The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Nov. 26, 2025

Manningham, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges municipalities are amongst the high fire risk areas in the state, according to Yarra Valley Water.

The utility is urging customers in grass fire and bushfire-prone areas to include a water supply in their emergency plan.

The Country Fire Authority has stated this year’s fire season could be the most dangerous since the 2009 Black Saturday fires. This is part of a trend of fire seasons starting earlier and lasting longer due to changing weather patterns.

The fire danger period czame into effect in some local government areas across the Yarra Valley Water service area from last week and could continue through to May 2026.

High-risk fire areas in Yarra Valley Water’s service area include the shires of Yarra Ranges, Nillumbik, Cardinia, Mitchell, and Murrindindi, and the cities of Hume, Whittlesea, Banyule, Manningham and Maroondah

Bridie Fennessy, General Manager Asset Services, Yarra Valley Water, said a reliable water supply cannot be guaranteed during a fire and preparation is crucial.

“We all know grass fires and bushfires can happen at any time, with the potential to devastate properties and damage water pipes and tanks,” Ms Fennessy said.

“During a fire, our customers could experience low water pressure, loss of supply or reduced water quality.”

■ Cr Paige Kennett has been elected Mayor of Knox City Council, with Cr Chris Duncan to serve as Deputy Mayor for the next year.

Cr Kennett said that she was humbled and honoured to have the opportunity.

“Thank you Councillors for the faith you have put in me to lead over the coming year,” she said.

“I am looking forward to serving our community and achieving great outcomes with my colleagues.”

“Community engagement is one of my passion areas. I will use my time as Mayor to encourage more community engagement with Council to better understand the issues that matter to the people we serve.”

Cr Kennett was first elected to represent Chandler Ward in 2024. She has lived in Knox for over 20 years with her husband and three children.

Cr Kennett thanked the outgoing Mayor Cr Lisa Cooper and Deputy Mayor Cr Glen Atwell for their service.

“Together you have helped us create a better city based on what our community wants.”

The new Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Duncan, was first elected to represent Collier Ward in 2024.

Manningham Carols returns

● Santa Claus and Lucy Durack

■ Manningham’s Carols by Candlelight returns on Friday, December 12, bringing festive cheer to Ruffey Lake Park in East Doncaster.

The event is cdescribed as a magical evening of live music, entertainment and food under the stars – capped off by a fireworks display.

This year’s event will be hosted by star performer Lucy Durack and local Carols favourite Richard Thomas

They will be joined on stage by a huge line up of local and national artists, with a special guest appearance by Santa Lucy Durack is one of Australia’s most well-known leading ladies, with major roles in productions including Wicked,Shrekthe Musical,LegallyBlondeand Midnightthe Musicalas well as TV series TheLetdown, Sisters,APerfectPairingand DoctorDoctor

She’s been a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and performed on The Masked Singer.

“I can’t wait to see you at Manningham Carols by Candlelight,” Lucy said. Richard Thomas has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years. His musical theatre credits include Mame,Sweet Charity, Follies,TheSecretGarden,Les Miserables,Chicago,Rebecca,TheProducers,ThePhantomoftheOperaand Mary Poppins.

The evening’s events will start at 6 pm with pre-show entertainment on stage and activities for the kids. The main event kicks off at 7.15pm, ending with a fireworks display at 9.30pm.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, or enjoy food from one of the food trucks on site.

This is a free, but ticketed event. Register online at manningham.vic.gov.au/carols to receive the latest event updates, including any changes due to extreme weather.

Yarra Valley Water offers help

■ Yarra Valley Water is encouraging customers who are struggling to reach out for support ahead of the holiday season.

National data shows that one-in-three Australians are feeling financial pressure, The water utility says that it offers a range of ways to ease the cost of water bills, including concessions, grants and flexible payment plans.

Yarra Valley Water General Manager

Strategy and Community Tiffany White encouraged people experiencing financial difficulties to use the support available to them.

“We know that balancing finances during the holiday season can be a stressful experience for people who are already feeling the pressure,” she said.

“We want to show up for our customers and help where we can. That’s why we have a dedicated financial support team that can assist people in paying their water bills, with different options to suit individual circumstances.”

Households on low incomes may be eligible for utility relief grants worth up to $650 off bills over two years.

Last financial year, Yarra Valley Water supported more than 23,000 customers with utility relief grants and delivered over $54 million in concession discounts.

New Mayor for Whitehorse

■ Whitehorse City Council has announced the appointment of Cr Kirsten Langford as the city’s new Mayor, supported by Cr Kieran Simpson as Deputy Mayor.

Both were elected by their fellow Councillors at the annual meeting n Wednesday, November 12.

Cr Langford represents Kingsley Ward. She is Council’s representative on a number of committees including Whitehorse Business Group and Whitehorse Disability Advisory Committee

Cr Simpson represents Cootamundra Ward He is Council’s representative for the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Metropolitan Transport Forum.

Cr Langford said this position is about being a leader amongst equals and representing the whole community. Cr Langford highlighted the importance of celebrating and preserving the city in the face of future challenges.

“Our role is to represent every person in Whitehorse. Our city faces significant challenges over the next 25 year, with significant housing growth, two new SRL stations, three new activity centres, North East Link and many others,” Cr Langford said.

“We must protect open space and respond to threats to our neighbourhood character. It will be vital that we provide bipartisan advocacy for the community.”

Cr Simpson spoke to the need for collaborative leadership with a focus on local issues and building out shared services.

He said he looked forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities the Deputy Mayor role would bring.

Cr Langford thanked outgoing Mayor Cr Andrew Davenport and outgoing Deputy Mayor Cr Prue Cutts for their service over the past 12 months. Both will continue as representatives for Wattle Ward and Simpson Ward respectively.

Cr Langford and Cr Simpson will serve in their new positions until November 12, 2026.

GAULT HEADS BOROONDARA

The organisation can arrange payment plans and extensions and connect customers with free financial counselling. ●

NO TO PICNIC

■ Knox Council has unanimously rejected Australia Day celebration picnic plans, and will only hold three citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Councillors voted to reject a plan for a ‘Knox Picnic in the Park’ event, which would have been held at the Tim Neville Arboretum

www.shackessentials.com.au

Cr Wes Gault

■ Glenferrie Ward Councillor Wes Gault has been appointed Boroondara mayor for the 2025–26 council year. This marks Cr Gault’s first term as mayor.

Cr Gault was elected by fellow councillors at the Council meeting on Monday, November 17. He has represented Glenferrie Ward since October 2020 and has served as Deputy Mayor.

“I’m honoured to serve as mayor and thank my fellow councillors for their confidence in my leadership,” Cr Gault said.

“Together, we’ll keep delivering on what matters for the communities we represent.”

“As a group, we're committed to working tirelessly to manage any negative impacts of the state government’s Activity Centre Program and its densification aims.

“New housing needs to respect and enhance the characteristics that make Boroondara a spectacular place to live, work, and play.

“We’ll oversee planning for revitalised shopping strips and drive new climate action initiatives, such as reducing CO2 emissions, improved tree canopy and more connected walking and cycling paths. My councillor colleagues and I are also keen to see the progress of key capital projects.

Death of child

■ Detectives from the Homicide Squad arrested a man and a woman following the death of a Sebastopol child.

A 26-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man were interviewed by detectives on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 20).

The duo has since been released pending further enquiries.

Police have been told the one-year-old boy became unresponsive about 12 Noon on Tuesday, November 4, while at home and was taken to hospital by his mother and her partner.

The child passed away in a Melbourne hospital on November 6.

Exact circumstances leading up to the child’s death are still being determined.

The investigation remains ongoing.

SUNSHINE WEST

Factory blaze

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to reports at 7.19pm Wednesday (Nov. 19) of a large column of smoke issuing from a factory at Boundary Rd in Sunshine West Firefighters arrived to find a large pile of scrap metal in a metal recycling factory well alight.

FRV crews in breathing apparatus attacked the fire with multiple hoselines to knock down the flames.

Once the fire was declared under control at8.15pm, representatives of the recycling company used heavy machinery to pull apart the smouldering metal whilst firefighters continued to cool the pile.

A Community Advice was issued warning the public of large amounts of smoke from the fire.

A total of 31 firefighters attended with five pumpers, two aerial appliances, one rescue unit and two other units.

STATEWIDE

Affirming identity

■ Victoria has become the first state in Australia to make it free for trans and gender diverse people to update their gender on their birth certificate.

Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins, announced updates to the Births,DeathsandMarriages RegistrationAct(Fees)Regulations2019–making it free to update a record of sex on a birth certificate.

Previously, trans Victorians paid $140.40 to be issued a new birth certificate while people born outside Victoria paid $122 for a recognised details certificate. These fees have now been abolished.

In line with existing fee waiver policy, applications to change a name at the same time as a record of sex change will also be free, and certificate postage within Australia will be waived.

“Birth certificates are an important identity document used when enrolling for study, opening bank accounts, applying for a drivers licence or passport, or accessing government services – yet only one third of trans and gender Victorians currently hold identity documents that reflect who they are,” said a State Government representative.

“By making it free, the Government is making sure cost is never a barrier to a person having an identity document that reflects who they are.

“Following changes to the law in 2020, Victorians do not need to undergo surgery to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate.

“The announcement follows Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance, acknowledging the achievements and challenges facing trans and gender diverse Australians.”

BENALLA

Local jobs boost

■ The State Government says that it is creating more local jobs in Benalla with a new hub that will attract advanced manufacturing, logistics, and sustainable industries.

Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture, announced a $240,000 grant from the Community Development Fund to help Benalla Rural City Council progress the Benalla Future Economy Employment Precinct

The precinct will transform the BenallaYarrawonga Road Industrial Precinct and Enterprise Park into a hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics and sustainable industries.

CIGARETTE BURGLARIES, THEFT: DUO ARRESTED

■ Eastern Region Crime Squad have arrested two boys following a string of burglaries and robberies across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Detectives will allege the pair were involved in five incidents at convenience stores and cigarette stores between November 18-19.

Cigarettes and vapes were most frequently targeted during the incidents across Bayswater, Ashwood, Burwood, Hawthorn and Oakleigh.

Eastern Region Crime Squad detectives attended an address in Burnside Heights on Thursday (Nov. 20) which led to the arrest of an 18-year-old youth.

He was charged with 16 offences:

■ theft x 4

■ attempted burglary (2)

■ criminal damage (2)

■ robbery (3)

■ common law assault (2)

■ recklessly cause injury

■ commit indictable offence whilst on bail

■ contravene a conduct condition of bail

He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court.

Eastern Region Crime Squad detectives attended an address in the Knox area on Friday (Nov. 21) where a 16year-old boy was arrested.

He has been charged with 18 offences:

■ theft (5)

■ attempted burglary (2)

■ criminal damage (2)

■ robbery (3)

■ common law assault (2)

■ recklessly cause injury

■ theft of motor vehicle

■ fail to comply with a direction to assist

■ handle stolen goods

He was in custody and was to appear before a Children’s Court.

It is alleged the pair utilised an Isuzu utility stolen from a Dandenong address on November 13.

The investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.

Across Victoria Across Victoria

MELBOURNE Abuse alleged

■ A Melbourne man, 32, is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thu., Nov. 27)after the Australian Federal Police charged him with using a carriage service to harass a federal parliamentarian.

An AFP National Security Investigations team began an investigation this month after the parliamentarian’s electoral office reported receiving abusive emails and a phone call.

The man allegedly sent multiple harassing emails before escalating to an abusive phone call, which included hateful and menacing rhetoric.

The man also allegedly defaced a flag at the Parliamentarian’s electoral office.

The AFP executed a search warrant in the Melbourne suburb of Mernda on Friday (Nov. 21) and seized multiple electronic devices and offensive material.

The 32-year-old was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

THOMASTOWN

Scrapped plans

■ An alleged burglar at a scrap metal yard has been arrested by quick responding officers in Thomastown

Police were alerted to an alarm at the factory on Aylward Avenue about 12.20am on Friday (Nov. 21).

The Air Wing was overhead while numerous units surrounded the premises looking for the alleged offender.

A man was observed allegedly running around the property before jumping onto a shipping container and onto the roof of the factory.

With nowhere to hide, the man was taken into custody.

He has been charged with burglary and going equipped to steal.

The 40-year-old from Lalor was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on January 22.

PORT MELBOURNE

Hoons collision

The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety and security of Parliamentarians seriously.

“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but any criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, will not be tolerated,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

“We are putting on notice any individual or group attempting to erode our country’s social fabric by advocating hatred and fear.

“Whether offending occurs online or in-person, the AFP will use its unique capabilities and legislation to collect intelligence and evidence, and prosecute those who seek to harm our community.”

The AFP set up NSI teams in September to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.

BENDIGO

Contractor named

■ The appointment of a Head Contractor on the $45 million Bendigo Arts Gallery project has been made.

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Regional Development, announced that Fairbrother Construction has been appointed to lead the redevelopment.

Operating in East Bendigo since 2008, Fairbrother Construction has delivered previous building works at the gallery as well as on major projects in town including the 13,000 square-metre ‘GovHub’ building Galkangu

Approximately 260 jobs are expected to be created during the two-year construction phase of the project that will create a second-floor blockbuster exhibition space, innovative learning centre, theatrette, and Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.

Tthe gallery’s collection of artwork will now be moved into storage ahead of its doors closing to the public on November 30.

The City of Greater Bendigo will deliver a special program of exhibitions and events at other locations while the gallery is closed, keeping residents and visitors connected to Bendigo’s celebrated arts and culture scene.

■ Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are investigating a collision in Port Melbourne

Emergency services were called to reports a Volkswagen Golf and BMW X1 had collided on the West Gate Fwy in bound about 8.40pm on Wednesday (Nov. 19).

It is understood the Volkswagen and several other modified vehicles, including a black BMW 320i and a second Volkswagen Golf, were seen street racing moments before the collision.

The vehicles involved were heavily modified and investigators believe the probationary drivers of these vehicles were driving them in breach of their licence conditions.

The driver and sole occupant of the BMW X1 , a 41-year-old Cairnlea woman, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Volkswagen Golf, a 20year-old Hoppers Crossing man, was not injured.

Some of the drivers of the other modified vehicles failed to stop at the scene and render assistance.

The investigation into the circumstances of the incident remains ongoing.

NARRE WARREN

Fatal outcome

■ Major Collision Investigation detectives were at the scene of a fatal collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian in Narre Warren

It is understood that a car struck a woman in a carpark on Victor Crescent about 12.30pm on Thursday (Nov. 20).

The woman, believed to be in her 80s, died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 50s, stopped at the scene and was assisting police with their enquires.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

CITY

Lonsdale St fire

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a building fire in Lonsdale St, Melbourne , shortly before 3am on Thursday (Nov. 20) Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find heavy smoke issuing from the fourstorey concrete building.

Crews in breathing apparatus entered the building and attacked the fire in the basement housing a bar.

Firefighters searched the structure above, housing some restaurants and office spaces, with no persons found to be inside.

The fire was brought under control at 3.38am, 42 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

The bar was extensively damaged in the blaze.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading to the floors above, but the building was smoke logged.

The response involved five pumpers, one aerial appliance, one rescue unit and two other units.

A total of 29 firefighters were on scene.

The fire was deemed as suspicious and will be investigated by Victoria Police FRV were to remain on scene for several hours fully extinguishing the fire.

Suburban Report

MELBOURNE

Tunnel to open

■ The Metro Tunnel will open on Sunday (Nov. 30) as part of the Summer Start program – with free public transport every weekend for every Victorian, everywhere, until Sunday, February 1.

The Metro Tunnel is said to be the biggest transformation of the rail network in 40 years and when services begin five new stations will open their doors – Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac

KINGSTON

Blitz on e-bikes

■ Moorabbin Highway Patrol officers have launched an e-bike safety operation combining education and enforcement to reduce reckless riding and increase safety for all road users.

The operation targeting e-bike riders and educating them on their responsibilities began in August and will continue throughout summer, in a bid to keep vulnerable road users safe.

Since it commenced, more than 50 e-bike riders have been intercepted and spoken to by police.

Of those, 25 were identified as having committed an offence. 12 of them received penalties, while 13 received warnings, which also included phone calls to their parents.

MELBOURNE

Officer injured

■ Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for witnesses after a police officer was injured attempting to intercept a motorcycle rider in St Kilda.

Police were on patrol when they observed a grey Yamaha R1 Sports motorcycle travelling south along Chapel St about 3.15pm on August 20.

Officers attempted to intercept and speak to the rider at the intersection of Chapel St and Brighton Rd.

The officer, a senior constable from the State Highway Patrol sustained minor injuries.

SAFETY BOOST FOR FIVEWAYS CORNER

■ Federal and State Governments are upgrading the Warrandyte Five Ways intersection to improve road safety

Big Build Roads is seeking community feedback until December 7 to help shape the design and planning for the upgrade of the RingwoodWarrandyte Rd, Croydon Rd, Husseys Lane and Brumbys Rd intersection.

More than 8000 vehicles use the intersection daily, and the upgrade aims to make it safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Community input will help

Melbournewide

Big Build Roads understand how people use the intersection and what improvements are most needed, said a Government representative.

Planning is already underway, including traffic analysis, design development and onsite investigations to better understand local conditions.

Temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits may be required at times, but traffic disruption will be minimised wherever possible.

“We’re getting on with the planning work needed to fix one of Warrandyte’s most challenging intersections – improving safety and reducing congestion for everyone who uses it,” said Melissa Horne, State Minister for Roads and Road Safety.

“This is great news for Warrandyte and surrounding suburbs,” said Sonja Terpstra, North-Eastern MLC.

Across Town

BRIMBANK Nature to thrive

■ Brimbank has set out a bold new 10-year plan to protect and revive the city’s natural environment — from native grasslands to local wildlife habitat.

Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang said the strategy places Brimbank’s unique biodiversity at the heart of Council’s decision-making.

“Our vision is for Brimbank to be beautiful, thriving, healthy, and connected. To make that a reality, we need to look after the natural places our community loves –now and for future generations,” Cr Dang said.

FRANKSTON

Christmas Festival

■ Frankston City Council will mark the beginning of this year’s festive period with the annual Frankston Christmas Festival on Saturday (Nov. 29).

From 4.30pm-9.30pm in Davey St there will be music, food, and entertainment before the Tree Lighting Ceremony and fireworks display at 9.15pm to finish the event.

BAYSIDE

Lease expires

■ The lease on the Royal Avenue Tennis Coentre at Sandringham are about to expire. Current tenant is McKimm Tennis.

“The tenant has proposed a term of 9years and 9-months, with an investment of up to $529,450 to maintain and upgrade facilities over the lease duration, and a base rent of $115,000, with rent escalation at CPI per annum,” said Bayside Council.

DAREBIN

Partnership OK’d

■ A new partnership has been inked between Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Darebin City Council. The entities will work together in protecting and promoting the cultural, environmental, and social rights of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.

Seniors News Melbourne

Senior Service

Veterans Cricket

and Peter Heywood (Baw Baw).

■ It’s a game where everyone gets a hit, batters must retire at 40 and bouncers are a no-no.

But concessions to age are few in the Veterans Cricket Victoria competition.

Sure, the seniors who pad up every Sunday aren't the young men they once were. But they more than make up for it with enthusiasm and love of the sport.

The competition started with four teams playing in Victoria but now there's over 60 active clubs with probably more than 1200 players over 60 - and growing.

The competition fields teams graded ‘over 40’, ‘over 50’, ‘over 60’ and ‘70-plus’. There isn't an over-80s competition at the moment. but given good health, we expect to see one in about five years’ time.

Cricket is great for seniors because it keeps us off the couch, away from the TV and staying active.

The competition is a mix of players who ceased regular cricket in their thirties and those that have continued the summer ritual throughout their later years, albeit as they slipped down through the grades.

Turning to Veterans Cricket gives a new lease on your cricketing life as you once again are playing against other fellows in the same age profile.

The regular 40-over-a-side competition started in October and runs until March. Matches are played on Sundays, usually from 11am-5pm. It is general practice that there are barbecues and a chat after the game.

A lot of wives/partners come along and watch and participate afterwards. It's a great social outlet for those who still enjoy their cricket.

Players have varying levels of ability, from one long-retired Test player through to fellows who had never played cricket before, but the alternative for them was to play for the local bowls club.

Everyone gets a bat and a bowl - we ensure that each team must use seven bowlers, so everyone gets to compete. The camaraderie and the socialising are an important bonus for all involved.

Boundary cones are set a little closer to the wicket than they used to be in our prime, but here are no other restrictions except our own physical limitations, which means it is rarely seen that batsmen run three.

Run outs are contingent on fielders not fumbling the ball, so tend to be a bit rare and you can't really rely on fieldsmen to take catches. If they do the celebrations are lengthy.

While the players might lack the athletic ability of their salad days, and club matches are mostly light-hearted, there still remains the underlying competitive spirit.

Veterans Cricket Victoria also participates in several National Carnivals each season. These competitions allow players who in earlier times would never have dreamed of representing the ‘Big V’, the chance to live their childhood cricketing fantasy.

If you're interested in wielding the willow again - or even for the first time – contact the VCV Secretary Craig Martyn at secretary@vcv.org.au and you will be put in touch with a local club.

Mark McLauchlan

VULNERABLE RETIREES AT RISK

■ A new investigation report by Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath – WhenThe RaterRises– investigated how flood planning decisions had affected residents at two housing estates near the Maribyrnong River.

Referred to the Ombudsman by Parliament’s Legislative Council, the investigation focused on two housing estates – Rivervue Retirement Village, which was significantly affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong River flood; and the Kensington Banks residential estate, which modelling has shown is at risk of future flooding.

The investigation found that different issues affected residents in each development.

At Rivervue, the investigation found that Melbourne Water’s rushed and flawed flood modelling, coupled with building plan mistakes, caused the flooding at the site in 2022 and has resulted in vulnerable retirees living in a known flood hazard area.

Avoidable

“These mistakes – made in the early 2000s –were recognisable and avoidable,” said Ms Baragwanath

For Kensington Banks, the investigation found that multiple factors – including climate change impacts, lags in updates to flood modelling and a sinking flood protection levee –appear to be contributing to the development’s new flood risk status, rather than the kind of mistakes that played out at Rivervue

The investigation found that residents could have confidence in the latest Maribyrnong catchment model.

“It’s vital that the community can access accurate, up-to-date information about flood modelling in their area, to inform their decisions,” said Ms Baragwanath

“The experiences of residents at Rivervue and Kensington Banks highlight the need for high-quality flood risk information to be available to the community and incorporated into the planning scheme.”

Compensation

The investigation also involved assessing flood modelling for the Maribyrnong catchment and considering the need for related policy reforms and compensation for affected residents.

“Climate change is an urgent priority, and we need to start preparing for the likely impacts on the places we live, work, study and play,” Ms Baragwanath said.

While most of the report’s 13 recommendations – calling for better flood risk planning, factoring climate change into decisions, and helping the community to make informed decisions – have been accepted, the Victorian Government is yet to accept two important recommendations focused on compensation for flood-affected residents and establishing a resilience program.

“The flooding of Rivervue homes stems from failures by the State. Residents, through no fault of their own, are now left significantly outof-pocket and forced to spend their retirement in a flood-prone area.

“While compensation is not something we recommend lightly, in this case, it is the fair thing to do,” said Ms Baragwanath

“Having set out the evidence, I hope the Victorian Government accepts our recommendations for support for people impacted by flood risks.”

Need for speed

■ Contrary to popular belief that retirees have plenty of time on their hands, new customer survey data from Seniors First reveals that speed to funding is one of the most critical factors for Australians taking out a reverse mortgage.

Senior Moments

Cat-astrophe

■ The Cat Protection Society of Victoria is sounding the alarm this Christmas as the number of surrendered and abandoned cats and kittens soars.

The Greensborough shelter is already at capacity and heading into the busy 'kitten season', where kittens account for more than 40 per cent of CPSV’s annual adoptions.

To meet the spike in fragile, elderly and critically unwell cats needing urgent care, CPSV has launched its Nine Lives Emergency Fund, which covers essential, often life-saving treatment for the most vulnerable arrivals.

On average, it costs over $1000 just to prepare a healthy cat for adoption, but many arrive needing far more, including life-saving surgeries that can reach $7000.

$2.5m penalty

■ NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville has welcomed a record $2.5 million penalty imposed by the Federal Court against Lifestyle Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd. The proceeding concerned NDIS participants and support workers suffering physical violence and abuse in a Supported Independent Living accommodation facility located on the central coast of New South Wales

In Top Shape

Ambo responses

■ Ambulance Victoria says that it is exceeding its targets for quality and safety.

“Ambulance Victoria monitors how our ambulance services are performing. This includes how fast we respond to emergencies and how our treatments and clinical care helps patients,” said an AV representative.

“We are proud that we provide excellent clinical outcomes for our most time-critical patients. This includes people with serious problems like:

■ Cardiac arrest.

■ Heart attack.

■ Major trauma.

■ Stroke.

“We designate those patients that require urgent paramedic and hospital care as ‘Code 1’, and these patients receive a ‘lights and sirens’ response.

“Code 2 incidents are acute, but not time critical and do not require a lights and sirens response.”

Response time performance has been calculated using data sourced from the Computer Aided Dispatch system used across Victoria

“Ambulance response times are measured from when a Triple Zero (000) call is received until paramedics arrive on scene. Response times can be affected by many factors, including:

■ Traffic.

■ Road and weather conditions.

■ Distance required to travel.

■ Availability of ambulances.

■ Demand for ambulance services.

“When someone calls Triple Zero (000), call takers assess the situation. Ambulances are always sent to the sickest patients first, especially if their condition is life-threatening.”

Ambulance Victoria paramedics say they faced a record-breaking winter with demand for critical emergency care surging as seasonal illness spread throughout the state. AV Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said between July and September, demand for ‘lights and sirens’ ambulances across Victoria increased by 2.8 per cent compared with the previous quarter.

In the News

CARDIOVASCULAR OBESITY TIMEBOMB

■ New analysis combining Economist Impact’s Obesity Response Index with global cardiovascular health (heart and arteries) research shows that health systems are missing the early signs of rising heart attack and stroke risk, responsible for one-third of all deaths globally.

“Clinicians are doing everything they can within a system that has not kept pace with modern cardiovascular science,” said Klaus Bartosch, Chairman of CardiAction.

He says that while obesity is a clear contributor, it is only one visible part of a much wider problem. The real danger comes from hidden metabolic and inflammatory stress that damages the arteries years before standard tests pick it up.

Obesity rates have more than doubled globally since 1990, and childhood obesity has quadrupled.

But behind these numbers sits a broader issue that affects people of every weight category: rising blood sugar instability, chronic low-grade inflammation, and early stiffening of the arteries.

These changes often progress quietly with no symptoms, and most of them are not detected through traditional GP appointments.

Despite this, the average national response score across 20 assessed countries is only 56 out of 100.

Most strategies remain narrow and reactive.

Australia ranks 10th with a score of 58.8, performing poorly in several upstream areas that directly influence heart and artery health, even though the country has a strong clinical workforce and universal healthcare.

“GPs and cardiologists work tirelessly, yet the screening and prevention frameworks they rely on were designed in a different era, shaped by outdated assumptions and the limited tech-

nology of that time. Modern cardiovascular science makes clear that metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation drive early vascular damage long before traditional risk markers change, yet the frontline tools have barely shifted,” Mr Bartosch said.

“Healthcare is still looking in the wrong places, which is why the world’s greatest killer continues to escalate rather than decline.”

Economist Impact’s findings show that the core problem is not clinical effort. It is the combination of outdated policies and entrenched system structures that have not evolved with modern cardiovascular science.

Good Health

Too much, too little

■ Around two-thirds of pregnancies have weight gain that is more or less than recommended and is associated with complications such as preterm birth, large birth weight, and admission to intensive care.

The findings are part of a Monash University-led systematic review of data from 1.6 million women, published by TheBMJ (formerly BritishMedicalJournal).

Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy, known as gestational weight gain , represents combined growth of mother and baby, and is associated with increased risks to both mother and child.

Each year 130 million births occur globally in total, in the context of increasingly unhealthy and processed food supply and environmental drivers, causing an epidemic of excess GWG.

First author Dr Rebecca Goldstein, from the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, said the study’s results underlined the need for international action.

“These findings reinforce the need for international reference standards for healthy GWG alongside lifestyle support and public health measures to improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide,” Dr Goldstein said.

Most countries rely on Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines, but these are based on data from predominantly Caucasian women in high income countries in the 1980s, so they don’t reflect ethnically diverse populations across low, middle and highincome settings, or changes in food supply and environment that are driving global trends such as rising weight (BMI).

In response, the World Health Organisation has launched an initiative to develop global healthy GWG standards aimed at defining optimal GWG recommendations across diverse settings.

To support this initiative, Monash University researchers and collaborators from the WHO analysed data from 40 observational studies involving 1.6 million women aged 18 and over from five of the six WHO defined world regions that reported pregnancy outcomes according to BMI and GWG from 2009 to 2024.

Full Glam for $50? Armadale Just Got a Beauty Upgrade Affordable luxury lands on High Street

Melbourne’s beauty scene has welcomed a refreshing new addition with the launch of Beauty_Bar, a concept store delivering premium makeup and skincare services to Armadale - all at surprisingly accessible prices.

Situated on High Street, Beauty_Bar comes from the team behind three well-loved Australian brandsMCoBeauty, Nude by Nature and esmi Skin Minerals.

The store blends professional beauty services with a hands-on retail experience, giving locals a place to learn, experiment and indulge without the usual premium price tag.

Armadale has long been home to boutique salons and prestige beauty destinations, but Beauty_Bar brings something fresh to the mix - luxury that’s fun, welcoming, and accessible.

Services start at $30 for skincare treatments, a makeup application is just $40, and a full glam costs $50, with every service redeemable against product purchases.

“We wanted to make beauty accessible to everyone,” says Alexandra Latimer from the Beauty_Bar team.

“This space is all about discoverytrying products, learning new techniques, and feeling great, whether it’s for a big event or just because. We’re looking forward to connecting with the local community through work-

shops, events, and activations.”

The space itself has quickly become part of the attraction. Designed with bright interiors and an unmistakable pop of pink, the store invites customers to play, test, and explore.

Visitors can book one-hour makeup

lessons, enjoy shade-matching with professional artists, trial bestselling products, and even reserve the “Get Ready With Me” room, designed for friends preparing together for events or nights out.

Early response has been over

Fact File

NAME: NAME: NAME: NAME: Beauty_Bar

ADDRESS: ADDRESS: 1114 High Street, Armadale VIC 3143

PHONE: PHONE: PHONE: (03) 9311 8000

WEBSITE: WEBSITE: https://beautybar.com.au/ INST A A A GRAM: GRAM: @beauty_bar_official

TikT TikT TikTok: ok: ok: ok: @beauty_bar_official_ whelmingly positive, with locals sharing glowing reviews and praising the combination of approachable prices and professional results.

Since opening, one visitor even exclaimed, “I’ve never been so happy to live in Melbourne!” Beauty_Bar service highlights include:

■ Natural Makeup Look - $40

■ Full Glam Makeup - $50

■ Skincare Treatments - from $30

■ One-Hour Makeup Lessons - $45

■ Complimentary express touch-ups & shade matching

■ Group “Get Ready With Me” bookings - $25 per person

Whether you’re after expert guidance, a fast glow-up, or simply a fun beauty moment, Beauty_Bar delivers a fresh, modern approach to beauty - one that invites everyone to take part.

Observer Health

In The Pink Care continues

■ Some of Victoria’s most at-risk patients will continue receiving life-saving general practice care, thanks to a Federal Government rescue plan for Melbourne’s cohealth clinics, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs

Mark Butler, Federal Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, said the Federal Government will provide funding to allow cohealth to continue operations until the end of July and allow sufficient time for an independent review to be undertaken for the long-term sustainability for these vital services.

RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz and Deputy Chair Dr Aadil Aziz have both spoken out about the importance of keeping cohealth open, including at an emergency meeting at Fitzroy Town Hall.

Dr Muñoz said the six-month funding extension will save lives but warned more must been done to ensure patients aren’t left behind.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, but this is a positive step forward and we thank the Federal Government for this investment,” she said.

“The College is more than willing to support cohealth and the Federal Government as they work together to find a long-term solution that gives patients certainty about their care options.

“I thank the Federal Member for Maribyrnong, Jo Briskey, and the Federal Member for Melbourne, Sarah Whitty, for their hard work helping to make this happen,” Dr Munoz said.

In the News

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025

NEW ADVICE FOR GPs ABOUT BREAST DENSITY

■ Breast Cancer Network Australia welcomes the release of national clinical guidance to support GPs in managing and advising women with high breast density.

This new GP guidance accompanies the national move toward breast density notification, and BCNA strongly supports all BreastScreen programs informing women of their breast density as a minimum standard.

“Women have a right to this information, and [the] guidance provides GPs with clear, evidence-based pathways to support decisionmaking, risk assessment and referral to appropriate imaging where clinically indicated,” said a BCNA representative.

Breast density is one element of breast cancer risk and must be considered alongside family history, genetics, previous breast conditions, lifestyle factors, and overall personal risk. This comprehensive guideline gives GPs the tools they need to confidently assess risk and discuss supplemental screening options with women who may require further imaging.

“We welcome these guidelines which give GPs clear direction on managing breast density and associated risk. We commend BreastScreen Australia for this comprehensive work and for embedding consumer perspectives,” said Vicki Durston, Director, Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, BCNA

The Pulse Mental health prize winners

■ This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Australian Mental Health Prize, a decade of recognising Australians whose leadership, research, and lived experience have transformed how the community understands and responds to mental health.

Since its establishment in 2016 by UNSW Sydney, the Prize has honoured advocates, clinicians, researchers, peer workers and community leaders who have changed lives and shaped national conversation.

This milestone year celebrates trailblazers and a new generation of change-makers.

The winners are Professor Pat Dudgeon, Australia’s first Aboriginal psychologist whose leadership has redefined Indigenous mental health, and Professor Brian Burdekin, a global human-rights pioneer who reframed mental illness as a humanrights issue.

“We celebrate a new generation of change-makers with winners Hugo Toovey and Keith Donnelly, whose lived experience and grassroots innovation are inspiring new approaches to care and connection,” said a Royal Australian College of GPs rep. Presenting the 2025 awards, Emma McBride MP , Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said the milestone was a chance to celebrate both the legacy of the Prize and the leadership of this year’s winners:

“The Australian Mental Health Prize shines a light on the people who dedicate their lives to improving mental health in Australia ”

Early eye checks encouraged during Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

November marks Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, and local eye health professionals are encouraging residents in Melbourne’s inner west who are living with diabetes to have regular eye examinations to reduce the risk of avoidable vision loss.

More than 1.3 million Australians have diabetic conditions, and it is estimated that over 500,000 more may have type 2 diabetes without realising it.

Because diabetic changes in the eye can occur without any early symptoms, many people may not know their vision is at risk until the condition is more advanced.

This issue has particular relevance for residents of Melbourne’s inner west, where diabetes is prevalent across many of our East and Southeast Asian communities.

Health professionals often note that certain demographics have a higher diabetes risk profile.

Principal Optometrist at VISIONPRO Optometrists, Minh Van Tran, said that many patients assume their eyes are healthy because they can still see clearly, which can lead to delays in seeking care.

“Diabetes is very common in our community, especially among older adults, and it can affect the eyes long before any changes to vision are noticed,” Mr Tran said.

“Early detection is the most effec-

● ● Pictured above: Visionpro Optometrists, 1/21 Devonshire Rd, Sunshine. Phone: 9600 1142

● ● ● ● Pictured at right: Min Van Tran, Principal

tive way to prevent avoidable vision loss. Retinal photography and OCT scans allow us to spot changes at the back of the eye early, so patients can be referred for timely care when needed.”

To support earlier detection, VISIONPRO Optometrists has introduced Optical Coherence Tomogra-

phy (OCT) imaging in its newly opened Sunshine clinic.

The non-invasive scan takes a detailed cross-section image of the retina, allowing eye health professionals to identify subtle changes that may not appear in standard examinations.

The process takes only a few minutes and is performed as part of a

Name: Name: VISIONPRO OPTOMETRISTS

Address: Address: 1/21 Devonshire Road, Sunshine VIC 3020

Phone: 03 9600 1142

Website: Website: https:// www.visionpros.com.au/ Email: sunshine@visionpros.com.au

routine eye check.

For people living with diabetes, health guidelines recommend a comprehensive eye examination every year, even when diabetes seems well-managed and vision appears normal.

Mr Tran says that regular screenings play an important role in maintaining independence and quality of life.

“Clear vision allows people to continue driving, working, reading, staying active, and staying connected with family and friends,” he said.

“Checking the eyes regularly is a simple and effective way to protect those activities.”

Residents with diabetes, or those who are unsure whether they may be at risk, are encouraged to speak with their local optometrist or healthcare provider about routine retinal screening.

Education Matters

A Journey of Resilience: Celebrating the Braemar College Class of 2025

■ Imagine beginning your high school journey in 2020. You’ve just met new friends, joined your first sports team, and are looking forward to your first camp. Then, halfway around the world, disruption begins, and soon enough, it reaches your doorstep.

For our graduating Class of 2025, the traditional high school experience began under extraordinary circumstances. While some students had already joined Braemar in earlier years, it was in 2020 that this cohort came together to start what should have been a familiar five-year journey of learning, friendship, and growth. Instead, their early high school years were marked by isolation, uncertainty, and the challenge of adapting to a world turned upside down.

Those years, however, also forged something remarkable. They taught this group resilience, empathy, and the ability to adapt to change. They learned to stay connected in new ways, to find motivation within themselves, and to support one another, lessons that no textbook could ever fully teach.

Now, as they approach the final weeks of their Year 12 journey, these young people stand as a testament to strength and optimism. They have grown from quiet determination into confident leaders, ready to step into the broader world beyond Braemar College. Their collective story is one not just of overcoming challenge, but of shaping character and community through adversity.

As a College, we are immensely proud of the Class of 2025, proud of their achievements, their spirit, and the way they have carried themselves through such defining years. They remind us that education is not only about what happens in classrooms, but about how we face the world and rise together.

We wish them every success as they take their next steps beyond Braemar.

Latest News

Death at Parwan

■ A man died following a collision in Parwan on Friday morning (Nov. 21).

Police were told that a utility travelling west on Ballan Rd collided with a truck driving in the opposite direction about 6.25am. The driver of the ute and sole occupant died at the scene. The truck driver was uninjured.

Road closures took place on Ballan Rd, near Bacchus Marsh Geelong Rd

An investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Medals stolen

■ Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary in Wantirna South. It is understood that an unknown offender gained access to a residence on Buchan Ct sometime between 3pm on Wednesday, November 5, and 7pm on Thursday, November 6. No one was home at the time.

A number of personal items were stolen, including the Order of Australia medal and the distinctive Tobruk Rats medal, which was awarded in 1941 and is only one of 20 ever made.

Investigators have released sourced images of the medals in the hopes that someone can provide information on their whereabouts.

Charity tin taken

■ Bellarine police have charged a man following the alleged theft of a charity tin at a licensed venue in Leopold on Tuesday, November 11.

It is alleged two men attended the pokies area of the Kensington Rd venue about 3.30pm and allegedly cut the tie of the breast cancer charity tin and removed it.

The tin contained over $150 in charitable donations.

A 22-year-old man has since been charged with theft and bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on December 3. Police continue to investigate and are appealing for the public’s help to identify the second male.

Investigators have released images of a man that may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

DRUGS, CASH SEIZED AFTER POLICE CHASE

■ A man has been charged after an extended follow through Melbourne’s western and inner suburbs.

Brimbank Highway Patrol officers first spotted a Toyota Corolla allegedly travelling at a fast rate of speed on Main Road West in St Albans about 9.50pm on Thursday (Nov. 20).

Police attempted to intercept the vehicle but it is alleged to have evaded officers, continuing onto the Western Fwy and through the suburbs of Ravenhall, Derrimut, West Footscray, then along the West Gate Fwy into the city.

The vehicle is alleged to have continued to drive erratically across the CBD, at one point narrowly avoiding pedestrians and driving contraflow on Russell St, before heading onto CityLink and back out through the suburbs of West Melbourne and Flemington.

Officers deployed stop sticks on Military Rd in Avondale Heights, deflating all four tyres, before the vehicle stopped near the inter-

● ● ● ● Stopsticks were used by Police. File Photo. section of Milleara Rd and Keilor Park Drive in Keilor East

The two alleged occupants hid in nearby bushes but were swiftly arrested.

Police allegedly located more than $7000 cash, methylamphetamine, cocaine and 1,4-butanediol in a bumbag dumped nearby.

A 33-year-old Newport man has been charged with:

■ reckless conduct endanger serious injury

■ dangerous driving while pursued by police

■ Shepparton Divisional Response Unit officers are appealing for public assistance to identify a man following the theft of a vehicle in Shepparton

Police have been told a vehicle with a sleeping child inside was parked in a supermarket car park on Maude St while the victim quickly ran into the store just before 2pm on November 14.

It is believed an unknown male offender then took the opportunity to steal the red Volkswagen and reversed out of the car park.

The offender then realised a baby was in the back seat and removed the baby, placing the child in a box in the car park before driving away.

The victim returned and immediately located the toddler before raising the alarm.

The stolen car was located the following day in the Mooroopna area.

Police have released CCTV and images of a man that may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The offender is described as being aged in his 20s to 30s, with a slim build and 165cm tall.

He was wearing a black cap backwards, navy headphones, a blue Golden State basketball singlet, black shorts, light blue runners and black sweatbands on both wrists.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

■ fail to stop on police direction

■ exceed speed limit by 45kmh

■ traffick methamphetamine

■ possess methamphetamine

■ traffick cocaine

■ possess cocaine

■ possess 1-4 butanol

He wasr emanded to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court

A 27-year-old Burnside Heights man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

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

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

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), the Box Hill Reporter (Est. 1888), Doncaster-Templestowe News (Est. 1962), Maroondah Mail (Est. 1922), Knox-Sherbrooke News (Est. 1967), Mountain District Free Press (Est. 1946). Waverley Gazette (Est. 1961) Progress News

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in a local edition: • Local Paper - Eastern Suburbs Edition

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Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe

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Ash on Wednesday 50 years for Community House

Archival image of the North Ringwood Community House welcome sign and entrance. Image supplied by North Ringwood Community House.

■ North Ringwood Community House is celebrating 50 years. Maroondah Mayor Cr Linda Hancock congratulated the community centre on its milestone.

“Congratulations to the North Ringwood Community House on this special milestone,” Cr Hancock said.

“For 50 years, this centre has provided opportunities, support and social connections to hundreds of Maroondah residents, allowing them to connect, grow and learn through affordable programs, courses and activities.”

Helen Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer of North Ringwood Community House, reflected on the milestone.

“This 50-year journey is a reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and heart.

From our beginnings in a parish meeting to our vibrant home at Parkwood today,

Long Shots

“For

we’re so proud of what we’ve built — with the community and for the community.”

This journey dates back to November 1972, when the Catholic community of the Holy Spirit Parish of North Ringwood voted, with guidance from the parish priest Jim Nippard , to establish a multi-purpose community centre that could be shared with everyone in the area.

The North Ringwood Community Development Council was formed in 1975, with the parish working alongside the emerging community house to care for the people of North Ringwood . A house was generously donated by the local Milne family in 1977 as a base for the community centre. It was relocated to Oban Rd, next to the parish centre, and officially opened by Ringwood Mayoress, Mrs Margaret Henderson, in November 1978.

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

The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

The Local Paper

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

BOROONDARA

NORTHERN SECTION

Incorporating the traditions of the Boroondara Weekly, Progress News, Camberwell Free Press (Est. 26, 1927) Boroondara (North) comprises Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Burwood, Canterbury, Deepdene, Greythorn, Kew, Kew East, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills. Boroondara is home to more than 167,231 people, living in approximately 69,420 homes.

KNOX

Incorporating the traditions of the Knox-Sherbooke News (Est. April 19, 1967), Mountain District Free Press (Est. Aug. 9, 1946), Ferntree Gully News (Est. 26, 1923) and Ferntree Gully Times (Est. Jun. 8, 1889). Knox comprises Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Lysterfield, Knoxfield, Rowville, Scoresby, The Basin, Upper Ferntree Gully, Wantirna, and Wantirna South. Knox is home to more than 154,110 people, living in approximately 59,086 homes.

MANNINGHAM

Incorporating the traditions of East Yarra News (Est. May 9, 1962) and Doncaster-Templestowe News. Manningham comprises Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Nunawading (part), Park Orchards (part), Ringwood North (part), Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South and Wonga Park (part). Manningham is home to more than 122,900 people, living in approximately 45,500 homes.

MAROONDAH

Incorporating the traditions of the Ringwood and Croydon Mail (Est. Jan. 9, 1924), Croydon City News (Est. 1983), Ringwood City News (Est. Jul. 6, 1984). Maroondah comprises Bayswater North, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Croydon South, Heathmont, Kilsyth (part), Kilsyth South, Park Orchards (part), Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringwood North (part), Vermont (part), Warranwood and Wonga Park (part). Maroondah is home to more than 117,498 people, living in approximately 54,921 homes.

MONASH

Incorporating the traditions of the Waverley Gazette (Est. Feb. 8, 1961), Oakleigh Times (Est. Jun. 8, 1889).

Monash comprises Ashwood, Clayton, Glen Waverley, Hughesdale, Huntingdale, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, and Wheelers Hill. Parts of Chadstone, Burwood and Oakleigh South are also included in Monash. Monash is home to more than 202,847 people, living in approximately 70,600 homes.

WHITEHORSE

Incorporating the traditions of Box Hill Reporter (Est. Jun. 26, 1889).

Whitehorse comprises Balwyn North (part), Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood (part), Burwood East, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert (part), Mont Albert North, Nunawading (part), Surrey Hills (part), Vermont (part) and Vermont South. Whitehorse is home to more than 176,196 people, living in approximately 65,881 homes. Read

Have a

■ Charlie Cruden has built a quite incredible collection over his lifetime ... and it is all being offered for purchase at a clearing sale, with viewing days to be held at Castella (near Yarra Glen)on Saturday-Sunday, December 13-14.

One of the lots amongst all the vintage machinery is a 1980 royal blue Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow with 136,000kms on the clock. There is a 1923 Leyland CUB chassis with engine and worm drive diffs. plus a quantity of new/used early model generators and starter motors for Valiant, Ford and Holden

Part of the the offering is a Fuller and Johnson 1923 stationery engine (incomplete), and an A.H McDonald Imperial Super diesel stationery engine.

There is a 1909 restored buggy, a Radford & Co antique hand-operated well pump, as well as dozens of other items.

Marty Deacon from Elders Real Estate, Mildura, is in charge of arrangements. Auctions Plus will conduct the sale from December 15-17.

■ An advertisement for the Clearing Sale appears in the Victorian Rural News section in the centre pages of this newspaper.

Sam’s network

■ In addition to his Front Bar duties on Channel 7, and his own tonight show on Network 10, Sam Pang has earned an extra gig for 2026: he will star in new comedy GroundUpas Hugh Shen, an AFL administrator sent from Melbourne to Tasmania to create a new club.

ABC-TV boss Hugh Marks held a launch late last week to announce programming for 2026: it will include performers including Shaun Micallef, Kitty Flanagan and Julia Morris.

ABC Chairman Kim Williams was in attendance to hear that other shows will be presented by Anne Edmonds, Marc Fennell, Urzila Carlson, Alex Lee, John Safran, Todd Sampson, Tony Armstrong and Zan Rowe

People in news

■ Early in TheObserver’scareer, a mentor Don Brown used to speak of a Dandenong Journalyoung reporter Niki Savva, who went on to TheAustraliannewspaper, and then became well known for his reporting of Canberra politics. Niki put in an impressive performance with David Spears ofThe Insiders this month, recalling the Dismissal events of November 11, 1975.

■ Xander McGuire, son of Eddie and Carla McGuire, will try out his radio talents on the summer Triple M Melbourne breakfast team.

■ A media saying is ‘never go on holidays, your job might not be here when you return’. Perhaps that rule doesn’t apply so much at the ABC? Radio Melbourne breakfast show co-host Sharnelle Vella will discover the answer next year as she will be on maternity leave, expecting a happy event in March, after many fertility challenges. The ABC will soon announce a ‘temporary cohost’ for Bob Murphy

A good word for ...

■ Lachy Hulme has been cast to bring Charles Dickens’ characters to life in A Christmas Carol at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre. Other cast members include Emily Robinson, Andrew Coshan, Tony Cobin, Jonathon Gardner, Stephanie Lambourn, Kaori Maeda-Judge and Samantha Morley.

GRANDMA TWIRLY KEEPS KIDS SAFE

■ Carol Fallon , 72, has written her first children’s picture story book AtthePark withGrandmaTwirly and Grandpa Pop, which addresses safety in the playground with grandparents.

“Grandparents these days are increasingly asked to care for their grandchildren,” Ms Fallon said.

“I think my story will help keep children safer in the playground when they understand that, as grandparents grow older ,they may become physically unable to help in some dangerous situations, so co-operation is very important .

“Between 2022 and 2023, 5474 hospitalisations in Australia were for playground equipment related falls. Sadly, there were some deaths.

“I am hoping my book will help reduce these numbers.

“Before I wrote the book I wondered if other grandparents were having the same problem, so I asked and these were the responses:

■ “I’m too old for this caper.”

■ “I’m struggling to get off this seat let alone run around the playground.”

■ “Im totally exhausted and I have only been here 10 minutes.”

■ “Please be careful you are only half mine”

■ “Slow down please! Remember I can’t keep up with you “ Ms Fallon has self published her book. It is not sold commercially.

She is the mother of four grown men and a grandparent of two young children.

“As a primary school teacher, I specialised in Physical Education and was President of the Victorian Primary School Sports Association ,” Ms Fallon said.

“My observations and adventures with my grandchildren are the inspiration for this book.

“Every year children have accidents at the park, some resulting in hospitalisation.”

Cover and text design for the book was by Jess Kelly; illustrations were by Teresa Alberini; and editing was by Sally Cowan Copies of the book can be obtained in hardcover ($29.95) and paperback ($19.95). Orders can be placed at https:// grandmatwirly.com/ buy

The

Report by MP

● ● Georgie Purcell MLC

■ Northern Victoria MLC Georgie Purcell has reported someone, understood to be a fellow MP. over sexual harassment allegations.

Ms Purcell, of the Animal Justice Party, said the alleged offender made inappropriate sexual advances, including late-night messages, and uninvited visits to her Parliamentary office.

Ms Purcell says that she worked as a stripper previously, but thought she would be safe as an MP

“One thing I have learned is that men will always see us as up for grabs.”

Ms Purcell says that she was ‘slutshamed’ withc comments like “What did she expect? Look at how she dresses.”

Nationals MLC Emma Kealy told parliament about how she had been stalked. Natalie hutchins told of being groped.

Ms Purcell is expecting her first child in July with Federal MHR Josh Burns.

TRIBUTES FOR BEN

■ Hundreds gathered at the Junction Oval, St Kilda, last Thursday (Nov. 20) for a memorial service for teenage cricketer Ben Austin who died after a sporting accident.

With the Ashes now underway, the cricketing theme was to the fore as the 17-year-old was remembered for his football and cricket involvements, especially in the Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Waverley areas.

Mourners were in sports guernseys zand packed grandstands at the oval.

The Year 11 student had his sights set on becoming a physical education teacher and AFL boundary umpire.

“Most people count their years, but you made your years count,” father Jayce Austin said.

“Thanks for choosing mum and me to come on your tour –what a tour it was.

“Great knock, Benny , well played son.”

The

“There is so much work to be done in keeping our children safe,” Ms van

said.

“Sexual violence impacts approximately one in three girls and one in five boys. And the Victorian Law Reform Commission reports that while all other crime is decreasing, sexual assault is the only crime in Australia that is rising year on year.

“We need to talk more about this topic because talking about sexual abuse needs to become normalised. because while it’s not - it makes it very hard for victims to disclose sexual assault - and perpetrators love silence and shame.

“That’s how they hide in plain sight. This is why I advocate and agitate. We must shine a light on this issue and all learn more about how we prevent sexual assault from occurring in the first place,” Ms van der Zandt said.

For Alice Anderson

■ Crowd fundraising is aiming to attract $120,000 for a statue of Alice Anderson, who was a trailblazing mechanic, businesswoman, and the first woman in Australia to run her own garage.

Born in 1897, she challenged the gender norms of the early 20th century by becoming an expert in a male-dominated field.

In 1919, at just 22 years old, Alice established the Alice Anderson Motor Service in Kew

Her business was a comprehensive service for motorists, providing repairs, vehicle sales, and driving lessons. She even employed an all-female team of mechanics and chauffeurs, a revolutionary concept for the time.

The fundraising was officially launched last Sunday (Nov. 23) at the Maling Road Auto Classico event in Canterbury

The campaign aims to create a permanent public tribute to Alice’s legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship and community-building.

Visitors cold meet the team behind the project and learn more about Ms Anderson’s extraordinary story.

There was a book signing with Alice’s biographer, Loretta Smith.

There was a parade of team members dressed as “garage girls”, bringing to life the energy and camaraderie of the original 1920s workshop. The project team is partnering with Boroondara Council

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 9, 12, 23, 36, 34, 45

Love could blossom in unexpected places, and sudden developments might lead to significant changes in your plans. Recognition for your career efforts is likely, but follow up on important details.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 24, 40, 26, 33

This period promises to be an excellent start for you. Embrace opportunities as they come, but let others handle the organising. Be cautious with financial partnerships and doublecheck all arrangements.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 5, 3

Lotto Numbers: 9, 15, 26, 35, 36, 3

Promises made now may not be dependable, so ensure you know your goals before starting new ventures. Luck could come unexpectedly and may appear just when you need it most.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 25, 29, 8, 4

Romance looks bright for singles, while those married may experience family extensions. Bargains abound for those shopping for the home. Take extra care at work, as your concentration may waver.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 7, 12, 26, 35, 36

Plan your finances carefully, and success will follow. Your gift of persuasion could lead to exciting career opportunities. Old contacts may return to offer help or repay favours.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3, 6, 9, 5

Lotto Numbers: 9, 5, 12, 24, 45, 40

Avoid overspending on things you don’t truly need. You’re likely to feel generous and in a pleasant mood. In romantic matters, the pace is entirely up to you.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 8, 12, 26, 35, 40, 22

This period may leave you restless, so avoid gossip and unverified rumours. In love, this could be the start of something significant. Career ambitions have no limits if you stay focused.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 2, 3, 1

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 32, 20, 3

Essential information is beneficial for advancing your career. Opportunities to strengthen romantic bonds are likely, and for some, a particular person from the past may reappear.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 45, 40, 9, 7

This is a time to enjoy life as it comes. Financial surprises could see money flowing in faster than expected. In romance, you might be drawn to something new but uncertain how to let go of the old.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 36, 37

Unexpected changes may throw you off balance, so practice self-control. Avoid overexerting yourself in physical activities, as it could strain your relationships.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 35, 5, 1

You may find yourself juggling too many social commitments. It’s wise to decline some invitations to maintain balance. For those with ambitions, this is an excellent time to make strides toward achieving your goals.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 8, 9

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 39, 8, 33

Now is the perfect time to seek assistance or support for your career plans. Believing in yourself can yield surprising—and even spectacular—results.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave, Visit us online at: www.kerrykulkens.com.au

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.

LA MAMA THEATRE RETURNS IN 2026

Visa breaches alleged

■ An Eritrea -born man was set to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (Nov. 20) charged with allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated conditions.

The Australian Federal Police charged the man, 38, after he was located in Melbourne

It isalleged the man breached one of the conditions of his Commonwealth visa by failing to maintain his electronic monitoring device.

When AFP officers arrested him, they allegedly found him in possession of a flick knife and a driver’s licence in another person’s name.

The man has been charged with:

■ One count of fail to maintain an electronic monitoring device;

■ One count of possess a prohibited weapon; and

■ One count of handling stolen goods.

Bound for Victoria

■ The AFP’s international network has helped prevent 45kg of methamphetamine from reaching Australian streets, following a joint investigation with police in the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia

UAE Post received intelligence from the Dubai Police Anti-Narcotics Unit about a consignment from Afghanistan destined for Victoria

■ Returning in 2026 after lying fallow in 2025, La Mama Theatre’s season next year has an exciting new structure consisting of three themes introduced at the season’s launch by Caitlin Dullard, La Mama’s CEO and Artistic Director.

All three themes seek to embody La Mama’s key principles of community, freedom, pathways and new Australian work.

The first theme, La Mama Presents, sees eight new plays performed from February to May at La Mama HQ and La Mama Courthouse

The second theme, Play , running from June to August, sees the focus on developing new work, on experimentation and pushing the boundaries of theatre.

Finally Partnerships, running from September to December, sees La Mama collaborate with a range of different organisations and events, such as Melbourne Fringe, in order to broaden its engagement with community.

Further details about Play and Partnerships will be forthcoming so the launch focussed primarily on La Mama Presents

There is a diverse range of offerings in the eight plays to be staged at the two venues, each running for three weeks.

In February, Moongazing looks at contemporary sources of emotional and spiritual guidance while Saintstakes a satirical tour of a revolutionary England.

In March, Some Secrets Should Be Kept Secret is a gothic tale of lies and truth telling involving the Stolen Generation while BackToTe Maunga is a Maori dramedy examining male friendship.

In April, SpareAThought ForJanaWendtis a dark comedy taking aim at privilege and

Missing truck

■ A £2,000 truck complete with driver and a load of flour vanished without trace in Melbourne yesterday morning.

status and Head-Thorax-Abdomen, a dark comedy thriller, sees three characters struggle to solve a terrible mystery.

Finally in May, GagReflex has three naive Year 12 girls trying to write erotica to win a manuscript competition and Stuck has two women in a small-town supermarket deli go head-to-toe trying to survive the drudgery.

After a challenging couple of years it looks like La Mama is bouncing back with more than just a spring in its step.

For further information about the 2026 season see: https://lamama.com.au/ Peter Murphy

Device rule

‘broken’

■ A Somalia -born man was due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (Nov. 18), charged with allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated conditions.

The AFP charged the man, 44, after he was located in Melbourne

It is alleged the man breached one of the conditions of his Commonwealth visa by failing to maintain his Electronic Monitoring Device.

The man was charged with:

■ One count of fail to maintain Electronic Monitoring Device,

■ One count of intentionally damage property belonging to Commonwealth entity, and

■ Four counts of possession of personal property reasonably suspected of being stolen pursuant to section 26 of the Summary OffencesAct1966(Vic)

An intensive search by two squads of detectives and all city and suburban police patrols had failed to solve the mystery disappearance by early this morning.

Thc truck left Mr. H. A. Chalmers' carrying depot, Cowper st., West Melbourne, at 9 a.m.

On board were 40 bags of flour valued at £110 for the Kraft Walker Co., Salmon st.. Port Melbourne

The driver was instructed to call at General Motors, near the Kraft plant, after dropping his load and to take a cargo to Richmond. BUT the truck never arrived at either place.

Possibilities being investigated by police include:

Seizing of the truck by hi-jackers after overpowering the driver.

The driver falling ill or suffering from loss of memory.

Police last night appealed to the public to watch for the truck, No. T.S.342, colored with sycamore duco and red mudguards. Mr. M. A. Chalmers said last night: "The whole thing is extremely mystifying. As soon as we realised something was wrong, I rang Krafts and General Motors, to find the truck had never reached either place.

As soon as Mr. Chalmers reported the triple disappearance, D24 flashed an alert to all police patrols.

North Melbourne and South Melbourne detectives took charge of the search yesterday afternoon.

Fair catch

■ Out over the placid waters of the Werribee snaked a deftly cast fishing line. There was a gentle "plop" as the baited hook hit the water.

On the bank, Mrs. June Davis, of Macpherson st., North Carlton, settled down patiently to await a bite . . . .

A gentle cough from behind her brought her out of her reverie.

"Caught anything?" inquired Fisheries Inspector L. Bracken, kindly.

Mrs. Davis said "No."

But her day was really ruined when Mr. Bracken, asked for her licence to fish.

She hadn't one.

And in Melton court yesterday she was fined £2.

Mrs. Davis was something of a catch for the Fisheries Department

She was the first woman to be caught and convicted for fishing without a licence.

German-Australian Opera Grant Final

Henry Wright (NSW Encouragement Grant), Sophie Blades (NSW Development Grant), Molly Ryan NSW (GAOG Awardee), Ziggy Harris NSW (Encouragement Grant).

■ Overlooking the banks of the Yarra, this year’s German-Australia Opera Grant Final was held in The Edge Auditorium at Federation Square but the eyes of the contestants were firmly set upon the Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden where the winner would take up a year’s long contract to develop their craft as an opera singer.

Baritones Ziggy Harris and Henry Wright along with sopranos Sophie Blades and Molly Ryan were the finalists. That they have reached this stage speaks to a dedication and application founded on the prospect of realizing an opportunity that will allow them to move their careers forward on the opera stage.

But it is a life fraught with insecurity given the transient nature of the arts and the limited tenure of contracted employment.

A youthful delight and hope was evident in each of the singers as they plied their trade.

Opera singing is a physical art that requires control and discipline all of which is transcended when the voice soars and fills the auditorium.

It was Ryan who ultimately won through, the incremental difference between her and the others was the maturity and sonorous nature of her voice that transported the listener.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention the accompanist, Phillipa Safey. Hers is a supportive collaboration allowing the artist to achieve notoriety whilst remaining in the background herself.

And a word should go out to the Henkell Family Fund sponsorship with patriarch Hans Henkell, a German immigrant, closing the circle that unites European opera with the dreams of aspiring vocalists for, when all is said and done, the Danube and the Yarra inspire common dreams.

Review by David McLean

Rhys and Joel’s Family Christmas

■ Rhys Nicholson and Joel Creasey have reunited to return to Melbourne for a one night variety-style celebration, Rhysand Joel's Family Christmas, at The Capitol, Swanston St., Melbourne on December 6. Their 2023 tour sold out across the country and became a Foxtel/Binge Christmas special. After taking last year off, they’re returning with new stories, surprise celebrity guests and the kind of festive chaos only they can deliver.

The show is described as “the loudest, campest, least family-friendly Christmas show on the calendar ... swapping carols for queens, sharp banter, music and surprise guests”.

Performance Date: Saturday, December 6, 8pm-9.30pm

Venue: The Capitol, 113 Swanston St., Melbourne

Bookings: comedyrepublic.com.au/ rhysandjoel/

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

MORNING MELODIES

■ Arts Centre Melbourne has announced the program for Morning Melodies 26

The 2026 season will run from February through to December, and shows will feature Caroline O'Connor, Silvie Paladino, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Georgia Wilkinson, Denis Walter and Claire Lyon who are among the star-studded line-up set to perform at Hamer Hall as part of the 2026 MorningMelodiesprogram.

Now in its 41st year, the popular daytime concert series continues to bring showstopping performance spanning genres and generations to the stage.

From the music of Broadway, ‘60s and ‘70s pop, joyful swing, opera and contemporary classics along with dance, MorningMelodiesis one hour of joyful, affordable performance.

The 2026 season also features Rhys Tolhurst performing swing classics alongside Nina Ferro, The 60 Four delivering a Vegas-style concert of 60s and 70s hits, and cabaret performers Amelia Ryan and Libby O’Donovan paying tribute to the women who redefined Australian music in the swinging 60s.

In addition to established stars, the program shines a spotlight on the future stars of the performing arts with the Australian Ballet School and the Victorian College of the Arts presenting showcases with their brightest students.

“I’m so excited to be part of the Morning Melodiesline-up for 2026 along with so many other wonderful artists. It’s always such a treat to perform before the MorningMelodiesaudiences; they bring such a warm, joyous energy to the magnificent Hamer Hall ," said Silvie Paladino. Tickets and more information are available from artscentremelbourne.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Come From Away

● ● ● ● Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Georgia Wilkinson will perform in Morning Melodies on November 9 next year. cember 8 at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, Brunswick, 6pm-9pm.

AfterHoursoffers a relaxed experience that blends social connection with exploration. Guests can enjoy a complimentary snack and their choice of a cocktail (with valid 18+ ID), mocktail, or soft drink before venturing into the exhibition to discover crafted environments that honor many of the unforgettable moments from the films that fans and audiences have loved for more than two decades.

Once inside, guests will embark on a personalized journey through innovative, and magical galleries enjoying an up-close look at everything from authentic props to original costumes and much more.

While tailored for adults, the evening retains all the wonder of the behind-the-scenes filmmaking magic, celebrating iconic moments, characters, settings, and creatures. Guests can learn how to brew a potion, cast a spell, pot a mandrake, or even sit down in Hagrid’s oversized armchair or give their Quidditch skills a try.

Whether fans once queued for a midnight book release or are discovering the magic for the first time, After Hours is designed for all grown up fans who deserve a night out.

Exhibition Date: December 8 from 6 pm –9pm (last entry at 8pm)

Danielle

■ Opera Australia’s

and passionate

I was both excited and privileged to attend the opening night of Opera Australia's shiny, new, freshly updated production of Bizet's Carmenat the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne.

The Regent was the most perfect venue for this sumptuous evening of spectacular singing, clever sets, splendid costuming and stunning lighting design.

Director Anne-Louise Sarks brilliantly brings Carmen 150 years into the future, making her story more relevant to today's post-# MeToo audience.

It was a joy to see so many young, glamorously clad patrons in the foyer appreciating this glorious art form.

Clelia Cafiero's conducting debut is thrilling. From the first moments of the brisk overture, we know we are in for a hell of a ride. The contemporary set designs were delightfully enhanced by clever lighting effects and amazing, colorful costuming.

The production seemed to project a musical Broadway type of familiarity for me, which makes it more accessible to today's audiences. Especially as the dancers were so expertly integrated into the action that it was hard to distinguish them from the chorus.

Highlights for me were Danielle de Niese's (Carmen) seductively enticing Seguidilla and the lively Gypsy Song (Les Tringles desSistres), where she cemented her reputation as an accomplished actress and confident mover.

The enchanting Jennifer Black (Micaela) delivered the illustrious aria, Jedisquerien nem'épouvantein the third act, with fault- less technique and a spine-tingling top 'Á' in the climax.

●

● ● ●

From left: Nick ( Adam Kirk), Diane (Megan Coe), Hannah (Candice O'Brien), Beverly (Marina Martin), Oz (Mathew Arter), Janice (Kathryn Desmier), Claude (Colin Armstrong), Bob (Ongegu Ndubi), Beulah (Jenn Biggs), Bonnie (George Carol), Kevin (Nabs Adnan), and Kevin (Thomas KittThompson). in Come From Away.

Photo: Lucy Mason

■ OSMaD presents the musical Come From Away, with performances from December 413 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Hawthorn.

ComeFromAwaytells the true story of how the town of Gander, in Newfoundland, Canada, became the unexpected host to thousands of stranded passengers on September 11, 2001. After 38 planes were diverted to Gander’s airstrip, the isolated community welcomed the travelers, overcoming cultural and language barriers with music, open bars, and a sense of global solidarity.

Come From Away is a musical that has played worldwide, sharing the stories of 7,000 passengers cared for by the townspeople of Gander.

Director/choreographer is Daragh Wills, Music Director is David Barrell, and Kirsten Manuel is Choreographer/Dialect Coach Performance Season: December 4 - 13

Venue: Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College, Hawthorn. Tickets: ComeFromAwayMusical.com.au Cheryl Threadgold

Harry Potter

■ HarryPotter:TheExhibitionis inviting its adult fans to experience the world-renowned exhibition in a new way with the launch of After Hours, an exclusive 18+ event on De-

Venue: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, Brunswick Tickets are limited. To reserve a spot visit melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com Cheryl Threadgold

Dvorak release

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor Jaime Martín present the next chapter in their acclaimed Dvorák cycle with the release of Dvorák:SymphoniesNos.2 & 8 — the Orchestra’s fourth album in partnership with LSO Live. This follows the 2024 release of Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6, critically praised for Martín’s fresh and insightful approach to Dvorák’s often-overlooked symphonic works.

Phillip Rhodes (Escamillo) made an impressive, dazzling and dramatic entrance in Act Two with a superb rendition of the Toreador'sSong

Abraham Breton (Don Jose) executed his character, moving from a love-sick puppy to a dangerous stalker with finesse and artistry.

The most exhilarating moments by far were both the full chorus ensembles and the excellent children's chorus. You can still catch performances of this extraordinary production up to November 25. Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au.

Review by Lucy Nicolson

Guewel reviewed by Peter Murphy

■ Seven years in the making, Guewel was a landmark collaboration between Arts House, 13.12 and the National Theatre of Senegal.

The show had a well-deserved standing ovation at its premiere in Melbourne

Non-linear in narrative form, the play consisted of a series of tableaux involving song, dance, music and ritual that together portrayed an ancient African cosmovision of the universe and our place in it.

To explain the title, in Senegal a guewel is a cultural custodian of this worldview, responsible for preserving and communicating it to communities and future generations.

The creation of the show involved practice-based research both here in Australia and in Senegal

Collaboration with artists and elders took place over an extended period. The end result was a work that involved multiple forms of media such as live music, animations and filmed landscapes projected onto a large screen.

This acted as a backdrop to spoken word

and song which was performed in Senegalese; the only English used was in the form of simple written phrases that occasionally appeared on the screen.

The five performers in Guewel - Awa Coulibaly, Aminata Sarr, Abdoul Aziz Ngom, Ndik Sene and Anita Quayle - were all vibrant and spirited. They sang, danced and played music with a joyous fervour but also embraced moments of stillness, often forming expressive, sometimes enigmatic, tableaux vivants.

Guewelwas directed by Lamine Sonko who also composed its music. He showed wonderful skill and artistry in blending the different types of media into a cohesive whole. Eschewing surtitles to translate the spoken Senegalese text was a bold choice that added to rather than detracted from the experience. Credit too to producer Olive Moynihan and her team who did a wonderful job of realising Sonko’s vision. Simple yet complex, particular yet universal.

Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne

Places To Go

Holidays can leave you wrecked Going

What’s On What’s On What’s On What’s On Inside

up

■ As Sydney gears up for the arrival of PrettyWoman: TheMusical, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth invites guests to step into the glamour of the stage and screen with the Pretty Woman Oh-La-La-La Lift experience, running until December 13. Designed to celebrate one of the most iconic moments in romantic film history, this immersive installation reimagines the iconic hotel elevator.

Ski hotel

■ The ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’ award is presented to a single hotel selected from among newly opened properties worldwide.

This year, Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, Japan, was nominated as a finalist alongside four other new hotels from Austria, France, Slovakia and Italy, and was ultimately selected as the winner. Awards are presented across four key categories—Best Ski Resort, Best Ski Hotel, Best Ski Boutique Hotel and Best Ski Chalet.

■ Australians might be clocking up the frequentflyer points - with 23 per cent (5.2 million) planning an overseas trip and 57 per cent (13 million) a domestic holiday in the year ahead - but new research has revealed they’re coming home more exhausted than ever.

A new survey of an independent panel of 1009 Australians commissioned by travel insurance provider Insure&Go found a startling 75 per cent admitted they finish a holiday feeling more tired than when they left.

One in five (21 per cent) confess they always need ‘a break after my break’, while only a quarter (24 per cent) return genuinely refreshed. Sabotaging valuable holiday time at the top of the list is poor sleep from red-eye flights, late nights and lumpy hotel mattresses, tops at 34 per cent.

Closely followed by itinerary overload with 27 per cent admitting they cram so much in that their escape becomes an endurance event.

● ● David Mayo, Director of Insure&Go.

Planning and organisation stress drags another 18 per cent into the fatigue zone, and the stress of work preventing 7 per cent of Aussies ability to switch off.

“We’re seeing travellers treat a seven-day break like a seven-day sprint, long haul flights, packed sightseeing, poor sleep,” says David Mayo, Commercial and Marketing Director of Insure&Go

“Fatigue isn’t just an inconvenience when travelling, it can heighten the risk of illness and accidents. Tired travellers may be more likely to ignore early symptoms of sickness, misplace valuables and make impaired decisions that can quickly derail a trip.”

Gen Z and young millennials are bearing the brunt of the post-trip burnout. A staggering 83 per cent of 18- to 29-year-olds drag themselves home tired with only 17 per cent saying they feel refreshed. One of the biggest culprits is the stress of juggling bookings and logistics

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Only one hour’s drive from Hobart, in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, award-winning Curringa Farm is a peaceful escape set on 750 acres of working farmland near Hamilton. Beautifully appointed self-contained cottages offer a comfortable base, with bushland and lake views, thoughtful touches with spa baths and private decks. Booked, daily farm tours offer guests sheep shearing demo, working dogs and sustainable farming practices. Meals available on request. It’s a gentle way to experience rural Tasmania - where the pace slows and the landscape quietly steals the show.

Bush Telegraph

Bushbank top-up

■ Steve Dimopoulos, Environment Minister, has announced a $3 million investment to help meet demand for native woody shrub and tree seeds and seedlings.

The funding is part of the $77 million BushBank program, which will restore important habitat for native wildlife across Victoria and reduce carbon emissions.

Kyneton progress

■ Rock House Farm in Kyneton has commenced planting its timber plantation –made possible by a $94,350 investment through the Victorian Carbon Farming Program Phase one of the planting has been completed, representing 10 per cent of the total area that will be planted next year.

The program supports farmers to diversify income streams by growing trees for multiple purposes including shade and shelter, erosion control, timber production and the option to offset on-farm emissions.

CSIRO job cuts

■ Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Chief Executive Doug Hilton told staff last week that up to 350 jobs would be on the chopping block.

“The Environment Research Unit was in the gun and would lose up to 150 researchers, or 20 per cent of its current staffing allocation,” reported Jason Gregory of Stock& Landnewspaper.

■ The Victorian State Government says that it is boosting drought support for farmers and communities.

At the Drought Response Taskforce meeting last Friday (Nov. 21), Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced an extension of key drought programs, bringing the Government's Drought Support Package to more than $146.5 million.

“Farmers from across the state will have access to a second Farm Advisory Service oneon-one consultation with a technical specialist,” said a Government representative.

“Community wellbeing support will continue with a new round of funding for the Look Over the Farm Gate grants program opening in February 2026, administered by the National Centre for Farmer Health

“Across Victoria, more than 100 Look Over the Farm Gate events have brought communities together, engaging around 13,000 people.

“Work will also soon begin on a major pipeline expansion, to secure water access for approximately 200 rural properties and 10 towns in the Ararat, Northern Grampians and the Pyrenees local government areas.”

The Victorian Farmers Federation will receive $677,000 over two years.

Whiparound Bushfire ready

■ RACV is encouraging Victorians to ready their homes and review their insurance as the state enters what is predicted to be an extreme summer bushfire season.

RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside, Bill Bloodworth said it’s crucial Victorians have a plan and stay informed to ensure they are best prepared for the peak fire period.

“The state could be facing an increased bushfire risk this summer and RACV is urging Victorians living in high-risk areas to take action now to prepare their household and property,” Mr Bloodworth said.

13 scholarships

■ There will be 13 recipients of the 2025 Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship, with each receiving up to $10,000 to boost their careers – $5\000 for new learning opportunities and another $5000 to put their new skills into practice.

Highs for beef

■ Australia’s cattle industry continues to set new benchmarks, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures confirming record beef production for the September quarter.

At the same time, sheep and lamb slaughter has eased significantly following last year’s peak turnoff.

Strong seasonal conditions across northern Australia have underpinned the surge in cattle numbers.

VINTAGE AND CLASSIC MACHINERY, PLANT, HAY EQUIP, SUNDRY ITEMS, TRACTORS, TRUCKS AND ROLLS ROYCE VEHICLE

Vintage & Classic Vehicle and parts: *1980 Rolls Royce sedan, Royal Blue, Silver Shadow, 136,000kms, unregistered, detailed, some minor paint and slight rear panel damage, runs & drives well. *1923 Leyland CUB chassis with engine and worm drive diffs. *Quantity of new/used early model generators & starter motors for Valiant, Ford and holden. *Classic gauges and head lights

Vintage Engine: *Fuller & Johnson 1923 Stationery engine (incomplete). *A.H McDonald Imperial Super diesel stationery engine. Vintage Road Roller & CAT Traxcavator: *1947 A.H McDonald flat roller, cartridge start,19tn#. *1957 CAT 25A 933 Traxcavator#. *1954 Galion Road grader, 401 Leyland engine, 120Hp, new fuel pump, 12ft blade, good tyres in good working condition. Antique Horse buggy & Pump: *1909 restored buggy. *Radford & Co Antique Hand operated Well Pump. Generator: *80KVA CAT 3114 generator, r unning, solar for battery charge, 3 phase. Hay & Spreaders: *Vicon RV2160 baler, 26000bales, rotary feed. *Claas 12ft mower, reconditioned. *2tn Super spreader. *Silvan 8 Wheel Hay rake. *Vintage chicken manure spreader. *Single axle 4-ton trailer.

Equip: *Freshca 12” post hole Auger. *Stihl TS 800 petrol concrete cutter. *Kew 4203VA Hot/cold water electric pressure cleaner. *WEG 3 phase electric motor working. *Crompton Greaves 3 phase electric motor working. * Electric 3 phase motor working. *Robin FY40D generator. *H/D electric cable winder. *Roston Hornsby 35RB drag bucket.

Trucks, Diffs & engines: *Rockwell Reco Diffs, front and back ratio 7:37 to suit Atkinson truck. *Leyland supper hippo rear end and diffs. *Leyland 401 Super Six, single drive, 6spd splitter, w/- stock crate, running. *Leyland 401 Super six boggy drive, 11spd w/- splitter, running. *Atkinson prime mover, boggy drive,150 Gardner engine, 10spd r/ranger w/- 2 spare cabins.

*Gardner diesel, 4LW truck engine.

Tractors: *Fordson Super major, new starter, remotes, pto, 3p/l, R.O.P.S, good tyres & running. *Chamberlain 4080 cab tractor, 4986hrs, new clutch, new hyd pump, pto, 3p/l, remotes, good tyres, comes mud guard & good runner. * 1937 Fordson N1, reco mag, high spd 3rd gear#. *DB 885, ROPS, front end loader & bucket & hay forks, pto, 3p/l good tyres & running. *Nuffield Universal, with slasher#.

Sundry items: *Plastic sheet Gyprock lifter. *Oregon beams, 4x 4.8mx300x80. *1x 2.7mx300x80. * Qnty Red Gum natural tree aged. Qnty of new starter motors to suit early Holden & Fords. *Lucas Mill with petrol engine. *20ft shipping container. *4x 14.5m concrete power poles. *15x 13.5m concrete power poles. *2x 1.5tn demolition balls.

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go Briefs

Hawke House at Bordertown

■ Travellers can stay in the Bordertown house in which Australian Prime Minister was raised.

Bob Hawke was born in Bordertown in 1929 and lived in this house until his family relocated in 1935.

Since the Hawke family’s departure, the house has had many uses. It was eventually purchased by the Tatiara District Council in 2021 through an initiative and support from the Commonwealth Government

Following significant conservation works, the house has been set up as short stay accommodation, providing opportunity for visitors to engage with the environment of Bob Hawke’s formative years.

Throughout the house travellers will find a number of clues about the significance of the place. These appear in the form of photographs, trophies, books, croquet and cricket sets, and stories revealed within the tears of the wallpaper around each chimney breast.

The layout of the house now mirrors family life, with individual rooms dedicated to reflect a person or a particular aspect of Bob Hawke’s achievements.

Mulloway Studio received the South Australian Architecture Award for Heritage for the Hawke House project.

Hawke House

63 Farquhar St (corner of Binnie St) Bordertown, South Australia

Phone: (08) 8752 1752

Email: info@bordertowncaravanpark.com.au

Bound for South Australia

■ One of the top attractions in the Flinders Ranges (South Australia) is the volunteer-run Pichi Richi Railway based at Quorn. It runs on selected days between March and November.

Passengers can watch gumlined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by.

All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway.

Travellers can enjoy a fullday or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums Railway. (Government Gums is now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders

Ranges). The PortAugusta andGovernmentGumsRailwayActof 1876 stipulated that the gauge of the railway "shall be 3 feet 6 inches" (1067mm) with iron rails "not less than 40 pounds to the yard."

The railway reached Quorn on December 15, 1879, and Farina in 1882. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929, as the Central Australia line.

Briefs

Country mile from reality

■ The Limestone Coast is described as “west of Melbourne, south of Adelaide, and a country mile from reality”.

For generations, travellers have explored the underworld of chasms and caves, trekked dormant volcanoes, feasted on home-grown delights and soaked in the aquamarine dream coastline.

For at least 30,000 years, the Limestone Coast has been home to the Boandik, Bindjali and Ngarrindjeri people.

Local communities are committed to commemorating and honouring their culture and traditions through the towns, National Parks and Forestry Reserves by sharing their stories through interpretive signage and exhibitions.

For a truly immersive First Nations experience, jump on a tour with Boandik Elder, Uncle Ken Jones, on a cultural and foraging journey to identify, touch and taste some of our finest bush foods along the incredible Port MacDonnell coastline.

With endless stories and history to share, from the rich pioneering, geological, agricultural heritage to our famous forestry and maritime history, communities across the region have painstakingly curated their stories and artefacts into fascinating exhibits in museums throughout the region.

Some of the key museums not to miss across the region include Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum, Sheep's Back Museum, Millicent National Trust Museum, Beachport and Old Wool and Grain Store National Trust Museum.

Shows

■ The 1812 Theatre: Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, Until December 6 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris and Libby Procter. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au 9758 3964.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Until November 29 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate’s Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol: A Comedy (by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin) Until November 30 at the Mt Eliza Community Hall, 90 –100 Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eliza. Director: Robert Lister. Bookings: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1374274

■ Synchronicity Performing Arts: A Sherlock Carol – Premiere Production (by Mark Shanahan) Until November 29 at The Engine Room, View St., Bendigo. Bookings: synchronicity.org.au

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree (book, lyrics and music by Dan Goggin) Until December 6 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Famous Warrandyte Follies Until December 6 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Adrian Rice. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1482951

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Whodunnit (by Anthony Shaffer) Until December 6 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Peter T Nathan. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au/

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Significant Other (by Joshua Harmon) Until December 6 at the Bradshaw Street Community Hall, Bradshaw Street, Essendon. Director: George Benca. Bookings: essendontheatre company.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (by CS Lewis, adapted by Glen Robbins) Until December 7 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Jason Triggs. Bookings: 0494 065 006.

■ OSMaD: Come From Away. December 4 –13 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College Campus, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Director: Daragh Wills; Music Director: David Barr. Bookings: osmad.com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company Youth: The Tale of Pinocchio (by Ryan Purdey, Erich Fordham) December 5 – 13 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Directed by Ryan Purdey and Sean Tessari. Bookings: htc.org.au

Auditions

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): A Midsummer Night’s Dream (by William Shakespeare) November 26 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Open auditions. Auditionees will be asked to prepare a short Shakespearean monologue. Director: Brian Edmond. For further information/audition bookings, email the director at: bedled@hotmail.co

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: The Gift (by Joanna Murray Smith) November 29 at 11am; November 30 at 2pm at the Shoestring Playhouse at The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: Natasha Boyd. Audition bookings (by appointment only): ttt.org.au/ auditions

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) November 30 at 1pm and December 1 at 7pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition enquiries: Susan Rundle theatre@psrundle.com

■ Essendon Theatre Company: The Rise and Fall of Litte Vsoice (by Jim Cartwright) November 30 at 5.30pm; December 7 at 10am at 9 Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: Alexander Gibbs. Audition enquiries: AlexanderGibbs1982@gmail.com or 0410 933 582

■ Encore Theatre: Gas Light (by Patrick Hamilton) December 8 and 10, 7pm – 9pm, at Fleigner Hall, 39 Highland Ave., Oakleigh East. Director: Kym Davies. Audition bookings: Trybooking.

Cheryl Threadgold

Adrift: liberated, not lost

■ The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) presents the graduate showcase, titled Adrift. Curated by Tegan Carmichael and devised by NICA’s third-year students, from December 9-13 at the NICA National Circus Centre in Prahran

To be cast adrift is not to be lost, but to be liberated. It is an allegory for the end of one journey and beginning of another.

Before students close the final chapter, pages are turned back to reflect on the path that brought them here.

Of every idea scribbled, workshopped, buried, and dug up again. Each student searched within to find their stories, their quirks, and elements of connection. Now, they approach the threshold and leave behind the relics of student life.

With a clean slate, they'll write a new narrative, and from the student emerges a professional artist bound for new horizons.

The students' final acts feature aerials, trio acrobatics, Chinese pole, roue cyr, hoop diving, hair hang, and more in Adrift

NICA is a proud Arts8 training organisation, supported by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts

Globally recognised as Australia’s Centre of Excellence in circus studies and the only provider of accredited tertiary circus education in the southern hemisphere, the programs, delivered in partnership with NICA’s educational partner, the Australian College of the Arts (Collarts), are highly sought after both nationally and internationally.

Graduates of NICA have gone on to pursue exciting careers both locally and internationally and have contributed to the development of Australia’s vibrant circus arts industry.

Season: December 10 – 13 (preview 9 December)

Time: 7.30pm evenings and 2 pm matinee

Venue: NICA’s Guang Rong Lu OAM National Circus Centre. 39 – 59 Green St, Prahran

Duration: 2 hours (including 20 min interval)

Tickets: $18 - $40 plus booking fee. Discounts for groups, concession, Mob tix and under 30s.

Seating: General Admission

Bookings: nica.com.au/performs Cheryl Threadgold

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

■ Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s new family musical brings mystery, music and magic to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens with The Teddy Bears' Picnic being presented from December 6-21.

Melbourne families are invited to pack their picnic baskets and enjoy this unique, interactive theatrical adventure designed especially for children aged 3 to 10.

Unlike a traditional theatre show, The TeddyBear’sPicnic unfolds across multiple locations within the St Kilda Botanical Gardens. Led by the larger-than-life Special Agent Honeycomb, the ever-efficient Ms Place, and the quick-thinking Sam, young ‘recruits’ will embark on a top-secret mission to track down Bobby the Bear before the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic begins.

Along the way, audiences will meet a cast of colourful characters from The Tree of Witlessness (who is nothing like his cousin The Tree of Wisdom) to Sir Nibbles Nuttington a posh squirrel with a sweet tooth as they solve puzzles, sing songs, and follow clues to help save the day.

After the interactive 45-minute adventure, families are welcome to stay and enjoy a Teddy Bear’s picnic in the gardens.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic continues Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s tradition of creating high-quality, environmentally sustainable family theatre, using sets and costumes made entirely from recycled, reclaimed, and reused materials.

Performance Season: December 6 - 21

(Weekends only)

Times: 9.30am, 10.45am and 12 Noon

Duration: 45 Minutes plus Picnic Time afterwards

Venue: St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Tickets: melbourneshakespeare.com and trybooking.com/events/landing/1485624

Cheryl Threadgold

■ Melbourne’s Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre has unveiled its 2026 season, marking the company’s 25th anniversary with a program

that reflects its 'legacy of risk-taking, excellence and artist-led storytelling.'

Anchored by a landmark revival of Ray Lawler’s TheDollTrilogy, the season also features new international works, and a world premiere as part of Red Stitch’s INK program, which champions original Australian writing.

Red Stitch Artistic Director Ella Caldwell says: “Our 25th anniversary season is a celebration of the core values that have shaped Red Stitch from the very beginning - the intimacy of our space, the strength of our ensemble, and a fierce belief in the power of great writing. As an ensemble company, our focus has always been on the relationship between actors and the playwright's words on the page, and the audience travelling alongside us.

“This program brings together extraordinary international voices, urgent new Australian work, and one of the most significant works in our national canon, TheDollTrilogy, realised as it was meant to be experienced by an ensemble of actors inhabiting the roles across three decades.

“Ray Lawler was a trailblazer, a master of his craft and one of Australia’s most influential artists. While TheDollis widely recognised for its significant contribution to dramatic literature, the full trilogy is rarely staged due to its scale and complexity - but at Red Stitch, we love a challenge.”

Red Stitch’s 2026 season includes:

■ TheDollTrilogyby Ray Lawler (Feb. 21 –Apr. 11

■ AnnaXby Joseph Charlton (May 27 – June 21)

■ FuneralFlowersby Emma Dennis-Edwards (July 29 – August 23)

■ Lukeby Angus Cameron — premiere, INK program (Sept. 16 – Oct. 11)

■ Carbon by Pier Lorenzo Pisano (Nov. 11 –Dec. 6)

Cheryl Threadgold

Phryne Fisher

●

Kerry Greenwood

■ The literary world in Melbourne and across the world went into collective mourning with the death of the beloved creator of the Phryne Fisher stories, Kerry Greenwood

But even as the multitude of Greenwood fans mourned, they were grateful that Kerry managed to finish one last book before she left them, and her partner, David Greagg, undertook to make sure it was published as a lasting memento of Kerry , who was also a devoted cat lover.

That book is Murder in the Cathedral, and it is now on the bookshelves, much to the delight of the fans.

This 23rd novel in the Phryne Fisher series sees Phryne heading to Bendigo for the consecration of her dear friend Lionel as Bishop.

But as so often happens, when Phryne is around, someone is found dead and Phryne is again on the case. As she investigates, she discovers a cloistered world of veiled intentions, quiet rivalries and secrets buried deep beneath the church’s stone walls.

Kerry’s publisher Annette Barlow has paid tribute to her author as a final thank you for one last book.

“Kerry was erudite, empathetic, funny, a keen observer and politically astute. She imbued Phryne with all of those qualities, and added Phryne’s innate ability to wear couture with ease and grace,” Annette said.

Now that’s a tribute both Phryne Fisher and Kerry Greenwood would have appreciated.

Vale Kerry Greenwood, and wherever you are, may you always have a cat in your lap. MurderintheCathedralis published by Allen and Unwin and available online and in bookstores. Julie Houghton

From Fields of Stone

■

A large crowd comprising family, friends and book lovers attended the launch of Isabel de la Rambelya' s historical novel FromFieldsofStoneat the Beaumaris Bowling Club

For the past 20 years, inspired by her mother Olive's stories of family history, Isabel has explored and recorded the life of her great-great grandmother, Nappy King Nappy was one of thousands of women transported to Van Diemen's Land during the Irish Famine, and one of the few to bring a child with them.

Isabel's research included personally visiting Ireland and photographing the book's front cover image in Galway, plus several visits to Tasmania

Her research revealed that Nappy worked as a servant in Clifden Castle, Ireland, before her years in Tasmania as convict, settler, landowner, mother, wife, and finally a patient in New Norfolk Insane Asylum

From Fields of Stone was launched at the event by Melbourne writer, novelist and human rights advocate, Arnold Zable

Arnold's message on the back of the book's cover reads: “A monumental work, epic in scope, heartbreaking and inspiring, propelled by a passionate quest to restore a woman's life. Nappy King has been rescued from anonymity, her life honoured, her resourcefulness in the face of injustice meticulously documented and her defiant adventurous spirit celebrated.”

Congratulations to author Isabel de la Rambelya on this splendid outcome after her many years of hard work, determination and passion to publish her great-great grandmother's story.

From Fields of Stone is currently available at Beaumaris Books or online at beaumaris-books.myshopify.com/products/ from-fields-of-stone Cheryl Threadgold

CATO THE WISE

Maxwell Newton

★The Japanese Film Festival is screening restored kami eiga (‘paper films’) from pre-war Japan at 7pm-8.30pm on Thursday (Nov.27) at ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne.

★The Lorne Pier to Pub and Mountain to Surf, two cornerstone events that showcase the best of Lorne’s coastal community, will be held on the January 9-10 weekend. More than 7000 participants and 20,000 visitors join together for the loved sporting traditions.

★Sullivan+Strumpf is presenting an exhibition of new works from Los-Angeles based Australian artist Polly Borland, opening at their Collingwood gallery, Thursday (Nov. 27) until Saturday, December 20.

★Some 120 riders are reported to have hit the road on Monday (Nov. 24) from Torquay for the fifth annual Tour de Cure Victorian Discovery Tour, raising funds for cancer research. The three-day charity ride is across southern Victoria, delivering grants to local foundations supporting those affected by cancer.

★Yestrday (Tues, Nov. 25) marked 140 years of community nursing in Melbourne. An event was due toi be held at Parliament House, just across the road from the historic Spring St home where the first meeting was held to start home nursing in Australia in 1885.

★Diva, an international exhibition developed by London's Victoria and Albert Museum celebrating some of history's most provocative and powerful divas, goes on display from December 11April 26.

★A number of St Joseph’s Brunswick West male teachers are male, and many of them are growing moustaches this month to raise awareness and funds for Movember. Several female teachers have also committed to walking 60-km in support.

★The Man From Snowy River In Concert returns to Melbourne for a limited encore season. Hamer Hall. May 16.

★Australia’s largest gathering of solo mums will celebrate Christmas on Sunday, December 16. Single mothers now make up more than 12 per cent of Australian families

★Opening Thursday, December 4, Artbank presents And Also, an investigation of performance-based, time-based media from the Artbank collection. Featuring video work by Barbara Cleveland, Amrita Hepi, Laresa Kosloff and Simone Slee alongside an installation by Liv Moriarty.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★State Library Victoria has launched the Young Regional Writers’ Program , linking students in non-metro areas with celebrated Australian children’s authors

★ Walk4BrainCancer Melbourne, organised by Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, took place last Sunday (Nov. 23). This event brings together families, survivors, and supporters to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer – Australia’s leading cause of cancer death in children and adults under 40.

★The National Library of Australia is digitising original film script for The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the diaries of Australian producer Jim Sharman.

★The award-winning comedy Bad Shabbos is to be released on December 4, screening at Classic, Lido and Ritz Cinemas

★The National institute of Dramatic Art has announced a new supporting partnership with A ustralians in Film in Los Angeles. The partnership will offer professional development and support for students and alumni looking to explore screen careers in Hollywood and beyond.

★ The University of Melbourne’s Buxton Contemporary has unveiled Hany Armanious: Stone Soup, a major solo exhibition presented in partnership with the Henry Moore Institute, United Kingdom, on show until April 11.

★Retro Australia is a new visual title from New Holland Publishers featuring over 600 r.are images from the 1950s–70s

★Radioinfo and Radiotoday, in partnership with marketing publication Mumbrella , have launched a new awards event for Australia’s Audio Industry. The Australian Audio Awards will include recognition for both radio and podcast talent. This follows the conclusion of the Commercial Radio Awards.

★Port Fairy Folk Festival (Mar. 6-9) has added Fantastic Negrito (USA), Hannah Cohen (USA); Asmâa Hamzaoui and Bnat Timbouktou (MAR); Scottish trailblazers Dallahan ; Catalonia’s exuberant folk collective El Pony Pisador; and Americana icon Jim Lauderdale (USA) to the line-up.

★The National Drama School Actors Ensemble, comprising final year Advanced Diploma students, are presenting their self-devised end-of-year production Golden Soil & Wealth for Toil at Theatreworks Explosive Factory until November 29.

Fashion Festival

■ Thousands of visitors will converge on the city when the Melbourne Fashion Festival celebrates its 30th year in 2026.

Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, welcomed the 2026 program, ringing together fashion, creativity and community for 15 days of live events.

Held from February 14-28 across Melbourne, the Festival includes a world-class Premium Runway Series showcasing leading Australian designers alongside exciting local and emerging talent the second week (February 23-28) at Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building

The festival is rounded out with a city-wide celebration of fashion, shopping events, styling and beauty workshops, industry seminars with leading fashion voices, networking events, fashion installations and exhibitions.

Beginning in 1996, the Festival is now Australia’s largest consumer fashion event, showcasing creative talent and celebrating Australian and Victorian fashion and retail sectors. tou

The Melbourne Fashion Festival takes place alongside a blockbuster calendar of major events, including the 2025 NGV summer exhibition Westwood | Kawakubo, Australian Open, Great Ocean Road Race, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and NRL State of Origin

“We are backing the Melbourne Fashion Festival alongside a bumper major events calendar that will bring thousands of visitors into the city, supporting local businesses and jobs,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said: “Fashion-lovers from near and far are expected to come to Australia’s creative and fashion capital, bringing more visitors into the city and supporting the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants.”

Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said: “The strength, scale and momentum of Melbourne Fashion Festival today is grounded in a remarkable 30-year legacy shaped by the valuable contributions of an iconic collection of Australia’s designers, creatives, industry leaders and partners.

“As Australia’s only true consumer major fashion event, we create a world-class fashion destination that is accessible to all, allowing us to deliver real value, development opportunities and visibility to designers at all levels, securing the Festival’s influence on the Australian fashion industry well into the future.”

Big Summer Read

■ Schoolkids will have the opportunity to swap screens for stories these summer holidays, as part of the fifth annual Big Summer Read.

The statewide reading challenge was launched last week and aims to combat the ‘summer slide’ – a common reduction in reading time and subsequent loss of literacy skills children experience during the long school holidays.

Victorian children under the age of 18 are eligible to register and track their reading progress through the Big Summer Read website, with digital badges and prizes on offer for participants. As part of the program, parents can register and read to children who can’t read independently yet.

Four winners will each take home a Zoos Victoria family membership, one for each age category, and local libraries from across the state will also award locally sourced prizes.

Horse Girl

■ (MA). 103 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Bolstered by a superb central performance, Horse Girl, like DanielIsn’tReal, deals with the issue of mental illness, and while it doesn’t become as wildly fantastical like the latter, this expertly crafted film does present its story in a way that tries to keep the viewer deliberately off-balance the more its main character’s world falls apart.

Alison Brie plays Sarah, a young woman who finds it very hard to relate to, and socialise with, those around her.

Shy and reclusive, she has a workmanlike relationship with her craft store co-worker Joan (Molly Shannon), while her flatmate Nikki (Debby Ryan) wishes she would get out more.

There are signs early on that Sarah may be struggling mentally, a condition that afflicted both her mother and grandmother.

When Nikki invites her boyfriend’s friend Darren (John Reynolds) over, in the hope that something will spark between he and Sarah, it sets off a chain of events which will see Sarah’s view of herself and the world around her alter in unsettling fashion.

Those expecting a traditional, quirky indy comedy will most likely feel cheated and disappointed, especially during the film’s second half, as deadpan giggles turn into something much more distressing, as we see a shy, likeable person mentally collapse before our eyes.

Brie, who also co-wrote the script (and based some of what happens on her own family history of mental illness), is extraordinary, making the heartbreaking changes in Sarah’s mindset utterly convincing.

Encapsulating Sarah’s painful journey is co-writer/director Jeff Baena (LifeAfterBeth,Joshy,The Little Hours), who carefully ensures that her plight maintains a serious emotional core, especially when it makes the rug-pulling switch from comedy to drama.

Baena also effectively uses unusual soundscapes (including its music score), which reminded me of Paul Thomas Anderson’s PunchDrunkLove(2002), while the presentation of Sarah’s disorientating loss of time is reminiscent of Suzuki Matsuo’s under-seen drama Welcome To The Quiet Room(2007).

While it doesn’t reach the heights of Antonio Campos’ outstanding 2016 feature Christine (which contained an incredible, Oscar worthy performance from Rebecca Hall), HorseGirlis affecting viewing, disarming its audience early on with low-key laughs before delivering a number of strategically placed blows, and always

treats its main character with genuine care and respect.

RATING - ****

Daniel Isn’t Real

■ (MA). 96 mins. Available now on DVD.

This moody, beguiling horror/ thriller has unfairly gone under the radar, and deserves a much bigger reception, as it offers viewers an intense, growingly surreal experience that deals with highly relevant subject matter.

The story centres on Luke (Miles Robbins), an extremely introverted young man who has just started college, and everything about the place appears to feel oppressive to him.

Luke uses a short break to visit his mother Claire (Mary Stuart Masterson) , who suffers from schizophrenia, a disorder which has caused longterm family trauma.

The return home triggers childhood flashbacks for Luke, remembering when his mother’s behaviour caused him to create an imaginary friend by the name of Daniel, who eventually coaxed the youngster to try to kill Claire With two fractured minds at play, Claire and Luke trap Daniel inside an oversized dollhouse, with the promise that he will never be let out again.

As we see the grown Luke struggle with his environment, we know that promise will be broken, and when it is, a now adult Daniel (Patrick Schwarzenegger) will take him on a dark, dangerous journey. Brian DeLeeuw, adapting his 2009 novel with director Adam Egypt Mortimer, keeps the screenplay filled with fascinating ideas and themes, showing a mental disintegration through the protagonist’s own eyes, causing reality and personal mindsets to frequently shift and reshape.

Mortimer, who helmed the underrated Some Kind Of Hate (2015), which also dealt with mental illness (albeit in much more brutal fashion), handles both the tricky material and very low budget with confidence and skill, and is able to illicit strong performances from his lead actors, particularly Schwarzenegger (son of Arnold). There are noticeable parallels to films such as FightClub,Jacob’s Ladder, and Real, and the finale makes Luke’s splintered state-ofmind a little too literal, allowing familiar elements to rise to the surface. However, Daniel Isn’t Real is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, from a film-maker whose career is worth keeping an eye on.

RATING - **** Aaron Rourke

■ Barry Crocker was born in Geelong in 1935. When Barry was in his teens he joined the local musical society and developed a love for showbusiness.

He married in 1955 and started a family. Barry teamed with David Clark in the late 1950s and began his professional singing career.

Crocker & Clark soon got television work, hotel engagements and a tour with Tommy Steele

In 1962 the team broke up and Barry began his solo career. He toured extensively overseas before returning to Australia in 1965. Channel Ten signed him for his own variety program, TheBarryCrockerShow

In 1969 Barry moved to Channel Nine to host Barry Crocker’s Sound of Music and won a Gold Logie.

His biggest success came in 1972 when he was cast as Barry McKenzie in the feature film TheAdventuresofBarryMcKenziewhich was followed by BarryMcKenzieHoldsHisOwn

His other films include Muriel’sWedding, Twitchand RazzleDazzle

In 1973 Barry’s version of SuzieDarlin’went to number one on the hit parade in Australia and Canada

Olivia Newton-John and Pat Carroll did the backup vocals on the recording.

In 1975 Barry was to appear on the Cyclone Tracy – Concert for Darwin Fundraiser at the Sydney Opera House when he was asked by David Frost did he have any thoughts on who should be on the nationally televised program.

Barry suggested Don Lane. Don was in America and was flown back to Australia to

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Barry Crocker

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

perform on the show.

Don sang Troublefrom TheMusicManand that exposure led to TheDonLaneShowwhich ran for eight years on the Nine Network

In 1977 Barry sang the new national anthem AdvanceAustraliaFairfor the VFL Grand Final at the MCG. At that stage hardly anybody knew the words.

Over the years Barry worked in stage productions such as BarryCrocker’sBanjo,EducatingRita,Eurekaand FiddlerontheRoof.

In 1985 Barry recorded the original theme song for the television soap opera Neighbours and his voice was heard in more than 50 countries.

In 2003 Barry released his autobiography TheAdventuresofBarryCrocker.

In 2005 Barry was surprised by Mike Munro

with the words, “Barry Crocker, This is Your Life.”

His latest book, Last of the Entertainers, was published recently.

Barry celebrated his 90th Birthday on November 4.

Have a look at his great website at www.barrycrocker.net

Barry Crocker OAM has been one of the great survivors of Australian showbusiness. Barry is a lovely man. I have met him sev-

And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

SOLDIERS OF PARADISE AT NARRE WARREN

Bluey in demand

■ That locally home-grown animated animal Bluey has taken the world by storm and has spawned bookings, some good, some bad through to mid-2027. Bluey makes a cameo appearance in an episode of South Park; it's all about Bluey being involved in a case of AI. Then, come August 2027 a full length Bluey film will be launched worldwide. On the flip side of the Bluey coins is a Sydney man charged with theft of freshly minted coins valued at $600,000. Not a clever move by the Sydney sider as everyone knows a close relative of Bluey works as a sniffer dog in the Police force. Boom, boom.

Polly wants a camera

■ Australian photographer Polly Borland has photographed some very influential people in her time, both in Australia and overseas. Polly was behind the lens for a much acclaimed pic of the late Quee n for her Golden Jubilee, then there was her time at Vogue, not forgetting the nude portrait of Germaine Greer Puffsis the moniker of an exhibition of Polly's work at Sullivan+Strumpf, Melbourne, from November 27 - December 20.

What could be worse?

■ Last issue I reported how Australian-born Johnson Wen rushed pop star Arianda Grande while attending a red carpet affair in Singapore, before the fuzz nicked him. I predicted he would be fined but no the Singaporean police threw him in prison for nine days; what could be worse?

Weather without Livinia

■ After 20 years with the Nine Network, Livinia Nixon has decided to resign as weather reporter on the 6pm News. The ever happy, bubbly mother-of-two has decided to reduce her commitments and devote time to her family, but will remain a member of the crew presenting Getaway and Postcards. Livinia's replacement for the weather spot is yet to be announced.

Fergie’s books pulped

■ The latest children's book by Sarah Ferguson has been removed from British retailers shelves and pulped because of her involvement in the Epstein affair.

Big week for Dolly

■ Acting on medical advice Dolly Parton is taking it easy and unfortunately missed out on personally attending functions held in her honour. Nevertheless Dolly sent a pre-taped video thanking their wishes. Awards were an Honorary Oscar, and an industry gong for Dollywood for being one of the best theme parks in the world.

- John O’Keefe

Soldiers of Paradise

Experience unique photographic works by internationally renowned artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso at Bunjil Place Gallery.

Currently touring Australia, SoldiersofParadisepresents new works from Cardoso’s unimposing photographic series alongside her acclaimed video work OntheOrigins ofArt1-11(2016). Cardoso’s subject is the tiny Australian Maratus spider- measuring less than 5mm in size - and their unique, brightly coloured abdomens which form part of their elaborate mating rituals.

Across a suite of large-scale photographs, an exquisite muticoloured patterns of various species of Maratus are presented as individual portraits.

Each image is comprised of 2000 individual photos, which together reveal the stunning nuances of colour and form in incredible detail.

Exhibition opens November 29 and closes February 22.

★

Wander and Dwell – Joohn Power

A calm immersive, imaging of the systems of the Central Coast beach, estuaries, and hinterland regions that include habitats that support the Paradise spider.

The work responds to the natural topography, where deep time echoes through stratified colours of sandstone, conjuring apparitions which lead the wanderer down among forking oaths.

Through pencilling fern-light, the hinterland rainfall flows into estuarine mangrove stands and across the rippling surface of a lake on its way to the thrumming surf. Fascinated and buffeted by soaring cliffs, the traveller returns to the embrace of ancient casuarinas.

Real-time 3D and data-driven approaches are intermingled with painterly methods to create the virtual light, landscape, and atmosphere.

Exhibition closes in February.

Bunjil Place Gallery 3 Patrick North East Drive Narre Warren

At MAPh

US – Daniel Temesgen Born in Ethiopia and now living in Australia, Daniel Temesgen creates portraits that are intimate, luminous, and grounded in community. Focusing on friends and peers, he celebrates youth, friendship and the

The Arts

vibrancy of Black life in contemporary Australia, exploring layered identities and cultural richness through a personal lens.

Drawing on the visual language of fashion photography, including composition, light and colour, Temesgen transforms these tools into expressions of tenderness.

His subjects appear in traditional spaces such as cars and shorelines, ordinary yet cinematic, capturing moments of movement, change and self-possession.

Exhibition closes February 22.

MAPh 800 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

MUMA

Unveils 202 Exhibition program

Australia’s leading university art museum announce sits 2026 exhibition program, a year-long exploration of belief and ways of knowing.

Across four major exhibitions, leading Australian and international artists probe mysticism, ancestral traditions, ritual, mythology, and collective belief systems as vital frameworks for navigating contemporary life.

Opening in February with the major group exhibition Knowing Otherwise, the program continues with the first Australian survey of London -based Indonesian Aotea roan/New Zealander artist Sriwhana Sponga two person exhibition of Filipino – Australian artist Justin Talplacldo Shoulder and Minahasan

Each exhibition offers audiences unique encounters with the unseen, the esoteric and the deeply embodied, while reimaging knowledge, belonging and connection.

MUMA Building F, Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, East Caulfield - Peter Kemp

Museum’s 30 Years

■ The Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica invites those interested to join in celebrating 30 years in their Alma Rd home.

Since opening our doors in 1995, the Museum has welcomed visitors from across the country and the world to explore the richness and diversity of Australian Jewish life, culture and identity.

“To mark our special milestone, we are excited to host an open day full of free programs and activities on Sunday, November 30,” said a representative.

“Come and celebrate with us throughout the day, with Chanukah-themed kids' storytime with PJ Library, a panel discussion with past and present curators, a guided tour of Tammy Kanat: Circle of Her with curator Esther Gyorki, a live jazz performance by Rita Satch and more.

“Formalities will commence at 3pm featuring reflections on the Museum’s three decades at Alma Road , led by Museum Director and CEO Sidra Moshinsky, with past and current board members sharing their recollections and hopes for our future.”

90 years

■ ABC Gippsland celebrated its 90th birthday with a special outside broadcast featuring school children, cake, former staff, community elders, listeners, the Sale RSL Pipe Band, the Maffra Municipal Band and song from Misty Harlowe Mark DeBono, the voice of ABC Gippsland news for more than two decades, was given a special surprise, with one of the studios named in his honour.

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Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper

■ ■ ■ ASHBURTON. Ashburton Newsagency. 168 High St.

■ ■ HOLMESGLEN. The Lott/Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd.

Court Lists

Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court

Criminal Court Listings

Wednesday, November 26

Abdulla, Jarrade

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■ ■ BALWYN. Balwyn Newsagency.

413 Whitehorse Rd.

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■ ■ BALWYN. Coles Express. 449 Whitehorse Rd (Cnr Imaroo St).

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■ ■ BALWYN. United Petroleum. 99 Balwyn Rd.

■ ■ HUNTINGDALE. Huntingdale Newsagency. 290 Huntingdale Rd.

■ ■ KEW. Cotham Road Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd. ■

KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St.

Al Haydari, Abraham Yousif Al Jamabi, Mohammed Al Sabgh, Muayad Anamourlis, Anthony Aslam, Ruqaiya Attard, Alistair

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■ ■ BAYSWATER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Scoresby Rd and High St.

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■ BAYSWATER. Cellarbrations. 717 Mountain Hwy.

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■ ■ ■ BAYSWATER. Coles Express. 768 Mountain Hwy.

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■ ■ BORONIA. Metro Boronia Cinemas. Dorset Square.

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■ ■ BORONIA. Tatts/Cignall. Shop 5, 123 Boronia Rd.

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■ ■ BOX HILL. 7-Eleven. Cnr Elgar Rd and Whitehorse Rd.

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■ ■ BLACKBURN. BP. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Goodwin St

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■ ■ ■ BLACKBURN. Tatts/Newsagency. 116 South Pde.

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■ ■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Middleborough Rd.

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■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. Duncan’s Licensed Grocers. Blackburn Rd.

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■ ■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Box Hill Licensed Grocery. Middleborough Rd.

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■ ■ ■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Hyper Star Convenience Store. 941 Station St.

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■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Kerrimuir Post Office. 527 Middleborough Rd.

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■ ■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Milk Bar/ Newsagency. 515 Middleborough Rd.

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■ BOX HILL NORTH. United Petroleum. 604 Elgar Rd.

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■ BOX HILL SOUTH. Box Hill South Newsagency. 870 Canterbury Rd.

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■ ■ ■ BOX HILL SOUTH. BP. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Station St.

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■ ■ ■ BRANDON PARK. 7-Eleven. 602-606 Ferntree Gully Rd.

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■ ■ ■ BULLEEN. Duncan’s Bulleen Cellars. 190 Bulleen Rd.

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■ ■ ■ BULLEEN. Thompsons Road News and Lotto. 123a Thompsons Rd.

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■ ■ BURWOOD. Burwood Authorised Newsagency. 1394 Toorak Rd

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■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY. Buckley’s Licensed Supermarket. 92 Maling Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY. Canterbury Newsagency/Tatts/Post Office. 104 Maling Rd.

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■ ■ CANTERBURY. Coles Express. Cnr 260 Canterbury Rd and Redvers St.

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■ ■ ■ CLAYTON. Clayton Newsagency.

345 Clayton Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ CROYDON. Coles Express. 168172 Mt Dandenong Rd.

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■ ■ ■ CROYDON. Croydon Lotto. 118 Main St.

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■ ■ ■ CROYDON. Milk Bar. Cnr Old Lilydale Rd and Everard Rd.

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■ ■ ■ CROYDON. Newsagency. 166 Main St.

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■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Milk Bar. 11 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

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■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

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■ ■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. IGA Supermarket. 13 The Mall. Eastfield Rd.

■ ■ DONCASTER. Budget-Rite Licensed Supermarket. Cnr High St and Village Ave.

■ ■ DONCASTER. Coles Express. 551-557 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ EAST BURWOOD. BP. Cnr Burwood Hwy and Blackburn Rd

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■ EAST DONCASTER. BP Service Station. 880-882 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. Caltex. 987 Doncaster Rd.

■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. Dunburn

Deli/Milk Bar. 262 Blackburn Rd.

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■ EAST DONCASTER. Jackson Court News and Lotto. 74 Jackson Ct.

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■ EAST OAKLEIGH. East Oakleigh Newsagency. 190 Huntingdale Rd.

■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. 7-Eleven. Cnr Station St and Burwood Hwy.

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■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Newsagency. 69 Station St.

■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Supermarket. 9-13 Alpine St.

■ ■ DONVALE. 7-Eleven. 95 Mitcham Rd.

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■ DONVALE. Lucky Corner (Fish and Chips). Cnr Springvale Rd and Doncaster Rd.

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■ GLEN WAVERLEY. BP. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Highbury Rd.

■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Coles Express. Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd (north-west corner)

■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Glen Waverley Newsagency/The Loott. 4/39 Kingsway

■ ■ HEATHMONT. Heathmont News/ Tatts. 150 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ HEATHMONT. IGA Supermarket. 116-120 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ HEATHMONT. Sunrise Convenience Store. 30 Canterbury Rd.

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■ KEW EAST. Kew East Supermarket. 653 High St (near Westbrook St).

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■ MITCHAM. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ MITCHAM. United Petroleum. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Alexander St.

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■ MONT ALBERT. 42 Hamilton St.

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■ ■ MONT ALBERT. Post Office. 1a Hamilton St.

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■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Newsagency. 63 Blackburn Rd.

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■ MOUNBT WAVERLEY. NexsXpress. 71 Hamilton Place.

■ ■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Tally Ho Cellars. 65 Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ MOUNTAIN GATE. 7-Eleven. 844 Burwood Hwy.

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■ ■ MOUNTAIN GATE. Mountain Gate Newsagency and Lotto. Shop 3, 1880 Burwood Hwy.

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■ ■ MULGRAVE. BP. Cnr 682-688 Wellington Rd and Springvale Rd.

■ ■ MURRUMBEENA. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Nerrim Rd.

■ ■ NORTH BALWYN. Bellevue Milk Bar. 113 Bulleen Rd - Service Road.

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■ NORTH BALWYN. The Lott/ Newsagency. 77 Doncaster Rd.

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■ NORTH BLACKBURN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Springfield Rd and Williams Rd.

■ ■ NORTH BLACKBURN. Coles Express. Cnr Springfield Rd and Middleborough Rd.

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■ NORTH MITCHAM. BP. Mitcham Rd (near cnr Andover Ave)

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■ NORTH MITCHAM. Licensed Post Office. 228 Mitcham Rd.

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■ NORTH MITCHAM. United Petroleum. 208 Mitcham Rd.

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■ ■ NUNAWADING. Mountain View Newsagency. 293 Springfield Rd.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH. The Lott. 28 Atherton Rd.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH. Oakleigh Central Lotto. 48 Portman St.

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■ OAKLEIGH EAST. BP. 229 Ferntree Gully Rd (Cnr Stephensons Rd)

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■ ■ RINGWOOD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Loughnans Rd and Warrandyte Rd.

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■ ■ ■ RINGWOOD. BP. Cnr Carcoola Rd/ Old Lilydale Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Coles Express. Cnr Oban Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Loughnans Rd Milk Bar. 83 Loughnans Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Warrandyte Rd and Oban Rd.

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■ ■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd.

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■ ROWVILLE. Caltex. 940 Stud Rd.

■ ■ ROWVILLE. Stud Park Lotto. K03 Stud rd and Fulham Rd

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■ SCORESBY. Coles Express. Cnr Stud Rd and Ferntree Guilly Rd.

■ ■ SURREY HILLS. Post Office. 100 Union Rd.

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■ ■ ■ SYNDAL. Syndal Newsagency. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Matthew St.

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■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Anderson St and Wood St.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon Square Newsagency. 25 Macedon Rd.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Templestowe Newsagncy. 122 James St.

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■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Caltex. Cnr Tunstall Square and Doncaster Rd.

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■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Bottle Mart. 17 Tunstall Square.

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■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Newsagency. 4 Tunstall Square.

■ ■ VERMONT SOUTH. Coles Express. 602-604 Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ WANTIRNA. IGA Supermarket. Wantirna Mall.

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■ WANTIRNA. Tatts/Manfre’s Hairdressing. Wantirna Mall.

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■ ■ WANTIRNA. Wantirna Newsagency. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Cellarbrations. 4/249 Stud Rd.

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■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Coles Express. 435 Stud Rd (cnr High St Rd)

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Foodmax. 1/ 249 Stud Rd.

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■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield IGA. 191-195 Stud Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield Newsagency. 1/223 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WATTLE PARK. Wattle Park

Licensed Post Office. 190 Elgar Rd

■ ■ WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Hotel. Cnr Ferntree Guilly Rd and Jells Rd.

Baqiri, Mohammed Bardsley, Paul Anthony Beck, Anthony Biancotto, Robert Bidusa, Maya Bramich, Kristy Britton, Damien Brooks, Jesse Aaron Brown, Trudy Brunton, Max Cageorgis, John Chapple-Hoye, Samuel Cowell, Wayne Daham, Ahmed Davidson, Thomas Dulevski, Belinda Duncan, Andrew Dunlop, Justin Troy Edwards, David Edwards, Mitchell Edwards, Stephanie El Demachki, Maya-Joelle Ellis, Lindsay El-Sheikh, Michael Felzouri, Defrim Feteiha, Sonya Fiddes, Taylor Filipo, Sylvester Fisk, Bradley Forrest, Patrick Anthony Gebremedihn, Saliha Feshia Giorlando, Jake Giovinazzo, Antonio Gonzalez, Claudio Gosling, Lachlan Grillo, Adrian Hagi Ali, Zakaria Hameidan, Kassim Hanna, Mike Hassall, Ben Hayes, Jackson Hexter, Rodney Hill, Andrew Hollow, Glenn Alan Hughes, Peter Allen Hutchinson, Brent John Iavasile, Sasha Johnson, Henry Jordan, Emma Jane Jovanovski, Nicholas Junker, Andrew Kairis-Adams, Jack Kalajdic, James Khoury, Samir Peter Khozadi, Rahim Knayfati, Ala'edean Koc, Sahin Kurtulus, Levent Lomani, Isabelle Luong, Thai Lyte, Brodie Macneil, Kayla Mahdy, Haydar Marantelli, Adrian Marino, Constantino Marrison, Sarah Martin, Nicholas Mcdonald, Sebastian Melen, Roger Merhe, Mya Moore, Steven Moore-Bateman, Jade Nagle, Amos Nash, Anthony Natsis, Michael Nelson, Khalif Nguyen, Tri Nicholas, Jacob Okanlar, Ali Omar, Nasreen Pattenden, Andrew James Patti, Costa Pattison, Jack Pennant, Shaun Robert Perman, Nicholas Perri, Gabriel Peterson, Donovan Philips-Rees, Isabelle Rajapakse, Gamini Rice, Liam Richards, Jarrod Rudd, Michelle Ryan, Tristan Saadat, Yonnis Santo, Cesario Saville, Samantha Savkoski, Kiro Scarlet, Bradley Sharma, Bhawna Shears, Adam John Singh, Jaspreet Smith, Brendon Smith, Jordan Smith, Joshua David Sotiro, Kym

Tabouch, Alaa Taha, Abdel Majed Tanveer, Muqeet Tarawa-Shearer, Jasmaine Thuc, Awang Tong, Tzyy Tran, Vinh Quang Valli, John Paul Visser, Riley Vitali, Michael Volpe, Kathy Walker, Norman Warden, Jamie Waters, Hamish Whan, David Yean, Sok Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, November 26 Abdul Wahed, Souheil Abdullah, Fation Abdul-Wahed, Souheil Adamson, Aaron Robert Al Dali, Hassan Albadrawi, Alaa Ali, Milad Alvarez, Jessica Lee Attwell, Jackson Bennett, Harmony Benton, Graeme Allan Bhuyan, Md Itafkhar Alam Bitir, Hasan Bonfa, Jack Britton, Tyron Brody, Justin Browne, Shaun Peter Bruzzese, Fortunato Butterworth, Adam Capello, Brad Carmody, James Carroll, Jack Ceyhan, Ibrahim Hulusi Clements, Carolyn Connelly, Tye James Denkha, Ninos Dorman, Olive-Miki Kowhai Dunn, Andrew John El Hourany, Jean El-Jabakhanji, Mustafa Badar El-Lababidi, Jamil Erciyas, Bilge Fair, Simon Fielding, Ashleigh Frengos, Nikolaos Gecas, Angela Ghanbarzadeh, Danyal Gipson, Andre Gokce, Haluk Mucahit Gray, Ashley Grdovic, Torqa Harland, Lincoln Honeysett, Ruby Horley, Damon Ibrahim, Tibet Ismailoski, Seivm Jean, Roby Johnston, Shanelle Jolley, Jacob Karan, Manoj Keegan, Renee Khadka, Rabin Khodr, Abdalhadi Kumar, Parveen Kumas, Omer Kurum, Tolga Lambert, Tarryn Alice Latif, Yasir Leepor, Southor Lethborg, Brandon Lewis, Ian Marchant, Katie Mazzone, Xavier Mc Mahon, David Jason Mikus, Jordan Montalto, Gloria Montero, Crystal Namrood, Dany Noble, Jakeb O'callaghan, Angus O'hara, Danny Othman, Mohd Suffli Petrovic, Tommy Dragan Porte, Robert Richard, Brian Matthew Rukaj, Orijol Safak, Ahmet Sergiou, Peter Shackleton, Billy Shahid, Afaq Shand, Jarryd Sheik, Abdifatah Silva, Faaliliu Simona, Wiremu Tavake Singh, Raspreet Stichbury, Jordan Tamborra, Vencinzo Terzakis, Basile Vail, Adam Vlek, Christopher Walpole, Holly Wilson, Barry Wright, Andrew Yilmaz, Omer Yuksel, Mustafa

Local Briefs Clocked at 140

■ Nunawading Highway Patrol officers caught a driver travelling almost double the speed limit in Mulgrave on Saturday morning (Nov. 22).

Police clocked the 2008 Volkswagen Golf sedan traveling at an alleged speed of 140kmh in an 80 zone south on the Princes Hwy about 4.20am.

Officers approached the vehicle and asked the driver if he always drove like that.

The man allegedly replied with a “yes”, and that he was surprised police were out and about in the area.

The 29-year-old Vermont South man had his Golf impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1016 and is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences.

New solar farm

■ The Salvation Army has announced the completion of its own solar farm located in The Basin on land that has been owned and operated as a farm since 1890.

The solar farm is the result of years of work to reinvent this unused space to create a positive environmental, economic, and social impact, say Salvation Army officials.

A ceremony will be held onsite last Friday (Nov. 21) when the National Leader of the Salvation Army, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, was due to officially open the solar farm.

The solar farm is expected to be ‘switched on’ in early December. Once switched on, it is expected to generate savings of approximately $1.5 million per year that can be funneled back into The Salvation Army’s core social services.

The solar farm will effectively eliminate The Salvation Army’s electricity emissions in Victoria, reducing overall emissions by over 7000 tonnes per year and contributing significantly to their national goal of 90 per cent reduction of all emissions.

Commissioner Gluyas said: “This project is important to The Salvation Army because of our ‘Creation Care’ ethos, a belief to be honoured by treading lightly on the planets resources and doing our utmost to ensure that operations cause the least harm to the environment.

“This solar farm is a bold step towards doing our part to reduce our contribution to climate change and fight for justice for the most vulnerable in our communities who are most significantly affected by its impacts, while also generating savings that can go right back into the services that help these communities.”

Walking, cycling

■ Knox Council is exploring the best way to complete the missing link in the Ringwood to Belgrave Railway Trail at Alpine St and Station St in Ferntree Gully for pedestrians and cyclists.

Feedback, including which preferred route options, is requested by Tuesday, December 16.

The Railway Trail is a popular shared walking and cycling route across Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges, spanning 17 kms.

Currently, there is a gap in the trail at Ferntree Gully Station, near Alpine Street and Station Street. We have heard from the community that the missing link is a safety concern, and it can be difficult to identify how to move through the area to rejoin the trail. So, we’re looking at ways to connect the trail. There are three route options.

Market at Carols

■ A Twilight Christmas Market will he held at Monash Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 6.

“From 3pm you can wander through stalls selling handmade crafts, gourmet treats, art and design pieces, and unique gifts,” said a Monash Council representative.

1. Difficulty (of assignment)

6. Put oil on

11. Balance out

15. Staff members

20. Scruff (of neck)

21. Rock music style, ... metal

22. Spy, ... Hari

23. See 92ac

25. Favour

26. Scours

27. Gowns

29. Lull

32. Hairless

34. Exclusive English school

36. Recline (3,4)

39. Boot-shaped country

41. Basil sauce for pasta

43. Din

46. Goes by horse

48. Strong point

49. Chief

51. ... & ahs

52. Catalogues

55. Disfigure

56. Captures (criminal)

59. Jemima Goldsmith's ex, ... Khan

61. The A of AM

62. Thaw

63. Sports award

64. Disburdens

67. Windpipe

68. Thorny

70. Japanese religion

71. Barbaric

72. Deep wounds

73. Alleged assassin, Lee Harvey ...

74. Roman garments

75. Glow with (health)

77. Distend

78. Introduction (4-2)

79. Philippines capital

82. Invaded

86. Snooker foul

87. Ali ... & The 40 Thieves

89. Remunerates too little

92 & 23ac. Knuckle of veal stew (4,5)

94. Extreme

96. Scan

98. Animal enclosure

100. Laughing scavenger

101. Company emblem

103. Cogwheel

105. Undersized

106. Cultural symbol

108. Loathsome

111. Furtive glance

112. Moon shape

114. Surround

116. Volcanic flow

119. Early Peruvian

120. Cummerbund

121. Fair-haired lady, ... blonde

123. Imminent

124. Pre-dinner snack, ... d'oeuvre

125. Stripped

126. Strain

127. Bears (costs)

130. Post-graduate business degree (1,1,1)

131. Unrelenting

135. Burglary

138. Short skirt

139. Entertainer, ... Harris

141. Alternate, every ...

144. Unwanted plant

146. Donkey

147. Cure

148. Pole

149. Deciduous trees

150. Or near offer (1,1,1)

151. Jane Austen novel

152. Bomb hole

153. London's ... Park

155. Swirl

157. Small hound

158. ... Eildon

160. Hawaiian greeting

161. Wear away

162. Lifeless

163. Tick over

165. Mediocre (2-3)

166. Massage

167. Play on words

Melbourne Observer Melbourne

Across Down Down

168. Remove errors from 169. Automobiles

171. Addis ..., Ethiopia

172. WWII German sub (1-4)

175. Yawns

176. Baghdad is there

179. From Sydney or Perth

180. Rope-making fibre

182. Head cook

184. Take no notice of 185. Flesh of fruit

186. Jet-bubble bath

188. Quickly (1,1,1,1)

189. Fulfilled (demand)

190. Source

191. Mother sheep

193. Mentally sound

194. Unhappily

196. Brave man

197. Wild goat

198. Waters (garden)

200. Colleges

205. Much ... About Nothing

207. Arrange in print

210. Tormented by nightmares (3-6)

211. Chattering idly

212. Identical sibling

213. Not stereo

214. Crack army force (1,1,1)

216. Infatuated, ... over heels

218. ... & twos

219. Korean karate, tae ... do

220. Female boarding house proprietor

224. Songwriter

227. The M of YMCA (3'1)

229. Mexican currency

230. Judge

231. Make speech

232. ... & evens

233. Scamps

235. Reception host

237. Pant

239. Actress, ... Russo

241. Inuit canoe

244. Type of marble

246. Elvis Presley's daughter (4,5)

249. Globes

252. Excursions

254. One or the other

256. Latter-day Saint

258. Consolation

259. Inflexible

260. Tomato sauce

263. Possessor

264. Cowardly

265. Liquid units, fluid ...

267. Say from memory

270. Illusion

271. Necessitates

272. Acorn bearer (3,4)

273. Cut of steak

274. Follows orders

277. Wander

279. Native of Aberdeen or Inverness

281. Festivities

284. Fragrant flower

286. Prompted (actor)

288. Was expert (in)

292. You

294. Hereditary unit

295. Nervous

298. Dressmaker

300. Unnourished

301. Valuable possession

303. Assortment

306. Concert venue, ... Square Garden

308. Actress, Miranda ...

309. Overtake

311. Continue doggedly

314. Secret store

315. Blows up

316. Suspect's excuses

317. Native American tent

318. More than half

319. Join register

320. Nevada city

321. Recently married folk

322. Dissertation

323. Moaned wearily

324. Famous (4-5)

1. Cycling's ... de France

2. Cremation vessels

3. Nun's attire

4. Outdo

5. Snooty person

6. Granny Smiths or pippins

7. Dorks

8. Ahead (2,5)

9. Queen's ceremonial chair

10. Outlaw

11. Pearl-bearer

12. Conifer (3,4)

13. Lodge firmly

14. Samples

15. Deserve

16. Artist, ... Picasso

17. Beginning

18. Mediterranean volcano

19. Unwell

24. Salt Lake City state

28. Dublin republic

30. Test

31. Cocktail, ... colada

33. Rosebush pests

35. Hollywood's movie accolades

37. Note well, nota ...

38. Havana is there

40. Tokyo Bay port city

42. Ringworm

44. Available (2,4)

45. Screen legend, ... Loren

47. Islands

48. Brown skin marks

49. Rocket, guided ...

50. Ratty

53. Experienced hand

54. Visual symbolism

57. Moving onwards

58. Sleighs

60. Crazier

63. Perplex

65. 12 o'clock

66. Long narrative

68. Brazilian soccer great

69. Fertile soil

76. Encroachments

79. Inflatable vest, ... west

80. Naked models

81. Ill-gotten cash, filthy ...

83. Savoury jelly

84. Furnishing scheme

85. Alsatian or labrador

88. Booklets

90. Household dirt

91. Competent

93. XVII

95. Pub drinks

97. Schedules

99. Antiquated

100. Detect sound

102. Says yes to 104. Land measures

107. Quoted 109. Alpaca relative 110. On an occasion

111. Twosome

113. Horridly

115. Goaded

117. Throat-clearing noise

118. Grain husks

121. Devotee

122. Stockpiled

127. Wooden peg

128. Small streak

129. Backpackers' accommodation (5,6)

132. Insistently

133. Directed

134. Vestige

135. Strictness 136. Capital of Pakistan

137. Casual (remark)

138. Indian prince 140. Large fruit bat (6,3) 141. Bone specialist

142. Stewardesses

143. Thefts

145. Wear best clothes (5,2)

151. Magic potions

154. First appearance

156. Downward distance

159. Also titled (1,1,1)

164. Meadow (poetic)

169. Manages

170. The Constant Gardener actor, .. Fiennes

173. Expresses sorrow over 174. ... speak louder than words

177. Stands on hind legs

178. Search

181. Overturned

183. Stiffly

187. Study of body tissue

192. Heftier

195. Myths

199. Become rusty

201. Cries like crow

202. Pig noise

203. Devonshire tea cake

204. Holy book

206. Lukewarm

207. Vagrant

208. Cupid

209. Former lovers

213. Move listlessly

215. Pale-looking

217. Study table

221. Bus terminus

222. Sufficient

223. Louts

224. Shakespearean king

225. Horse-taming display

226. Computer input device (1,1-3)

228. Removes surgically

234. Pleasant tasting

236. Meal courses

238. Chopping tool

240. Persona ... grata 242. Worshipping 243. Pilot's emergency aid, ... seat 245. Pest

247. Annoying

248. Influence 250. Bemuse

251. Set free

253. Ireland's ... Fein

255. Promissory notes (1,1,2)

257. Porridge cereal

258. Match before final

261. Comprehend (4,2)

262. Zoom

265. Greatest in age

266. Opted

268. Earth lumps

269. Rowing teams

275. Genuine, ... fide

276. Snow monster

278. Concerning

280. Terminating

282. Long time

283. Termites, white ...

285. Rope tangle

287. Hate

289. Profane oaths

290. Declare to be true

291. High standards

292. Ribbed

293. Leg joint

296. Written composition

297. Trap

299. Merit

302. Steeple top

304. Horrify

305. From Athens

306. Stingy

307. Sketched

308. On Her Majesty's Servic e (1,1,1,1)

310. Pack (cargo)

312. News

313. Sea bird

Cheryl’s Broken

■ Singer songwriter Cheryl Hann-Woodlock has released her new single, Broken. The artist and teacher from Ocean Grove says broken hearts are a part of life and a part of loving. “They’re inevitable, they’re terrible, they don’t discriminate but they are survivable. Our hearts are always on the chopping block when we love and we are powerless to save it from being broken but the journey of love is worth it,” she adds.

Back In My Day

■ Ricki Wood’s new track BackInMyDay is a heartfelt, nostalgic tune that captures the mischief and magic of growing up in small-town Australia. The song blends country-folk storytelling with a dash of humour and heart. It takes listeners back to a simpler time when life was full of discovery, trouble, and good old-fashioned fun, says his media release.

Queenscliff 2025

■ The annual Queenscliff Music Festival kicks off this Friday, November 28, and runs through until Sunday evening. Over 70 acts are scheduled to perform with some of the biggest names in Australian music appearing in the event that’s now in its 28th year. More info at www.qmf.net.au

- Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Cruel Intentions: splendid showcase

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s production of the American jukebox musical Cruel Intentionsat the Altona City Theatre splendidly showcased the company’s immense, all-round talents.

Interlaced with a musical score of 1990s hits, director Stuart Dodge writes in the program of being delighted that the dialogue has ‘almost word for word copied the movie script’.

The film Cruel Intentions is a modern-day telling of the 1782 French novel Les Liaisons Dangereusesby Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

A show themed with human nature’s nasty side - seduction, betrayal, lust, jealousy, manipulation, revenge and tragic consequences - sounds unsettling - and was, at times.

But the wonderful WMTC cast and crew triumphed to deliver a top show – entertaining without losing the raw emotions, with the intimate scenes skilfully and tastefully presented.

Set in Manhattan, the show tells of Manchester Preparatory School wealthy step-sibling students Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn, betting that Sebastian can seduce the new headmaster’s daughter, Annette

Meanwhile, Kathryn exacts revenge on naïve student Cecile for ruining her last relationship. But not all goes to plan.

Stuart Dodge’s slick direction and set design ensured impressively smooth set transitions. Musical director Jem Sherwill’s or-

Crossword Solution No 39

Observations with Matt

chestra was great in rendering the ‘90s tunes. Gabriele Pagano’s choreography (assisted by Mark Spencer) was sharp, innovative, but non-intrusive, performed by polished dancers in the Ensemble. Triple-threat quality performers abounded in the talented cast. India Morris (Kathryn) presented an outstanding performance, conquering a gamut of emotions; equalled by Jordan Poyser as Sebastian.

Isabella Porter was delightful as Annette, Rachel Dwyer (Cecile) was refreshingly natural, and Sam Lyons (Ronald) was terrific. Strong in their roles were Saša Nikolic (Blaine) and Daniel Steer (Greg). Articulate Bianca Mannello entertained as Mrs Caldwell.

Vocal harmonies were beautiful. Daniel Jow’s lighting became part of the storytelling, and Louise Parson’s costumes were era authentic. Excellent program design by Tailem Tynan, and sound by Jake Sipcic.

Congratulations, WMTC. WMTC's May 2026 show is the musical comedy Company wmtc.org.au

Review by

Cheryl Threadgold

Duck Pond

■ The circus extraordinaires of Circatake flight in Duck Pond, arriving at the Princess Theatre this January. Publicists say a sequinned, flipper-wearing duck army, a burlesque black swan and a flock of acrobats make the impossible look easy.

WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET FINAL SCORES

Premier

■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Roiund 5. OneDay. Carlton 1st XI 7/213 v Melbourne University 1st XI 5/217. Ringwood 1st XI 7/242 v Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 10/210. Dandenong 1st XI 10/169 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 5/173. Melbourne 1st XI 10/262 v Footscray 1st XI 6/309. Richmond 1st XI 4/206 v Geelong 1st XI 8/203. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/144 v St Kilda 1st XI 7/230. Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/182 v Prahran 1st XI 8/183. Essendon 1st XI 8/225 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 4/ 227. Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 8/215 v Northcote 1st XI 5/219. Seconds. Melbourne University 2nd XI 7/ 161 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/160. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 8/219 v Ringwood 2nd XI 2/ 220. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/240 v Dandenong 2nd XI 5/274. Footscray 2nd XI 5/ 290 v Melbourne 2nd XI 10/236. Geelong 2nd XI 10/116 v Richmond 2nd XI 2/119. St Kilda 2nd XI 9/222 v Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/ 174. Prahran 2nd XI 7/308 v Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 10/180. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 7/266 v Essendon 2nd XI 7/262. Northcote 2nd XI 10/110 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 1/111.

Thirds. Carlton 3rd XI 9/199 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 7/200. Ringwood 3rd XI 2/ 232 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 8/231. Dandenong 3rd XI 3/207 v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 8/206. Melbourne 3rd XI 3/ 216 v Footscray 3rd XI 5/214. Richmond 3rd XI 8/179 v Geelong 3rd XI 3/221. Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 7/210 v St Kilda 3rd XI 8/ 207. Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 5/191 v Prahran 3rd XI 7/193. Essendon 3rd XI 9/201 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 5/202. Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 7/254 v Northcote 3rd XI 7/ 206.

Fourths. Melbourne University 4th XI v Carlton 4th XI 0/55. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/134 v Ringwood 4th XI 10/189. Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/147 v Dandenong 4th XI 10/232. Footscray 4th XI 7/239 v Melbourne 4th XI 6/237. Geelong 4th XI 9/ 206 v Richmond 4th XI 9/207. St Kilda 4th XI 8/198 v Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 2/199. Prahran 4th XI 10/109 v Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 4/114. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI v Essendon 4th XI. Northcote 4th XI 8/195 v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 9/191.

Sub-District

■ East-West 1st XI. Round 6. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 22 and 29. Balwyn 1st XI 10/302 v Werribee 1st XI. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 1/22 v Melton 1st XI 10/282. Noble Park 1st XI 1/ 13 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/174. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/345 v Bayswater 1st XI. Spotswood 1st XI 7/374 v Donvale 1st XI. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 10/84 v Croydon 1st XI 7/ 191. Williamstown 1st XI 9/253 v Altona 1st XI. Yarraville 1st XI 1/16 v Box Hill 1st XI 10/ 200. East-West 2nd XI. Werribee 2nd XI 2/34 v Balwyn 2nd XI 10/158. Melton 2nd XI 1/8 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 9-d/168. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 1/35 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/162. Bayswater 2nd XI v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 10/260. Donvale 2nd XI v Spotswood 2nd XI 10/241. Croydon 2nd XI 10/258 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI. Altona 2nd XI v Williamstown 2nd XI 9/ 226. Box Hill 2nd XI 10/173 v Yarraville 2nd XI 2/95.

North-South 1st XI. Coburg 1st XI 10/81 v Malvern 1st XI 4/200. Ivanhoe 1st XI 8-d/ 286 v Moorabbin 1st XI 1/17. Plenty Valley 1st XI 1/31 v Ormond 1st XI 9-d/291. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 8/286 v Oakleigh 1st XI. Strathmore 1st XI v Port Melbourne 1st XI 9/ 309. Brighton 1st XI 6/286 v Preston 1st XI. Caulfield 1st XI v Brunswick 1st XI 8/233. Elsternwick 1st XI 0/29 v Kew 1st XI 10/109. North-South 2nd XI. Moorabbin 2nd XI 8/256 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI. Ormond 2nd XI 10/ 219 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 1/18. Oakleigh 2nd XI 5/26 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/100. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/150 v Strathmore 2nd XI 3/57. Preston 2nd XI 10/191 v Brighton 2nd XI 0/16. Brunswick 2nd XI 2/42 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/137. Kew 2nd XI 10/173 v Elsternwick 2nd.

Sunday, November 23: Malvern 2nd XI v Coburg 2nd XI.

North-West 3rd XI. Division 2. Moorabbin 2nd XI 8/256 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI. Ormond 2nd XI 10/219 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 1/18. Oakleigh 2nd XI 5/26 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/100. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/ 150 v Strathmore 2nd XI 3/57. Preston 2nd XI 10/191 v Brighton 2nd XI 0/16. Brunswick 2nd XI 2/42 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/137. Kew 2nd XI 10/173 v Elsternwick 2nd XIHoppers Crossing 3rd XI 3/69. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/174. Melton 3rd XI v St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/ 177. Preston 3rd XI 4/92 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/99. Werribee 3rd XI v Brunswick 3rd XI

North-West 4th XI. Division 1. Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/49 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 5/86. St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/178 v Melton 4th XI 0/11. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/210 v Preston 4th XI. Brunswick 4th XI 7-d/282 v Werribee 4th XI 8/77.

North-West 4th XI. Division 2. Kew 4th XI 5/22 v Altona 4th XI 10/203. Coburg 4th XI 10/131 v Ivanhoe 4th XI 3/96. Yarraville 4th XI 10/155 v Spotswood 4th XI 3/63. Strathmore 4th XI 6/89 v Williamstown 4th XI 10/78.

South-East 3rd XI. Division 1. Balwyn 3rd XI 10/77 v Oakleigh 3rd XI 4/60. Croydon 3rd XI 0/26 v Caulfield 3rd XI 10/130. Malvern 3rd XI 10/306 v Mt Waverley 3rd XI. Sunday, November 23: Bayswater 3rd XI v Elsternwick 3rd XI

South-East 3rd XI. Division 2. Balwyn 3rd XI 10/77 v Oakleigh 3rd XI 4/60. Croydon 3rd XI 0/26 v Caulfield 3rd XI 10/130. Malvern 3rd XI 10/306 v Mt Waverley 3rd XI. Bayswater 3rd XI v Elsternwick 3rd XI. Balwyn 3rd XI 10/ 77 v Oakleigh 3rd XI 4/60. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/ 119 v Moorabbin 3rd XI 4/160. Donvale 3rd XI

7-d/346 v Brighton 3rd XI 0/6. Noble Park 3rd XI v Endeavour Hills 3rd XI. Port Melbourne 3rd XI 2/78 v Ormond 3rd XI 10/107.

South-East 4th XI. Division 1. Oakleigh 4th XI 8/300 v Balwyn 4th XI. Caulfield 4th XI 6/266 v Croydon 4th XI. Mt Waverley 4th XI 10/288 v Malvern 4th XI. Elsternwick 4th XI 7/ 181 v Bayswater 4th XI 9/109. South-East 4th XI. Division 2. Moorabbin 4th XI 10/91 v Box Hill 4th XI 3/ 135. Brighton 4th XI 10/367 v Donvale 4th XI Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/212 v Noble Park 4th XI. Ormond 4th XI 1/7 v Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/282.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Round 7. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 22 and 29. Bundoora United 1st XI v Diamond Creek 1st XI 9/278. Heidelberg 1st XI 10/143 v Epping 1st XI 3/38. Macleod 1st XI v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 8/246. Riverside 1st XI 1-d/155 v Rosebank 1st XI 10/78 & 1/19. Rosanna 1st XI 9/246 v Bundoora 1st XI Money Shield. Montmorency 1st XI 0/32 v Eltham 1st XI 3-d/309. Greensborough 1st XI 10/128 v Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 1/12. Mernda 1st XI 0/4 v Lower Plenty 1st XI 10/195. Bundoora Park 1st XI 6/252 v Plenty 1st XI. Lalor Stars 1st XI v Banyule 1st XI 10/ 148

Mash Shield. Hurstbridge 1st XI 6/266 v Laurimar 1st XI. Mill Park 1st XI 10/178 v Dennis 1st XI 0/76. Lower Eltham 1st XI 10/ 163 v Panton Hill 1st XI 0/23. Thomastown 1st XI 1/28 v South Morang 1st XI 9-d/190. Thomastown United 1st XI 10/223 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 1/7. Keon Park CC 1st XI 0/0 v Rivergum 1st XI 10/181

B-Grade. Banyule 2nd XI v Heidelberg 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 2nd XI v Mernda 2nd XI. Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI v Riverside 2nd XI. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI v Rosanna 2nd XI. Plenty 2nd XI v Montmorency 2nd XI.

C-Grade. Bundoora 2nd XI 7/331 v Greensborough 2nd XI. Eltham 2nd XI 9/303 v Macleod 2nd XI. South Morang 2nd XI 10/139 v Riverside 3rd XI 2/68. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 1/ 50 v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 10/156. Rivergum 2nd XI 9/199 v Bundoora United 2nd XI

D-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 4/178 v Mill Park 2nd XI 10/82. Laurimar 2nd XI 10/125 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 6/153. Montmorency 3rd XI 10/198 v Bundoora Park 2nd

XI 2/26. Panton Hill 2nd XI 10/217 v Lower Plenty 3rd XI 1/13

E-Grade. Riverside 4th XI v Thomastown United 2nd XI. Dennis 2nd XI 10/45 & 3/24 v Mernda 3rd XI 4-d/160. Greensborough 3rd XI 0/42 v Thomastown 2nd XI 6/195. South Morang 3rd XI v Banyule 3rd XI 9/160. Bye: Lower Eltham 2nd XI

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. One Day. Old Carey 1st XI 6/228 v North Balwyn 1st XI 10/142. Bulleen 1st XI 7/153 v Mont Albert 1st XI 3/155. East Doncaster 1st XI 6/238 v Glen Iris 1st XI 10/ 124. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 8/232 v Edinburgh 1st XI 4/236

Wright Shield. Surrey Hills 1st XI 2/175 v Richmond City 1st XI 7/174. Heathmont 1st XI 3/162 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 8/160. Mulgrave 1st XI 10/145 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 8/173. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 9/137 v Canterbury 1st XI 8/133.

A Turf. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 8/204 v Mazenod OC 1st XI 5/249. Burwood 1st XI 5/ 209 v Boronia 1st XI 9/203. Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/170 v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 4/228. Ashwood 1st XI 5/209 v Old Carey 2nd XI 8/ 208.

B Turf. North Balwyn 2nd XI 8/160 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 6/159. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 3/146 v Heathmont 2nd XI 10/142. Richmond Union 1st XI 8/120 v East Doncaster 2nd XI 6/124. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/132 v Bulleen 2nd XI 4/134

C Turf. La Trobe University 1st XI 10/211 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 7/256. Boronia 2nd XI 9/108 v Burwood 2nd XI 7/166. Edinburgh 2nd XI 3/221 v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/101. Glen Iris 2nd XI 6/ 209 v Mulgrave 2nd XI 8/199.

D Turf. Mazenod OC 2nd XI 10/94 v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 10/195. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 3/168 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 9/164. Old Carey 3rd XI 9/222 v Ashwood 2nd XI 8/ 222. Richmond City 2nd XI 10/51 v Surrey Hills 2nd XI 8/121

E Turf. Edinburgh 3rd XI 2/85 v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 10/84. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI 6/159 v Heathmont 3rd XI 6/158. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 5/192 v Richmond Union 2nd XI 7/243. Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/158 v La Trobe University 2nd XI 8/194. Surrey Hills 3rd XI 8/185 v Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/ 148.

F Turf. Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI v Surrey Hills 4th XI. Richmond City 3rd XI 5/210 v St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 9/187. Heathmont 4th XI 2/101 v East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 9/100. Bulleen 3rd XI 5/311 v East Doncaster 3rd XI 7/141. Bye: Mont Albert 4th XI MacGibbon Shield. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 9/229 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI 4/250. Clifton Hill 1st XI 9/131 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/130. Glen Waverley 1st XI 7/213 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 5/217. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 5/223 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 10/208

Burt Shield. North Alphington 1st XI 7/ 152 v Toorak Prahran 1st XI 2/153. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 9/204 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/129. St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 3/167 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/ 165. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 6/229 v Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/221.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 22 and 29. Heatherhill 1sts v Mornington 1sts 7/250. Sorrento 1sts 1/56 v Dromana 1sts 10/208. Red Hill 1sts v Pines 1sts 6/347. Baden Powell 1sts 10/184 v Langwarrin 1sts 4/17. Peninsula Firsts. Seaford CC 1sts 10/169 v Old Peninsula 1sts 3/29. Rosebud 1sts 5/14 v Balnarring 1sts 9/135. Moorooduc 1sts 10/ 142 v Somerville 1sts 5/79. Mt Eliza 1sts 10/ 157 v Long Island 1sts 2/31

District Firsts. Carrum CC 1sts 10/142 v Rye 1sts 3/42. Boneo 1sts 7/316 v Crib Point 1sts. Flinders 1sts 0/4 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 5-d/303. Main Ridge 1sts 1/33 v Carrum Downs 1sts 10/218.

Sub-District Firsts. Tootgarook 1sts v Tyabb 1sts. Pearcedale 1sts 10/46 & 4/47 v Frankston YCW 1st 3-d/164. Mt Martha 1sts 3/51 v Skye 1sts 10/191. Baxter 1sts 8/279 v Delacombe Park 1sts. Bye: Ballam Park 1sts

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 15 and 22. Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 5/310 v Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 7/306. Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 10/64 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/157. Donath CC 1st XI 10/113 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/170 Jack Quick Shield. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 10/141 v Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 10/ 102. Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/218 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/180. West Preston CC 1st XI 0/0v Cameron CC 1st XI 7/282

Jack Kelly Shield. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 8/149 v Preston YCW District 1st XI 10/146. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 9/117 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 10/115. Fairfield CC 1st XI 10/172 v Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 10/ 200

B-Grade. Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 7-d/282 v Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 9/124. West Preston CC 3rd XI 2/200 v Fairfield CC 2nd XI 10/95. Northern Socials CC 2s XI 10/90 & 3/148 v Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 8-d/206

C-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI 10/170 v Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 8/171. Olympic Colts CC 2nd XI Forfeit v Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 9/94 v Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 9/211. Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 10/143 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI 9-d/ 220. Robert Young DODC. Camrea Stingrays CC OD 2/184 v Donath CC OD 0/187. Preston YCW District OD 4/144 v Kinglake CC OD 9/ 135. Bye: Cameron CC OD

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 15 and 22. St Andrews 1XI 10/190 v Ainslie Park 1XI 10/239. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/144 v Norwood 1XI 5/270. North Ringwood 1XI 10/258 v Lilydale 1XI 10/219. Montrose 1XI 7/252 v South Croydon 1XI 10/83 & 2/58. Bill Wilkins Cup. Kilsyth 1XI 9/194 v Warranwood 1XI 10/193. Vermont 1XI 10/169 v Wonga Park 1XI 8/316. Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/ 361 v East Ringwood 1XI 6-d/367. Bayswater Park 1XI 4/128 v Heatherdale 1XI 10/126. Mooroolbark 1XI 6-d/169 v Wantirna South 1XI 10/57 & 10/91 Stuart Newey Plate. Healesville 1XI 9/ 241 v South Warrandyte 1XI 10/165. Warrandyte 1XI 10/250 v Templeton 1XI 10/ 190. Heathwood 1XI 10/99. Seville Burras 1XI 7/290. Yarra Junction 1XI 10/174 v Chirnside Park 1XI 10/241.

South-East

■ Longmuir Shield. Bentleigh ANA 1 10/ 213 v Washington Park 1. Bentleigh Uniting 1 0/10 v East Sandringham 1 10/153. Kingston Heath 1 10/123 v Le Page Park 1 0/79. Brighton Union 1 7/283 v West Bentleigh 1.

■ Woolnough Shield. Omega 1 10/261 v Hampton Central 1 0/8. Cheltenham Park 1 0/ 6 v Mackie 1 10/261. Carnegie South 1 9/ 226 v Cluden 1. CHAG 1 v Elwood 1 7/362.

■ Quiney Shield. East Sandringham 2 10/ 120 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 3/81. Washington Park 2 9/168 v Omega 2. CUCC Kings 3 1/10 v Hampton United 1 10/194. Le Page Park 2 10/227 v Highett West 1

■ Pullen Shield. Mackie 2 8/401 v Diamond 1. Melbourne Wanderers 1 1/2 v East Bentleigh Central 1 10/236. Elwood 2 1/25 v Brighton Union 2 10/161. Cluden 2 v Kingston Heath 2 10/256.

Western

■ A-Grade. Two Days. Sats., Nov. 22 and 29. Williams Landing SC 1st XI 9/361 v Tarneit Central 4th XI. Altona Sports 1st XI 10/154 v West Point Titans 2nd XI 4/62. Manor Lakes 2nd XI 0/13 v Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 10/193

■ B-Grade. Western Lions Gryphons 1st XI v Point Cook Centrals 3rd XI 9/193. Point Cook 5th XI 9/126 v Altona Sports 2nd XI 0/113. Glen Orden Thunder 6th XI 10/218 v Vic Bangladeshi SC 2nd XI. AA Tarneit 1st XI 5/65 v Wyndham Vale 3rd XI 10/165.

NO WONDER TURNOVER IS DOWN Harness Racing

■ COMMENT: It is no wonder that turnover on harness racing is down considering the deplorable cover given by Sky Channel in recent times with many races shafted to Sky 2 despite the due races running late.

Plus the mind boggling protest decisions in the last week starting at Melton on Saturday November 15 when Forty Love after galloping for the final 50-60 metres was NOT relegated for excessive galloping when third in the 3Y0 colts, geldings and entires 1st Division.

Then at Ballarat on Thursday Amour Maternal after galloping over the concluding stages was relegated to fourth when other runners were not close to him leaving punters scratching their heads in disbelief.

Who am I to query the stewards decisions? But both races were mind boggling results.

Maryborough memo

■ Popular Maryborough opened the week on Monday November 17 with a most interesting program.

One of the biggest runs of the day was produced by Bannockburn owner/trainer/driver Peter Fiscalini’s 6Y0 Lincoln Royal-Carmel Tojo gelding Big Boy Mal at odds of $51.00 in the 2190 metre See You At Stawell Nov 30 Stawell Pacing Cup (second heat).

Driven with aggression from gate six to head off the poleline leader Sir Nippa running into the first turn, Big Boy Mal after spending plenty of petrol doing so was allowed to run having many of his rivals off the bit chasing.

Holding a handy lead approaching the final bend when Sir Nippa eased off his back to try and issue a short lived claim, Big Boy Mal showed no signs of stopping to record a 2.1 metre margin over Sir Nippa which tried hard, but was no match for the winner.

Platinum Jive (one/one) after also working out of the gate from barrier five before receiving cover from Ranger Rick (outside front line) who after being trapped three wide also worked hard to gradually move to the breeze before dropping out sharply in the last lap was third 9.7 metres away. The mile rate an exceptional 1-55.8.

It was Big Boy Mal’s seventh victory in 36 outings after having last won in June last year at Ballarat when a 100/1 chance.

■ Bet Bet part-owner/trainer Ray Cross at the age of 86 snared the 2190 metre Redpath Tyre & Battery Service Trotters Mobile with Romantic Nina, a 5Y0 daughter of Centurion Alm and Kumbya who chalked up her 12th success in 103 outings.

Driven by Ryan Backhouse, Romantic Nina was eased from outside the front line to settle three pegs as Majestic Tooth (gate two) led for Kerryn Manning.

With runs coming from back in the field in the last lap as both Dossier (one/one) and Naked Truth (solo second line) made their runs three and four wide appearing as if they would fight out the finish, the race changed complexion as Dossier galloped bumping Naked Truth outside him who also galloped putting both out of business, Romantic Nina used an inside passage to trail the leader into the straight before angling off her back and finished best to prevail by 2.1 metres from Majestic Truth who was presented with the race. Im Above The Law (one/two from gate six) was third 6.9 metres back. The mile rate 202.8.

■ The Peter Egan Bi-Rite Electrical Trotters Mobile was taken out by Merrigum owner/ trainer/driver Neil Caldwell’s 7Y0 SkyvalleyAmaori Spur mare Madge Egan in a 2-00.4 mile rate.

Despite racing exposed from gate five outside the pacemaker Azalea Mae, Madge Egan dug in deep when required to stall off all challengers and gain the day by 1.1 metres from Whats The Tea who was taken back from outside the front line to settle three back in the moving line before going forward three wide running into the home turn, with 12Y0 mare Tension Seeker (one/one from gate four) third a neck away.

■ Mount Wallace trainer/driver Kyle Marshall landed the Maryborough IGA Vicbred Voucher 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2190 metres with The Storm Inside-Macray Soiree 3Y0 gelding Ted Bear. Beginning swiftly to cross polemarker Whenimready, Ted Bear was rated to perfection to greet the judge easily by 7.2 metres from Eebeebee (one/one from gate six) in a 200.6 mile rate. Ima Tiggy Tiger which galloped shortly after the start from gate two regained his composure to settle four pegs before using the sprint lane for third 1.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.6.

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

St Arnaud part-owner/trainer/driver Scott

Torney’s 7Y0 Andover Hall-Maori Road gelding Aldebaran Maverick registered his first victory since February 2023 when successful in the 1690 metre Maryborough Golf Club Trotters Mobile.

Giving his supporters some concern when galloping in the score up causing a false start, Aldebaran Maverick (gate two) at the second attempt trailed the noted leader Christmas Babe from outside the front line receiving a sweet trip before angling three wide halfway up the running and sprinting hard to score by 5.5 metres from polemarker Jungle Spider alobg the sprint lane. Nuclear Attitude (four pegs from gate two on the second line) also used the sprint lane for third a neck away. The mile rate 2-02.1.

Tuesday’s tale

■ At Tuesday’s regular Shepparton meeting, Mitchellstown trainer/driver Kylie Sugars’ 2Y0 Majestic Son-Indie Pepperell gelding Van Nostrand was impressive in taking the Neatline Shepparton Gold Cup 17/1 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Restrained from outside the front line to the rear as Taken By Wine (gate three) led before handing over to polemarker Sebs Gal. Making a fast forward move three wide in the last lap, Van Nostrand moved up to join the leaders with Farstar which had raced uncovered from the extreme draw with the pair running past the leader.

Finishing best, Van Nostrand ran home nicely to register a 1.5 metre margin over Farstar, with Taken By Wine holding third 3.1 metres back. The mile rate 2-09.

■ Local Kialla trainer Dave Farrar combined with Damian Wilson to land the 2190 metre

$5,000 Prize Package FOF ‘Dress To Impress’ On Cup Night Pace.

Coming across from gate three with Warrioress (gate two) inside him, Krakey pressed forward to assume control shortly after the start and allowed to dictate terms couldn’t be caught, greeting the judge by 2.7 metres from Warrioress which had every opportunity to run him down. Polemarker Beryls Boots after trailing the pair was third 1.1 metres back, The mile rate 1-59.5.

■ Pompapiel part-owner/breeder John Davidson has 6Y0 Used To Me-Estee Poppy gelding Frankythefrenchman going great guns at present chalking up his eighth victory in 62 outings when successful in the Saddleworld Shepparton and Bendigo Trotters Mobile over 2189 metres.

Beginning safely from outside the front line as Night Sky (gate four) inside him led, regular reinsman Chris Alford sent Franky forward and had little difficulty in taking over and never looked in any danger greeting the judge 6.5 metres in advance of Night Sky in a 2-02.3 mile rate. Suzys Dream (four pegs from the extreme draw) was third 21.5 metres back.

■ Another local area winner was Sweet LouRosharni filly Shezfairysweet in the SHRC Xmas Dining Packages Book Now 2Y0 Pace again over 21190 metres for Girgarre husband and wife Mark and Lisa Pitt.

Pouncing on the lead from gate two, Shezfairysweet led all of the wy to easily account for The Golden Hook (gate two) which trailed by 7.2 metres in 1-59.1. First starter Crackin Philtra was third for Kyabram’s Mick Blackmore 7.1 metres back from four pegs after starting inside the second line.

Midweek missive

■ Bendigo was Wednesday’s fixture com-

mencing with a highly competitive 1650 metre Garrards Horse & Hound Pace – the victor being Kooreh (St Arnaud ) co- trainers Shaun and Jason McNaulty’s very handy 6Y0 Sunshine Beach-Our Prima Regal entire Pesci.

Driven by James Herbertson, Pesci (gate five) went forward at the start only to be trapped uncovered as polemarker Hes No Romeo retained the inside running.

Gaining cover when both Ima Terminator (outside the front line) and Dessie Gee (gate two second line following) went forward racing for the bell, Pesci was relegated to three back in the moving line.

With runs coming from all directions on straightening, Hes No Romeo shifted ground allowing Madigan three pegs from inside the second line to use the sprint lane to no avail with Wattlebank Arnie (gate two), a stablemate of the pacemaker dashing through on the inside and Pesci putting in his claim out wide.

Finishing full of running, Pesci scored by 1.5 metres from Wattlebank Arnie and Hes No Romeo who fought back gamely for third 2.6 metres away. The mile rate 1-53.4.

■ Allendale trainer Basil Dooley’s 7Y0 Blissful Hall-Miles Of Smiles mare Asmileandawinx at start 127 landed the 2150 Nutrien AG Solutions Bendigo Pace in a 1-58.1 mile rate.

Driven by Connor Ronan, Asmileandawinx settled four back in the moving line from gate four on the second line as polemarker Final Bow led.

Going forward three wide racing for the bell followed up by Myrtle May (gate five second line) to join Final Bow, Asmileandawink was given a breather one/one as Myrtle Bow applied extreme pressure to the leader for the entire last lap exhausting their chances even though Myrtle Bow was still in front on turning.

Angling wide in the straight, Asmileandawinx ran home strongly to record a half neck margin over Ashante Prince along the sprint lane after trailing the leader from inside the second line. Swiss Lightning (one/ two) ran home out wide for third 2.4 metres back.

■ Bagshot owner/trainer Mary Jane Mifsud scored a massive victory with 4Y0 Ultimate Machete-Alleluia Lombo mare Princess Arna in the Revolve Print Pace over 2150 metres.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Princess Arna after racing roughly from the extreme draw was trapped three and four wide as the start was effected before being restrained to the rear of the field with Taste It (going forward from outside the front line to lead).

Set alight with a brilliant burst of speed racing for the bell to assume control, Princess Arna showed no sign of stopping to reach the wire 1.4 metres clear of Kimchi (mid-field in the running line from inside the second line), with Taste It holding down third 4.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.3.

■ Marong owner and co-trainers of 3Y0 McWicked-Mitzi M Hanover filly Wicked Mitzi - Terry and Jacinta Allan-Gange were victorious in winning the 1650 metre Bendigo Locksmiths Pace with the consistent filly.

Driven by James Herbertson, Wicked Mitzi had little trouble leading from gate four and after being given every chance, raced away to register a 6.9 metre margin in advance of Amphijet (one/three from gate three second line) off a three wide double trail last lap. Sharp Interest (gate two second line) followed Owen The Saints (gate three forward three wide solo last lap) for third 2.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-53.

Ballarat bulletin

■ Ballarat was Thursday’s fixture with a massive ten race program including the Vicbred Super Series second Semi-Finals for 4Y0 mares, colts, geldings and entires over 2200 metres.

The winners were The Answer (Michael Stanley) and Kiss (Emma Stewart) in the mares division and Miki To Success and War Dan Buddy (Emma Stewart).

■ Nine year old Fling It-Rainbow Reflexion gelding Fling It Rainbow gelding Fling It Rainbow was a blow out victor of the Book Now Xmas Race Meeting 4/12 Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Driven by James Herbertson for Rockbank owner/trainer Albert Cefai, Fling It Rainbow at odds of $36.50 enjoyed a cosy trip from the pole following the leader Abbie (gate four) before sprinting home along the inside after Abbie shifted ground to score by 1.7 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.8 over Abbie, with Oopzee Daisy (gate six) third 5.2 metres back after racing exposed.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Mildura/Bendigo, Thursday – Ballarat, Friday – Melton, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Stawell (Cup), Monday –Maryborough, Tuesday – Shepparton.

■ Coimadai trainer Graeme Whittle’s honest 8Y0 gelding Floating Mountain led throughout from gate five in the Del Re National Foods Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Raced and driven by son Matthew, Floating Mountain travelled sweetly all of the way to gain the day by 2.3 metres from Snickers Express (gate two) which trailed. Ox Knox (one/ three from gate three second line) was promoted to third 10.1 metres from the winner after protesting against Amour Maternal (one/ one from gate four – outside winner home turn) for galloping in the home straight finishing 10.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.3.

Friday facts

■ Geelong raced on Friday and Cranbourne part-owner/trainer Rick Cashman and a host of co-owners were successful with 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Narree Rose gelding My Uncle Stan in the 1609 metre Apco We’ve Got You Pace over 1609 metres.

Given the run of the race by Jodi Quinlan from inside the second line following the poleline leader Ferrigno, My Uncle Stan a winner of seven with 12 placings from 51 outings prior, used the sprint lane to perfection to put the race beyond doubt in a couple of strides approaching the post to register a 3 metre margin over Strapping Red (three pegs from gate two second line), with Golden Shooz from the extreme draw going forward three wide in the last lap from the tail for third 1.1 metres back after looking a big hope on the home turn when outside the leader. The mile rate 1-53.6.

■ Classy 5Y0 Captaintreacherous-Love List entire Petracca was an easy victor of the Zav Amusements Serious Fun Pace over 2100 metres.

Raced by Danny Zavitanous’ AD Investments Pty Ltd, Petracca trained by Emma Stewart and driven on this occasion by Tasmyn Potter settled three back in the moving line from the extreme draw as Little Louie led from gate four.

Setting off three wide at the bell to join the leader for the final circuit before surging clear on turning, Petracca kicked another goal (his 13th in 19 outings), scoring by 6.5 metres from Roadmaster from last off a three wide double trail last lap after starting outside the front line. Twisting By (gate two – one/two last lap) was third a head away. The mile rate 1-55.8. Len Baker

Windsor carjacking

■ Stonnington Crime Investigation Unit

Detectives have arrested three teenagers following a carjacking in Windsor.

It is understood the group entered a rideshare vehicle on Martin St in Brighton about 4.53am on November 5.

Police will allege the group threatened the driver with a machete before they stole the vehicle on Union St in Windsor.

The 27-year-old was not physically injured. The unoccupied vehicle was later located on Perth St in Prahran.

Detectives executed multiple search warrants on Thursday (Nov. 20) at properties in Harkness and Kurunjang.

A 15-year-old boy from the Melton area has since charged with aggravated carjacking. He was remanded to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

A 15-year-old boy from the Melton area has been charged with aggravated carjacking and is due to face a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old boy from the Melton area has been charged with aggravated carjacking.

Classifieds 9489 2222

Classified Information

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Free non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

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FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.Advertise Free.com.au

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• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

FREE PHOTO ADS AdvertiseFree.com.au

BOOKS. Collection of Mary Grant vintage books. Mostly VGC with dust jack- ets. Offers welcome. Research. 9437 1253. JJ-NN

BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL

ALUMINIUM PUNT 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp Mercury outboard motor. GC. $1600. Seymour. 0410 032 064. NN-QQ

ANGLE GRINDER. XUL with cutting disc. 10mm impact, drill Xui. EC. $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

ANTIQUE FRIDGE. Norge Round Top. GC. $30. Seymour. 0422 204 977. TT-XX

BARBIE Dolls and barbie Dresses. GC. 10 for $250. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, 4pm-10pm. RR-VV

BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL

BBQ. Gas. 5-Burner. Wheels. New ignition assembly. Full gas bottle. EC. $100. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. RR-VV

BBQ. Red Centre. 45cm round. Large cast iron plate trivet for boiling. Also hose and wind shield. New, still in box. $45. Bittern. 0459 558 055 RR-VV

BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL

BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO

BICYCLE PUMP. Steel floor, pump active. Includes gauge to check correct pressure. EC. Paid $15, sell $5. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

BICYCLE SEAT. Black, Endzone Extragel. Paid $20, sell $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO

Your

ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

DRILL DRIVER. Ozito. 10mm, 28 ow, micro speed control, still in box. EC. $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

DISHWASHER. Norj. 13.7 litres per wash. Large. 2’ wide, 2.9high. Not connected. New. Bought for $720. Sell $360. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. NN-QQ

BRICKS. 500. Clean, as new $400. 100 face bricks, $120. New. Bittern. 0419 582 437. PP-TT

BRICKLAYERS TUBE & CLIP SCAFFOLDING TUBES clips swivels joiners putlog clips base plates sole boards Oregon planks. Genuine offers only enquires welcome GC. $6000. Crib Point. 0419 935 807 PP-TT

CARAVAN CRUSADER. 17ft 1998 pop top, full annexe. reg July 26. double bed. new mattress. 3 way fridge. Gas cook top and grill. Tows well. GC. $9000. Toolangoi. 0448 438 790. TT-XX

CARAVAN. Millard Grand Champion 17 FT Air/ con 3 way fridge microwave gas cook top double bed plus two smaller singles full annex with floor van cover Pop Top 1170 kg registered many extras. GC. $12,750. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050 PP-TT

CHEST FREEZER. Haier. Three months old. $150. Reservoir. 0491 083 248. NN-QQ

CHILD’S Old Style TwoSeater School Desk. Steel frame, hardwood seat and desktop GC. $40. Yea. 0409 109 887. NN-QQ

CIRCULAR SAW. Skilsaw. 7¼” 184mm 2 1/ 8 HP. Lightweight. Powerful high torque motopr. textured front and rear handles. GC. $30. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

CLOTH FOOTBALL MASCOT. Footscray Bulldogs. 39cm tall. VGC. $65. Pick-up: Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

CRICKET MEMORABILIA. 19 books. Bradman Calendar 1908-2001. Plus ‘Argus’ Magazines 1950, 1951 x 2. GC. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. PP-TT

DOLL HOUSE. Three level wood house with wood furniture, carpets, accessories, two families, baby dog, cat, plates, cups. Made of ceramics. $130. Bundoora. 9467 8990 TT-XX

ELECTRIC DRILL. Ryobi. 240V. 50Hz. 600w. With case. EC. $20. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. ‘Pride Go Mobility Chair’. Hardly used. EC. $1400. Viewbank. John, 0418 583 120. LL-OO

ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $60 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

FISHER PAYKEL Fridge Freezer. 8 months old. New. Cost $870, sell $400. Keysborough. Joe, 0402 385 692.HH-LL

FOOTBALL CAPS. Footscray. New. Pick up Glenroy or ost extra cost. $15 each. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

FOOTWEAR. Navy woven leather. Diana ferrari. Sandal size 9, worn once. EC. $50. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950.HH-LL

Major Tractor. Comes with slasher, grader blade and harrow. GC. $7000 negotiable. Wonga Park. 0449 028 209. TT-XX

FRIDGE. Palsonic. Upright. 4’8” x 1.9”. GC. $30. Seymour. 0422 204 977. TT-XX

GARDEN HOSE. 30 metres long. Good quality, heavy duty. GC. Paid $80, sell $20. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

GOLF CLUBS. Gents (13), Ladies (13).. And 200+ balls. GC. $400. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

GRIDDLE. Cast iron. 33cm x 21cm. Very clean. As new. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. RR-VV

TRESTLE TABLE. Lifetime. 4

TT-XX

LAND. Expansive acreage ideal for farming or livestock. Secure paddocks, peaceful setting, close to amenities. Option to lease land only or house and land together. Suitable for genuine agricultural use. GC. $420/month for the land only. Land and house, $15 00/month. Balnarring Beach. 0434189 449 PP-TT

LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

MATT BLATT egg chair on steel base. $130. Malvern East. 0419 685 666 PP-TT

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

(2). Deceased estate. S840 (yellow). With battery, lights and all extras. EC. $1400. East Travel Elite, small and collapsable. Folds up easily buy very heavy. $500. Taylors Hill (Melton). Contact Len, 0401 679 745. TT-XX

Swivel Seat, Digital Dash, 10kph- Rear Bag, Shopping Basket, Spare Key & Charger. Too Many Features to List. Under Warranty, Can Deliver Free if Required. VGC. $1800. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. PP-TT

MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. LL-OO

PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

PIANOLA ROLLS. Around 50 rolls in all. Many older tunes. GC. $75. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. LL-OO

PHANTOM COMIC Collection. 1360. Continuous, No 692-1976. Also No 552 and 548. Replicas: 20 of between Nos 16-34. Doubles: 38. Phantom’s World, 8x. Sell full collection only. Best reasonable offer. Ferntree Gully. 9758 8990. RR-VV

PLUMBING FITTINGS. New. Box, 100m, sew/SW E/Boxes. Box: 100mm, 500mm, elbows, as new. New. $35. yea. 5750 2615. HH-LL

QUEEN COVER SET. Laura Ashley, cotton. Size: 220cm x 240cm with 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203.TT-XX

RECORDS. Capital./ 78rpm Les Paul and Mary Ford, 14 records. Also 2 records, 33rpm. GC. 78 rpm - $50. 33 rpm - $15. Box Hill. 9890 7904. TT-XX

REFERENCE BOOK. Holden Commodore 1978. 42cm x 29cm. $85. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda 390 motor run fine seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $500 or offer. yarck. 0414 718 812. NN-QQ

ROLLER DOOR Electric motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507.LL-OO ROTARY CLOTHES LINE. Mk 2. Cost, $349. Sell $140. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

RUG. Onkaparinga Squatter. Woollen. Tartan pattern. Red, purple, brown. 152 x 182cm. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. TT-XX

SAWS. 5 vintage hand saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening included. GC. $12. Ashburton. 9885 2203. TT-XX

PUBLIC NOTICES

GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful followwees of Christ to attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat To secure your seat, 0419 327 366.N-P

RING PULLS off all aluminium cans and any quan- tity to assist towards people who need prosthetics and wheel chairs and walking frames. Genuine collector. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.

advertise their upcoming events in The Local Paper, without advertising charges. Go to the What’s On - Free Ad Form section at the www.Local Paper.com.au website WHAT’S ON

and meet world champion athletes. Free. At The Crown Promenade, 3 Whiteman St, Southbank. Phone 8652 9722. dsr.org.au/vdsrfestival TT-XX

BAR FRIDGE. GC. Free. Flemington. 0408 539 391. VV-XX

BARBIE Dolls. In orginial dresses. EC. $5 each. Melton. 0412 869 304. VV-XX

BEDHEAD. Queen. Pine. Also mattching mirrorframe. FC. $20. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

BOOKCASE. Pine. FC. $50. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

BRICKS. 100+, clean. Red bricks and halves. Free. Keon Park. Alan, 9469 4558. VV-XX

DINING CHAIRS. 8 modern, leather, chocolate brown. Some need reupholstering. $100 lot. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

HORSE RUG. Tartan. As new. Never used. $35. Macleod. 0458 639 380. VV-XX

IKEA Poang Chair. GC. $60. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. VV-XX

MATT BLATT red Egg Chair with 2 cushions. VGC. $150. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. VV-XX

MG ZS SUV 2023 one owner 26,000km, comes with RWC, bought in Nov. 2023 from dealership. 2BG-4LV. VGC. $16,000. Epping. 0422 076 298. VV-XX

NEWPORT BOWLS

CLUB presents The Abba Show. Sunday, Marchc 22, 2026, at 1 Market St, Newport. Show: 2pm4pm. Must book with club. Limited numbers. $25 per person. Barbecue available at $5. Bar open 12 Noon6pm. VV-XX

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT ESSENDON WEST

1. Optus and Vodafone are proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 37A Emerald Street, Essendon West VIC 3040.

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of:

•Replacement of three (3) existing Optus/Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Optus/Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

•Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 11 December 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visits www.rfnsa.com.au/3040006

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT OAKLEIGH SOUTH

1. Optus and Vodafone are proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 19-71 Carroll Road, Oakleigh South VIC 3167 (1\LP148203).

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of:

•Replacement of three (3) existing Optus/Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Optus/Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

•Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 11 December 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visits www.rfnsa.com.au/3202001.

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

The application reference number is: P25/1059

The Land affected by the application is located at: 3110 AND 3118 POINT NEPEAN ROAD SORRENTO

LOT 5A PS 540310 VOL 12474 FOL 947

LOT 2 PS 540310 VOL 11017 FOL 778

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOP AN OUTBUILDING, SWIMMING POOL, FENCE AND EARTHWORKS, AND VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT PS540310W AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBED AS LOT 2 OF PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 540310W VOLUME 11017 FOLIO 778 BY ADDING THE WORDS “AND A SWIMMING POOL, POOL HOUSE AND ASSOCIATED FENCE ON LOT 2 TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY” AFTER THE WORDS “THAT ANY LOT AFFECTED BY THIS RESTRICTION SHALL NOT HAVE BUILT, CONSTRUCTED, OR ERECTED ANY BUILDING OUTSIDE THE AREA SHOWN HATCHED HEREON EXCEPT FOR EAVES OR CHIMNEYS NOT EXCEEDING 450 MM IN WIDTH”

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

Clause 32.08-5 (GRZ1)

Clause 42.01-2 (ESO25)

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO3)

Clause 52.02 (Easements, restrictions and reserves)

MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

Construct or extend an outbuilding

Construct a building or construct or carry out works

Construct a building or construct or carry out works

Vary an easement

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/1281

Applicant name: M CETINER

The Land affected by this application is located at: 72 & 74 RYMER AVENUE SAFETY BEACH LOT 720 LP 11273 VOL 5765 FOL 874 LOT 1 PS 99223 VOL 9439 FOL 081

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOP 2 DOUBLE-STOREY DWELLINGS ON TWO LOTS (TOTAL 4 DWELLINGS), REMOVE VEGETATION, AND VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS 1413244 (ON LOT 1 TP099223K VOL 09439 FOL 081) AND 1492707 (ON LOT 720 PS011273 VOL 05765 FOL 847) TO ALLOW FOR TWO DWELLINGS ON A LOT, BY:

• DELETING THE DUPLICATED WORD “ON”

• REPLACING THE WORDS “NOT MORE THAN ONE DWELLING HOUSE” WITH “NOT MORE THAN TWO DWELLING HOUSES”

• ADDING THE WORDS “FOR EACH HOUSE” AFTER THE WORDS “APPURTENANCES SHALL BE UNDER ONE ROOF”.

DELETING THE WORDS “AND FURTHER THAN THE SANITARY SYSTEM OF SUCH HOUSE SHALL NOT BE OTHER THAN SEPTIC TANK OR THE KAUSTINE SYSTEM”.

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

Clause 32.08-7 (GRZ1)

Clause 42.02-2 (VPO1)

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO1)

Clause 52.02)

The applicant for the permit is: APPLETREE SORRENTO PTY LTD

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 10 DECEMBER 2025

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

News Extra

Death at N. Warren

■ Police are investigating after a man died following a collision in Narre Warren North this afternoon.

It is alleged a car collided with a motorcyclist on Belgrave-Hallam Rd about 3.45pm. The male rider died at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 52year-old Narre Warren South man, was arrested and will be interviewed by police.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were at

MATTER

FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

Construct two or more dwellings on a lot

Remove, destroy or lop any vegetation specified in a schedule to this overlay.

Construct a building or construct or carry out works.

Vary a restriction

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 10 DECEMBER 2025

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

the scene and an investigation is underway.

S. Morang fatality

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in South Morang earlier this year.

It is alleged a truck collided with a Kia wagon along Gorge Rd on Tuesday, February 25 about 9.30am.

The impact of the collision caused the car to burst into flames. Emergency workers tried to

save the 82-year-old Briar Hill woman, but she died at the scene.

The driver of the truck, a 40-year-old Mill Park man, was arrested at the scene.

On Sunday (Nov. 23), detectives charged the 40-yearold with culpable driving, dangerous driving causing death, careless driving and use mobile phone while driving. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 28.

Contact

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