025. As a new day breaks in Summer Bay, Constable Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright) awakens at the scene of a violent crime after an intense altercation with Tim (George Pullar). With evidence stacking up against him, it looks like Cash is about to land on the wrong side of the law. The fates of Harper (Jessica Redmayne) and her unborn baby were also left up in the air. With Tane (Ethan Browne) and viewers alike eagerly awaiting news emotions will be riding high.
SEVEN (7)
NINE (9) 6.00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge. (R) 7.00 News. 9.00 News Breakfast Late. 9.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 The Art Of... (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 David Attenborough’s Tasmania. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Andamooka And Roxby Downs, South Australia. (Return, PG)
8.30 Long Lost Family. Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.15 Grand Designs: South Manchester. (R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud.
10.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
10.35 Britain By The Book. (PG, R) 11.25 Grand Designs. (R) 12.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Such Was Life. 2.10 Heritage Rescue. 3.00 Ireland In Music: Caithnin. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 4. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: A Love Yarn. (2021, PG) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) 8.30 The Emerald Isles With Ardal O’Hanlon. (Final, PGa, R) Ardal O’Hanlon concludes his journey. 9.30 The Darkness. (Premiere, M) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 DNA. (Malv) 11.45 Blackout: Tomorrow Is Too Late. (Mlv, R) 12.40 Blanca. (MA15+a, R) 2.35 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R) 3.25 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 28. Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers. 10.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. An expert panel tackles all the big news and issues with a deep dive into the wild world of cricket.
11.15 Pam & Tommy. (MA15+alns) The tape falls into the hands of Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione. 12.15 The Real Manhunter: The Night Stalker Delroy Grant. (Mav, R) Takes a look at Delroy Grant.
7.30 A Night With Novak. From Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. 10.30 Forza Jannik. Explores Italy’s tennis renaissance.
11.40 Resident Alien. (Malv) Harry tries to bond with Heather.
12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 The Truth About The Skinny Jab. (Ma) Presented by Anna Richardson. 8.30 MOVIE: Little Fockers. (2010, Msv, R) A man visits his son-in-law to discover if he has what it takes to become the family patriarch. Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Robert De Niro. 10.30 MOVIE: Shutter Island. (2010, MA15+, R) Leonardo DiCaprio. 1.15 The Project. (R) 2.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)
Friday, January 10
ABC (2)
6.00 The Great Australian Bee Challenge. (Final, R) 7.00 News. 9.00 News Breakfast
Late. 9.30 The Princes And The Press. (Final, PG, R) 10.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mdl, R) 2.00 The Split: Barcelona. (Ml, R) 3.00 Back Roads. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Secret History Of The British Garden: The 17th Century. (R) Presented by Monty Don.
8.30 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) Marine helps Antoine and Hélène investigate the death of an aristocrat, found dead at his chateau.
10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World: Rome. (PG, R) Joanna Lumley visits Rome.
10.50 Grand Designs: North Wales. (R)
11.35 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.25 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
SBS (3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. 11.05
SEVEN (7)
Great Canal Journeys. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Such Was Life. (R) 2.10 Heritage Rescue. (R) 3.00 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 5. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: As Gouda As It Gets. (2020, PG) Kim Shaw, Clayton James, Tara Joshi. 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PGl, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 MOVIE: The Prestige. (2006, Mav, R, , ) Two rival magicians battle each other. Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale.
9.55 Rock Legends: Elton John. (PGd) Documents the career of Elton John.
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Every Family Has A Secret: Grace Karskens And Ming Balintong. (Final, PG, R)
11.55 De Gaulle. (Mv)
12.50 Kin. (MA15+lv, R)
2.45 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R) 3.35 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 29. Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder.
11.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) Johanna Griggs learns about UPPAREL’s clothing recycling. Adam Dovile tours Singapore’s culture.
12.30 The Real Manhunter: The Bus Stop Killer Levi Bellfield. (Madv, R) Takes a look at Levi Bellfield.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 5.00 NBC Today.
NINE (9)
TEN (10)
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Presented by Shelley Craft.
8.30 MOVIE: King Richard. (2021, Malv) Charts how Venus and Serena Williams became who they are thanks to the coaching of their father Richard. Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton.
11.30 Casualty 24/7. (Mm, R)
12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.10 Delish. (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Drive TV. (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: The First Wives Club. (1996, PGal, R) Three women, dumped by their husbands for younger women, decide to get revenge. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler. 9.35 MOVIE: Starsky & Hutch. (2004, Mdlv, R) Two bumbling yet streetwise cops investigate a drug-running cartel with the help of their trusty informant. Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. 11.40 The Project. (R) 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 1.20pm Question Team. 2.15 Fanatics: The Deep End. 2.45 Scandinavian Star. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 A League Of Their Own: Mexican Road Trip. 9.25 Secrets Of Penthouse. 10.15 Homeland. 1.20am MOVIE: The Operative. (2019, MA15+) 3.25 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm No Ordinary Black. 1.50 Just Another Day In Indulkana. 2.00 Taste Of The Territory. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums.
6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 8.15 Diana. (2013, PG) 10.20 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 12.15pm Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery. (1997, M) 1.55 The Lake House. (2006, PG) 3.45 The Thief Lord. (2006, PG) 5.35 Funny Face. (1957) 7.30 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 9.35 The Big Wedding. (2013, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs.
Saturday, January 11
ABC TV (2)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Casablanca. (1942, PG, R) Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains. 3.15 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 4.15 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe: Creation. (R) English physicist Professor Brian Cox sets out in search of a greater understanding of the cosmos.
6.30 Back Roads: Andamooka And Roxby Downs, South Australia. (PG, R) Presented by Heather Ewart.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa) Humphrey investigates a strange case.
8.30 Vera. (Mv, R) Vera investigates when a family man is murdered the day before he was due to testify in court.
10.00 Shetland. (Final, Mal, R) Tosh and Calder try to unravel the mystery. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
(3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 The World From Above. (PGa, R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Round 2. Day 1. 3.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 4.05 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGav, R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Prologue to Stage 5. Highlights.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (PG)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. 8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres: Longleat House. (R) Pam Ayres visits Longleat House. 9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro. (PG, R) 10.20 Great Australian Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.25 Mister8. (MA15+a, R) 1.35 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 2.30 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 12.30 Surf Patrol. (R) 1.00 Horse Racing. Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PGadl) A case of mistaken identity causes alarm.
7.30 MOVIE: Back To The Future Part III. (1990, PGlv, R) Marty McFly travels to the Old West. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd.
10.00 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, Mlv, R) An autistic boy cracks a government code. Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin.
6.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (PG, R) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.30 MOVIE: Problem Child. (1990, PGlv, R) John Ritter. 3.10 MOVIE: Everything, Everything. (2017, PGals, R) Amandla Stenberg. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia.
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PGalv) A feud between brothers comes to a head. Sam Neill, Michael Caton.
9.50 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, Maln) A widow cares for a failing farm. Leila Mcdougall, Joel Jackson.
11.50 MOVIE: Avarice. (2022, Malv, R)
1.30 Country House Hunters Australia. (PG, R)
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Dog House. (PGa, R) Dogs are matched with companions. A basset hound is on the prowl for a new owner. Second chances are in store for a Jack Russell puppy. A couple have to see past a pooch’s size to find a place for it. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.45 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Someone threatens to use a nerve agent. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 11.35 Fashionista. 11.45 Scrubs. 1.50pm Fashionista. 2.00 BBC News At Ten. 2.30 ABC World News Tonight. 3.00 PBS News. 4.00 Cycling. National Road Championships. Men’s. Under 23. Road Race. 8.00 Impossible Engineering. 8.55 The Black Dahlia. 9.40 The Voynich Manuscript. 10.25 Hudson & Rex. 12.05am The X-Files. 3.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera Newshour. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts:
And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.55 MOVIE: Billionaire Boy. (2016) 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.30 Teen Titans Go! 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Bookshop. Continued. (2017, PG) 7.15 The Majestic. (2001, PG) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm
Sunday, January 12
6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 9.55 Secret Science. (PG, R) 10.25 Boyer Lecture. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. (R) 12.55 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.55 Dream Gardens. (R) 2.25 The Secret History Of The British Garden. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family. (R) 4.10
Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Magda’s Big National Health Check. (PG, R) 6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 APAC Weekly. (R) 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 9.25 Judo. (R) 9.30 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Speedweek. 1.30 Cycling. National Road Championships. Elite and U23 Women’s Road Race. 5.30 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 6. Highlights. 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 10.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 1. From North Sydney Oval. 3.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia v England. Game 1. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (R)
6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml) Miriam Margolyes explores New Zealand.
8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (Mal) Charts the story of Delia Balmer, who survived a series of violent attacks to pursue a traumatic journey to justice.
10.05 You Can’t Ask That: Porn Stars. (MA15+s, R) Porn stars share their insights. 11.10 MOVIE: A Star Is Born. (1976, Madls, R) Barbra Streisand. 1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Australia Remastered. (R) 4.05 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.05 The Great Acceleration. (R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts: Avoiding Armageddon. (PGa, R)
8.25 Asia’s Ancient Civilisations: Japan’s Vibrant Ryukyu Kingdom. (PG, R) Peter Lee heads to the Ryukyu Archipelago. 10.15 Putin And The West. (Ma, R) 11.25 Michael Mosley’s 21 Day Body Challenge. (PG, R)
2.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.05 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 32. Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. (R) A look at the death of Amy Wensley.
12.00 The Duke And I. (PG, R) A look at Prince Philip’s influence.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R)
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 1. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 1. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Bloom, Iggy and Reynolds rally around Max.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mav, R) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) The team roadtests the Mizuno ST220 drivers.
5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mlv) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by celebrities Cher, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Josh Brolin and Jalen Ngonda. 9.30 MOVIE: Scream VI. (2023, MA15+lv) Four survivors from the most recent Woodsboro killings move to New York City for a fresh start. Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Courteney Cox. 11.55 The Sunday Project. (R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Ironman. Shaw and Partners Series. 3.00 Cook Up Bitesize. 3.05 Fashionista. 3.15 Bamay. 3.35 WorldWatch. 4.05 PBS Washington Week. 4.35 Queer Sports. 5.30 The Engineering That Built The World. 6.30 Toby Price Dakar Preview. 7.00 Cycling. National Road Championships. U23 Women’s and Men’s Elite Road Race. 10.30 WWE Legends. 11.25 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley. (Premiere) 8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.45 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.50pm Rugby League. Koori Knockout. Men’s. Newcastle Emus v Goodooga. 2.45 Johnny Warren’s Football Mission. 3.45 John Ware Reclaimed. 5.05 Stompem Ground: King Of Hearts. 5.35 Stompem Ground: Seaside Drifters. 6.15 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.25 Going Places. 7.00 Great Lakes Wild. 7.30 Tree Kangaroos: Ghosts Of The Forest. 8.30 Rebel Country. 10.00 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Thief Lord. Continued. (2006, PG) 6.50 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 9.05 Funny Face. (1957) 11.00 Radioactive. (2019, M) 1.05pm Cousins. (2021, M) 2.55 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 4.35 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. (1988, PG) 6.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 8.30 Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 10.40 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.30am The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 2.50 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Steam Train Journeys. 4.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30
9GEM (92) 7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL. Geelong United v Perth Lynx. 2.30 MOVIE:
1. 11.00 Late Programs.
Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Escaping Utopia. (Premiere)
9.00 You Can’t Ask That: Former Cult Members. (Mal, R) Former cult members share their stories.
9.35 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius: Fortune And Tragedy. (Ml, R) A family tragedy devastates Shakespeare.
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 11.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.25 For The Love Of Dogs. 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7. 11.15 Great Canal Journeys. 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Heritage Rescue. (R) 2.50 Railway Journeys UK. (PG, R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 7. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PGl, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Mystery Of Blackbeard’s Lost Treasure. (PGav, R) A look at Blackbeard’s treasure.
8.25 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. Comedic game show.
9.20 Inside Sydney Airport: Emergency Exercise. (PGal, R) Airport operations are placed in jeopardy. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Clean Sweep. (Madlsv) 11.40 Wisting. (MA15+a, R) 12.35 Faking Hitler. (Mns, R) 2.25 Grayson’s Art Club. (PG, R) 3.20 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Lost And Found In Rome. (2021, PGa) Sophie Vavasseur, Paolo Bernardini. 2.00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. (PGahlv, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (Return, PGav)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 33. Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers. From ENGIE Stadium, Sydney.
11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers.
11.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG) A driver gets sleepy and goes bush.
12.00 Satisfaction. (MA15+ads, R) Simon is faced with a family mystery.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 2. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 2. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 2. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 2. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Iggy tries online dating.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mad, R) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6am
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. (2023, Mav) A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic. Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez. 10.20 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.45 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.50 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm The Real Stories Of Basketball. 2.30 Transnational. 3.00 The Feed. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Forged In Fire. 10.10 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.40 Everyone Else Burns. 11.40 Am I Being Unreasonable? 12.50am Bad Education. 2.00 United Gangs Of America. 2.55 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30
Tuesday, January 14
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Chocolate.
8.30 Eat The Invaders: Carp. (PG) Hosted by Tony Armstrong.
9.05 The Penguin King With David Attenborough. (R)
10.00 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R)
11.05 ABC Late News. 11.20 Murder In Provence. (Mav, R) 12.50 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Miranda Otto. (PG, R) Miranda Otto explores her roots. 8.40 Came From Nowhere. (Ml, R) Marc Fennell charts the rise of A-League team the Western Sydney Wanderers.
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a) 11.55 Christian. (Malv, R) 3.00 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 3.55 Make Me A Dealer. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 34. Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades. From Ninja Stadium, Hobart. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game.
11.30 Lockerbie. (PGav, R) The CIA hand over a Libyan double agent.
12.35 Underarm: The Ball That Changed Cricket. (PGl, R) A look at the 1981 underarm bowling controversy.
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Harry’s
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 3. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 3. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 3. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 3. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) There is an explosion at a wedding ceremony.
1.00 First On Scene. (Mv) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Our State On A Plate. (PG, R) Georgia Moore bags some great groceries.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts banter about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher. (2012, Mlv, R) A former US Army military police officer investigates the shooting of five innocent civilians by a sniper. Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike. 10.05 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.05pm Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 2.55 Celebrity Mastermind. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 9.20 Leguizamo Does America. (Premiere) 11.10 Adam Looking For Eve. 1am Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. 2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Meet The Hedgehogs. 9.20 Deadly Predators. 9.50 Doctor Who. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
1.30pm Spirit Talker. 2.00 Family Rules. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.15 Harlem Globetrotters. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders. 7.30 The Lake Winnipeg Project. 8.00 Boxing For Palm Island. 8.30 Ice Vikings. 9.20 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.20 MOVIE: One Thousand Ropes. (2017, M) Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.
Alone In Space. Continued. (2018, PG, Swedish) 6.45 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 8.40 After Yang. (2021, PG) 10.30 Let Me Go. (2023, French) 12.20pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, M) 2.30 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 4.20 Red Obsession. (2013, PG) 5.50 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 7.40 Joyride. (2022, M) 9.30 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 11.25 Late Programs.
Wednesday, January 15
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 The Way We Wore. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 2.55 Back Roads. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills.
8.30 Changing Ends. (PG) The family goes on a caravan mini-break.
9.20 Utopia. (PG, R) Tony is frozen out by the minister. 10.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.45 ABC Late News.
11.05 Aftertaste. (Mls, R)
12.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.50 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up. 9.05 Destination Flavour. 9.15 For The Love Of Dogs. 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. 11.00 Great Canal Journeys. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour. 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 9. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor: Threats. (PG, R) 8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PGa, R) Michael Palin continues his journey. 9.25 The Night Manager. (MA15+v) Roper gathers his entourage.
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av) 11.50 Rogue Heroes. (Malv, R) 12.50 Soldiers. (Malsv, R) 2.35 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R) 3.30 Make Me A Dealer. (PGl, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Doctor Who. 10.10 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Belle. Continued. (2013, PG) 6.55 Meditation Park. (2017, PG) 8.45 The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 10.35 Ten Canoes. (2006, M, Ganalbingu) 12.10pm The Quiet Girl. (2022, M, Gaelic) 1.55 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.55 Lola. (1961, PG, French) 5.30 The Last Wave. (1977,
SEVEN (7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 Seven Morning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Royal Blossom. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)
7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 35. Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers. From Adelaide Oval. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of the game between the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments
Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) A climber’s fall is captured on bodycam. 12.30 Black-ish. (PGd, R) Bow and Dre meet Michelle Obama.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 4. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 4. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by Roz Kelly and James Bracey.
6.00 9News.
7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 4. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mams, R) Max mandates a personal health day.
1.00 First On Scene. (Ma) Documents stories behind the headlines.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.
4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts banter about golf.
5.00 Today Early News.
5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. (2016, Mlv, R) Jack Reacher helps an army officer he suspects is the victim of a conspiracy. Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders. 9.55 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.
10.20 The Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 11.25 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Unknown Amazon. 3.15 Cook Up Bitesize. 3.20 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Alone. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 1982: The Greatest Geek Year Ever. 9.15 MOVIE: The Year Of Living Dangerously. (1982, M) 11.20 MOVIE: Goon. (2011, MA15+) 1am Late Programs.
Big barrier bungle
Brendan Rees’ article (Residents call for removal of ‘unjustified’ road barriers, The News 18/12/24) is a balanced summary of the bewildering “Full Metal Motor Racing Circuit” treatment of Red Hill’s 60kmh hub.
The shire seemingly forgot the Harvard Business School’s aphorism, “Consultants like to solve problems and can create them if none exist.”
Somebody will have to develop a supercreative vindication if BITRE (Bureau of Infrastructure & Transport Research Economics) assesses the Arthur Seat Road Black Spot project’s presumed benefit-to-cost ratio and actual crash data.
Best of luck with that.
Russell Kenery, Red Hill
Important issues
Several readers have expressed frustration over the lack of local letters in print, suggesting that national and political commentary should be reserved for larger outlets.
Local stories are more than just fillers; they are the heartbeat of a community, highlighting the unique concerns of residents and the everchanging agendas of local councils.
These stories often provoke a mix of passion and debate within the community. Overlooking these aspects may lead to the loss of lively conversations that define and sustain the essence of local journalism.
Anne Kruger, Rye
Christmas effort
It was fantastic to see so many Mt Eliza residents and friends attend the “Christmas Carols in the Park” at the new location. The entertainment was great and a big thank you to the local chamber for the coordination of this successful event.
Likewise a BIG thank you to Sue Manson and her “40 Helpers” for again decorating the 70 trees in the village retail precinct. What an amazing effort! This was the third year for this volunteering group. Each participant adopts a tree and thus each decoration is designed specifically for the shape of their tree.
This great band of volunteers created the easter display in 2022, and in 2024 they added the “Fairy House” project to their list.
Planning for Christmas 2025 is underway and hopefully in addition to the carols and tree decorating we can have a Christmas tree and some festival lighting installed in our great village.
Thank you to our community for supporting these wonderful events.
Stephen Batty, Mt Eliza Rude drivers
Why are the holiday people so rude on the road and especially supermarket car parks?
The number of times I have seen and berated these ignorant drivers for entering the car parks the wrong way is way to many.
Do they drive the wrong way up in their own area? I bet they don’t.
Doing u-turns on Pt Nepean road to go to the car wash is another of their entitled life practices that they think is ok.
I will continue to berate these ignorant people and shame them.
Gail McMillan, Rye
A noble cause
In response to Nicholas Green (South Beach rubbish, Letters 17/12/24), you did not fail.
I never want to hear or read you or anybody say they failed when they were trying to make a positive difference.
We’re all on this planet together and together hopefully we will leave it in a better way than we found it for the next civilisation.
Call me idealistic but anything’s possible if we try together. Use litterstopper.com to make even more of a difference by feeding back data to industry.
We are all stewards of the land and the sea. Potentially every single item of rubbish you have removed for the last eight precious years has given the chance to innumerable living things to survive.
Please don’t say that you failed. It’s just that at this moment in time you can’t measure how much you’ve succeeded.
Think global and act local - you are living testimony to that and as Desmond Tutu suggested, “do your little bit of good where you are; it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”.
God bless you Nicholas Green and all volunteers. If it weren’t for all the volunteers in Australia, the country would surely crumble.
Susan Young, 3931 Beach Patrol Mornington
Join up to help
We invite Mr Shorter (Neglect, Letters 04/12/24) to join the McCrae Coastal Group to learn about the natural environment along the McCrae foreshore and Bay Trail and at the same time contribute to the upkeep of that fragile coastline which the McCrae Coastal Group has been doing for 27 years.
He can contact us at: mhcg@mccraecoastalgroup.org.au
Margaret Wilson, McCrae Coastal Group Inc.
Kunyung reservoir
One hopes that calls for the preservation of the Kunyung Road reservoir are successful (Calls for decommissioned reservoir to be saved for community use, The News 17/12/24).
Australia has a deplorable record of preserving our natural habitat and even though this is a created habitat, nature has taken over the site and it is a peaceful oasis in the middle of suburbia.
One, however, cannot help but be a little cynical in the interest shown by Liberals Crewther and Newbury in saving this site.
The Coalition has rarely shown any interest in preserving nature, usually siding with inter-
Support Local Independent Journalism
ests of business, and one cannot help but think that this show of interest is directly linked to the forthcoming election.
Dr Ross Hudson, Mt Martha
My dispair
I despair for the children, animals, plants and our planet itself.
As my end draws ever closer I feel ashamed for what our world has become, our legacy for life in all its forms.
Led in part by liars, criminals and sociopaths, presiding over powerless or self-possessed communities, the innocent suffer and die while the wealthy prosper and accrue ever more power. Take a stand, you’re vilified and crushed.
Gaza, Somalia, Putin, Trump... violence and hate everywhere and on it goes.
The world around us is on the verge of a terminal disease. Where is leadership wise, courageous and powerful enough to intervene on life’s behalf?
I fear we are at the point of no return.
Oh, how I despair.
Bruce Wearing-Smith, Somers
Great wall opposition
Tim Costello is opposed to the Great Wall of Frankston along Nepean Highway where he lives nearby because he does not like the designs of the buildings and also because the developments do not have social housing or affordable housing in them.
There is clearly self interest. Would the designs improve if there was social and affordable housing as part of the developments? Of course not.
Tim Costello should be more active in rooming houses in Frankston that house mostly drug addicts, mentally ill, recently released prisoners including sex offenders who reside a stone throw from primary schools such as the Karingal Heights Primary School.
Occupiers of the suburban rooming houses are being rent gouged at the pleasure of Consumer Affairs and rooming houses are not subject to land tax but landlords are still increasing rents.
Tim Costello is the martyr for the poor and under-privileged but where is he when it comes to poor quality housing where occupiers are being rent gouged ?
Russell Morse, Karingal
Paddle... faster
Was it misogyny, John Pesutto and Moira Deeming? Perhaps not, either way John was not fit for leadership. Then again neither was Matthew Guy, twice. Yes, my bias is showing, as is everyone else if they’re honest?
The Arden 57 storey tower has 609 apartments, 116 car parking spaces and 738 bicycle spaces; thus upgrading my free-standing humble unit with single garage in downtown Rye to luxury status.
Settle down my biassed children, the state debt (some half of Henry Bolte’s when I was a boy) is a result of the combination of COVID expenditure and much needed upgrades.
Remember Jeffrey Kennett (thankfully not a Collingwood supporter); sackings left right and wherever?
OMG, a bombshell, as in a female treasurer, the shock, horror!
Reminder for 2025. Behave like a duck. Keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath.
Cliff Ellen, Rye
Promises, promises
Every councillor promised transparency and consultation in their candidate statements. What is one of the first thing the majority do? Vote against transparency and consultation. Looks like a fun four years.
Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Chalk and cheese
Never has the saying “chalk and cheese” been more applicable than in regards to the CSIRO Gencost report as touted by your correspondent, (Fire risk, Letters 17/12/24) as “shooting holes through Duttons nuclear idea”.
What is not stated is the scope of the report, which, quite simply, was to compare the cost of generating the equivalent amount of power from wind to nuclear and was based on a land based wind farm with road access.
First problem being that’s not what’s proposed to be built. The largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere (over 7,000km2) is going to be built 30 kms out to sea in Bass Straight with all the additional extra costs.
Second is transmission costs. Farmers have to be compensated. High voltage transmission lines constructed undersea and on land and all of the proposed towers needing parts replacing every 15-20 years. Stack this up against a nuclear plants life of 80+ years with zero transmission costs and zero emissions and you get a much clearer picture of why major countries around the world are heading down the nuclear path.
M. Free, Mt Martha
The Council - Unlimited in their disregard of public welfare
Compiled by Cameron McCullough
WHILE business people were brightening up their shop fronts and making their show windows attractive; while the cottage garden was being trimmed up and thrifty industrious householders were cleaning up the back yard, all in readiness for Christmas and the New Year, the moribund Council slept serenely on.
It did nothing to brighten up the streets or the foreshore, in preparation for the annual influx of visitors.
The Council maintained a masterly inactivity, except in one direction.
During the holidays and prior to New Year’s Day, hundreds of casks, said to contain material for re-coating the tarred roads, were dumped on the roadside, between Mr. Sage’s shop and “The Rendezvous.”
It was explained that the Council was compelled to find a new depot for its tar melting operation, and the Mornington road reserve, facing the tennis court and the foreshore, was the new site selected.
As a result, several chains of charming picnic grounds were monopolised by unsightly barrels strewn higglety-pigglety along the side of our most beautiful highway.
On New Year’s Day when thousands of holiday-makers monopolised every yard of public reserve, this encroachment on a favoured area was repeatedly resented, particularly by female members of picnic parties, who were compelled to scramble over the unsightly obstructions, in order to reach the sheltering cliffs and shady ti-tree on the other side.
Truly, our Shire Council has a lot to answer for!
Resolutions For 1925
It may be assumed that with the ringing-out of the old year 1924, and the heralding of this the year of our Lord one thousand, nine hundred and twenty-five, countless millions of degenerated inhabitants of Mother Earth, standing on the threshold, so to speak, at midnight on the 31st of December last, meekly bowed in humble contrition and mentally made a series of good resolutions for the future, near or otherwise.
True, the second week of 1925 is passing through the shadows of retrospection, and already many people who, on January 1, professed well-meant determinations, have lapsed into the habitual groove of the past, because while often the spirit is willing, the flesh is deplorably weak.
In order to sustain a fresh role in the eyes of our neighbours, and adequately present new born virtues before the footlights of reality, such a modus operandi necessitates rehearsing the part again and again, for even surface idiosyncrasies, based as they are on inherent characteristics, will be found most difficult to subdue at the psychological moment.
They will persist in rising to the surface of recently acquired resolves and suddenly illumined purpose, thereafter burst into the flotsam of decayed habits.
It is only by the gradual process of building up one’s character that the average individual may feel confident of, eventually, achieving success in the desired directions, made on the spur of the moment.
Wonderful New Year resolutions
are of too haphazard a nature to invite credible analysis.
As a rule, they are the outcome of an exceptionally appetising dinner which has left one’s digestive organs unimpaired, or, presumably, the result of a mellow glass of wine, the effects of which have created an optical illusion, and caused the convert of the fleeting hour to gaze on the horizon of hope, with the object of leading a more circumspect life, through rose coloured spectacles.
For example, an unpalatable mince pie would have made all the difference. Steadfastness of purpose is a grand motto to pursue in every day life, and even in this jazzing mad world today, the man or woman who adhere to so fine a principle, usually reach the goal of their ambition.
In brief, impulsive resolutions lead nowhere; they rarely fail to accomplish anything material, and are a snare and a delusion.
***
NEXT Friday, the first monthly meeting of the current year, of the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council will be held, and it is quite on the cards that in view of what transpired at the special sitting of the local government body on December 22 last, relative to the attitude adopted in respect of a certain communication which was “received,” following a camouflaged discussion, further developments will take place.
In moving that the said letter be “received”, and at the same time expressing the opinion that such a modus operandi would be the “safest plan,” Cr. Brown, the highlyesteemed representative for Seaford,
was quite within his rights, but, in retrospect, it may be asserted that when a matter, dealing with public honour, is shelved and pigeon-holed, it does not tend to allay conjecture, or clear the atmosphere in the criterions of the ratepayers.
A subject of serious public import, as propounded in the significant “Prider” letter, demands that it would not be judicious for those concerned to permit of the second, and quite extraordinary one addressed to the civic fathers, and which did not refute the statements contained in the first amazing communication, to rest unchallenged in the archives of the Shire Chambers.
***
ON Sunday last, a “Nash” motor car, owned by Mr. Neuhands, of Melbourne, and driven by his daughter, Miss Neuhands, while proceeding along Melbourne road, and on the verge of passing the Beach street intersection, just at the busy period, about midday, ran into the fence on Honor Avenue.
Fortunately no one was injured. The car, however, was damaged to the extent of an axle, and a badly bent wheel.
Mr. O. J. Olsen, the well-known proprietor of the Frankston Motor Garage, was quickly on the scene of the mishap, and had the damaged car taken there for repairs.
***
ON Sunday last a sensational accident occurred at the Carrum bridge at about 5.10pm, in which three cars collided:
An Albert single-seater car, belonging to Mr. W. O. Hobson, of San-
PRESENTATION
dringham, which was travelling from Melbourne, entered the bridge at the Melbourne side, while an Oldsmobile car, owned by Mr. A. Balfour, of Flemington, and a Ford car, owned by Mr. A. Mohr, of Brighton North, travelling to Melbourne, entered the bridge at the Frankston side.
The front mudguard of the Albert car struck the Oldsmobile on the rear mudguard, the Albert car then swung around across the bridge; the Ford car, which was following the Oldsmobile, collided with the Albert.
The cars continued to bank up on the Frankston side of the bridge until about 600 were lined up.
The local police (Constable Feehan and a temporary officer) soon had the traffic under control.
The damage done to the cars was:
The Oldsmobile car, mudguard damaged and bent wheel; the Ford, back and front left wheels damaged, axle bent and battered head lamps; the Albert car, front axle, wheel and guard bent, and head lamps smashed.
The occupants of the three cars had a miraculous escape from sustaining serious injury.
One of the rails bordering the bridge was splintered.
In view of the ever-increasing numbers of motor cars and other vehicles which pass over this route, more particularly on a Sunday, the question is being asked: Has the time not arrived for the powers that be to widen the bridge, or, better still, erect another structure, in order to provide a one way traffic?
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 7 & 9 Jan 1925
IN THE specialists HANDS
Make
a New Year's resolution for your feet
YOUR New Years resolution; regularly check that you have proper fitting shoes that give good support for your walking gait to prevent sore feet, ankles, knees and back pain.
As we mature our skeletal structure changes, affecting our foot size and foot structure that requires regular evaluation of what type of shoe structure will be most suitable to support your body. Today you can get podiatrist designed shoes that complement both your lifestyle and foot structure with comfort and style.
Allied Health professionals are now working with specialist shoe manufacturers to design “foot solutions” that give excellent foot support for those standing on their feet all day, such as nursing, hairdressing, teaching or retail as well as treat and prevent problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spur and bunions.
Bayside Shoes in collaboration with the podiatrist design manufacturer Revere has a fantastic range of orthotic support and orthotic friendly sandals and shoes that you can also insert your customized orthotics into. The Revere range is also very elegant and attractive to wear for all occasions whether work, play or that special occasion.
The Revere range offers style, comfort and support all in one shoe. With its smart casual Monte Carlo slip on; their everyday smart casual sandal, Barbados to their evening and special event footwear style of Osaka they offer quality, style and comfort at an affordable price.
Bayside Shoes has been operating for over 40 years and has established an excellent professional reputation for its footwear fitting service and compassionate understanding of difficult and injured foot problems.
The Bayside Shoes team endeavor to create a high customer satisfaction by finding footwear solutions in a friendly and supportive environment.
Bayside Shoes also offers an extensive range of work & formal large size shoes for women (11/42 – 15/46) and men (12 / 46 to 17/51)
Bayside Shoes is located at 103 Railway Parade, Seaford on the corner of Clovelly Parade and has both free and disability parking near its entrance with wheelchair ramp access to the store.
View the Bayside Shoes range online at baysideshoes.com.au or call 9785 1887 if you have an enquiry.
Tennis elbow shock relief
YOU have had a big week on the tools or have increased the amount of tennis you are playing or may have a new racquet. Then it seems like everything you pick up, not just racquets and tools, hurts. Even simple things like a cup of tea can be painful if your elbow is bad. This can really make work a misery, or the prospect of playing tennis, foreboding.
The pain on the outside of the elbow is due to inflammation of the tendon, the common extensor origin, where the forearm extensor muscles attach. It is commonly known as “tennis elbow” but is called lateral epicondylalgia or epicondylitis amongst physios and doctors. Physiotherapist Liam Thomas says that it is an is an overuse injury, and requires initial rest, particularly if aching at night, icing, strengthening and stretching exercises, and massage.
Apart from the above solutions, there is a newer healing technology that is making a profound difference to Tennis Elbow sufferers.
Practice owner, Paul Rowson says “Shockwave Therapy is often useful, because the common extensor origin is a connective tissue, not a muscle. It puts a significant shockwave through the tissues you apply it to. It is a pressure wave which brings blood flow to the area. Tendons and connective tissue do not have much blood supply and can take a long time to heal. Shockwave artificially stimulates the healing of the tendon.”
Shockwave therapy can also be used on Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, golfer’s elbow, and rotator cuff tendon problems, and is usually most effective on long term chronic problems, rather than acute injuries.
Both physios say, Shockwave is not the first line of treatment for injured patients.
Physiotherapy and graded exercise are more likely in the first instance, but for more stubborn conditions, shockwave has shown good results.
“The evidence at the moment suggests between three to five treatments are required, but most people should see an improvement within three sessions. It has a success rate up to 90%,’’
Thomas says.
The Shockwave therapy is administered for a three-minute period to the affected area during consecutive weekly appointments. “It is a bit of an uncomfortable sensation” Thomas says, “like most physio hands-on treatments with a little discomfort during the treatment. Rowson says “After each session, most people get a significant reduction of pain and symptoms.
Long term it stimulates healing, short term it reduces pain.”
“Probably the best thing is, the effects are long lasting. It stops a lot of people having more invasive things like surgery or injections. The treatment is considered safe, but can produce skin reddening or bruising, short term pain, and cannot be used on people taking blood thinning medications or with bleeding disorders.”
“It is important to know that Shockwave has a long-term effect. Most of the time you have good outcomes without having to have further treatments.”
Shockwave is now available in Balnarring. Call in and speak to the physios to see if it suits your condition.
19. Perspires 21. Intermittently 22. Small food lift, ... waiter 23. Aromatic herb 24. Cannier DOWN
12. Commuter vehicle
Violin
Soundtrack CD
Arrives
Desk compartment
Unstable
Reigning
Burial chamber
Forearm bone
Affirm
Novel thought
Rode on wave
Dire
Gives way
Map pressure line
Wilier
Bequeath
Portsea start for Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race
THE Westcoaster, as the race is affectionately known, is one of the world’s great ocean races, covering 435 nautical miles from the start in Port Philip to the finish line in the
River Derwent in Hobart.
The race starts with a 125 nautical mile passage across Bass Strait before the fleet sails 200 nautical miles south down the West Coast of
Tasmania, past Maatsuyker Island, east to South East Cape then turning northeast through the challenging waters of Storm Bay and then the fickle conditions of the River
Derwent. With Portsea Pier being the starting location on 27 December it showcased the bottom of the peninsula.
Scarlett Runner (SM13) pictured claimed line honours in the mono hull division in a lapsed time of 42hrs 40min.
Picture: Alan Dillon
WESTERN PORT scoreboard
Eichenberger signs for Strikers
SOCCER
By Craig MacKenzie
PENINSULA Strikers have signed attacking midfielder Kyle Eichenberger from Langwarrin.
The 20-year captained Langwarrin’s under-23s last season, won the Golden Boot award and was runner-up in the Player’s Player Of The Year voting. He grew up in Langwarrin and with the exception of a short spell at Springvale White Eagles in the junior boys NPL program he has always played for his neighbourhood club.
“I started to learn how to take football more seriously in the NPL juniors,” Eichenberger said.
“When I went back to Langy (from White Eagles) I played under-15s, 16, 18s and 23s and made around five senior appearances.
“A highlight was probably winning the under-15 NPL championship under Donn Delaney.”
Given the upward trajectory of Eichenberger’s Lawton Park career what prompted his switch from VPL1 to State 2 level?
“I thought gaining senior experience and regular (senior) game time would be beneficial to me.
“I have a great relationship with all the coaches at Langwarrin – “Skells” (Jamie Skelly), “Pooley” (Adam Poole), “Caff” (Ben Caffrey) and Alex (Van Heerwarden) – so it was easy to tell them I was going to move on and they were very supportive.”
In October Langwarrin announced three major signings – Tosen Popo from Nunawading City and Kingston City duo Cooper Legrand and Kosta Apostolopoulos – and this was the catalyst for Eichenberger’s move to Centenary Park.
“I was training with the seniors during pre-season and I realised they had made a lot of good signings and the team had strengthened.
“They had a stacked side, a squad of 26 and I was going to be a fringe player while still in my transitioning year so opportunities would be limited.
“When Scott (Morrison) reached out to me it was really enticing and he was really keen to get me down to Strikers.”
And when the youngster arrived at Centenary Park he soon realised that he’d made the right move.
“All the players there were so welcoming and so passionate when delivering their pitch so it didn’t take long to realise it’s a really good fit for me.”
There was no shortage of information and opinions from Strikers players principally Steve Elliott, Ethan
Goulding and Faraz Zenoozi who all spoke about Morrison and their club in positive terms.
The connection with Elliott came from coaching his son at Ballers Football Academy which Eichenberger co-owns with Sean Skelly and Van Heerwarden while Eichenberger was friendly with Goulding and Zenoozi through a shared Langwarrin playing link.
“I’m looking forward to working with Scott because I’ve heard good things about him as a manager and from what I’ve seen so far everything’s been very positive.”
But ties with Langwarrin haven’t been completely severed.
“I definitely have in the back of my mind to go back there.
“I’ve spoken to ‘Skells’ and Scott about this as I’d love to play football at as high a level as I can.”
For Morrison signing Eichenberger was a no brainer given the youngster’s character and ability.
“He’s an outstanding kid with a great personality which is exactly what we look for at Strikers,” Morrison said.
“We’ll use him across the front third and although his preferred spot is as a 10 he gives us numerous options up there.
“He’s young, fast as lightning and a
very good footballer and he complements our existing players in the front half of the pitch that is full of outrageous speed and skill.”
In other news Football Victoria last month released plans for a major restructure of the State Leagues for 2026.
The state controlling body plans to introduce State 6 and State 7 levels and standardise the overall State League structure by having two 12team regionalised leagues – SouthEast and North-West divisions – from State 1 to State 7.
The restructure has a significant impact on clubs in State 4 and State 5 who finish outside the top six next season.
All four league champions in State 4 and State 5 will be promoted and teams finishing in second to sixth positions will retain their league status.
Teams finishing seventh to 10th are effectively relegated to the next lowest tier of competition while teams finishing in 11th and 12th positions drop down two levels.
This amounts to a double relegation as the last two teams in State 4 will drop into State 6 and the last two teams in State 5 will drop into State 7 for the 2026 season.
Meanwhile some local clubs have
arranged pre-season friendlies. Please note that kick-off times for the following fixtures are subject to change depending on weather conditions so check club social media announcements for confirmation: Langwarrin
Saturday 11 January v Goulburn Valley Suns, John McEwen Reserve, 1.30pm
Friday 17 January v Northcote, John Cain Reserve, 7.30pm Saturday 18 January Steve Wallace Cup
Saturday 25 January v Banyule, Lawton Park, 3pm & v Mornington, Lawton Park, 5.30pm.
Mornington
Tuesday 21 January v Springvale White Eagles, 7.30pm
Saturday 25 January v Langwarrin, Lawton Park, 5.30pm
Saturday 1 February v Werribee City, Galvin Park Reserve, 1pm & 3pm
Saturday 15 February v Keilor Park, Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, 1pm & 3pm
Peninsula Strikers
Tuesday 21 January, Strikers reserves v Somerville Eagles, Centenary Park, 6.30pm
Thursday 23 January v Somerville Eagles, Centenary Park, 6.30pm
Saturday 1 February v Williamstown, Centenary Park, 1pm & 3pm
Saturday 8 February v Old Scotch, Centenary Park, 1pm & 3pm
Tuesday 11 February v Chelsea, Centenary Park, 6.30pm
Saturday 15 February v Corio, Centenary Park, 1pm & 3pm
Tuesday 18 February, Strikers reserves v Mount Martha, 6.30pm
Saturday 22 February v Surf Coast, Banyul Warri Reserve, 1pm & 3pm
Saturday 1 March v Geelong Rangers, Centenary Park, 1pm & 3pm Skye Utd
Sunday 12 January v Hampton East Brighton, Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve, 11am & 1pm
Aspendale
Saturday 8 February v East Bentleigh, Monash University playing fields, 3pm
Saturday 21 February v Frankston Pines, Monterey Reserve, 3pm
Finally in State 4 news Baxter recently unveiled Billy Armour as its new head coach with George Hughes as his assistant.
Armour has coached Peninsula Strikers, Casey Comets, Skye United and Noble Park United.
Jamie O’Halloran has recently resigned as Baxter’s football operations manager.
“I left for personal reasons and for now I want to focus on my business and my family,” O’Halloran said.
“I could no longer work with the president (Bray Hodgkinson) due to a football matter relating to a couple of players who the club had decided to let go last season – a decision that the president agreed to at the time.
“I’m happy that Billy got the job after Hayden (Taylor) and I discussed him as a replacement for Hayden and put Bray and Billy in contact with one another.
“Brendan (Norris) is doing amazing things with the juniors along with the junior committee and I’m very happy that he has taken up the vice-president’s role.
“I wish Baxter great success and they will have my support moving forward and I hope to get back to watch them next season.”
Off to Centenary Park: New Peninsula Strikers signing Kyle Eichenberger in action for Langwarrin last year in the Dockerty Cup. Picture: Darryl Kennedy
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