The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Mar. 4, 2026

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

CLEELAND FOCUS ON SEXUAL ASSAULTS

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has applied pressure in State Parliament to Premier Jacinta Allan about sexual assaults on Big Build projects.

Ms Cleeland - “My question is to the Premier. What action has the Premier taken since the release of the Watson report to ensure that any woman sexually assaulted on Big Build sites will be eligible for compensation?”

Ms Allan - “Again, anyone who has allegations of abuse, assault or harassment, all of which are crimes, should be referring those matters without hesitation to Victoria Police as the agency with the tools and the powers to investigate these very serious matters.

“Once those allegations have been made and have been investigated by Victoria Police, if charges are laid and charges are proven through the court processes, then people are eligible for compensation through the victims-of-crime processes that are set independently.

“This is a serious, serious matter. Not only is ensuring that victims of crime have access to compensation something that we take seriously, but we need to support victims of crime, not choose parliamentary forums to retraumatise and impact on victims of crime.”

Ms Cleeland - “Will the Premier guarantee that any woman sexually assaulted on Big Build sites will be eligible for compensation?”

MP SALUTES KALKALLO LOCALS

■ Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence has publicly acknowledged two examples of community spirit and achievement in her electorate.

“Local residents Kiran Sidhu and Raj Mann are the founders of the Change Makers Foundation , a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving lives by raising awareness, supporting vulnerable communities and driving positive social change,” Ms Spence told Parliament.

“To this end Change Makers recently delivered a heart health awareness session in Craigieburn that featured presentations from cardiac specialists.

“The event was free for the local community, well attended and provided practical information to local families.

“The dedication of Kiran and Raj to improving community health is greatly appreciated, and I wish them well with their upcoming monthly sessions in my electorate.

“I also want to recognise 10-year-old Craigieburn resident Abraham Sihombing, who achieved an impressive success as the 2026 Golden Gig junior winner at Tamworth

“In a thoughtful letter Abraham expressed his passion for music and his hope to perform at community events and festivals in our area.

“Young people like Abraham add to the vibrancy of our community, and I look forward to opportunities for him to share his music with local audiences.”

U. Plenty permit

■ A planning permit for ertrospective earthworks at a dwelling at Upper Plenty waqs due to be heard at the Mitchell Shire Council’s meeting on Monday night (Mar. 2) as this issue of TheLocalPaper went to press. Councillors were due to consider the application for the property at 1290 WallanWhittlesea Rd

Eight objections were received by the Council. An Enforcement Notice was issued on August 16, 2024, after earthworks were observed on site without a planning permit. It was requested to cease the earthworks for a proposed shed.

Motion lost 4-2

■ A motion by Cr Clark Holloway and Cr Vicki Halsall to Strathbogie Council was lost 4-2. The motion proposed that Shire fficers prepare an internal briefing to Council outlining Council’s Emergency Management Policy framework, including but not limited to the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, which provides the overarching structure for emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery within Strathbogie Shire .Voting against the proposal were Crs Jeffery, Carlson, Stevens and Binks.

Tones and I concert

■ A second release of tickets has occurred for the Tones and I one-off concert to be held at the Longwood Recreation Reserve from 5pm this Saturday (Mar. 7). $5 of every $40.70 ticketwill be be donated to the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund.

Inside This Week

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■ Last Thursday’s visit by the State Governor to Highlands Hall provided an opportunity for Prof. Gardner to listen to local lived experiences, acknowledge the resilience of the community, and learn more about the ongoing recovery efforts across the region.

Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch, Murrindindi

Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Mitchell

Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall and Mitchell

Shire Council CEO Mary Agostino also attended the visit.

The stories told reflected the shared impact of the fires across neighbouring municipalities and the continued collaboration throughout recovery.

The Highlands Hub, located at the Highlands Hall, has been established by community to bring essential support services closer to where people live and gather.

The hub provides a central, accessible space for residents to connect with recovery services, access information and seek practical and emotional support.

Cr Dougall said the visit was an important opportunity to highlight the strength of the community and the work still underway.

“Our communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of these fires,” he said. “Having the Governor take the time to come to Highlands Hall, listen to local stories and see firsthand how recovery support is being delivered means a great deal to those who have been affected. We’re proud to be working closely with Murrindindi Shire Council and Strathbogie Shire Council to support our communities through this difficult recovery.”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

VICE-REGAL VISIT TO HIGHLANDS

Local Briefs

Half-price adoptions

■ Cats and kittens are available at half the the usual cost from March 1 to Aprtil 30 at the wat djerring Animal Facility at 20 Companion Place, Epping

All pets are health-checked, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed to ensure a smooth transition into their new environment.

Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am-4pm; Tuesday and Thursday: 12pm-6.30pm; Saturday: 11am-3pm.

Bike trail costs

■ Yarra Ranges resident Victoria Hobbs asked Council how much has been spent to date from the beginning of the Warburton Mountain Bike project in 2013 to now, for all of the people that have been part in the project.

Acting Director Build Environment & Infrastructure, Phil Murton, said travel related expenses have been incurred by Council staff in relation to the development of the Warburton Bike Park. Flights totalled $6765. Accommodation came to $7987. Other expenses (meals, transfers, conference registration, incidentals, etc): $6,525.

Local Briefs Kinglake upgrade

■ The Kinglake Memorial Oval upgrade contract has been awarded, and works are anticipated to commence in June, Cr Paul Hidebrand told last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council Meeting.

“While the original program scheduled commencement in March, the start date has been revised following consultation with the Football Club and the contractor,” Cr Hildebrand said.

“The new commencement date will allow the Club to utilise the ground for the first half of the season without the need to secure alternative venues for training and games.

“The original construction completion date and turf installation timeframe will remain unchanged.”

Foothills milestones

■ Cr Peter McIlwain told the Yarra Ranges Council attended the Foothills Community Care volunteer gathering, where attendees celebrated several significant milestones, including the opening of their new base of operations in Upwey.

He extended his congratulations to Foothills Community Care for their achievements and their outstanding contribution to the community, and commends their exemplary leadership to Council

Bridge program

■ Due to the January 2026 fires, there were several bridges damaged or destroyed in Murrindindi Shire, Cr Paul Hildebrand said.

“As a result, the program is currently being reviewed to assess if funding from this program should be diverted to fund gaps in funding from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement to renew or repair these bridges,” last week’s Council meeting was told.

Free legal advice

■ Residents in Beveridge can access free, confidential legal advice with Northern Community Legal Centre expanding its weekly service to the Greater Beveridge Community Centre. Appointments are available every Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The service provides support across a range of legal matters, including:

■ Insurance claims, including bushfire and natural disaster recovery

■ Family violence and intervention orders

■ Family law, including child support and shared parenting arrangements

■ Employment issues such as sexual harassment, flexible work, parental leave and unfair dismissal

■ Debt matters including car loans, credit cards, personal loans and utility debts

■ Criminal matters

■ Migration law, including visa issues for victim-survivors of family violence

■ Tenancy issues including bonds, rent increases, notices to vacate and repairs

Northern Community Legal Centre is a community legal service with offices in Broadmeadows and Wallan, supporting people across Melbourne’s North-West Northern Community Legal Centre provides free legal advice, community legal education, and advocacy to promote justice and equality, with a strong focus on supporting women’s safety and economic security.

Northern Community Legal Centre also operates from the Wallan Community Services Hub at 42/80 Bentinck St, Wallan, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Best advice

■ Murrindindi Shire Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr says that she received good advice at the Yarck community meeting, from Dr Rob Gordon: First: ‘you are the most important and valuable asset you have’. And second: ‘take Sunday off’. Not everything has to be done in a day. The work will still be there tomorrow. Take a day off, rest, reset, and get back into it in a better physical and mental capacity the next day. Burnout helps no one, especially you,” Cr Carr said.

At Steels Creek

■ S4 Reel Night will be held at the Steels Creek Community Centrem, with dinner at 6pm, and a film at 7.30pm on Friday, March 20. The film for March is TheLastJourney (2024).

$¼M DRUG

■ Police have charged a man after seizing drugs with an alleged estimated street value of $250,000 in Viewbank

Preston uniform officers set up a drug and alcohol testing site on Catalina St in Heidelberg West, before a vehicle was directed to enter the site on Tuesday (Feb. 24) about 2.30pm.

Upon the driver entering, officers allegedly noticed the pungent smell of cannabis and the vehicle was searched.

Police allegedly located a large quantity of drugs of dependence, including cannabis and cocaine.

The alleged driver, a 24-year-old Viewbank man, was arrested and interviewed.

Police then executed a search warrant at a Viewbank residence on Tuesday night, allegedly locating a substantial quantity of drugs of dependence, estimated to have a street value of $250,000.

Officers seized heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

The 24-year-old has been charged with drug possession, trafficking and possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb. 26).

SEIZURE

● ● ● ● Cannabis. File Image: Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Reviva shops in Mitchell Closed roads

■ Mitchell Shire Council is partnering with Resource Recovery Australia to introduce two new Reviva Reuse Shops at the Wallan and Seymour Resource Recovery Centres, with both sites set to open on Saturday, March 14.

RRA, a national not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity, has been appointed to operate the shops under a new agreement with Mitchell Council

The initiative will expand reuse opportunities across the Shire, helping residents reduce waste, choose more sustainable shopping options and keep valuable materials circulating within the community.

The Seymour Resource Recovery Centre will host its first Reviva Reuse Shop , while the Wallan shop will increase its operating hours. Both locations will welcome customers Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

The shops will offer an everchanging selection of quality second-hand goods rescued before reaching landfill. Items may include furniture, homewares, books, toys, tools, garden equipment and more. All electrical products will be tested and tagged to ensure they meet safety standards.

The project will also deliver important social benefits. Through RRA’s model, up to nine new jobs will be created across the two sites, with a strong focus on supporting people who experience barriers to employment.

This approach has been successfully implemented in regional communities across Australia, providing pathways to training, confidence and long-term work.

RRA General Manager, Matt Curtis, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to practical sustainability and community development.

“Every item we rescue and resell is one less thing going to landfill, and one more opportunity to support local jobs,” Mr Curtis said.

“We’re excited to work with Mitchell Shire Council to create welcoming Reviva Reuse Shops that deliver environmental and social benefits to residents in Wallan and Seymour.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor, Cr John Dougall, said the shops will be a welcome addition for local residents.

“These shops will deliver real environmental and social benefits for our community,” Cr Dougall said. “We’re excited to see locals discover some great treasures while supporting a more sustainable future for our Shire.”

The Council encourages the community to visit the new shops from opening day and explore the range of affordable, preloved items available.

■ Wallan Resource Recovery Centre, 4–5 Freeway Drive, Wallan

■ Seymour Resource Recovery Centre, 470 Seymour–Tooborac Road, Hilldene

■ Cr Eric Lording has remind visitors and interested locals not to access closed roads.

“Many of the roadsides are structurally unsafe, culverts have been damaged and in some places the road surface has been compromised with the intense heat.

“ith the recent rain, the root system of some trees will have been compromised further and the surrounding ground damaged, leading to possible trees falling on oads. Extra care is needed on windy days.”

Payments close

■ Emergency Relief Payments for bushfire victims closed at 5 pm last Friday (Feb. 27).

Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi told last week’s Council meeting: “Even if people are unsure of eligibility, I encourage them to make contact before the deadline.”

Program launched

■ Expressions of interest have been opened for the 2025-26 Indi Volunteer Grants Program, Indi MHR Dr Helen Haines has announced.

Grants between $1000 and $5000 are available to support the work of local community organisations to increase participation in volunteering and enable the inclusion of vulnerable groups.

“Volunteer organisations do incredible work every day, and there is always strong interest in these grants from a variety of hard-working, community focused organisations,” said Dr Haines.

Two streams of grant funding are available in the program. Stream 1 funds the purchase of communication or insurance items that will benefit a community organisation’s volunteers. Stream 2 funds the items of the running volunteer-led activities that support the development.

Dindi advocates on Hospital

■ Murrindindi Shire

Council says that the proposed amalgamation of Alexandra District Health and Eastern Health needs to demonstrably improve health outcomes, service access and equity for the Murrindindi community.

“Council is not a decision-maker in the proposed amalgamation, which has been referred to the Minister for Health ,” a Council representative said.

“However, Council has a responsibility to advocate for the health, wellbeing and service access needs of local residents, particularly in a rural and geographically dispersed municipality.”

Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said structural change alone would not address the significant health challenges facing the Shire

“Murrindindi Shire continues to experience poorer health outcomes than the Victorian average.

“For our community, the measure of any reform is simple: will it deliver better, more accessible and locally responsive healthcare?”

“Council has made clear that it does not support any change that:

■ reduces access to local services

■ weakens local accountability or decision-making ■ exacerbates workforce shortages or worsens health outcomes for residents

“As this proposal is considered by the Minister for Health, Council expects clear assurances that local services will be protected and strengthened, not diluted,”

Cr Gallagher said that the Council

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emphasised that rural communities require healthcare models designed for rural realities - including distance, workforce constraints, ageing populations and limited transport options - rather than metropolitan approaches applied by default.

“Well before the proposed amalgamation was announced, Council had been leading the Victorian Government-funded Murrindindi Health Network Plan project, working with local providers to strengthen workforce capacity, improve service coordination and support preventative, community-based care.

“This work reflects Council’s long-standing position: locally informed, integrated and preventative care is essential to improving long-term health outcomes in rural communities”

Cr Gallagher said.

“Council will continue to advocate to the State Government for healthcare arrangements that:

■ reflect rural needs ■ value local voices ■ and deliver tangible improvements in community health and wellbeing “Council will provide factual updates to the community as information becomes available and ensure local feedback informs its ongoing advocacy,” the Shire representative said.

Business

breakfast

■ A business breakfast will be held in Alexandra from 7.30am-9.30am on Thursday, March 12, at On Point Brewery

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, March 4

Ahmad, Ibrahim D'ambra, Gianni Kirby, Cameron Mcalpine, Shania Omay, Ibrahim Perrett, Neale Pitcher, Joshua Ray, Bradley Scott Swanson, Sean Wilson, Robert Peter Thursday, March 5

Aldridge, Jessie Alexander-Mcneal, Kiana Baines, Dylan James Bermingham, Sarah Maree Billeci, Agostino Borham, Andrew Bowen, Ashley Brown, David Ronald Byrne, Lesley Christie, Corey Clegg, Ricky Densworth, Wesley James Dimech, Luke Donohue, Haydn Dries, Jason Frost, Travis Andrew Glavocih, Steven Hammoud, Mahamed Harvey, Bianca Heinze, Frederick Richard Hore, Andrew Jacobson, Mary Louise Loder, Glenn Maybir, Daniel Lee Millman, Adam Moss, Jessica Nixon, James Palmer, David Pieters, Shane Rennie, Troy Leonard Ritchie, Carl Schembri, George Short, Jordan David Smith, Cadel Tonkin, Lee Vengapulli Arachchig, Uditha Udaraka Williams, Nikitka

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, March 4

Beever, Isaac Boxhall, Glenn Damaskopoulos, Andrew Dizdarevic, Senad Dunstan, Patrick James Fazekas, Gaspar Goschnick, Dean Gregory Hedrick, Tracey Lucas, David Musovic, Sinna Pugh-Mundy, Sarina-Lee Ross, Paul Douglas Sabellano, Frinch Sharma, Sushil Sharpe, Rhys Sparkes, Matthew Luke Sundbloom, Elle Tatham, Jarrod

Spending down $3.47m over 24 days

■ The Longwood fire event resulting in a $3.47 million reduction in total spending across Murrindindi Shire over 24 days, a 39 per cent decline compared to a non-event trading period.

An impact report compiled by Murrindindi Council details the severe and compounding impacts on local businesses and the visitor economy,

Total spend fell from $12.2 million to $8.75 million, driven almost entirely by the collapse in visitor expenditure.

“In recent weeks, we have witnessed the devastating effects of fire across Murrindindi Shire, prompting communities to unite alongside emergency services and the Council to support those in urgent need,” said a Shire representative.

“We have observed acts of bravery, compassion, and courage. Now, as we move forward and transition from relief to recovery, we turn our attention to the future, embracing a spirit of collaboration, rebuilding and reimagining.

“Council’s work on developing an Economic Development Strategy and Shaping Murrindindi's Future provides a strong and viable roadmap for recovery and future economic prosperity within the Shire for future generations.

“However, recovering from this catastrophic natural disaster will require substantial targeted support from State and Federal government along with partnership and significant investment from the private sector.”

Women in business

■ The Nillumbik Women in Business networking event om May 6 will feature Dr Olivia Lee Ong – The Heart Centred Doctor

She will share tools to help recognise stress patterns, and how to regulate the nervous system to build resilience, emotional intelligence and self-compassion to thrive in business and in life.

“ Dr Ong will draw from her own incredible story of determination to get her life back following a traumatic spinal cord injury, highlighting that even the greatest challenges can be overcome when we listen to our bodies,” a Nillumbik Council representative said.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the Council was proud to welcome Dr Ong as the keynote speaker for the event.

“ Dr Ong is an inspiring, compassionate and powerful voice on resilience and wellbeing and her story will deeply resonate with local business women,” Cr Joiner said.

“Her lived experience combined with her professional expertise offers a meaningful and practical perspective on managing stress, building resilience and leading with confidence.”

With her memoir BackOnMyFeet, just being released, Dr Ong will feature on ABC’s AustralianStory in 2026, positioning her as an in-demand voice on resilience, leadership and human performance.

The first 100 registrations for this event will receive a free copy of Dr Ong’s first book, The Heart-Centred Doctor , where she shares principles, strategies and tools to manage stress and avoid burnout

The event is from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, May 6, at Eltham Community and Reception Centre, 801 Main Rd, Eltham . Cost is $45.

40-minute meeting

■ An unscheduled Whittlesea Council meeting, called to discuss Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd’s contract lasted between 6pm-6.40pm last Tuesday (Feb. 24). Councillors voted to exclude the public and to keep matters confiden tial. Cr Aidan McLindon apologised for his non-attendance. Cr Jarrod Lappin and Cr Daniela Zinni attended ‘virtually’. Mr Lloyd was not present at the meeting.

Vale Bob Draper

■ Whittlesea Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox told the February 17 meeting of Council about the passing of Robert Draper.

“I would like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Robert Draper, who recently passed away.

“Robert was a Past President and Life Member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society and made a lasting contribution to our community.

“He was the instigator of the Pioneer Pavillion , a project of which he was extremely proud of and one that will remain part of his legacy.

“We would like to acknowledge his dedication to the community. Our thoughts are with Robert's family and friends,” Cr Cox said.

Trail funding

■ Resident Bill Lord asked N illumbik Council at its February 25 meeting: “Given that at last election Federal Labor offered Nillumbik Council $4m should they win the election to complete the Diamond Creek Regional Trail, why is Council now only asking for a grant from the State Government for a grant to now finish the trail, but not the Liberal Federal Government?”

The r esponse to Mr Lord by a Shire representative was: “The advocacy document endorsed by Council at the February 2020 Future Nillumbik meeting is an open request for funding to all political parties and all levels of government.” ‘2 blue,

2 red’

■ Nillumbik Council resident Alexander Collum said taht Mayor’s Cr Naomi Joiner told a VEC representation: “the current council was ‘in the middle of the spectrum’ with ‘two blues, two reds and three basically in the middle”. Cr Joiner replied they were individual comments, and she had nothing to add.

Sport

Seymour District Cricket Round 17

■ A-Grade. One Day. Sat., Feb. 28. Alexandra A Grade 10/99 v Tallarook A Grade 8/

96. At Leckie Park

Yea Tigers A Grade 6/103 v Puckapunyal

Senior Mixed A 9/101. At Yea Recreation Reserve

Avenel Senior Men A 8/107 v Pyalong A Grade 8/105

Bye: Seymour

■ B-Grade. Tallarook B Grade 5/117 v Alexandra B Grade 10/115. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers B Grade v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B. At Yea High School

Pyalong B Grade v Avenel Senior Men B

Bye: Seymour Senior Mixed B

★ Alexandra A-Grade 10/99 v Tallarook A-Grade 8/96

At Leckie Park

Tallarook A-Grade won the toss and elected to bowl

Alexandra - Innings

Scott Whitehead, c Andrew Smith,

b Tarkyn Dundon ..................................... 21

Tim Cavill, b Matthew Archbald ................. 1

Vinu Hewage, b Lachlan Watts .................... 5

Nathan Waugh, c Ben Trezise, b Tarkyn Dundon ....................................... 4

Private Player, run out Hayden Smith, Joshua Rudge ............................................. 5

Justin Leary, c Lachlan Watts

b Tarkyn Dundon ....................................... 9

William Ashton, c Lachlan Watts, b Kalon Winnell ......................................... 21

Matthew Wal, c ben Trezise, b Kalon Winnell ......................................... 14

Benjamin Wallis, c Andrew Dundon, b Kalon Winnell .......................................... 4

Joshua Crane, not out .................................. 5

James Fulton, c Matthew Archibald, b Kalon Winnell ........................................... 3

Extras (3WD, 2NB, 1LB, 1B, 1P) ................. 7

Total (29.2 overs) ..................................... 10/99

Fall of Wickets: 1-5 Tim Cavill, 2-26 Vinu Hewage, 3-34 Scott Whitehead, 4-35 Nathan Waugh, 5-46 Justin Leary, 6-62 Player, 7-80 William Ashton, 8-84 Benjamin Wallis, 9-93 Matthew Wal, 10-99 James Fulton.

Bowling (O-M-W-R): Matthew Archibald 61-27-1, Ben Trezise 6-0-18-0, Lachlan Watts 6-1-15-1, Tarkyn Dundon 6-0-18-3, Andrew Dundon 2-0-7-0, kalon Winnell 3.2-0-12-4. Tallarook - Innings

Joshua Rudge, lbw William Ashton .......... 23

Hamish Melville, c Justin Leary, b Joshua Crane ........................................... 5

Lachlan Watts, c Joshua Crane, b Justin Leary ........................................... 37

Andrew Dundon, c Nathan Waugh, b Matthew Wal ............................................. 2

Kalon Winnell, c Matthew Wal, b William Ashton ........................................ 0

Andrew Smith, c William Ashton,

b Justin Leary ............................................. 4

Tarkyn Dundon, not o\ut .............................. 4

Matthew Archibald, c Joshua Crane,

b Justin Leary .............................................. 3

Ben Trezise, b Vinu Hewage ........................ 1

Cooper Winnell, not out ................................ 3

Leigh Irving, did not bat

Extras (6WD, 1NB, 3LB, 4B, 0P) ................ 14

Total (30 overs) .......................................... 8/96

Fall of Wickets: 1-14 Hamish Melville, 2-59

Joshua Rudge, 3-64 Andrew Dundon, 4-73

Kalon Winnell, 5-80 Andrew Smith, 6-83

Lachlan Watts, 7-87 Matthew Archibald, 890 Ben Trezise.

Bowling: William Ashton 6-1-19-2, Joshua Crane 6-1-17-1, Matthew Wal 6-3-14-1, Justin Leary 6-1-14-3, Vinu Hewage 4-0-19-1, Nathan Waugh 2-0-6-0. ★

Yea Tigers 6/103 v Puckapunyal 9/101

At Yea Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers A-Grade won the toss and elected to bowl Puckapunyal - Innings

Charles Davies, c Cameron Armstrong, b Andrew Butterworth ............................. 12

James Voogt, c Thomas White,

b Jack Christie ............................................ 7

Fill-in, b Andrew Butterworth ..................... 1

Joel Baker, st Jake Fish,

b Ethanc Blake .......................................... 17

Jackson Bay, c Thomas White,

b Zaude Macleod ...................................... 13

Cody Deegan, st Jake Fish, b Ethan Blake ............................................. 0

Thomas Loft, b Craig Blake ........................ 11

Lachlan Deeble, c Jack Christie, b Thomas White ......................................... 9

Christopher Crabbe, c&b Craig Blake ..... 15

Brett Williams, not out ................................. 3

Daniel Borg, not out ..................................... 2

Extras (11WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P) ............. 11

Total (36 overs) ........................................ 8/101

Fall of Wickets: 1-23 Charles Davies, 2-21

James Voogt, 3-36 Player, 4-51 Joel Baker, 552 Cody Deegan, 6-61 Jackson Say, 7-74

Lachlan Deeble, 8-86 Thomas Loft, 9-98

Christopher Crabbe.

Bowling: Jack Christie 5-1-6-1, Biron

Hardinge 1-0-17-0, Andrew Butterworth 84-11-2, Will Dalton 5-0-9-0, Ethan Blake 7-120-2, Zayde Macleod 5-1-9-1, Thomas White 3-0-23-1, Craig Blake 2-0-6-2. Yea Tigers - Innings

Thomas White, c?

b Christopher Crabbe .............................. 12

Zayde Macleod, c?

b Christopher Crabbe .............................. 15

Jack Christie, b Lachlan Deeble ................ 43

Biron Hardinge, b Lachlan Deeble ........... 22

James Simpson, c? b Lachlan Deeble ....... 0

Jake Fish, b Joel Baker ................................. 1

Craig Blake, not out ....................................... 0

Cooper Lynch, not out .................................. 2

Cameron Armstrong, deid not bat

Ethan Blake, did not bat

Andrew Butterworth, did not bat

Extras (6WD, 2NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P) ................. 8

Total (17.5 overs) ..................................... 6/103

Fall of Wickets: 1-31 Zayde Macleod, 2-32

Thomas White, 3-91 Biron Hardinge, 4-91

James Simpson, 5-101 Jake Fish, 6-101 Jack Christie.

Bowling: Christopher Crabbe 6-1-19-2, James Voogt 4-0-32-0, Charles Davies 2-0-180, Brett Williams 2-0-15-0, Lachlan Deeble 2.5.-1-9-3, Joel Baker 1-0-10-1

★ Avenel Senior Men A 8/107 v Pyalong A-Grade 8/105 At Avenel Recreation Reserve Pyalong A-Grade won the toss and elected to bowl

Avenel - Innings

Travis Stefanos, not out ............................. 62

Chayse Thomson, c Jamie Pryor, b Steven Mitchell ..................................... 12

Jamison Black, b Alexander Ryan .............. 3

Harrison Wall, b Alexander Ryan ............. 11

Hudson Black, lbw Alexander Ryan .......... 0

Thomas Byers, b Mitchell Wittig ................ 5

Michael Johns, lbw Mitchell Wittig ............ 0

Oliver Valladeres, c Alexander Ryan, b Mitchell Wittig ......................................... 4

Warren Dowley, c Matthew Pratt, b Mitchell Wittig ......................................... 0

Andrew Thomson, not out ........................... 0

Bradley Farrell, did not bat Extras (6WD, 1NB, 1LB, 2B, 0P) ............... 10

Total (35 overs) ........................................ 8/107 Fall of Wickets: 1-27 Chayse Thomson, 2-33 Jamison Black, 30-66 Harrison Wall, 4-66 Hudson Black, 5-82 Thomas Byers, 6-85 Michael Johns, 7-95 Oliver Valladares, 8-107

Warren Dowley.

Bowling: Steven Mitchell 7-2-10-1, Matthew Pratt 7-2-18-0, Alexander Ryan 7-1-22-3, James Wilkins 5-1-11-0, Tyler Caddie 5-0-200, Mitchell Wittig 4-0-23-4. Pyalong - Innings

Dermott Clancy, lbw Travis Stefanos ....... 10

Matthew Wilkins, c Michael Johns, b Travis Stefanos ....................................... 9

Jamie Pryor, b Andrew Thomson .............. 18

Daniel Sowden, lbw Travis Stefanos .......... 5

Matthew Pratt, c Thomas Byers, b Andrew Thomson ................................... 4

Alexander Ryan, v Chayse Thomson .......... 1

Steven Mitchell, retired not out ................. 10

James Wilkins, b Chayse Thomson ............ 0

Joseph Ryan, not out ................................... 23

Mitchell Wittig, c Oliver Valladares, b Hudson Black .......................................... 0

Tyler Caddie, not out .................................. 11

Extras (8WD, 3NB, 3LB, 0B, 0P) ............... 14

Total (35 overs) ........................................ 8/105

Fall of Wickets: 1-18 Dermott Clancy, 2-37

Matthew Wilkins, 3-41 Jamie Pryor, 4-47 Daviel Sowden, 5-52 Matthew Pratt, 6-58 Alexander Ryan, 7-58 James Wilkins, 8-74 Mitchell Wittig.

Council Rounds

Report delayed

■ Officers temporarily delayed the presentation of the December quarterly finance report, which is normally presented to Murrindindi Council in February each year, said Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr.

“The December report typically presents the forecast result for the end of the financial year which becomes the starting point for developing next year’s annual budget.

“Due to the bushfires in January, Council has incurred considerable additional expenditure to support the response, relief and recovery effort, and has received additional government funding to reimburse many of these costs.

“It was considered appropriate to incorporate these additional known expenditures and revenues to provide a more accurate estimate of the end of year result.

“Therefore, the normal quarterly report has been deferred to next month’s Council meeting to enable sufficient time to incorporate these known budget adjustments,” Cr Carr said.

Breakaway Bridge

■ Murrindindi Council has awarded a contract for the Breakaway Bridge reconstruction to Nelmac Pty Ltd for a total contract value of $5,485,350 (ex GST).

The contract is for a two-lane bridge, which includes provisional sums, subject to funding approval from the Department of Transport and Planning through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Works on hold

■ The January fires has delayed some capital works across Murrindindi Shire.

“Due to the need to respond to the impacts of the January 2026 bushfires and focus resources on providing immediate relief and longer-term recovery for communities affected, it may be necessary to postpone or defer work on some actions in the Priority Action Plan,” Councillors were told.

“A further report on the need to adjust completion targets for the end of the year will be provided to Council once this assessment is complete.”

Quick response

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors have ben told about quick response grants approved for local groups:

■ Strath Creek Progress Association –Community Carols - $750

■ Yea Primary School – Celebration and Awards - $2500

■ Flowerdale Community Hall – Flowerdale Community Christmas - $1900

■ Alexandra Amateur Swimming and Lifeguarding Club – 2025-26 Swimming Season Fee Support - $2500

■ Eildon Lions Club – Boiling Water for Rotunda - $1950

■ Yea High School – Alcohol and Drug Education Goggles - $2500

■ Yea High School – St Johns Party Ready - $700

■ Yea Men's Shed – Yea Men’s Shed Storage container - $2500

■ Rotary Club of Alexandra – Rotary Club of Alexandra 56th Easter Art Show - $2500

■ Alexandra Community Hub – Responding to Community Needs - $2500

■ Flowerdale Primary School – Flowerdale Primary School Fair - $2500

Carry In, Carry Out

■ Visitors to Mansfield Shire have shown their conscientiousness character, helping care for the atural environments by participating in the Shire’s Carry In Carry Out initiative in record numbers.

The initiative, which offers free camping waste disposal at the Mansfield Resource Recovery Centre across the busy summer tourism period, has resulted in the responsible disposal of 2681 bags of camping waste this summer between December 19 and January 31.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie offered his sincere thanks to all those who carried in and carried out this summer.

“2681 bags represents 2681 decisions to care for the Mansfield Shire environment and Council is grateful to everyone who played their part.”

“We’re lucky to live in a place surrounded by so much natural beauty. It’s a privilege which comes with the important responsibility of caring for the environment. It’s not a responsibility we take lightly.”

Local News Fires review by Shire leaders

■ Last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting had bushfire recovery reoports from Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher and CEO Livia Bonazzi.

“I continue to have profound pride in our community who mobilised to provide acute and targeted support very locally following the Longwood bushfire,” Cr Gallagher said.

“Their unwavering commitment to the people in their immediate community is very much the Murrindindi way.

“I also recognise the many support crews and professionals who are offering their skills to benefit Murrindindi

“Among those, I thank local allied health professionals directly servicing the community through outreach.

“And, Council continues to endorse the very active support from Council officers to the most remote Murrindindi residents.

“I note that Warren Davies, respected leader on mental wellbeing, resilience, and perseverance, provided a positive, independent endorsement of Murrindindi Shire Council’s approach to response and recovery when speaking about his experience on the VLGA Connect Podcast

Boundaries

“The Longwood bushfire did not respect municipal boundaries and I’m pleased to report that neighbouring Councils worked across borders to support communities.

“I thank Cr John Dougall, Mayor of Mitchell Shire, Cr Scott Jeffery, Mayor of Strathbogie Shire, and Cr Steve Rabie, Mayor of Mansfield Shire , and their CEOs and respective organisations for collaborating so closely with Murrindindi and aligning on the approach to the response and relief phases, and coming together on joint advocacy efforts.

“Now active in recovery, Murrindindi has seconded support from local government professionals from across the state, including from our neighbouring shires.

“Staff may be wearing a Mornington Peninsula or Mitchell Shire polo, but they are on Team Murrindindi, serving our community, funded by Murrindindi’s emergency response.

“I remind the community that we remain in the peak of the fire season, and I commend local Forest Fire Management Victoria teams, and volunteer CFA crews who continue to turn out for our community, including for new campaign fires like the Trawool-Kerrisdale wildfire which threatened Murrindindi homes and townships.

Recovery

“Council’s advocacy efforts have been strong and several, and we appreciate the time of many of the most senior Victorian Parliamentarians and agency leaders who have heard the Murrindindi story.

“We have also welcomed the visits and support of federal members and ministers.

“Recovery is a long and complex process, and the impacts remain very real for those who have lost homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

“To everyone affected, whether by the Longwood fire or current events, please know you are not alone.

“Your Council, emergency services and partner agencies are here to walk beside you right through this challenging period.” ★

Ms Bonazzi said: “Across Murrindindi Shire, the January fires have resulted not only in physical damage, but significant loss of livelihoods and economic impact, particularly for farming and small business operators.

“Many smaller farming operators fall outside current eligibility settings, and Council is actively advocating for adjustments to recovery support programs so they better reflect the realities of our communities and capture more of our farmers.”

Emergency

“In addition to the January bushfires, our communities have faced further emergency events in recent days, adding pressure to already fire-impacted areas,” Ms Bonazzi said.

“The Trawool Fire, which was declared contained on February 23, crossed briefly into our Shire near Willow Track. “Council thanks emergency services for their swift and coordinated response.

“Over the same period, further rainfall events affected fire-impacted areas, resulting in downed trees, erosion and localised landslip risk.

“These rain events are being treated as a separate disaster claim due to the level of damage, and planning is underway to manage potential isolation risks for some properties

● ● Livia Bonazzi where bridges and waterways are compromised. Council is working closely with emergency agencies to monitor conditions and support response.

“Council has led the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between the four fire-affected municipalities following the Longwood bushfires.

Consistent

“The purpose of this MOU is to ensure communities experience a coordinated, consistent and community-centred recovery, regardless of council boundaries.

“The fires did not respect municipal lines, and neither should our response.

“This collaboration involves:

■ Sharing recovery planning, intelligence and on-ground information

■ Coordinating communications so communities receive consistent messages

■ Sharing workforce and resources where this adds value

■ Strengthening joint advocacy to State and Commonwealth Governments

“This collective approach ensures the scale and complexity of impacts are clearly understood and that affected communities are better supported over the long term

“Council’s recovery work is continuing across multiple fronts.

Impact

“Secondary impact assessments are underway, with teams systematically visiting all properties in the bushfire footprint.

“These site visits bring together planning, building and environmental health officers, ensuring residents can receive coordinated, practical advice.

“We are already issuing permits for temporary dwellings and sheds to support people to remain or return to their properties as quickly as possible.

“I remind the community that temporary dwellings still require a building permit, and Council staff are available to assist through that process,” Ms Bonazzi said.

Eildon Key Worker Housing

■ There has been good progress on the Eildon Key Worker Housing Project, Murrindindi Shire CEO livia Bonazzi told Councillors last week.

■ Three houses are now on site at TwentyFirst Street , with three more to arrive shortly

■ These are expected to be fully completed by June this year

■ Eight houses at Eighth Street are now also progressing, following the withdrawal of the VCAT objection

■ These are scheduled for completion by December this year

“This project, funded in partnership with the Victorian Government, directly supports essential workers such as health professionals, teachers, trades and hospitality staff, and reflects Council’s deliberate decision to retain control of these sites for long-term community benefit, rather than selling them

“In wrapping up, we know that recovery from an event of this scale will take time and will continue over several years. Council will remain focused on strong advocacy, effective coordination and regular, honest communication with our communities throughout that journey.

“And finally, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of volunteers, emergency services, Council staff, other councils and partner agencies who continue to work under sustained pressure following the fires.”

Local Sport

Gender Challenge

■ After nine rounds of golf across the summer, it was finally time for the Yea Golf Club Gender Challenge winners to enjoy their well-earned spoils.

Having clearly outplayed the men in this year’s competition, the ladies were hosted to a celebratory luncheon by the fellas.

A number of the men teed off early on Wednesday to warm up ahead of the festivities.

Leading the field was Phil Armstrong (20) with an impressive 36 points, finishing ahead of Anthony La Grutta (16) on 35 and John Renehan (47) with 33 on countback. Phil also claimed Nearest the Pin on the 18th, while Steve Rumney took home the Club Award.

The ladies’ competition was equally spirited. Penny Britton (31) secured victory with 31 points, followed closely by Meryl Connell (25) on 30 (countback), with Di Holdsworth (31) finishing third.

The luncheon was further highlighted by the presence of two special guests — Norma Tobias and Peter Keast, both past members whose contributions over many years have played an important role in the Club’s development.

In the kitchen, Head Chef Gary Pollard, assisted by apprentices Bob Glenister and Martin Lowe, delivered a memorable feast.

Guests were treated to paella for entrée, followed by chicken with lemon sauce served with potatoes, broccoli and an array of sumptuous salads, before indulging in a generous selection of desserts.

Catering for more than 50 people, the men contributed not only the food but also waitering, cooking and bar service. It was a once-in-a-decade effort — and if their determination is anything to go by, they’re planning not to lose again for quite some time.

Alan Pell

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Local News

Horsham pursuit

■ Horsham Highway Patrol officers have charged a man with several traffic offences after he allegedly evaded police in Horsham.

It is alleged officers observed a grey BMW sedan travelling at 80-kmh in a 40-kmh speed zone on Stawell Rd just before 6.30pm on Saturday, February 21.

Police intercepted the vehicle on McPherson St and spoke with the driver, who allegedly refused to undertake a breath test before speeding off from officers.

The vehicle was followed through several streets, allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road and reaching speeds of up to 170kmh on the Western Hwy before the pursuit was terminated.

Police shared intelligence with their interstate counterparts in South Australia who later intercepted the vehicle about 7.30pm.

The driver returned a positive preliminary breath test before being subjected to an evidentiary breath test, where he returned an alleged reading of 0.056.

The alleged driver, a 29-year-old Werribee man, presented to a police station where he was interviewed by investigators.

He has been charged with a dozen offences including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, drive manner dangerous whilst pursued by police, refusing a preliminary breath test, excessive speed (x2) and other traffic offences.

The man was bailed to appear before Horsham Magistrates’ Court on April 13.

Autumn fire risk

■ After a dry and hotter than usual summer, most of Victoria will face an increased risk of fire over the coming months, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn.

A lack of significant rainfall, extreme heat and high fuel loads were a major contributor to the bushfires across large parts o f Victoria during January and this elevated risk is set to continue well into autumn.

The outlook for autumn is again drier than normal, with forecast warmer than average maximum daytime and overnight temperatures.

These warmer, drier conditions may further increase fuel availability across already parched grasslands, forests, woodlands and heathlands – making it easier for fires to start and spread.

A normal bushfire risk this autumn is only forecast for East Gippsland and the Mallee. East Gippsland , including Bairnsdale and Orbost , has had consistent rain in spring and summer and the Mallee , around Mildura and Kerang, has reduced fuel loads. However, even in areas with normal bushfire potential, fast running fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation.

The extreme conditions may delay planned burning in much of the state, but it may also increase opportunities to target areas not typically available for planned burning during April and May.

Emergency services will continue to monitor conditions to identify key risk areas leading into the autumn period.

Victoria remains well prepared for the potential of fires, with aircraft positioned across the state to support dedicated volunteer and career firefighters on the ground.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn is developed by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services in Australia and New Zealand and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology along with state and territory fire and land managers.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

US NATIONAL CHARGED WITH IMPORTING DRUG INTO MELBOURNE

● ● Evidence discovered by the Australian Federal Police.

■ A United States national has appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after allegedly attempting to import 3kg of ketamine into Australia , hidden in personal products.

The man, 40, arrived at Melbourne Airport on Friday, February 20, on an international flight.

Australian Border Force officers intercepted the man, and during a baggage examination, detected personal products which allegedly contained a paste-like substance.

ABF presumptive testing allegedly returned a positive result for ketamine, with an estimated weight of 3kg, and referred the matter to the AFP.

The AFP charged the man with:

■ One count of importing a commercial

quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely ketamine); and

■ One count of possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely ketamine.

The maximum penalty for each offence is life imprisonment.

The man appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, February 21. He will next appear in the same court on May 20.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Trevor Russell said the AFP was committed to ensuring Australia remained a hostile environment for anyone who attempted to traffic harmful substances into the country. “Ketamine is a dangerous sedative that directly and indirectly causes immense pain and suffering in the community.”

Police Beat Money laundering at Mildura

■ Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad have arrested four foreign nationals and seized bank accounts worth over $3.3M as part of an investigation into a sophisticated money laundering operation in Mildura

The investigation into the Malaysian organised crime syndicate commenced in October last year following key financial intelligence identified by AUSTRAC and a subsequent referral from the Labour Hire Authority Investigators worked collaboratively with the Authority, AUSTRAC and various financial institutions within the Fintel Alliance Detectives have identified those involved were using ATMs in the Mildura CBD to launder the proceeds of crime in and out of the Australian banking system.

Over the course of two days, search warrants were executed in Mildura at five residential addresses and one restaurant.

On Monday last week (Feb. 23), a 30year-old Malaysian national was arrested at an ATM on the corner of Deakin Avenue and Eighth St in Mildura.

An estimated $50,000 in cash and various bank cards were seized from a bag in his possession.

The man was interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime.

He was then detained by Australian Border Force officers from the Department of Home Affairs for being an unlawful non-citizen.

On Tuesday (Feb. 24), two Malaysian nationals, a 31-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old female from Taiwan were arrested and interviewed in relation to the Commonwealth offence of deal proceeds of crime and possess illicit tobacco. All four are expected to be charged on summons.

A further two males present at one of the search warrant addresses in Mildura were also identified to be unlawful non-citizens and were detained by ABF officers from the Department of Home Affairs

In total, investigators seized:

■ An ANZ bank account containing $2.5M,

■ A NAB bank account containing $895,000,

■ Approximately $100,000 in cash

■ Two sim boxes,

■ Over 50 mobile phones,

■ Four luxury watches valued at over $150,000,

■ Over 100 various bank cards,

■ Various documents linking to accounts used to launder money,

■ Western Union transfer documentation,

■ Over 155,800 illicit cigarettes, and

■ Multiple sim cards and electrical devices.

Investigators will also allege two people not connected to the syndicate had unknowingly been listed as directors of a number of suspicious businesses, as well as two bank accounts which contained the $3.3M.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Inspector Jennifer Locke, Criminal Proceeds Squad, said: “Criminal syndicates use money laundering to legitimise their profits and exploit legitimate businesses, harming communities and economies.

“This criminal activity is not only bankrolling high-flying lifestyles, but it also funds serious and organised crime, enabling everything from drug trafficking and exploitation to fraud and high harm violence.

“These seizures send a strong message to those who seek to engage in criminal money laundering: this act is illegal and unacceptable and while you may think you can wash away the evidence, that is simply not the case.”

'Djin Djin': The Art Behind the Costumes at Beleura House & Garden

ADELAIDE

Abusive emails to MP

■ A South Australia n man was expected to appear before Adelaide Magistrates’ Court last Friday (Feb. 27) for allegedly sending multiple menacing and offensive emails to a federal parliamentarian.

AFP investigators charged the Elizabeth South man, 73, following an investigation into a series of emails sent to the parliamentarian between May 2023 and December 2025.

AFP investigators traced the source of the alleged offensive emails and executed search warrants at an Elizabeth South property on January 9, where several electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.

The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Adelaide Magistrates’ Court last Friday (Feb. 27).

AFP Detective acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said the AFP took seriously all reports relating to the safety and security of Australian parliamentarians.

“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but does not tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment,” Det a/Supt Lalic said.

“The AFP uses a range of tools including world-leading technology and intelligence techniques to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening Commonwealth officials.”

In November last year, an Adelaide man was charged by the AFP following an unrelated investigation into a series of harassing emails sent to Commonwealth employees. That matter remains before the courts.

Adelaide Sun

PREPARING FOR TERRORIST ACT: AFP

■ A Bindoon man faced Perth Magistrates Court last Friday (feb. 27)charged by the Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team with act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act.

The man, 20, was arrested after the WA Police Force’s State Security Investigation Group executed a search warrant at a Bindoon home as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitic, Islamophobic and racially-motivated online hate speech.

During the search, investigators seized documentation for analysis and assessment by the WA JCTT – comprising the WA Police Force, AFP and ASIO

It is alleged the man had written a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically-motivated act of violent extremism involving mass casualties.

It is further alleged the man detailed intentions to attack mosques in WA, as well as WA Police Headquarters and WA Parliament House

The man was charged by the WA JCTT with:

■ Act in preparation for or planning a terrorist act,

■ Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence,

■ Carry or possess prohibited weapon,

■ Fail to store a firearm or related thing in compliant storage.

Police also located and seized a butterfly knife, ammunition for a firearm to which he was not licenced, and more than 1000 rounds of ammunition which had not been stored securely.

The man was formally refused bail at court and is next due to appear at Perth Magistrates’ Court on March 23.

Under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, the following must be met for engaging in an act of preparation or planning for a terrorist act.

The person does any act in preparation for, or planning, a terrorist act, even if a terrorist act does not occur; or

INDEPENDENT NEWS FROM RIGHT AROUND AUSTRALIA

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The Australian National Press Network has been formed by a group of independent publications across the country:

■ Adelaide Sun

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■ Canberra Observer

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■ Sydney Mail

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An easy-to-read summary of news from around the nation is available, free, at the NationalObserver.com.au website.

News, politics, showbiz and sport - it’s all covered. Plus analysis that allows you to make up your own mind about all the subjects that are in the news.

The National Observer is published by Local Media Pty Ltd, which has a 57year pedigree of quality journalism, which started in 1969.

For a reliable source of news from around Australia, delivered accurately, and without fear or favour, go to NationalObserver.com.au

Whether it be news from your own local neighbourhood, or on the other side of Australia, the Local Media group has you covered.

the person’s act is not done in preparation for, or planning, a specific terrorist act; or the person’s act is done in preparation for, or planning, more than one terrorist act.

Investigations by the WA JCTT into this matter are ongoing.

Perth Observer

DARWIN

Officer served

■ A member of the Northern Territory Police Force was served a Notice to Appear in relation to fraud offences allegedly committed in the Northern Territory.

The 31-year-old female Police Auxiliary is scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court on August 24 on the charge of obtain financial advantage by deception

The member is currently on suspension with pay.

Darwin Observer

CANBERRA

Strangling charge

■ A 33-year-old man was to face court after allegedly assaulting and strangling his partner at her home overnight.

The man allegedly threw a chair at his partner and strangled her while at her home in Canberra’s south. A short time later, he allegedly struck her in the face and strangled her again.

Police were called to the scene and spoke to the woman before locating the man nearby.

The man, who was subject to good behaviour obligations, was arrested and charged with two counts of chokes/suffocates/strangles another person and two counts of aggravated assault. He was to face the ACT Magistrates’ Court last friday (Feb. 27).

Canberra Observer

SYDNEY

Offensive emails

■ A Wollstonecraft man has been charged with allegedly sending multiple offensive emails to a federal parliamentarian’s electorate office.

Investigations began in January, after the AFP received a report regarding four emails sent to the parliamentarian’s electorate office.

National Security Investigations officers allegedly linked the man, 67, to the offensive emails.

Police executed a search warrant in Wollstonecraft on February 24, and seized a mobile phone and a USB.

The man was charged with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

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

He was granted police bail and is scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on March 26.

Sydney Mail

PERTH

Extreme videos

■ A New Zealand national who allegedly had videos on his phone of multiple overseas terrorist incidents was expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court charged with possessing violent extremist material.

Perth Observer

Across Australia

CAIRNS

17 years jail for child abuse material

■ A Cairns man was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment by the Cairns Supreme Court for seven child abuse-related offences, including being an active participant in a chat group dedicated to sharing child abuse material. He was ordered to serve eight years in custody before being eligible for parole.

The Manoora man, 30, who has been in custody since August 2022, pleaded guilty to seven offences:

■ One count of the aggravated offence of conduct;

■ One count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material;

■ One count of using a carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted to himself;

■ Two counts of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed by using a carriage service; and

■ Two counts of transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service.

AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP and its law enforcement partners continued to work tirelessly to prosecute criminals responsible for harming children.

“Every image, every video is of a real child being abused and subjected to an abhorrent situation that no child should ever have to face,” Det Supt Telfer said.

“Children are not commodities to be used for the gratification of sexual predators.

“This outcome should serve as a strong warning to those seeking to exploit and harm children - the AFP and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to detect you.”

Brisbane Sun

BONDI

Stabbing arrests

■ Two teenage boys have been arrested after a stabbing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

About 9.15pm, emergency services were called to Glasgow Avenue, Bondi Beach, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and found a 54-year-old man with a stab wound his upper body.

Police were told the man had an altercation with two unknown boys, before the man was stabbed with a machete.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to St Vincent Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A crime scene was established and investigations commenced.

Following inquiries, two boys – aged 15 and 17 – were arrested at Beach Rd, before being taken to Surry Hills Police Station where police were continuing their inquiries.

Investigations are continuing.

Sydney Mail

EAST DEVONPORT

Cars damaged

■ Two 14-year-old youths have been charged in relation to an incident at East Devonport where extensive damage was caused to multiple vehicles.

Police will allege the youths entered a shipping yard overnight February 2627and unlawfully damaged the vehicles.

The youths – a boy and a girl – have each been charged with several offences including burglary, motor vehicle stealing, trespass, and destroy property. They were both to appear before the Youth Justice Court Tasmanian Observer DARWIN

Grooming offences

■ A Northern Territory man was scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court charged with allegedly possessing online child abuse material and grooming offences. A Northern Territory Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (NT JACET) investigation began in November last year.

Darwin Observer

Obs and Revs

Observations and Revelations

Microwaved roads

■ Monash engineers have published new findings on a faster, more reliable way to dry road-base materials.

The work could help reduce construction delays caused by weather and site conditions.

The team, led by Professor Jayantha Kodikara from the Monash Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , tested a hybrid drying approach combining microwave energy with hot airflow to dry compacted unbound granular materials - widely used to form the base layers of roads.

“This work has real potential to reduce costly delays on construction sites. It shows we can take much of the guesswork out of drying road base materials.

“By combining microwave energy with controlled hot airflow, we’re able to dry the surface layer more quickly and consistently than relying on sunshine alone,” Professor Kodikara said.

Quite appealing

● ● Alissa, Penny Fowler, Oliver and Rebecca Cowan

■ Our friends at the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal have introduced two special children as the faces for the fundraiser.

Six-year-old Oliver and three-year-old Alissa remind us why this renowned fundraiser matters.

Their stories were unveiled at ehe Royal Children’s Hospital on Thursday February 19 as part of the Good Friday Appeal Launch

Good Friday Appeal Chairman P enny Fowler said: “We are thrilled to announce Oliver amd Alissa as the faces of the 95th Good Friday Appeal. They both show remarkable courage, determination and resilience through their health journeys and why the Good Friday Appeal is so important.”

My Fair Lady

■ My Fair Lady will be the first major musical to perform at Arts Centre Melbourne’s refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre when its season opens in November.

My Fair Lady remains one of the world’s most enduring and loved musical treasures, with this re-creation based on the 2016 Australian production which was directed by Julie Andrews

“Presenting this special anniversary production of My Fair Lady alongside Opera Australia give me immense pride, and I’m delighted that such an iconic performance, featuring one of the world’s greatest scores, will be the first musical to return to the rejuvenated and beloved Ian Potter State Theatre in Melbourne ,” said producer John Frost.

Fort Queenscliff

■ Senator Sarah Henderson , together with community members organised a community protest against the Federal Government’s proposed fire sale of Fort Queenscliff.

the protest was held last Sunday (Mar. 1) aqt the fort.

“This shows contempt for our region, our heritage and our defence capability,” said Senator Henderson.

The protest was to by the local mayor before attendees marched to the Fort gate and form a human barricade, making it clear the Fort must remain in Commonwealth hands.

LONG WEEK IN POLITICS FOR SONYA KILKENNY

■ The Spring St politicians are back in town, and this week could be a long one for Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.

Ms Kilkenny has confirmed that she ‘misspoke’ when she have an assurance to State Parliament that he referred allegations of CFMEU misconduct to Victoria Police .

"I raised those matters and those concerns immediately with the agency and the authority responsible for delivering that project, and those matters were referred to Victoria Police ,” Ms Kilkenny told Parliament.

Victoria Police last week contradicted the Attorney-General , saying: "'We have made some inquiries and cannot locate any referrals based on the information provided."

Afterwards, the Ms Kilkenny claimed that she "misspoke", "conflated timelines" and had never referred the matter to Victoria Police

Liberal attack dog James Newbury said: “It appears that all she did at the time allegations were raised with her, was tell a government relations adviser from the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority who was onsite when the labour hire firm reported the misconduct to her. No referral. No follow up.”

Newbury , who is the Shadow Attorney-General, said, "The Premier needs to explain why her hand-picked chief law officer has failed to meet the Premier's own requirement that all allegations of misconduct must be referred to Victoria Police.

"By confirming that Police were not advised the Attorney has admitted that she has misled Parliament , which is a very serious admission,” Mr Newbury said.

“Given that admission, the Attorney must make a personal explanation to the Chamber or risk being found in contempt of the Parliament.

"The Attorney's failure proves that allegations of misconduct being put to Labor were not being reported to Victoria Police . The only way we will clean up the worst

corruption scandal in our State's history is to conduct a Royal Commission, which is exactly what the Liberals and Nationals will do," Mr Newbury said.

Vale Lorraine

triple Logie winning TV treasure and beautiful friend to many.

“ Lorraine Bayly AM passed away earlier this morning (Sat., Feb. 28) at a care home in Sydney

“Her much loved nephew Brad Connelly and his wife Janelle called with the news, and asked me, as a close friend, to make the announcement on behalf of the family, and to post some beautiful words.

“In 1966 she became an original presenter on Play School, and then came an avalanche of stage and screen roles, from Grace in The Sullivans to Jennifer in Carson’s Law, a role Hector Crawford crafted for Lorraine

“She worked with Kirk Douglas in The Man From Snowy River and Edward Woodward on stage.

“Little known fact: she hosted her own morning TV show, Clean As You Slim with Lorraine!

“Her big love was the stage, where she starred in over 50 plays and musicals.

“Lorraine turned 89 last month. She loved spending time with Brad, Janelle and their kids Laura and Patrick on their macadamia farm at Maclean Ridge

“Every decade Lorraine would learn something new, from playing tennis to the saxophone, to ballroom dancing.

“Vale to a most kind, remarkable and beautiful person.

“After years of grueling health issues, she’s now free and off onto her next wild adventure. Big block of chocolate in hand!

LB was a self confessed chocoholic!”

ANZAC badge

■ To mark the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Australian Army, the Returned & Services League of Australia (Victorian Branch) has released a limited edition commemorative badge featuring the image of a contemporary Australian soldier.

Short Shots

No re-offending

■ Young people are getting a confronting look at the consequences of violent crime.

The Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth Intervention Program is the only program of its kind in Australia dedicated to young people.

Delivered by the Royal Melbourne Hospital with Youth Junction and the Magistrates’ Court , the program gives 16 to 25-year-olds a first-hand look at the hospital’s trauma ward and intensive care unit.

They see first-hand the consequences of their actions from victims of road trauma.

Magistrates can refer young offenders to the program before sentencing and the results of the program speak for themselves.

Ninety per cent of participants do not reoffend

Bus to Avalon Airport

■ Access to Avalon Airport is set to improve with a new bus service beginning on Sunday, March 15.

The new Route 18 between Lara Station and Avalon Airport will connect workers and passengers directly to the Geelong Line.

This new timetable has been designed to align with staff shift times - ensuring it serves the needs of passengers and also airport workers.

This will be the first ever public bus connection to Avalon Airport – a major step forward for workers, travellers and the region’s growing economy.

Barassi Way

■ AFL great Ron Barassi has been memorialised at Melbourne’s home of football.

Brunton Avenue , a key entry point to the MCG , will be renamed Barassi Way. Barassi Way runs from Jolimont St to Punt Rd – alongside the iconic sporting precinct where Ron Barassi played 115 of his 254 VFL games for Melbourne and Carlton

He coached across four clubs amassing more than 500 games, including four premierships.

Inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1987, Barassi was elevated to Legend status in 2006.

Barassi was one of the 12 inaugural Legends of the Game inductees of the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

He was named Melburnian of the Year in 2006 and Victorian of the Year in 2009. Crews worked to change road signage o display Barassi Way, just in time for Opening Round.

AFL opening round

Thursday, March 5

Sydney Swans vs. Carlton (SCG) (N)

Friday, March 6

Gold Coast Suns vs. Geelong Cats (PFS) (N)

Saturday, March 7

GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn (ES) (T)

Brisbane Lions vs. Western Bulldogs(G) (N)

Sunday, March 8

St Kilda vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N)

Carrier pilot

● ● ● Lorraine Bayly

●

■ One of Australia’s favourite TV daughters, Lorraine Bayly, died at the weekend, at age 89.

Craig Bennett, a friend of the Melbourne Observer, said: “Sad to say we’ve lost another showbiz legend, a bonafide star of stage and screen, a

“Lorraine had enjoyed a stellar 62 year career on stage and screen, until her retirement 10 years ago.

“She told me as a kid growing up in Narrandera , she’d sing and dance around, draped in the curtains.

“She trained at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre in the 50s, played piano on radio, and made her TV debut on The Bobby Limb Show in 1962.

“The 125th anniversary of the Army is an important moment to reflect on its history, but also to remember those currently serving in its ranks,” RSL Victoria State President Dr Mark Schröffel said.

“Which is why we have chosen the image of a contemporary soldier for this commemorative badge.”

The badge will be sold across Victoria as part of the 2026 ANZAC Appeal , with all proceeds going towards the diverse range of services the RSL provides to assist veterans and their families.

■ A trial program that strategically located bulk water carriers across Victoria will be extended with the fire risk set to continue into the Autumn. Launched in October, the program saw 19 mobile bulk water carriers, each with the capacity to hold more than 20,000 litres, strategically placed across Victoria to enable access to most fires within 60 minutes drive time.

The program, funded by the State Government , was set up to strengthen firefighting operations during the 202526 fire season after a seasonally high fire risk was predicted in August 2025.

Country Fire Authority Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook aid the program had a been a huge success saving firefighters time and getting their tankers reloaded with water and back on the fireground faster: “We knew leading into the fire season that there was going to be a shortage of groundwater, particularly through the west and the north.”

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-9-1-7

Lotto Numbers: 2-11-12-23-27-31

This is a period of opportunity, particularly for those prepared to act decisively. A practical and forward-thinking approach will serve you better than wishful thinking. Educational or work-related prospects may offer financial benefits. Stay alert and ready to move when an opportunity arises.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3-2-7-6

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-13-28-36-42

Exercise caution in conversations and written agreements. Thoughtless words or rushed decisions may create complications. It is also a time to reclaim what is owed to you, financially or otherwise. Do not feel obligated to carry the burdens of others.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-6-2-7

Lotto Numbers: 1-10-29-34-39-42

Fresh ideas are replacing outdated plans.

Embrace innovation and avoid remaining on the sidelines. Your adaptability and creativity are strong assets now, particularly in professional matters. Positive adjustments will lead to long-term improvement.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-7-5-9

Lotto Numbers: 2-19-20-35-39-44

Past matters may require attention before you can move forward comfortably. Transparency and honesty are essential, especially in legal or financial situations. Avoid unnecessary risk and take a measured approach to sensitive issues.

LEO (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-10-3-5

Lotto Numbers: 1-10-19-28-35-44

Financial pressure may temporarily affect your mood or confidence. Rather than placing blame, review your spending habits and make necessary adjustments. Practical action will restore balance and improve your outlook.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3-5-7-9

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-30-33-41-43

Unexpected interruptions may test your patience. Clear communication and firm boundaries will prevent misunderstandings. Maintain your calm approach and avoid reacting impulsively.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-2-2-7

Lotto Numbers: 3-22-29-34-39-43

Important decisions require independent thinking; it will be your strongest guide. Avoid relying on unreliable advice. A short break or change of environment may provide the clarity you need.

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 3-6-6-8

Lotto Numbers: 3-30-33-38-42-45

Financial matters require careful management. An unexpected expense can test your resilience, but a proactive, practical mindset can help restore stability. Consider alternative income options if necessary.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5-9-8-8

Lotto Numbers: 5-14-15-27-31-38

Domestic pressures may feel challenging. Compromise and calm discussion will lead to better outcomes than stubbornness. Keep a clear perspective and focus on long-term solutions.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 3-4-7-8

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-13-20-35-42

Let go of past disappointments and refocus on personal well-being. You have invested significant energy in others. It is time to prioritise your own needs and plans.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-7-9-9

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-14-17-27-30

Confidence and charm work strongly in your favour. Professional recognition is possible if you remain focused and organised. This is a constructive time for long-term planning.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Rose

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1-6-5-3

Lotto Numbers: 6-17-19-37-42-44

A long-standing disagreement may now be resolved. Forgiveness and understanding will create space for renewal. Exercise caution with spending and avoid emotional financial decisions.

FIRE DESTROYS TOBACCO STORE

■ Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a tobacco store fire in Mooroopna on Thursday morning (Feb. 26).

Police have been told a motorist was headed into Mooroopna when they noticed smoke coming from a store on McLennan St about 3am.

A man was also seen running from the area before he jumped into a small red hatch and sped from the scene.

The tobacco store which was engulfed in flames was destroyed.

Detectives are investigating if the blaze is linked to another tobacco store fire, in the same strip of shops on February 3.

An arson chemist and detectives were to attend the scene.

St Albans garage fire

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident on Clarice Close, St Albans , at 1.50pm on Saturday (Feb. 28) after several callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Crews arrived on scene within 6 minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a garage at the rear of a property, so the response was escalated. There was a total of 25 firefighters on site.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus and began attacking the fire as well as preventing any further fire spread to the house.

All occupants have safely evacuated and will be assessed by Ambulance Victoria.

The fire was deemed under control by 2.15pm.

There werre five pumpers, one aerial unit, one rescue unit, and two other units.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but was to be investigated by FRV specialists.

Air Wing tracks car

■ Bendigo police have arrested two men after the Air Wing tracked a stolen vehicle though multiple suburbs of greater Bendigo on Wednesday night (Feb. 25).

The vehicle was first spotted in York St by divisional van members on patrol, about 7.45pm.

When members went to intercept the allegedly stolen black 2022 Toyota Corolla the driver sped off and failed to stop for police.

The Air Wing , who was out and about in Bendigo overnight, assisted members from above and tracked the vehicle as it travelled through Kennington, Whitehills, Epsom, Eaglehawk and Long Gully

Meanwhile local units coordinated a response on the ground and moved in when one of the occupants was dropped off in Daniel St, Long Gully.

The 22-year-old, who was

seen going into a home in Albert St , was taken into custody after officers cordoned off the area.

The vehicle, which was allegedly stolen from Castlemaine on February 18, was found dumped in York St shortly after.

A 45-year-old man, who is believed to have dumped the vehicle, was arrested by members nearby.

The Inglewood man has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, fix stolen registration plate on vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, drive in a manner dangerous, drive in a speed dangerous, exceeding the speed limit and drug driving.

The younger man from Bendigo , has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, fail to stop on police direction, drive at a speed dangerous, disobey traffic control signal, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct serious injury and handle stolen goods.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear before Bendigo Magistrates’ Court.

Drug ring busted

■ Victoria Police has dismantled an alleged meth trafficking syndicate in Shepparton , as wastewater figures show regional Victoria remains among the hardest hit areas by the drug nationally.

Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested 12 people on Friday (Feb. 27) and charged six with drug trafficking or cultivation as part of a major investigation.

The warrants also led to the seizure of over 300 grams of methylamphetamine, with an estimated street value in excess of $60,000, as well as quantities of GHB, cocaine, and cannabis.

A machete, knuckledusters, and ammunition were also recovered, as were an allegedly stolen Landcruiser and motorbike.

It will be alleged the syndicate was purchasing methylamphetamine from Melbourne and selling it across the Shepparton and Mooroopna areas.

These arrests are a continuation of Victoria Police’s intensive focus on

75 Years Ago

From Our Files ● 1951

dismantling drug trafficking networks in regional communities such as Shepparton .

In Shepparton alone, local detectives have arrested and charged almost one drug trafficker each week over the course of a year.

Almost 40 per cent of these offenders were trafficking methylamphetamine, while local police also detected another 160 people in possession of the drug over the same period.

The six people charged with drug trafficking or cultivation following this investigation include:

A 27-year-old Shepparton woman charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on August 31.

A 28-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, cocaine, GHB and cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on August 31.

A 36-year-old Seymour male charged with trafficking cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on August 31.

A 40-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on September 7.

A 42-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and possession of prohibited weapons who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on September 7.

A 35-year-old Mooroopna man charged cultivating cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on July 31.

Five other people were charged with a range of offences including drug and prohibited weapon possession, while the last individual was interviewed for trafficking methylamphetamine and cocaine, before being released pending further enquiries.

Detective Acting Sergeant Lance Wiltshire, Shepparton Divisional Response Unit, said: “Methylamphetamine is a truly insidious substance that wreaks havoc in regional communities.

“ Shepparton is not immune, with drugged up drivers, home break ins to feed addiction, family violence, and unsettling antisocial behaviour all undesirable flow on impacts from meth use.”

● ● The Argus. March 3, 1951.

Security Council

■ A National Security Council of State Premiers presided over by Mr. Menzies, Prime Minister, will guide Australia's new three-year-plan for war preparedness.

In Canberra today the Premiers backed to the hilt the Federal Government's proposal to put Australia on a semi-war footing as quickly as possible.

They listened grave-faced and in silence while Mr. Menzies warned them: "Australia might have less than three years in which to prepare for war.”

Bonus to workers

■ P. J. Firth and Co. Ltd., Redfern, cardboard box makers, today paid £10,000 in bonuses to its 244 employees, some of whom received £,80.

Last beach weekend

■ This weekend may be one of the last.this season for beach enthusiasts. After cloud this morning there should be sun this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures warm and rising.

The Weather Bureau forecasts unsettled weather again early next week.

A bureau official said last night: "Southerlies will blow tomorrow and Sunday, but they should not make it too cold for beach-lovers."

Mildura, Victoria's hottest spot yesterday, had a temperature of 85 degrees. Melbourne's maximum of 72 was 2.6 degrees below normal.

On behalf of father

■ Coinciding with an official statement today that Princess Margaret will bear the burde n of the arduous Royal tour of Australia and New Zealand next year, it was announced in London that the King is confined to his room at Buckingham Palace with feverish chill.

On his doctor's advice the King has postponed a visit he was to have made to Lancashire next week

Princess Margaret is reported to be anxious personally to avoid any unnecessary exertion for her father and probably she will be the only member of the Royal family to visit many country centres. '

The King will confine his public appearances to capital cities, and even then the public ceremonies will be kept as short as possible.

Urinetown

● ● ● ● Lucy Rosenblum, Darin Aquila, Mackinnley Bowden, Tara Cunneen and Percy Su in Urinetown: the Musical. Photo: Josh Yu.

■ BottledSnail Productions Inc presents the satire Urinetown: The Musical at Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park, from March 19–28.

Urinetown: The Musical is a wickedly funny and sharply insightful musical satire that skewers everything from corporate greed and municipal politics to populism, bureaucracy, social inequality and even musical theatre itself.

Set in a Gotham-like dystopia, a crippling 20-year drought has led to a government ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to queue for the privilege to pee and pay for access to public amenities controlled by a single malevolent corporation.

Amid this struggle, a reluctant hero rises to challenge the system, sparking a riotous revolution that proves both hilarious and unexpectedly heart-felt.

BottledSnail Productions exists to provide members of Melbourne's legal profession an outlet to prioritise positive mental health while working within a highly stressful environment.

This production features a cast and team of creatives, 70 per cent of whom work in the legal profession.

Urinetown: the Musical is directed by David Miles, with musical direction by Charlotte Black, choreographer is LenaJean Lamshed, set designer is Robbie Carmellotti, and costumes are designed by Clare Hampson Performance Season: March 19 - 28

Venue: Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park Bookings: gasworks.org.au/whats-on/ urinetown-the-musical/ Cheryl Threadgold

My Brilliant Career

■ Congratulations to My Brilliant Career for being awarded the $120,000 David Williamson Prize for Excellence in Writing for Australian Theatre at the 2026 Australian Writers’ Guild AWGIE Awards – the richest annual playwriting prize in the country.

Writers Sheridan Harbridge, Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank also received the AWGIE Award for best script in Music Theatre, securing a double win on the night: The production returned to Melbourne in January, after receiving five Green Room Awards including Outstanding Production during its premiere season – standing shoulder-to-shoulder with major commercial musicals.

“This is an extraordinary acknowledgement of Sheridan, Dean and Mathew’s work, and a powerful endorsement of new Australian musical theatre.

“Audiences have embraced this story and Sybylla wholeheartedly and this award recognises the place of MyBrilliantCareer in the national canon,” said Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Theatre Company, AnneLouise Sarks.

Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, My Brilliant Career brings Miles Franklin’s unapologetically ambitious heroine, Sybylla Melvyn, vividly to life on stage – inspiring audiences night after night and drawing visitors from around the country.

MyBrilliantCareerwill tour across Eastern Australia at the end of its Melbourne run, with seasons in Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong Cheryl Threadgold

THE SHOW THAT SAVED J.C. WILLIAMSON’S

■ It was the production which saved the gigantic theatre company J.C. Williamson Theatres f rom bankruptcy.

Isla (Tait) Baring, founder of the Tait Memorial Trust in memory of her father, Sir Frank Tait, with theatre historian Kevin Coxhead. tremely impressive archive collection and an exhibition space which features an assortment of guest theatre displays.

In the middle of the great depression of the 1890s and a terrible drought, people weren't going to the theatre and Williamson's was in desperate trouble.

Asking if his company would be willing to sacrifice one-third of their weekly wages to help stage the show which, hopefully, would save them all, Williamson was overwhelmed with the support received from his players, creatives, stage crew and fellow managers.

The result was the most expensive and lavish production ever seen by Australian audiences. Djin-Djin, The Japanese BogieMan

So popular was the production, hundreds of people were turned away at each performance with the ‘House Full’ sign out front of any theatre where it played.

Williamson had his top team working on it. Leon Caron wrote the music and Bert Royle the lyrics, the top scenic designers in the country took care of the incredibly lavish and expensive scenery, George Gordon, Phil Goatcher and Walter Spong

The costumes were designed, also at great expense, by Geelong born artist Will R. Barnes.

Why has the name Djin-Djin become completely unknown? The show toured Australia and New Zealand a number of times over a 10-year period and when it travelled to South Africa , the theatre in which it was playing burnt to the ground taking the scenery, the costumes and music with it.

Being far too expensive to reproduce, the show gradually drifted out of memory. Until now.

Wife of J. C. Williamson's famed General Manager Sir Frank Tait, Lady Viola Tait's enormous collection of theatre designs, photographs, documents and treasures is legendary.

And part of that collection was 24 original watercolour costume designs for DjinDjin. She desperately wanted to display them in an exhibition as part of the 1996 Melbourne Spoleto Festival, but unable to secure the funds she required to make this a reality, the plans were shelved and the idea became nothing more than a dream.

Jump forward 30 years exactly and a discussion between Sir Frank and Lady Viola's daughter Isla with theatre historian and costume restorer, Kevin Coxhead , about the designs which were now in her possession,

What’s On Hamlet

■ The National Theatre’s film of their stage production of Hamletbears the marks of performers well versed in the delivery of Shakespeare’s lines.

What is interesting is Robert Hastie’s directorial decisions to change the order of some of the scenes and place some of the well known soliloquies in different places. It makes for intriguing questions as to how the Bard might have altered the play’s sequence and omitted lines to suit a venue or occasion.

Hastie has also toyed with theatrical convention when it comes to acknowledging the fourth wall and how it can be transcended. There are also some quirky moments that seem almost too contemporary. Hamlet shoots Polonius with fingers shaped like a gun.

The setting (Ben Stones) is well managed, being the ballroom of a palace which can be altered to suit the moment; tables for a wedding feast, chairs to create seating for the play within a play.

Jessica Hung Han Yun’s lighting, especially with the hand held torches in the opening scene, is suitably atmospheric.

The greatest challenge, of course, is playing Hamlet. There is a treasury of expectations and a panoply of past performers who have all put their mark on the role. Hiran Abeysekera has to negotiate that as well as the emotional gymnastics of Hamlet’s mind; feigned madness, depression, manipulative plotting and paranoia both real and imagined.

What one finds with the role is that there is always more to be done.

This production moves with reasonable pace and is consistently rendered but the effect might have been different in a theatre as opposed to a cinema. There are moments when Hamlet leaves the stage the effect of which doesn’t translate to the screen.

But take it ‘as you like it’, there’s something for everyone.

● ● Private individuals can advertise items for sale in the Melbourne Observer, with no advertising charges. www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

Kevin suggested donating them to the historic mansion Beleura in Mornington. Once owned by J.C. Williamson Managing Director Sir George Tallis, Beleura hosts weekly house and garden tours, has an ex-

Kevin felt it was the perfect place for the treasured 1895 watercolour designs to reside and the perfect place to mount an exhibition bringing Lady Tait's dream to fruition at last.

One year later, almost to the day, the Djin-Djin original 1895 costume design exhibition opened at Beleura as part of its House and Garden Tours.

Kevin has also recreated three of the designs, exclusively for the exhibition, to give visitors an idea of how the extraordinary costumes might have looked on the stage.

The exhibition launch was a great success, with guests including Sir Frank and Lady Viola Tait's daughters who flew in from England specially for the event, Isla, Ann and Sally, opera singer Ali McGregor and Victorian Opera's director Stuart Maunder.

The exhibition will run until the end of May, Enquiries and bookings can be made for the House and Garden Tours which include the exhibition, morning tea and lunch, by visiting www.beleura.org.au

Split Second

■ Two new short films premiered this week as part of the TAC's Split Second Competition, using bold storytelling and creative perspectives to encourage young Victorians to think twice about risky driving behaviours.

In its seventh year, the annual competition invites aspiring filmmakers and content creators aged 18 to 30 to submit attention grabbing road safety concepts aimed at young drivers, a group that continues to be overrepresented in road trauma.

The 2026 Split Second winners, Stacey Park and Shane Senanayake, who both have Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, were selected for their innovative and impactful approaches to addressing key road safety risks, including low level speeding and seatbelt use.

Stacey’s film, Keep the Tempo, uses the precision and rhythm of Korean drumming as a powerful metaphor for road safety, creatively illustrating how even a slight increase in speed can have significant consequences.

Shane’s film, Unusual Behaviours, uses humour and unexpected comparison, likening not wearing a seatbelt to growing up in a town where no one wears pants to challenge flawed logic and reinforce that seatbelts are not optional.

Contributed

Confirmed Cinemas: Cinema Nova (Carlton), Classic Cinemas (Elsternwick), Lido Cinemas (Hawthorn) and Sun Theatre (Yarraville)

Review by David McLean

Little Absences

■ Established cross-disciplinary creative Grazia Marin presents her latest stage play Little Absences from March 18-21 at The Loft, Chapel off Chapel Directed by Elnaz Sheshgelani , the story tells of Chris, a keenly intelligent and witty woman in the later years of her life, who is obstinately still living at home, despite the concerns of her daughter, Jenny. But Jenny sees her elderly mother’s vulnerability and addiction – the battle she is not sure Chris is winning.

An exploration of an all-too-common story, the play asks: what do we do, as a society and individually, when our elders become too fragile to look after themselves?

In addition to aiming to create a platform upon which to demonstrate the skills and talents of women artists, especially older women, Grazia Marin also wrote this play to shine a light on the struggles of The Sandwich Generation

Many women, Marin herself included, have experienced, or are currently experiencing, trying to juggle looking after their children, their employment and their aging parents: sandwiched between generations and the needs of others.

“The story line spotlights the character of the elderly, dementing mother who is a repressed poet and an alcoholic. Through the vehicle of her character and her deterioration, the realities of the stresses her daughter faces are highlighted,” said Marin

This play marks the triumphant return of playwright Grazia Marin (Why Can’t Women Be Like Men?, Waiting for Ice Cream). With a cast led by Janet Watson Kruse and supported by Veronicka Devlin and Piera Dennerstein, Little Absences aims to give voice to those who are all too often invisible: our female elders who have only just begun to live, and their caring children.

Dates: March 18-21. Times: Daily 7:30pm and Saturday 2pm. Venue: The Loft at Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran. Tickets: $25-$50. Bookings: https://chapeloffchapel.com. au/show/little-absences

Cheryl Threadgold

Observations

■ Can you imagine a world without William Shakespeare?

That’s the starting point of Gordon Thompson’s novel Kill Will: Nightbird in Sunlight

We meet a teenage Will Shakespeare, who wishes on seven mystical stones, and falls through a time portal from 1580 Stratford into present day London

Seven physical manifestations of the women he has yet to create strangely come with him. So future Shakespearean heroines Juliet, Cleopatra, Viola, Ophelia, Miranda, Lady Macbeth and Cordelia join forces to find Will, recover the stones of power, and return to their proper times and places.

But it’s not a straightforward task, as their mission is complicated by government agents, Druids, border security, and the descendants of Morgana LaFay, all with their own agendas.

Pursued by shadow creatures and helped by new friends in a modern world that has never heard of Shakespeare, the women must find their strengths, overcome their differences and survive before someone kills Will and changes the world irrevocably.

This time-travelling mystery could be described as BacktotheFuturemeets Romeo and Juliet, and the fertile literary brain of author Gordon Thompson is given full rein in Kill Will

Gordon is a writer, musician, artist and publisher and the author of two previous books, Scheherazadeand TheAmberNecklace Kill Will: Nightbird in Sunlight is published by clandestinepress.net

Julie Houghton

Eighteen Lives

■ Do Theatre presents EighteenLivesfrom March 25-April 4 at The Explosives Factory Theatre, St Kilda.

Directed by Fini Liu, this show is described as a 'darkly funny, poetic comedy about the people we keep meeting again and again, across centuries, across lifetimes.' Three friends fall out, only to discover that their conflict began in a past life. They travel back through six eras of Chinese history, from modern China to ancient dynasties. Across 18 lives, they keep meeting again and again, as friends, lovers, family, rivals, and strangers.

This is a fast-paced stage comedy that turns 5000 years of Chinese history into one absurd adventure.

Performance Details:

Dates: March 25-March 27 at 7.30pm; March 28 at 2.30pm/7.30pm; April 1-3 at 7.30pm; April 4 at 2.30pm/7.30pm

Performed in Mandarin with English open captions (81 mins, no interval)

Venue: The Explosives Factory, Theatre Works, 67 Inkerman St, St Kilda. Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/2026/eighteen-lives

Cheryl Threadgold

Weekly digital issues

■ The Melbourne Observer has fresh digital issues weekly, February- December. Subscribe, free, at: www.FreePaper.com.au

Mel McGlensey is Normal

■ Melbourne -based comedian Mel McGlensey presents Mel McGlensey is Normalin the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 26-April 19 in the Jade Room at the Chinese Museum

This time, Mel is letting her audience choose what happens in this collaborative clown experience plumbing the depths of normaldom.

The show is co-created by game designer and academic Douglas Wilson , who has worked on award-winning videogames like Sportsfriends and Mutazione

To manage the audio and visual elements of the show, a custom application programmed on the game engine Unity, by Douglas will be used, who will also be operating it live during each show.

Performance Details: March 26 - April 19

Venue: The Jade Room, Chinese Museum Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Garage Sale

● ● Alanah Parkin

■ Alanah Parkin presents her 2026 MICF show Alanah Parkin's Garage Sale from March 30-April 5 at The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton

Directed by award-winning Isaac Haigh, Garage Sale follows the journey of Greg and Denise – a Narre Warren South couple nervously preparing for their big move to the retirement village up the road.

Parkin will blend comedy with improv. and song, dance and audience immersion to tell the tale of the couple's love, longing, regret and the bittersweet sorrow of leaving their youth behind.

Performance Details: March 30 - April 5

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St., Carlton.

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au/browseshows/alanah-parkin-s-garage- sale/ ?return=%2Fbrowse-shows%2F

Cheryl Threadgold

Pokelesque

■ Pokelesque was a bold and bawdy hybrid of a show, strikingly imaginative in the way it brought together the worlds of Pokemon, drag and burlesque. It pulled this off, mostly, with style and aplomb but was not without its glitches.

The narrative was quite simple: a young woman wants to become the very best Pokemon trainer ever but faces fierce competition from her rival, a young nerdish boy. The two of them travel through the Pokemon world battling it out.

Written by Rosie Roulette, the script was a classic example of a show of two halves. The first half introduced the narrative, key characters and successfully introduced the shows commedia dell’arte style, mixing elements from the Pokemon universe with bawdy burlesque and ribald drag routines.

More Auditions

■ Peridot Theatre Company: Admissions (by Joshua Harmon) March 16, 18 at 7pm at Monash Theatrical Rehearsal & Resource Centre (formerly Fleigner Hall), Cnr. Highland and Turnbull Aves., Oakleigh East. Director: Alison Knight. Audition enquiries: alisonperidot@gmail.com or 0437 380 533 Cheryl Threadgold

However after a brief interval the show struggled to pick up the verve and energy of the first half.

Too much talk and exposition meant the humour became labored and it wasn’t until half way through the second half that the show found its mojo again.

A large cast of 14 was made up of actors playing the half-a-dozen central characters supported by a brilliant array of burlesque and drag performers in roles as Pokémon characters.

Performances were uneven across the night though as some actors/performers fitted brilliantly into the commedia dell’arte style while others seemed much less at home and played to the audience too much.

In part, the responsibility for this lay with Roulette as they not only wrote the show but also directed and produced it.

They did a great job of generating and shaping an anarchic energy with great flair but this very same energy sometimes worked against the show as performers couldn’t be heard or seemed lost in the frenzy.

A mix of miked and unmiked voices didn’t help. What did help though were beautifully designed and made masks and glitzy costumes.

Overall, Pokelesque was a rollercoaster of a show that gave its audience highs and lows, from wonderful soaring arias and hilarious camp humour to some quite ordinary stilted theatre.

What shone clearly through it all though was how Roulette is a talent to watch out for.

Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda Review by Peter Murphy

Lighting The Dark

■ Monash Performing Arts Centres (MPAC) present Lighting the Dark, directed by Chris Dyke, on Friday, March 27 at 7.30pm at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton.

Commissioned by dance company Dancenorth Australia, LightingtheDarkis the first mainstage dance work in Australia – and potentially the world – to be directed by an artist living with Down syndrome.

With the Dancenorth ensemble by his side, Dyke will transform the stage into a portal where love and light illuminate the darkness, and a reminder for audiences of the complexity of life’s challenges and the beauty found in resilience.

Inspired by Banksy, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, Chris finds kinship in their revolutionary spirit, each serving as a reflection of his own vision. Lighting the Dark is a profound celebration of the human experience – a transcendent journey that traverses individual and universal truths in a dance to the very centre of what it means to be human. Dyke’s long-time collaborator and Dancenorth’s Co-Artistic Director Kyle Page said it’s been a joy for Dancenorth’s Ensemble and creative team to work alongside Chris to bring his vision to life. “Chris is such a creative force, and he has brought an incredible clarity and instinct to what he wanted to achieve with his first full-length, ensemble piece.”.

Performance Date: March 27 at 7.30pm

Venue: Alexander Theatre: The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton. Tickets: monash.edu/mpac Cheryl Threadgold

Shows

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Bondi Legal (by Tony Laumberg) Until March 7 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Eltham. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ The Mount Players: The Cemetery Club (by Ivan Menchell) Until March 8 at The Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: George Benca. Bookings: themountplayers.com

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Great Divide (by David Williamson) Until March 7 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Damien Jones. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV) The Arcadians (by Gilbert and Sullivan) March 7, 8, 9 at 2pm, outdoors at The Knowe, 4 Clarkmont Rd., Sassafras. Tickets: trybooking .com/ DEGSY Also, indoors on March 13, 14 at 8pm and March 14 and 15 at 2pm at The Round - Studio, 379-399 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Robert Ray. Tickets theround.com.au/ TheArcadiansGSOV

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: One More Time, Until March 7 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Bookings: phoenixtheatrecompany. org/

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Chalkface (by Angela Betzian) March 6 – 21 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Samantha Stone. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DHUKF

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Vagina Monologues by V. (Eve Ensler), March 13 – 28 at the Mechanics Hall, 80 Yarra Street, Warrandyte. Director: Caroline Shaw. Bookings: trybooking.com/DGYKH Nova Music Theatre: The Sound of Music, March 20 – 29 at The Round, Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre.com.au/

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: The Gift (by Joanna Murray-Smith) March 19 – 28 at the Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Road, Torquay. Director: Natasha Boyd. Bookings: Trybooking.com.au

■ Essendon Theatre Company: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (by Jim Cartwright) March 19 – 28 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: Alexander Gibbs. Bookings: 0406448368 or Trybooking.com.au

■ Burwood Student Theatre Company: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) April 9 – 11 at Vermont Secondary College, 27-63 Morack Rd., Vermont. Director: Matthew Carcassi. Bookings: burwoodstudent theatrecompany@gmail.com

■ Windmill Theatre Company: Frozen Jr April 6 – 19 at the Cranbourne Community Theare, Brunt St., Cranbourne. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ The 1812 Theatre: Summer of the Aliens (by Louis Nowra) April 9 – May 2 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchinson. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964.

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Cherry Orchard (by Anton Chekhov) April 10 – 19 at Frankston High School Theatre, 97 Foot St., Frankston. Director: Tim Gilmour. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Ballarat National Theatre:The Dog Logs (by C.J. Johnson) April 10 – 19 at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117 Sturt St., Ballarat. Director: Gin O’Brien. Bookings: bnt.org.au Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Trouble with Harry (by Lachlan Philpott) March 8 at 2pm, March 9 at 7pm at Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Dexter Bourke. Audition bookings: Dexter Bourke 0411 287 043.

■ The Basin Theatre Group: 84 Charing Cross Road (by James Roose-Evans) March 14, 15 at 2pm, March 19 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Di Hoskins. Audition bookings: 0430 495 105 or email events@ thebasintheatre.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) March 14 at 1.00pm, March 17 at 7pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Audition bookings: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au or 9382 6284

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Truth (by Florian Zeller) March 15 at 2pm, March 16 at 7pm at Unit 8/417-419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: George Werther. Audition enquiries: werther110@gmail.com Cheryl Threadgold

Opera For All Concert

■ BMW and Opera Australia announce the return of Opera For All to Fed Square, Melbourne, on Saturday, March 14 from 6.30pm to 8 pm for a fourth consecutive year. This global initiative brings world-class opera to the public free of charge in cities including Munich, Berlin and London , in collaboration with leading local opera organisations around the world.

The 2026 performance will feature an all-new line-up of four acclaimed opera singers performing some of the most celebrated arias in the repertoire.

The evening will be hosted by Greta Bradman , awardwinning soprano, writer and ABC broadcaster, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Adding to the occasion, First Nations opera singer ShauntaiAbdul-Rahman will perform a special Welcome to Country.

BMW Opera for All will offer a spectacular evening of open-air music in the heart of Melbourne

Renowned conductor Brian Castles-Onion will return to lead the performance, with the Australian Girls Choir opening the evening with a 20-minute prelude.

As the sun sets over Fed Square , four of Australia’s leading opera singers, supported by 20 musicians from Orchestra Victoria , will present a repertoire of operatic favourites. BMW Opera for All is part of BMW’s global commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, supporting arts and culture at both international and local levels.

Opera Australia CEO Alex Budd said: “We’re delighted to partner with BMW to present an evening of opera that’s accessible to all –whether it’s an audience member experiencing their first or their 50th aria.

“As we celebrate 70 years in 2026, our job is the same - to make vibrant, relevant and artistically ambitious work, nurturing the artists who embody our creative spirit, and to welcome audiences to join us to experience this beloved artform at its very best.”

Event Details: Saturday, March 14, 6.30pm to 8pm

Venue: Fed Square, Cnr Flinders and Swanston Sts., Melbourne

Running Time: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes.

Admittance: Free Cheryl Threadgold

La Mama:

Te Maunga

■ La Mama Theatre presents Antipodes Theatre Company's production of Back to Te Maunga from March 4 - 22 at La Mama Courthouse, Carlton.

Written by Joel Te Teira and directed by Keegan

●

Bragg , the story tells of Tane and Isaac returning to a cabin from their youth on the anniversary of their best friend's passing. They plan to drink, sing and reminisce. But with the Maunga looming over their heads and hearts, can the two men finally confront the truth?

Described as a 'riveting, original Maori drama', the play tests the friendships of men and the relationship one has with their own history.

Performed by Joe DekkersReihana and Jordan Selwyn Performance Season: March 4 - 22

Venue: La Mama Courthouse

Duration: 70 Minutes

Bookings and Further Details: lamama.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Skank Sinatra

■ Skank Sinatra : The Name On Everybody’s Lips is a fun, entertaining, musical cabaret written/performed by the very talented Jens Radda

In nine inch heels with large, blonde, very well fitted hair, colourful costumes, live music, story telling, ‘Skank’ captured everyone in the audience, gaining a lot of laughs.

This show is cleverly directed by Carly Fisher with Skank utilising every part of the theatre.

With pre-recorded advice from ‘ Liza Minnelli ’ during costume changes this also applies to backstage leaving never a dull moment.

Skank made a striking entrance - she is larger than life with interesting stories punctuated with parodies of songs from Evita to The sound of Music - there was plenty of variety, plenty of opportunities for Radda to shine.

The singing was not flawless. Some songs suited Radda’s voice better than others, but all were with gusto, passion, humour to keep our interest, not to mention the fascination with seeing ‘her’ move around effortlessly amongst the audience in stilettos.

The audience interaction worked well, everyone took it in good spirit – Skank was very likable. So too was Sarah Nandagopan on keyboard. Her smile was captivating as she allowed Skank to use her in the comedy. She seemed genuinely happy to be there. It may have added to the overall look to see Nandagopan in costume rather than black, she looked like backstage crew- this did work for the comedic entrance. yet it would have added something to see her in costume also- though perhaps not as flamboyant.

For an entertaining, musical hour of cabaret this ‘highcamp’, high hair, high heels musical ‘razzle dazzle’ is a go to. Well done on a Melbourne debut. skank-sinatra.com

Reviewed by Elizabeth Semmel

● A man died following a two-vehicle collision near Horsham on Saturday morning (Feb. 28). A vehicle rearended a utility while travelling through roadworks on the Western Hwy at Vectis about 10.20am. The male driver of the first vehicle, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. The male driver of the ute, also the only occupant, was taken to hospital for observation.

Ovation tour

■ Four of Australia's leading musical theatre and opera stars unite for the first time in Ovation - a concert featuring timeless classics from shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Mamma Mia and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as operatic masterpieces including La bohème and more.

Together, these musical theatre stars represent decades of combined experience and now they come together for a showcase of their exceptional talent.

The show's touring destination in Victoria includes a performance on Sunday, March 8 at 1 pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne , and other dates in regional and suburban venues.

Marina Prior is known as Australia's leading lady of musical theatre and has starred in over 40 musicals including her portrayal of Christine Daaé in the original Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables, Cats,The Pirates of Penzance, Anything Goes, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly, Dream Lover, 9 to 5 The Musical and, more recently, Follies and Kimberly Akimbo

David Hobson , regarded as one of Australia’s most distinguished tenors, starred in Baz Luhrmann’s landmark staging of La Bohème and has performed key roles in Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, Orpheus and Eurydice and The Barber of Seville. David’s musical theatre credits include ChittyChittyBangBang,Follies and Funny Girl.

Silvie Paladino is renowned for her powerhouse performances, with standout roles in Les Misérables (both Australian and West End productions), Miss Saigon, The King and I, Mamma Mia, Chess and Sunset Boulevard. Silvie has graced stages alongside Australia’s leading orchestras and toured internationally.

Michael Cormick is an internationally acclaimed baritone whose commanding voice has made him a standout in Australia , the UK and Europe . His Australian credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease, The Rocky Horror Show, Mamma Mia, Annie, The Pirates of Penzance and The Phantom of the Opera. Michael’s international experience spans lead roles in Chess, Evita, The Woman in White and Sunset Boulevard He has also performed in prestigious Royal Command Performances.

Accompanied by piano and a string quartet, these four stars will blend their voices in a concert of musical theatre and opera classics.

Sylvie Paladino says: 'Performing in Melbourne is so special as I’m a Melbourne girl. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Hamer Hall is such a beautiful space, wonderful acoustics. I’ve performed there so many times, it feels like home when I’m there.'

Victorian Performance Details: Sun. Mar. 8. Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne 1pm Sat. Jun. 6 . Gippsland Arts Centre, Traralgon 3pm Sun. Jun. 7. Frankston Arts Centre 1pm For tickets visit: ovation.net.au

The Voice Of Hind Rajab

■ (M). 85 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas March 5.

The latest film from director Kaouther Ben Hania (Beauty And The Dogs, The Man Who Sold His Skin, Four Daughters) is a compelling, cleverly structured drama/thriller that combines traditional cinema with real life recordings, resulting in a truly devastating viewing experience.

Set solely at a Palestinian Red Crescent emergency call centre on January 29, 2024, we see the effect a call from six-year-old Hind Rajab has on the staff, with her growingly dire situation putting incredible emotional strain on them all, made even worse by the level of red tape the centre supervisor has to deal with to try and save innocent civilians under fire from the IDF.

Those (like me) who remember these events when covered, will know how it all ends, but even if you do, it doesn’t diminish how tense and dramatically involving this remarkable film is.

Ben Hania keeps everything on the characters (the setting is similar to the 2018 Danish thriller, TheGuilty), reacting to the voice of Hind Rajab.

The fact that we are listening to the actual phone recording makes what we are watching all the more distressing. The whole cast is fantastic.

TheVoiceOfHindRajabdefinitely deserves its Oscar nomination for Best International Feature.

RATING - ****½

Plainclothes

■ (MA). 95 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas March 5.

The feature film directorial debut of Carmen Emmi, this largely quietly touching drama is involving and well-acted, even if its final moments are somewhat misjudged.

Set in two time periods in the late 90’s, the story centres on Lucas (Tom Blyth, who is excellent), an undercover cop whose job is to lure gay men into shopping centre toilets so they can be arrested for lewd conduct.

What his colleagues don’t realise is that Lucas is struggling with his own sexual identity, but given the current climate, is afraid to express it.

Lucas then meets Andrew (Russell Tovey), who makes him feel more comfortable about who he is, even if it all still has to happen in secret.

Blyth is incredible in conveying Lucas’s pain, fear and desire, while Tovey is perfect as the more level-headed Andrew.

Only the ending partially misses the mark, going very overthe-top, somewhat masking the main character’s painful yearning to come out.

RATING - ****

How To Make

A Killing

■ (M). 105 minutes. Opens in cinemas March 5.

Tepid remake of the classic 1949 Ealing comedy Kind Hearts And Coronets (****½) sadly pulls its punches, wallowing in generic ‘eat the rich’ territory rather than offering a much darker, relevant examination of the human condition and what society will condone.

Glen Powell is one-note,

Margaret Qualley is underutilised, while Bill Camp and Ed Harris are wasted. A disappointment from the director of Emily The Criminal (2022).

RATING - **

Blades of the Guardians

■ (MA). 126 minutes. Now sh owing in selected cinemas.

This elaborate, $120 million wuxia extravaganza is a terrific return to form for legendary director/fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping (Drunken Master, Iron Monkey, The Matrix), proving to be a hugely entertaining big screen experience.

Dao Ma (a charismatic Wu Jing ) is a bounty hunter who gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to escort a rebel leader across a vast desert to safety, for long-time friend Chief Mo (Tony Leung Ka-fai).

Dao also has to take Mo’s confident daughter Ayuya (Chen Lijun) as a fellow protector.

This is just one of multiple plot threads. Based on a series of comic books, this is dense yet focused in its structure, allowing the audience to keep on top of what is going on, while Yuen makes sure the blend of human drama and high style action keeps you engaged throughout.

The entire cast is superb. Along with Wu, there is strong work from Kai-fai, Nicholas Tse, Yosh Yu and notably Jet Li (in his first big screen appearance since 2020).

Lijun delivers a scene-stealing performance, and this should help her become a major star. Production values are outstanding.

The fight scenes are energetic and exciting (one that takes place in a giant dust storm is particularly spectacular).

Some elements made this feel like a mix of Lone Wolf And Cub, John Wick and Mad Max: Fury Road By the time the end credits roll (with the promise of more), you may feel as exhausted as many of the characters.

Some lovely cameos cap things off nicely. Try and see this on the biggest screen possible.

RATING - **** Aaron Rourke

■ Vera Lynn is a famous English singer whose voice was heard during the Second World War singing songs of hope and inspiration.

Vera Lynn was called the Sweetheart of the Forces and has been loved and respected throughout the world for more than 80 years.

Vera Margaret Welch was born in 1917 in East Ham in London. Vera began singing when she was seven and used her grandmother’s maiden name of ‘ Lynn’ for her stage name.

Vera made her first radio broadcast at the age of 18 when she was singing with The Joe Loss Band

Her voice could be heard on recordings singing with various popular dance bands. Vera released her first solo song UptheWoodenHill to Bedfordshire in 1936.

In 1939 she was under contract to Decca Records and recorded We’llMeetAgainfor the first time with Arthur Young, who later became musical director at Channel Nine in Melbourne

In 1941 Vera married Harry Lewis, who was a musician and Harry became her manager.

During the War Years she had a radio program tiled SincerelyYourswhere she sang and read messages from families to service men and women.

Her hit songs We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, A Nightingale Sang in BerkeleySquare and There’llAlwaysBeanEngland were tremendously popular during the war years.

She also appeared in three British films We’ll Meet Again, Rhythm Serenade and One Exciting Night

Whatever Happened to ... Vera Lynn

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Vera toured in countries such as Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and visited many military hospitals.

In 1947 Vera Lynn gave birth to her only daughter, Virginia. She became the first UK artist to go to the top of the hit parade in the US with her hit song Auf Wiedersehn Sweetheart.

Vera appeared in radio and television shows in England and the US.

She devoted much of her time to charity work connected with ex-servicemen, disabled children and breast cancer.

Vera Lynn received many awards during her career including Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE in 1959 and then in 1975 was promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours

● ● Vera Lynn

Vera published three books Vocal Refrain, We’ll Meet Again and Some Sunny Day.

Vera Lynn performed in Melbourne in 1962 and returned again in 1972.

My friend, the late musical director Tony Osborne, made several albums with Vera during the 1960s.

Her last public singing appearance was in 1995 at the celebrations to mark the 50 years since the end of World War Two. I must say that Melbourne’s own Dorothy Baker did a beautiful job of singing the popular songs of Vera Lynn during her career.

In 2009, at the age of ninety two, Vera Lynn became the oldest living artist have a number one album on the British album chart with We’llMeetAgain:TheVeryBestofVeraLynn Dame Vera Lynn came out in support of the underprivileged residents in her local area.

The Sussex Express published this quote from Dame Vera, “I am very happy indeed to donate my Winter Fuel Payment again this

year to help someone else in Sussex keep warm.

“It’s terrible to think that some of the men and women who served so bravely during the war are now in a position where they’re worrying that they won’t be able to pay their fuel bills.

“I’m encouraging anyone who feels they don’t need their own Winter Fuel Payment to donate it to the Surviving Winter Appeal.

“All the money you donate will be spent here in Sussex.” There are an estimated 88,599 households in fuel poverty in Sussex – 13 per cent of households – and around half of include somebody over 60.

Sadly, Vera Lynn died from pneumonia at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath on June 18 2020, aged 103.

Tributes were led by the Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth II sending private condolences to Vera’s family.

Her cortege was accompanied by members of the Royal Air Force, the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal British Legion, as well as the Battle of Britain Spitfire flypast . We all loved Dame Vera Lynn and her songs live on.

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

DANDENONG RANGES OPEN STUDIOS

■ Now in its 23rd year, the iconic Dandenong Ranges Open Studios provides visitors an unique opportunity to glimpse int the artists inner sanctum.

Studios will open their doors to share the wealth of creative talent in the biggest Open Studios to date.

The program is jam packed with workshops, events. This is your chance to collect one-of-akind artworks directly from the creators, build connections, and follow your must-see cultural event.

Exhibition is over two weekends March 21-22 and March 28-29. Hours: 10am to 5pm.

For accessibility information on the individual studios please refer to the Artist Studio web pages.

Burrinja Gallery 361 Glenfern Rd, Upwey

Mildura

Light – Bruce Munro

A photography exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro’s light installations. British/Australian artist Bruce Munro is best known for immersive, large-scale light-based installations inspired by his interest in shared human experience.

For more than 40 years, he has recorded ideas and images in sketchbooks, capturing his response to stimuli such as music, literature, science, and the world around him for reference, reflection, and subject matter/ Exhibition closes April 26.

★ Forever I Lice - Josh Mvir is a touring retrospective honouring the late Gundjitmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist Josh Mvir.

Presented by the Koorie Heritage Trust and proudly co-curated with Josh’s mother, Justine Berg , and partner, Shaya Sheridan , the decision showcases Josh’s vibrant legacy and powerful voice.

Through bold expressive works, it explores .cultural identity, colonisation, mental health, resilience, and love of family and community. Exhibition closes May 3.

★

Mungo and Country –Mildura Arts Centre Collection showcases artworks from the Mildura Arts Centre Collection that reflects the cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance of Mungo National Park.

Featuring First Nations contemporary artists, the exhibition highlights deep connections to Country through responses to ancient land forms, river systems and desert environments.

Themes of ancestral knowledge, cultural continuity, and the relationship between people and place weave through the works, honouring more than 45,000 years of continuous Aboriginal history cared for by the Barkindji/Paakanqi, Muthi Muthi , and Ngryampaa Traditional owners, Mungo and Country invites audiences to reflect on a living landscape shaped by deep time

and cultural strength.

Mildura Arts Centre 199 Coreton Rd, Mildura

Kingston Arts

■ This fun competition is a race against the clock., you’ll have 24 hours to make and submit a creative work based on a secret theme. Entries are open to all ages and skill levels, with fantastic prizes up for grabs across categories including visual art, poetry and creative writing.

Registration opens Monday, March 30. Theme revealed: Friday, May 8 at 4pm. Awards Night: Wednesday, May 27.

Exhibition dates: May 22 0 June 20. Venue: G1 & G2 /gallery. Kingston Arts 979 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin Peter Kemp

Winter Blues Festival

■ Winter Blues Festival returns to Echuca in 2026 for four days of world-class blues and roots in the Murray Region

Winter Blues is a grassroots, all-in experience that turns Echuca–Moama into a live music hub each winter, filling venues, streets, and the riverfront with unforgettable performances.

Winter Blues celebrates blues and roots music from across Australia , offering a weekend where music lovers reconnect, new friendships form, and live music takes centre stage across the region.

Following another outstanding year of music, community connection and tourism impact, organisers are proud to reveal the first artist announcement for the 2026 festival: 19 Twenty, Cam Walter Blues, Cass Eager, Eddy and the Exciters, Elly Poletti, Frank Sultana Blues Band, Geoff Achison and The Souldiggers, The Honey Badgers, Jack and The Axes, Jesse Red-

Jesse

and The Testaments, Kathleen

and The

Oscar LaDell, Otis Namrell Band, Ray Beadle, Sam Buckley Band, Sammy Owen Blues Ban d and Sweet Felicia and The Honeytones.

Places To Go

Travel Briefs

New cubs at Melbourne Zoo

■ Melbourne Zoo has welcomed four adorable Snow Leopard cubs, born to mum Miska and dad Kang Ju, the first Snow Leopard births at the zoo since 2020.

Arriving in the early hours of January 15, the fuzzy newcomers wasted no time showing their personalities, playfully tumbling around their den while staying close to mum.

With Snow Leopards typically having just two or three cubs, welcoming four healthy cubs is a rare and exciting milestone.

Miska has taken beautifully to motherhood, raising her cubs solo as Snow Leopards naturally do in the wild.

Big growth

■ Wildlife encounters aw a surge among Aussies in 2025, with aquarium and zoo experiences up 78.6 per cent. The Gold Coast topped Big Red Group’s destination hotlist for 2025, closely followed by Melbourne (up from 4th place in 2024) and Sydney for city-based experiences.

■ Visitor data released by Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reveals a new record for Australian travellers, with 1,058,300 visiting Japan during the 2025 calendar year.

2025 is the first year that Australian visitors to Japan have broken the one million mark, a 15 per cent increase on 2024.

Some 121,300 visitors flocked to the country during December 2025, coinciding with school holidays, festive breaks and the start of the popular ski season.

The month of January saw the highest number of Australian visitors throughout the year with 140,185 visitors, and 115,235 Australians arriving in April during cherry blossom season which aligned with school holidays and the 2025 Easter long weekend.

JNTO also noted growth in Australians travelling outside the peak seasons of April and the December to February ski season, with the months of September and October also seeing significant arrivals during 2025.

Students save

■ Emirates is making it easier for students to travel. Students aged between 16 to 31 can fly further for less and work towards their study abroad goals with up to 15 per cent off Economy Class fares when booking before March 31 for travel on or before May 31.

Wonders

■ Specialist solo tour operator

Just You has launched its first Europe program for Australian solo travellers.

The 2027 program has been launched four months earlier than previous years in response to guest and travel agent feedback, including from new market Australia which traditionally requires longer lead times for longhaul travel.

Just You has launched a new Greece and Turkey itinerary, with departures from September through to September 2027.

Priced from A$9149, the 16-day ‘Wonders of the Aegean’ tour takes solo travellers on a journey through history from Athens’ Acropolis, the Sacred Way at Delphi and the island of Samos to ancient Ephesus

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

Bush Telegraph Whiparound

From plant waste

■ A research hub at the University of Queensland is taking a unique approach to converting plant waste into carbon-based compounds like jet fuel.

Director of the ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon, Associate Professor Karine Chenu, said the team would focus on creating better inputs for processing.

“Most of the research investment in this space has shown that processing plant biomass into aviation biofuels or other bioproducts is technically viable and should be done,” Dr Chenu said.

Citrus concerns

■ The citrus industry is facing growing concerns about the lack of a high quality import risk assessment of the citrus fruit pomelo.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said it was clear independent scientific experts were needed, amid growing concerns intothe Federal Government’s decision to import pomelo from Vietnam into Australia, just weeks after the Australian Banana Growers’ Council raised concerns about the assessment process of potential banana imports from the Philippines. Mr Littleproud said Australia urgently needs to know if Labor is sacrificing high biosecurity standards and why a Scientific Advisory Group hasn’t been brought in, despite recommendations to do so.

POLITICAL PARTIES MUST STEP UP: VFF

■ With eight months to go until Victorians go to the polls, the Victorian Farmers Federation is reminding all potential candidates to consider the enormous role rural communities play.

“Victorian farms are the most productive in our nation, nearly eight times more productive than the national average,” said VFF President Brett Hosking

“We contribute $20b to the local economy and indirectly employ more than 150,000 people. Imagine what that could become with some forward thinking and investment in the right places,”

“Removing the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, development that puts food and fibre production first, restoring our roads and freight networks, tackling rural crime and ensuring our communities and families have access to services to help them succeed are great places to start.”

“The introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund was devastating for our farmers. This is a huge cash-grab imposed on farming businesses and it will amount to tens of thousands of dollars stripped from farmers and communities. We must see it scrapped. In every corner of Victoria, the state of the roads, concerns regarding new mines and energy infrastructure and spiralling onfarm crime, including the theft of livestock and equipment and even farm invasions are huge issues.”

Summer damage

■ The latest farm property claims data from Elders Insurance reveals storm-related damage cost Australian farmers $92.14 million in 2024, almost double the previous year.

Summer remains the riskiest season, accounting for over 40 per cent of claims in the past 12 months (Dec. 1, 2024 – Nov. 24, 2025).

Critical infrastructure such as sheds, fencing, and solar panels are most vulnerable. While NSW and Queensland are hardest hit, the impact is national – and the financial and operational fallout for farmers is significant.

Hard year for sheep

■ “It has been a difficult year for many in the industry, especially those producers affected by drought,” said Dr Scott Williams , Chair of the Sheep Sustainability Framework Steering Group.

“Subdued prices for wool have contributed to a reduction in the national sheep flock, and many in the postfarmgate sector are increasingly concerned about future supply.”

The SSF itself has undergone important changes, including a revision of its materiality assessment and the strengthening of its governance and technical expertise, Dr Williams said, on the release of the 2025 annual report.

Beef Industry Latest Wagyu

marbling

■ Researchers from the University of Adelaide’s Davies Livestock Research Centre have described the most complete cattle genome yet, in a study that will lead to improvements in Wagyu breeding and result in better beef marbling.

“We have presented a near complete cattle genome that is 16 per cent longer than the current reference genome,” said Dr Lloyd Low, from the Centre and senior author of the study published in NatureCommunications

“This new Wagyu genome provides a much more complete and accurate view of the genetic blueprint behind one of the world’s most prized beef breeds,” said study co-lead author Paulene Pineda, from the University of Adelaide

Dr Low’s discovery will have implications for profits in the beef industry.

“The Wagyu genome provides a foundational genetic resource to identify variants responsible for marbling and other traits affecting profit,” said Professor Wayne Pitchford, Director of the University of Adelaide’s Davies Livestock Research Centre and a co-author of the study.

The new cattle genome was able to be used to identify hundreds of new genes and detect more structural variants than was possible with the existing reference genome.

“These structural variants are an untapped genetic resource and some of them may be key to some of the prized traits of cattle. Moreover, they highlight the hidden diversity present within a seemingly homogeneous breed,” said Dr Callum MacPhillamy, a co-lead author of the study from CSIRO.

Associate Professor Cynthia Bottema, a co-author of the study also from the Centre, said the advancement will have implications beyond Wagyu

“Our new cattle genome means breeders now have a better tool that will allow for greater precision when identifying and selecting for traits like marbling, fertility and disease resistance – not only in Wagyu, but other cattle breeds as well,” she said.

Australian beef production totalled 706,296 tonnes for the quarter to June 2025.

Victorian Rural News

Cracking growth for almonds

■ Australia’s almond sector is entering a new era, as it begins large-scale orchard replanting to enable future growth and satisfy increasing local and global appetite for the popular nut, Rabobank says in a newly-released report.

In its Australian Almond Outlook: Replanting for growth beyond 2030, the specialist agribusiness bank’s RaboResearch division says the Australian almond industry is “entering a pivotal transition phase”, with renewal of ageing orchards and expansion into new areas.

“The next five years will begin the first large-scale replanting cycle that (along with expansion into new regions) sets the foundation for long-term growth in the Australian almond industry,” the report says.

This could see total planted area of almonds in Australia lift by between 5000 and 10,000 hectares (the equivalent of seven to 15 per cent growth in total area) by 2030, it says.

Meanwhile, positive global demand for almonds – coupled with limited production growth in California , the world’s largest almond producer and Australia’s main export competitor – should contribute to an improving market outlook, RaboResearch says, “offering opportunities for the Australian industry to grow its share of the global market”.

Report author, RaboResearch analyst Pia Piggott says the next five years will see the first large-scale replanting occur in Australia’s burgeoning almond industry, with many of the sector’s first-established 10,000 hectares of almond trees planted between 2001 to 2005 reaching the end of their productive life between now and 2030.

“This represents approximately 16 per cent of the total area of Australian almonds in 2024, which will require replanting over the next five years,” she said.

On top of this, some of an additional 13,000 hectares of almond trees planted between 2006 and 2010 are also expected to need replanting in the coming five years as the productivity of older plants declines.

Trust for Nature

■ Two-thirds of Victoria’s landscape is privately owned, and these properties are home to some of the most threatened species and irreplaceable native vegetation, says Trust For Nature.

“This private land is the land that Trust for Nature has unique powers to protect through permanent conservation covenants. Working with landholders, we can protect vital habitat forever – even if the property is sold.

“Last financial year, we protected 2706 hectares of habitat on private land forever, bringing total land protected to over 119,000 ha.

“We safeguarded the equivalent of 1353 MCG’s.”

Mungbean yields up

■ New breeding opportunities for an important cash crop have been unlocked by University of Queensland and Grains Research and Development Corporation-supported research.

Queensland Alliance of Agriculture and Food Innovation PhD candidate Caitlin Dudley, supported by a GRDC Research Scholarship has revealed key insights about mungbean flowering through extensive field trials.

“Our research found that when mungbean flowers, and how long it flowers, are independent traits with distinct genetic controls,” Ms Dudley said.

Longer droughts

■ A study tracking not only the forces that drive drought but the damage it leaves behind has revealed that droughts have lasted longer in Australia in recent decades, especially in areas with the most people and farms.

UNSW researchers analysed drought trends across Australia between 1911 and 2020 based on rainfall shortages and falling river and dam levels.

Their analysis showed that, since 1971, the time spent under drought conditions has increased across most of Australia, especially in the southeast and southwest.

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Small Town

■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Luke Baird has just released his new single Small Townwhich reflects him growing up in central Victoria and the slow demise of the small town which he loved. It’s ahead of his upcoming debut album featuring Matt Sky. The tracks tell about heartbreak, lost time, and learning things the hard way. Luke adds the songs come from real pain and real moments. But it’s not all dark. There’s hope in there too. Hope that better days are coming and the future can still be brighter than the past.

Women of Blues

■ The Tote Hotel Melbourne will present the Women Of Blues festival on Friday (Mar. 6) commencing 5pm.

A long list of artists will include Back Alley, Sally Stella, L Anning, Minnie and The Moonrakers, Debi Candlish, Linda Stainton, Marni Rose and The Thorns . It’s all Australian talent. Tickets via Oztix.

Gusto Gusto

■ Tyrannosauroborus is the title of the second album to be released by local instrumental group Gusto Gusto at the Evelyn Hotel on Friday (Mar. 6).

Amidst a whirlwind year with over 50 shows including international performances they found time to record a 13track genre crossing album, a raucous instrumental blend of violin, trumpet, clarinet and rocking rhythm section that traverses the worlds of funk, afrobeat, djent and celtic music, says their media. Tickets via Oztix.

Iron Maiden plays Melbourne on Nov. 13

■ Iron Maiden has announce the anticipated Australian dates of their critically acclaimed Run For Your Lives World Tour

They will play in Melbourne on Friday, November 13, at AAMI Park.

Since the band’s first visit to Australia in November 1982, playing to 2000 fans at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney as part of the B east On The Road Tour, Iron Maiden have returned regularly, playing bigger and bigger shows each time.

In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, Maiden return for their eighth tour Down Under, headlining outdoor stadiums for the first time in both Melbourne and Sydney , as well as arenas in Adelaide and .

These large venues will allow fans the chance to witness the new, state-of-the-art production, on the scale it is intended for, to accompany the once-ina-lifetime setlist of songs from the band’s groundbreaking first nine albums.

As a special treat for their fans in Australia, Iron Maiden will bring as their special guests for these shows, Megadeath celebrated a number one album for their self-titled final studio release in both Australia and the USA where they will also be touring with Iron Maiden.

iron Maiden’s Steve Harris says: “We are very excited to be bringing this Run For Your Lives Tour to Australia later this year. And even more so as

we are bringing Megadeath with us. Dave and I have been friends for years and we are very proud to have them as our special guests on their last-ever world tour.

“I think our fans will really appreciate this and it will make it an even more memorable show for everyone. We very much look forward to getting down there to see you all at the end of 2026.”

Manager Rod Smallwood comments: “We are delighted to be returning to Australia just two years after our last visit to that part of the world.

“It’s always a great experience playing to our fans there,

and we know they really appreciate seeing us whenever we can visit.

“And this time we are playing some new outdoor venues too, including the Allianz Stadium in Sydney and AAMI Park in Melbourne.

“I can promise our fans that they are in for a real treat with this setlist and show.

“The band have been loving revisiting this era and especially enjoy playing these songs with the state-of-the-art visuals we’ve created to accompany them.

“We’ve got all the big ones from the early days including Hallowed Be Thy Name,

To The Hills, Phantom of the Opera, Trooper, Number Of The Beast, Killers, Powerslave, 2 Minutes To Midnight and more.

“Plus there’s some true epics including Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, which will be even more special because these shows will be at the very end of The Run For Your Lives Tour, and so the final time the band will ever be playing a number of these songs.

Promoter Paul Dainty said, “This will be Iron Maiden’s biggest tour of Australia ever.” Kerry O’Brien

Senior Service

Home care for oldies

■ Ageing Australia has made a series of recommendations ahead of the Federal Budget to build a sustainable and investable aged care sector.

“Action is needed now, with the number of Australians aged over 70 set to hit 2.3 million by 2044,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.

“The most immediate step the Government can take to relieve pressure on the aged care system is to increase the number of Support at Home packages.

“At last count, more than 100,000 older Australians were waiting for a package and another 100,000 waiting just to be assessed, so the issue is fast approaching a national emergency.”

Difficult to trust

■ Australians over 50 are navigating a treacherous digital landscape, with a new report revealing an alarming prevalence of scams and a sharp decline in trust in information.

Over four in five (84 per cent) have encountered or been victims of a scam, while a similar proportion (83 per cent) find it harder to trust news and information than just one to two years ago.

Seven in 10 (71 per cent) admit they still assume online content is real without checking at least sometimes, and only one in seven (15 per cent) fact-check information or news before believing or sharing it.

PASSIVE HOUSE IN RETIREMENT VILLAGE

■ Keyton, a retirement living operator-developer has showcased Australia’s first Passive House.

“The Passive House at The Grove is the first of its kind in an Australian retirement village,” said Keyton Chief Executive Officer Nathan Cockerill

Practical benefits include cleaner air, consistent indoor temperatures and reduced energy use.

“These are features that can meaningfully improve how older Australians live, and we’re exploring how elements of this design can be applied in future developments,” Mr Cockerill said.

Built as part of Keyton’s sustainability and wellbeing focused approach, the Passive House incorporates airtight construction, high performance insulation, triple glazing and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, Mr Cockerill said.

Senior Moments

Paint with friends

■ Armstrong Creek retirees are picking up a paintbrush for the first time and exploring their artistic side with resident-led art classes.

Residents at Bolton Clarke’s Armstrong Green retirement village have been meeting every Monday evening to learn from their neighbour and artist Trish Keane

Having dabbled in drawing, Trish says she took up a paintbrush after retiring and is now enjoying sharing her expertise to help others find their own artistic style.

“Some of the residents here were saying they wanted to start painting and so I thought why not start some lessons – I’m no teacher but I can help,” Trish said.

“Almost all the residents were starting from scratch and didn’t know anything about painting.

“I have only been painting since I retired about 11 years ago now - it was something I wanted to do, so I started going to an artist in Melbourne to learn and get started.

“The first oil painting I have ever done was of my daughter and from then on, I have loved working with oil paints.”

Meaningful lives

■ How to Dress for Old Age is a work of love and reckoning showcasing two of Australia’s finest writers, Peta Murray and David Carlin, who take up the care for their ageing parents while contemplating their own “third age”.

BORONIA HOUSE OPENING 2026

Havilah is expanding its services with a new 24 – bed aged care facility, complementing its existing facility located in Maryborough, Central Victoria, under an hour’s drive from Ballarat and Bendigo.

Located adjacent to the current Havilah building in Burns Street, this new extension is designed for seamless integration, ensuring continuity of care and enhance convenience for residents. Havilah provides modern, comfortable living spaces with each resident enjoying a private ensuite. The facility offers a peaceful and welcoming environment for residents and their families.

Havilah is a not-for-profit organisation, operated by a Board of Management, involving members of our community.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A HOME IN A LAND-LEASED VILLAGE?

MHOA Victoria can assist you.

The Manufactured Homeowners Association (Vic) (MHOA Vic.) is a non-profit, incorporated, volunteer staffed association, assisting owners of manufactured homes in Victorian land-lease villages and in mixed villages. MHOA provides its members with advice and information on matters pertaining to Part 4A of the Residential Tenancies Act, 1997, and assists members when problems arise between homeowners and the owners of the land.

The MHOA Committee have the lived experience of home ownership in land-lease villages and have a vast knowledge of the Act which governs this form of housing.

We have created our own website, www.mhoavic.com, with a wealth of information, a Victorian map showing all land-lease villages that we have discovered, with street address, the owner’s details, the number of homes and the estimated number of residents. Also on our website, is our agenda for getting legislation changes made, and a group of Information Sheets covering the phases of:

• Buying (Manufactured Homes in Land-Lease Villages, Site Agreements & Legislation, Prohibited Terms, Condition Reports and Exit Fees)

• Living (Rights & Obligations, Village Rules, Dispute Resolution, Rental Fees and Annual Increases, Utilities & Other Charges, ResidentCommittees, Maintenance Responsibilities and Preparation for a VCAT Hearing)

• Selling (Selling a Part 4A dwelling and Closure of a Part 4A Village)

ARE YOU THINKING OF MOVING INTO A LAND-LEASE VILLAGE IN VICTORIA, OR YOU ARE ALREADY LIVING IN ONE?

MHOA Vic can assist you.

The MHOA Vic committee members are all residents living in land-lease villages and due to their lived experience, and their knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act for Part 4A villages, a free information booklet has been produced.

The booklet explains most things you need to know about buying,living and selling in land lease villages.

It also provides a list of questions to ask in order for you to make informed decisions and also explainsthe challenges that may arise when you are living in a land-lease village.

Our booklet covers the various aspects of buying into a village, and then living in one.

• Site Agreements including Exit Fees, Legislation.

• Living in a village, including rules, rights and obligations of residents and site owners, dispute resolution, rental fees with their associated annual increases, utilities and other charges.

• Resident Committees, maintenance responsibilities.

A Victorian map showing all land lease villages along with a wealth of other information can be found on our new website, www.mhoavic.com

To obtain a copy of our free MHOA Vic Information Booklet, please contact us via one of the various access methods shown below:

In The Pink

Managing meds

■ Researchers at Monash University and Flinders University have released a new guide on how to establish and lead a Quality Improvement Collaborative to support senior healthcare professionals, managers and leaders across healthcare settings who are seeking to improve medication management practices.

A QIC uses an evidenced based approach to bring healthcare professionals together from different sites to learn, share and implement best practice in a measurable and sustainable way. QICs have successfully been used in a range of different fields and settings to improve the quality of healthcare.

“Quality improvement strengthens health systems to deliver high quality person-centred care, improve processes for staff and implement evidence into practice,” said a Monash University representative.

Drugs-violence link

■ The Citizens Commission on Human Rights has launched the global release of Prescription for Violence – Psychiatry’s Deadly Side Effects, a two-hour documentary presenting extensive evidence correlating violent crimes, including domestic multiple shootings and suicides, to the widespread use of psychiatric drugs.

CCHR organisations worldwide say the documentary underscores the urgent need for mandatory toxicology screening in violent crime investigations, and for the creation of a public database documenting psychiatric drugs identified in such cases.

Running on empty

■ Several health services remain on financial life support under the State Government, according to the Opposition Opposition Leader Jess Wilson saidf:

“Internal Department of Health data has revealed several Victorian health services are operating with limited available cash holdings – that is, money available to pay operating costs such as staff wages, invoices and utility bills - as of December 2025, including:

■ Corryong Health - $0

■ West Wimmera Health - $0

■ Hesse Rural Health - $500,000

■ Omeo District Health - $600,000

■ Beechworth Health Service - $700,000

■ Mansfield District Hospital - $1 million

■ Kerang District Health - $1 million

“Under Labor, Victoria’s health services suffered a more than $1 billion combined deficit in 2023-24, as key financial indicators – including days available cash – were stripped from recent annual reports,” said Ms Wilson.

Indigenous plants

■ New research suggests an Australian desert plant could help food manufacturers improve protein quality and reduce reliance on added salt in staple foods.

The drought-tolerant shrub affectionately known as Old Man Saltbush is mostly used as stock fodder, but can also be added to salads or cooking and has been used as bush tucker by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years.

Now, early research suggests it could be a healthy and sustainable alternative. The study by RMIT University food scientists analysed the physical and chemical properties of saltbush to understand how it could be used as a functional food ingredient.

Camel milk praised

■ Camel milk is emerging as a nutrient-rich alternative dairy product in Australia, attracting growing interest from nutrition researchers and consumers seeking options for digestive sensitivities. Camel milk differs significantly from cow’s milk in its protein structure, fat composition and naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

WEDNEDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

14% SET TO DITCH HEALTH INSURANCE

■ Some 14 per cent of health insurance group members are set to ditch their cover as costs are set to rise by 4.41 per cent on April 1

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has approved the increase of 4.41 per cent, which is set to be the biggest increase in almost a decade.

“The increase is well above inflation, which was 3.8 per cent in December, and will impact the 15.3 million Australians who pay for private health insurance,” said a representative of FInder researtch group.

This comes as more than two million Australians are turning their backs on private health cover in 2026, according to new research.

Of those who have private health insurance.” 26 per cent ranked it as one of their top three most stressful bills in January, according to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker.

This number is on the rise. In January 2023, just 21 per cent of health insurance holders counted their premium as one of their most stressful expenses.

Changes

These changes come as 14 per cent of Australians – equivalent to 2.1 million people – say they won’t be renewing their private health insurance this year.

On average, Australians with health insurance now pay $238 per month for their coverage, according to Finder research.

Based on this average, an increase of 4.41 per cent would see an increase of $126 per year.

Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said: “Premium increases will sting for households already struggling to keep up with rising costs, and many no longer see health insurance as a must-have expense.

“Before you make any decisions, review your policy and check whether you’re paying for cover you don’t actually use. Downgrading extras, increasing your excess or switching tiers could lower your premium without scrapping cover altogether.

Better deals

“Insurers price risk differently, so you could be overpaying for the same level of protection – and new customers often score better deals, including weeks free or cash for switching.

“If you can afford it, paying annually before the hike kicks in may lock in the current rate. “Also, splitting your hospital and extras cover across two insurers can be a great way to save.

“While some Australians are gambling they won’t need hospital treatment this year, one unexpected accident or diagnosis can become very expensive very quickly.

“Dropping cover can also mean tax penalties, reset waiting periods and higher costs to rejoin later. Before cancelling, compare your options – a few minutes of research could save you far more in the long run,” Ms Megginson said.

Nurses overlooked

■ Mental health nurses make up nearly half of the global mental health workforce, yet they remain overlooked as central leaders in mental health reform.

An RMIT expert argues the need to recognise and uplift mental health nurses and systems under growing global pressure.

Professor Rhonda Wilson, Mental Health Nursing, said: “Mental health nurses are the largest proportion of the mental health workforce, yet remain under-recognised in policy, funding and reform.

"Escalating mental health needs, workforce burnout, climate-related trauma and geopolitical instability have exposed fragile systems worldwide.

“"If we are serious about improving mental health outcomes, specialist mental health nursing leadership must be embedded at every level of the system.”

The Pulse

Based on evidence

■ The Royal Australian College of GPs has called on the Federal Government to establish an independent pricing authority to ensure Medicare rebates accurately reflect the true cost of delivering care.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the College’s pre-budget submission highlights the need for an independent body to ensure rebates are backed by Australia’s healthcare data and free of partisan political intervention/influence.

“For decades, patients’ Medicare rebates have failed to keep pace with inflation and rising operational costs, driving up out-ofpocket expenses and creating barriers to access,” Dr Wright said.

“GPs work at the centre of multidisciplinary teams, but for this to function properly, general practice must be funded sustainably.

“Instead, governments on both sides of politics have set rebates based on shortterm political imperatives rather than from a sound evidence base. The cost of delivering primary care is undervalued – even simple care is underfunded, and complex care even more so.”

Liver disease

■ Researchers from the Centenary Institute have developed a new diagnostic tool, the FAP-Index, that could significantly improve how doctors identify people at risk of serious liver damage caused by metabolic fatty liver disease. The condition affects around one in three Australians

Local Cricket Weekend Results

Premier

■ Firsts. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 21 and 28. Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/282 v Melbourne 1st XI 6/284. Dandenong 1st XI 10/239 v Carlton 1st XI 8-d/317. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 10/130 & 10/182 v Richmond 1st XI 10/70 & 9/ 218. Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/225 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/208. Footscray 1st XI 8/348 v Prahran 1st XI 5-d/405. Northcote 1st XI 8-d/181 & 9/76 v Melbourne University 1st XI 10/112 & 10/210. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 8/222 v Essendon 1st XI 10/221. Geelong 1st XI 10/302 v Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 8/306. St Kilda 1st XI 10/91 & 9/186 v Ringwood 1st XI 10/159 & 10/117.

■ Seconds. Ringwood 2nd XI 10/149 & 7/ 182 v St Kilda 2nd XI 5-d/196. Melbourne 2nd XI 7/266 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 10/265. Carlton 2nd XI 7-d/305 v Dandenong 2nd XI 10/181 & 0/72. Richmond 2nd XI 10/249 v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/108 & 6/166. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 10/121 & 9-d/313. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9-d/156 & 6/144. Prahran 2nd XI 10/218 v Footscray 2nd XI 10/221. Melbourne University 2nd XI 5-d/318 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/147. Essendon 2nd XI 10/295 v Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 7/267. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/128 & 2/96 v Geelong 2nd XI 9-d/311

■ Thirds. St Kilda 3rd XI 10/202 v Ringwood 3rd XI 10/244. Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/ 163 v Melbourne 3rd XI 5/219. Dandenong 3rd XI 10/109 v Carlton 3rd XI 10/401. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 10/215 v Richmond 3rd XI 6/217. Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 5-d/393 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 10/130. Footscray 3rd XI 9/154 v Prahran 3rd XI 10/153. Northcote 3rd XI 3-d/114 & 10/92. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/101 & 6-d/235. Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 9/361 v Essendon 3rd XI 7/183. Geelong 3rd XI 9/281 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/198.

■ Fourths. Ringwood 4th XI 10/184 v St Kilda 4th XI 10/253. Melbourne 4th XI 5-d/272. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 10/66 & 6/145. Carlton 4th XI 1-d/172 & 1/85 v Dandenong 4th XI 10/134 & 10/122. Richmond 4th XI 9-d/ 114 & 5/130 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/99 & 10/144. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/ 122 & 9/51 v Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 3-d/ 127 & 1/47. Prahran 4th XI 10/155 & 1/68 v Footscray 4th XI 9-d/201. Melbourne University 4th XI 6/141 v Northcote 4th XI 10/52. Essendon 4th XI 10/209 v Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 8-d/329. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/102 & 4/29 v Geelong 4th XI 10/187 & 2-d/ 91.

Sub-District

■ East West 1st XI. Two Days. Sats., feb. 21 and 28. Balwyn 1st XI 10/133 v Yarraville 1st XI 3/137. Bayswater 1st XI 9-d/306 v Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/165 & 10/127. Box Hill 1st XI 10/181 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/292. Croydon 1st XI 10/265 v Werribee 1st XI 8/ 271. Altona 1st XI 4-d/98 & 4/64 v Donvale 1st XI 10/51 & 10/110. Melton 1st XI 10/120 v Noble Park 1st XI 7/121. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 7/320 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/180. Williamstown 1st XI 10/107 & 4/73 v Spotswood 1st XI 7/310

■ East West 2nd XI. Yarraville 2nd XI 10/166 v Balwyn 2nd XI 10/340. Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/233 v Bayswater 2nd XI 6/236. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 5-d/200 v Box Hill 2nd XI 10/156 & 4/105. Werribee 2nd XI 8/198 v Croydon 2nd XI 10/148. Donvale 2nd XI 10/ 187 v Altona 2nd XI 4/190. Noble Park 2nd XI 10/97 & 10/114 v Melton 2nd XI 4-d/246. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 9/245 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/140. Spotswood 2nd XI 10/143 v Williamstown 2nd XI 6/147.

■ North South 1st XI. Brunswick 1st XI 5-d/ 208 v Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/177 & 8/95. Preston 1st XI 8/250 v Ormond 1st XI 9/249. Strathmore 1st XI 10/153 v Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/196. Caulfield 1st XI 9-d/174 v Moorabbin 1st XI 10/70 & 10/43. Elsternwick 1st XI 10/138 & 2/70 v Brighton 1st XI 7-d/ 242. Malvern 1st XI 4-d/225 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI 9/223. Oakleigh 1st XI 9/277 v Coburg 1st XI 10/77 & 7/140. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/186 v Kew 1st XI 10/238

■ North South 2nd XI. Ivanhoe 2nd XI 10/ 133 & 8/117 v Brunswick 2nd XI 10/121 & 10/127. Ormond 2nd XI 10/190 v Preston 2nd XI 2/211. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/218 v Strathmore 2nd XI 4/219. Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/34 & 10/97 v Caulfield 2nd XI 2-d/97 & 2/35. Brighton 2nd XI 8-d/205 v Elsternwick 2nd XI 10/132 & 3/80. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/229 v Malvern 2nd XI 6/230. Coburg 2nd XI 10/123 v Oakleigh

2nd XI 7/189. Kew 2nd XI 10/148 & 0/53 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 8-d/207

■ North West 3rd XI Division 1. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/296 v Brunswick 3rd XI 9/345. Melton 3rd XI 10/131 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/56 & 2/39. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/ 176 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/72 & 10/60. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/204 v Preston 3rd XI 10/160.

■ North West 3rd XI Division 2. Coburg 3rd XI 10/105 v Altona 3rd XI 8/257. Spotswood 3rd XI 10/153 v Ivanhoe 3rd XI 3/155. Strathmore 3rd XI 10/264 v Yarraville 3rd XI 10/79. Williamstown 3rd XI 10/368 v Kew 3rd XI 6/154.

■ North West 4th XI Division 1. Brunswick 4th XI 10/203 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 6/ 239. Werribee 4th XI 10/137 v Melton 4th XI 0/21. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/220 v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/216. Preston 4th XI 10/152 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/58

■ North West 4th XI Division 2. Altona 4th XI 10/241 v Coburg 4th XI 10/40 & 10/88. Ivanhoe 4th XI 4/31 v Spotswood 4th XI 10/128. Yarraville 4th XI 10/299 v Strathmore 4th XI 10/242. Kew 4th XI 10/ 170 v Williamstown 4th XI 7/386

■ South East 3rd XI Division 1. Altona 4th XI 10/241 v Coburg 4th XI 10/40 & 10/88. Ivanhoe 4th XI 4/31 v Spotswood 4th XI 10/128. Yarraville 4th XI 10/299 v Strathmore 4th XI 10/242. Kew 4th XI 10/ 170 v Williamstown 4th XI 7/386

■ South East 3rd XI Division 2. Ormond 3rd XI 6/279 v Brighton 3rd XI 10/277. Noble Park 3rd XI 10/156 v Donvale 3rd XI 10/128 & 10/156. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/168 v Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/191. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/115 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 9/539.

■ South East 4th XI Division 1. Croydon 4th XI 10/74 v Balwyn 4th XI 10/300. Mt Waverley 4th XI 10/171 v Elsternwick 4th XI 10/127. Oakleigh 4th XI 9/230 v Malvern 4th XI 8/185. Caulfield 4th XI 10/204 v Bayswater 4th XI 9/22 & 10/79.

■ South East 4th XI Division 2. Brighton 4th XI 2-d/282 v Ormond 4th XI 8/281. Donvale 4th XI 8/40 & 9/76 v Noble Park 4th XI 10/251. Endeavour Hills 4th XI 3-d/ 116 & 4/60 v Box Hill 4th XI 9/88 & 8/87. Port Melbourne 4th XI v Moorabbin 4th XI Forfeit

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. One Day. Bundoora United 1st XI 8/172 v Rosebank 1st XI 9/ 171. Heidelberg 1st XI 10/150 v Bundoora 1st XI 2/151. Macleod 1st XI 9/202 v Diamond Creek 1st XI 6/199. Riverside 1st XI 8/157 v Epping 1st XI 3/159. Rosanna 1st XI 3/128 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 8/127.

■ Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI 3/183 v Montmorency 1st XI 6/182. Greensborough 1st XI 10/118 v Banyule 1st XI 10/142. Mernda 1st XI 9/139 v Eltham 1st XI /144. Bundoora Park 1st XI 4/170 v Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/120. Lalor Stars 1st XI 9/182 v Lower Plenty 1st XI 7/ 192

■ Mash Shield. Hurstbridge 1st XI 6/227 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 10/ 220. Mill Park 1st XI 9/151 v South Morang 1st XI 10/133. Lower Eltham 1st XI 9/202 v Laurimar 1st XI 10/98. Thomastown 1st XI 10/69 v Rivergum 1st XI 0/72. Thomastown United 1st XI 7/164 v Panton Hill 1st XI 6/ 147. Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/141 v Dennis 1st XI 10/83.

■ B-Grade. Banyule 2nd XI 9/144 v Rosanna 2nd XI 5/146. Diamond Creek 2nd XI 3/109 v Plenty 2nd XI 7/108. Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 5/143 v Heidelberg 2nd XI 10/141. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 8/203 v Mernda 2nd XI 9/128. Montmorency 2nd XI 5/122 v Riverside 2nd XI 10/121

■ C-Grade. Bundoora 2nd XI 10/104 v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 9/146. Eltham 2nd XI 4/ 189 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/141. South Morang 2nd XI 8/145 v Greensborough 2nd XI 6/146. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 0/113 v Macleod 2nd XI 10/109. Rivergum 2nd XI 10/175 v Riverside 3rd XI 5/180

■ D-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 8/209 v Keon Park CC 2nd XI 9/170. Laurimar 2nd XI 7/187 v Lower Plenty 3rd XI 9/130. Montmorency 3rd XI 10/177 v Mill Park 2nd XI 9/175. Panton Hill 2nd XI 7/ 195 v Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/159. Rosebank 2nd XI 5/152 v Bundoora Park 2nd XI 5/154. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/82 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 1/85

■ E-Grade. South Morang 3rd XI 1/78 v Thomastown 2nd XI 10/76. Dennis 2nd XI

4/159 v Thomastown United 2nd XI 5/160. Greensborough 3rd XI 8/149 v Mernda 3rd XI 6/150. Riverside 4th XI 8/152 v Lower Eltham 2nd XI 5/179. Bye: Banyule 3rd XI

■ F1-Grade. Rivergum 3rd XI 7/300 v Greensborough 4th XI 9/130. Laurimar 3rd XI 7/114 v Bundoora United 3rd XI 7/113. Banyule 4th XI 4/66 v Eltham 3rd XI 10/62. Dennis 3rd XI 10/118 v Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 6/122. Macleod 3rd XI 1/ 92 v Whittlesea 1st XI 9/89

■ F2-Grade. Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI 9/150 v Banyule 5th XI 8/146. Lower Plenty 4th XI 7/242 v Montmorency 4th XI 8/122. Hurstbridge 3rd XI 7/120 v South Morang 4th XI 10/103. Greensborough 5th XI 10/119 v Mernda 4th XI 4/201. Bye: Riverside 5th XI

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 21 and 28. Mont Albert 1st XI 10/220 v Bulleen 1st XI 8/240. North Balwyn 1st XI 10/282 v Old Carey 1st XI 10/100 & 5/61. Edinburgh 1st XI 10/70 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 6/275. Glen Iris 1st XI 9/ 153 v East Doncaster 1st XI 10/264. ■ Wright Shield. Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/165 v Heathmont 1st XI 10/254. Marcellin OC 1st XI 9/152 & 9/135 v Mulgrave 1st XI 10/103 & 9-d/190. Canterbury 1st XI 10/139 & 4/86. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/117 & 9-d/173. Richmond City 1st XI 10/104 v Surrey Hills 1st XI 9/ 240

■ A Turf. Boronia 1st XI 10/117 v Burwood 1st XI 10/132. Balwyn Saints 1st XI 7/217 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/153. Mazenod OC 1st XI 6-d/140 & 0/84 v Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/59 & 10/163. Old Carey 2nd XI 10/114 v Ashwood 1st XI 5/ 311.

■ B Turf. Heathmont 2nd XI 10/289 v Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 6/290. St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 10/119 v North Balwyn 2nd XI 10/294. East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/179 v Richmond Union 1st XI 8/253. Bulleen 2nd XI 7-d/197 v Canterbury 2nd XI 10/66 & 10/ 122.

■ C Turf. Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 4d/413 v La Trobe University 1st XI 10/71. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/130 & 4/ 238 v Edinburgh 2nd XI 8-d/261. Burwood 2nd XI 4/226 v Boronia 2nd XI 10/223. Mulgrave 2nd XI 9-d/87 v Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/86 & 3/85.

■ D Turf. Surrey Hills 2nd XI 10/75 & 10/ 160 v Richmond City 2nd XI 5-d/220 & 0/ 16. Ashwood 2nd XI 10/242 v Old Carey 3rd XI 9/265. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 9-d/207 v Mazenod OC 2nd XI 10/134. Mont Albert 3rd XI v Marcellin OC 2nd XI 5/37

■ E Turf. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/70 v Heathmont 3rd XI 10/245. La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/187 v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 8/188. Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 6/307 v Surrey Hills 3rd XI 8/110. Richmond Union 2nd XI 9/116 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 9-d/189. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/117 & 7/ 158 v Balwyn Saints 2nd XI 4-d/146.

Mornington Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 21 and 28. Baden Powell 1sts 6/129 v Mornington 1sts 10/109. Heatherhill 1sts 10/ 144 v Dromana 1sts 10/92. Sorrento 1sts 10/ 114 v Red Hill 1sts 10/179. Pines 1sts 6/215 v Langwarrin 1sts 10/212 ■ Peninsula Firsts. Rosebud 1sts 8/219 v Somerville 1sts 10/174. Mt Eliza 1sts 10/140 & 1/89 v Balnarring 1sts 10/109. Old Peninsula 1sts 5-d/289 v Long Island 1sts 9/180. Moorooduc 1sts 10/230 v Seaford CC 1sts 10/277

■ District Firsts. Main Ridge 1sts 10/139 v Rye 1sts 10/205. Carrum CC 1sts 10/169 v Crib Point 1sts 8/228. Boneo 1sts 9/142 v Flinders 1sts 10/132. Seaford Tigers 1sts 7/ 124 v Carrum Downs 1sts 10/78

■ Sub-District Firsts. Tyabb 1sts 8/155 v Skye 1sts 10/151. Frankston YCW 1st 7/226 v Delacombe Park 1sts 10/222. Baxter 1sts 3-d/324 & 4/91 v Ballam Park 1sts 10/96. Bye: Mt Martha 1sts, Pearcedale 1sts, Tootgarook 1sts.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 21 and 28. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/78 v Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 10/163. Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 10/139 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 3/143. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 2/210 v Donath CC 1st XI 10/209.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Cameron CC 1st XI 10/129 v Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 10/ 190. Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 10/87 & 5/120 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 4-d/199. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/135 v West Preston CC 1st XI 9/125

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 10/224 v Preston YCW District 1st XI 10/252. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 8/249 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/248. West Preston CC 2nd XI 10/165 v Fairfield CC 1st XI 7/167

■ B-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 10/170 v Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 10/84. West Preston CC 3rd XI 10/146 v Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 10/220. Fairfield CC 2nd XI 8/78 & 10/121. Northern Socials CC 2s XI 3-d/ 116 & 2/84.

■ C-Grade. Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI Forfeit v Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI. Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI 9/243 v Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 7/248. Royal Park Reds 4th XI 10/151 & 6-d/117. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 10/163 & 3/108

■ Robert Young DODC. One Day. Preston YCW District OD 9/161 v Cameron CC OD 6/160. Kinglake CC OD v Camrea Stingrays CC OD Forfeit. Donath CC OD 10/72 v Olympic Colts CC OD 10/155.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 21 and 28. St Andrews 1XI 10/ 208 v Montrose 1XI 10/123. Ainslie Park 1XI 4/348 v South Croydon 1XI 9/347. North Ringwood 1XI 10/169 v Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/144. Lilydale 1XI 7-d/248 v Norwood 1XI 5/251.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Kilsyth 1XI 9/214 v Vermont 1XI 9/372. Warranwood 1XI 10/213 v Wantirna South 1XI 10/83 & 9/154. Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/182 & 4/98 v Bayswater Park 1XI 3-d/183. East Ringwood 1XI 10/ 112 v Wonga Park 1XI 10/123. Moorool-bark 1XI 10/257 v Heatherdale 1XI 10/287. ■ Stuart Newy Plate. Healesville 1XI 10/ 189 v Yarra Junction 1XI 9/168. South Warrandyte 1XI 10/157 & 5-d/174. Chirnside Park 1XI 8-d/215 & 6/117. Heathwood 1XI 10/137 v Warrandyte 1XI 10/253. Seville Burras 1XI 10/154 v Templeton 1XI 7/155.

■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Norwood 2XI 10/ 78 v East Ringwood 2XI 9/231. Warran-dyte 2XI 4-d/230 v North Ringwood 2XI 10/164 & 3/41. South Croydon 2XI 10/164 v Ainslie Park 2XI 10/255. Montrose 2XI 9/170 v Croydon North 1XI 10/184.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. Templeton 2XI 8-d/181 v Lilydale 2XI 9/165. Croydon Ranges 2XI 10/113 & 7/270 v Eastfield 1XI 7-d/221. Wonga Park 2XI 10/178 v Warranwood 2XI 9/301. Lusatia Park 1XI 7-d/127 v Kilsyth 2XI 10/124 & 7/256 (73).

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Wantirna South 2XI 10/95 v South Warrandyte 2XI 5/98. Vermont 2XI 10/55 & 10/328 v St Andrews 2XI 4-d/156. Chirnside Park 2XI 10/214 v East Ringwood 3XI 10/103. Coldstream 1XI 9-d/269 v Heathwood 2XI 10/134 & 3/79. Heatherdale 2XI 10/71 v Mooroolbark 2XI 3/110.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Finals. First Day. Bentleigh Uniting 1 8-d/323 v Le Page Park 1. East Sandringham 1 7/387 v West Bentleigh 1

■ Woolnough Shield. Elwood 1 7/326 v Omega 1. Mackie 1 9/240 v Cluden 1.

■ Quiney Shield. Omega 2 v Hampton United 1 10/339. Bentleigh Uniting 2 v Le Page Park 2

■ Pullen Shield. Cluden 2 0/25 v Kingston Heath 2 10/170. Mackie 2 10/245 v Elwood 2

■ E-Grade. CUCC Kings 4 9/275 v Southside East Caulfield 1. Melbourne Districts United 1 5/60 v South East Oakleigh 1 10/124.

Western

■ A-Grade. One Day. West Point Titans 2nd XI 9/182 v Altona Sports 1st XI 9/194. Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 10/122 v Manor Lakes 2nd XI 6/123. Williams Landing SC 1st XI 9/235 v Tarneit Central 4th XI 10/124

■ B-Grade. Point Cook Centrals 3rd

STRAIGHT SIX AWAITS TENTYRIS

■ Unlike a Big Six, Pick Six and Super Six, the Straight Six isn’t one of the many types of bets punters are able to choose from these days.

Rather, this is a reference to the Flemington 1200 metres (six furlongs prior to 1973) where the horses jump from the same start as the Melbourne Cup , but don’t go on to travel a lap of the track.

In fact, over the years, the Newmarket Handicap has been known unofficially as the Melbourne Cup for sprinters.

Both races are handicaps, intended to give every horse a fair chance of winning, whereby it isn’t always the thoroughbred with the best credentials who carries the day.

Despite this, since 1874, many greats of the Australian turf have overcome a significant weight disadvantage to achieve victory.

Among them are Malua (1884), Bernborough (1946) and Black Caviar (2011).

This Saturday (Mar. 7) at Flemington , star three-year-old colt Tentyris will be asked to shoulder more weight than many older and more experienced rivals.

Just two years ago, then three-year-old colt Cylinder only had to carry 51.5 kilograms when first home in the Newmarket. Time will tell if connections consider he is up to this challenge.

Certainly, the bookmakers believe so, as the son of Street Boss has been an oddson favourite for the race since he gave his opposition a start and a beating in the recent Lightning Stakes.

Tentyris has had just eight starts, each at Group or Listed level, with his first outing his only unplaced run.

Since then, he has recorded five wins, one second and one third placing.

His past two trips to the races have netted two Group 1 successes.

It is also considered 1200 metres is his best distance, as he has posted three wins and one second from four starts at that trip.

Flemington would have to be his favourite track, having had four starts at the course for three wins and one third.

So, everything points towards Tentyris if he lines up on the day.

If not, the following horses have shown enough to win in his absence:

My Gladiola

Has met Tentyris on four occasions, with the star colt beating this filly home three times.

However, the daughter of I Am Invincible will be advantaged by the handicap conditions here.

She resumed from a spell finishing second in the Lightning Stakes and has always performed well at her subsequent start.

Angel Capital

Ignore his unplaced effort recently behind Joliestar in the Expressway Stakes at Randwick

He became fractious in the barriers and underwent a veterinary examination before being allowed to start.

Then on jumping away, lost ground when badly crowded by other horses and raced keenly thereafter.

Caballus

Scored wins at Flemington and Doomben over this distance late last year

Rod Basto Observer Racing

before being freshened up. Came out and finished a solid second in the Expressway Stakes, also at 1200 metres. Is certain to have benefited from that run.

All Star Mile

■ Another highlight on this Super Saturday of racing at Flemington is the Group 1 All-Star Mile.

Run at weight-for-age over 1600 metres, this feature event was only added to the racing calendar for the first time in 2019.

The most recent winners have been Zaaki (2022), Mr Brightside (2023), Pride Of Jenni (2024) and last year, Tom Kitten Chances abound in this renewal, and they include the past two winners: Pride Of Jenni

In November 2024, it was thought this sweetheart of Australian racing was ready for retirement.

However, she returned to the track and won four of her eight starts last year.

A first-up tilt at the All-Star Mile is now on the agenda and there is no doubting her credentials, despite being eight years old.

Treasurethe Moment

Appeared a little disappointing when beaten as an odds-on favourite after leading in the Futurity Stakes

Can’t be written off though, as she should improve with that run under her belt.

Has an ultra-consistent race record and should remain competitive in anything she contests.

Tom Kitten

Launched his current campaign coming from well back and wide to win at Caulfield over 1400 metres.

Last year’s winner out for back-to-back wins.

No reason why he can’t do it again.

Horses To Follow

■ Simply Steffi

■ Sheza Alibi

■ Buckaroo

■ Leica Lucy

■ Terilee

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, March 4: Caulfield Heath

■ Thursday, March 5: Cranbourne

■ Friday, March 6: Kilmore, Pakenham

■ Saturday, March 7: Flemington, Edenhope, Towong, Hinnomunjie

■ Sunday, March 8: Echuca, Stony Creek, Balnarring

■ Monday, March 9: Warrnambool

■ Tuesday, March 10: Ballarat

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MOTHER JILL

■ Western District racing at Hamilton commenced the week on Monday February 23 with a eight race program on a lightning fast track and Scotts Creek partowner/trainer Xavier O’Connor was the big winner of the day after snaring the 2160 metre Vale Heather Wills Maiden Pace with 3Y0 Stay Hungary-Security Code gelding Decode at the massive odds of $34.

Raced in partnership with mother Jill, Decode who was responsible for a close up second to Keayang Simba at Terang ten days earlier when making his race debut, came out running from gate five to cross the odds-on favourite Keayang Alabama (gate two).

Allowed to roll along without any pressure being applied, Decode gave his rivals the slip prior to the final bend to score by a huge 26.2 metre margin in a 1-55.7 mile rate from brother Nicholas’ 4Y0 Betting Line-Roman Abbey (gate four – one/one –three wide last lap), with Colosimo (gate three – one/two) third 1.1 metres back for Camperdown duo Gary and Darryl Lawlor in an all Western District trifecta which paid $2775.90, with the family quinella paying $297.60.

■ Stawell trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth was victorious with 6Y0 American IdealRed Hot Rita gelding Optimal in the Permewans Mitre 10 Hamilton Pace over 1660 metres.

Raced by partner Natasha Raven, Optimal after being trapped three wide from gate six went forward to drop behind the leader Livermere (gate two) racing for the bell.

Angling away from the inside approaching the home turn to be one/one on the back of Shewillwantano (three wide to outside the leader from a solo second line draw) which dashed to the front on turning, Optimal gave chase to blouse him by 1.1 metres returning a mile rate of 1-54.5. Huxham Chubb after being restrained at the start to the tail from gate six, Raced in-between runners in the last lap for third 3.5 metres back.

■ Seven year old Devilish Smile-Our Skinny Maree gelding Ooh Ah Listah trained at Harkness by Joanne Justice was on his best behavier to land the 1660 metre Team Teal Awareness Month Pace. Slotting in nicely one/two from inside the second line for cousin Leilani Justice as Starsinhereyes and Jordie Leedham flew way from outside the front line to lead, Ooh Ah Listah after easing wide approaching the home turn ran home strongly to gain the day by 2.3 metres in advance of a deathseating Bizzie Lizzie (gate five), with Starzinhereyes holding down third 4.2 metres back. The mile rate a very fast 152.7.

■ Mount Gambier trainer/driver David Drury’s 8Y0 Guaranteed-Harbhahay gelding Roblen Ranger raced by a very large syndicate was a tough victor of the Alexandra House Sports Club Pace over 2160 metres.

Going forward to race outside the pacemaker Ocean Avenue (gate three) also from the Mount, Roblen Ranger gave plenty to register a head margin over Mister Americano (one/two – three wide last lap from solo on the second line, with Ocean Avenue holding down third a nose away in a tremendous finish. The mile rate 1-58.2.

Shepparton

■ Tuesday’s Shepparton fixture came to an end very early in the night following torrential rain and lots of lightning activity –the only race held was the 1690 metre Efex Pace taken out by Charlton trainer John Tormey’s 11Y0 Betterthancheddar-Dee Cee Cullen gelding Eastbro Jesse.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Eastbro Jesse after a cosy one/one trip from gate three with Binalong Bay (gate five) leading and handing over to Keayang Santiago (gate six), eased three wide on the final bend to record an easy 8.8 metre margin in advance of Just Pedro (gate two) which followed him everywhere. Keayang Santiago held third 4.1 metres back. The mile rate 1-54.8.

Maryborough

■ Maryborough home of the trotter raced on Wednesday with a most interesting meeting and 78 year old Carlsruhe trainer Jack Sullivan who loves his harness racing

was victorious with home bred Majestic Son-Nicky Newky filly Chantilly Lass in the Aldebaran Park Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Driven by Jodi Quinlan, Chantilly Lass (gate six) making her fourth race appearance was trapped in the open through the early stages as Metro Swish (gate three) led before dropping to the back of the leader.

Using the sprint lane, Chantilly Lass was too strong over the concluding stages to score by 1.5 metres in a mile rate of 2-05.1. Kyvalley Joker (six pegs from a solo second line draw) was eased to race exposed for the last lap and finished third 10 metres back.

■ Astute Haddon trainer/driver Damian Burns produced a smart Ride HighOurlittle Princess colt by the name of Themidnightexpress on debut to lead throughout in the 1690 metre Vital Signs Vicbred Voucher 2Y0 Pace over 1690 metres.

Although tackled strongly by another on debut Crippa (a colt by Poster Boy) on the final bend after racing exposed from gate six, Themidnightexpress refused to give in, recording a 2.1 metre margin in a rate of 201.7. Polemarker La Cantarice a Poster Boy filly on debut was third a nose away after trailing the winner from the bell.

■ The 1690 metre Benstud Standardbred Pace saw Bacchus Marsh trainer Jess Tubbs in the winners stall when 11Y0 Village Jot-Kano Phoebe gelding Lenard Ess raced by her and mother Kate greeted the judge. With Jordy Leedham in the sulky, Lenard Ess after settling well back in the field from the extreme draw gained a sweet three wide trail home on the back of Breathe Easy one/two ahead of him to extricate four wide on turning and run on best to blouse Breathe Easy by a nose in a tricky finish. Caruso Star came from the tail for third 9 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.1.

■ Melton owner/trainer Steve Alexandrou’s 10Y0 Great Success-Majestic Eclipse gelding Allwatfunjingles repaid him for some terrific runs against the top class horses of late by taking the 2190 metre Worlds Best Hoof Oil Trotters Mobile in a 2-03.3 mile rate.

Driven by Chris Alford, Allwatfunjingles after going forward from gate five was able to cross the leader Atego Dawn (gate two) shortly after the start and rated well, proved too strong for Azalea Mae (gate three - one/one – three wide last lap) by 9.2 metres which was given every chance. Night Flight (outside front line) came from a mile back to be four wide on the final bend for fourth 6.4 metres back.

Kilmore

■ It was Kilmore on Thursday with a eight race card and Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs combined with ‘The Herbster” James Herbertson to pull off a big plunge in the first of eight races at Kilmore last Thursday February 26 when 4Y0 LennythesharkPembrook Caesar entire Ronnie The Hammer scored in the 2180 metre OKRFM Community Radio Pace.

Starting from gate four, Ronnie The Hammer began fast from gate four only to be trapped wide as Martyr (gate five) showed great speed to lead.

Gradually working forward to race outside the pacemaker, Ronnie The Hammer was given a breather when polemarker

Michen Roy came away from the back of the leader to race in the open giving Ronnie The Hammer one/one cover as the in-form Lilstrepo after being restrained to mid-field in the running line from outside the front line commenced a three wide surge forward racing for the bell only to be trapped wide for the remainder of the trip.

Easing three wide in the straight with the winning post looming, Ronnie The Hammer backed into $1.60 got the judge’s nod by a head from Martyr which shifted ground on turning allowing Hittheroadjack (three pegs from gate two second line –behind leader last lap) to use the sprint lane to dead-heat for second in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 1-57.6.

■ Pipers Creek (Kyneton) trainer Tony Xiriha combined with Kyneton’s Joe Attard to land the 2180 metre Picklebet ‘Get Your Pickle On’ Trotters Mobile with 11Y0 Red Samurai-Spinster Clare gelding Buslin Brody returning a 2-02.7 mile rate.

Starting from the extreme draw, Buslin Brodie settled four back in the moving line as poleline Massif Central was challenged strongly by Tubs Now Slim (gate two) which began equally as well but couldn’t cross settling one/one after April Sun (gate four) went forward from three back to join Massif Central who was given no peace.

While all this was going on, Buslin Brody after switching to the markers received inside runs to trail the leader. Held up when April Sun got the better of Massif Central and kicked clear, Buslin Brody was able to follow Midnite Muscle (one/two – outside April Sun on the final bend) after extricating from the inside and ran home best to prevail easily by 9.4 metres from a game April Sun, with Midnite Muscle 4.6 metres away third. The mile rate 2-02.7. It was Buslin Brody’s 15th success in 129 outings.

The C&M Build Group Pace over 1690 metres saw Moolerr (St Arnaud) partowner/trainer Denis McIntyre combine with Michael Bellman aboard honest exKiwi 5Y0 gelding Shudaboughtaboat. Caught three wide from gate four with Sweet Face (gate three) leading, Shudaboughtaboat crossed to the front prior to the bell and although inclined to hang and run about, reached the wire 3.2 metres clear of Sweet Face and Rennie Tin Tin (gate six) which went forward to race exposed for the last lap third 2.3 metres away. The winner unbackable at $1.10 saved punters from that sinking feeling hitting the wire.

■ Seventy three year old Acadia trainer John McLean who has been involved in harness racing since a youngster was victorious in the Broadstead Kilmore Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with 4Y0 Majestic Son-Sunday Service gelding Bumper Service much to the delight of long time participant Terry Woodyard who races him. Driven by Chris Alford, Bumper Service led from gate five before allowing Spanish Rizardo (three wide to outside the leader from outside the front line) to take over mid-race.

Using the sprint lane, Bumper Service finished best to record a 1.9 metre victory over Spanish Rizardo which showed a win isn’t too far away. Money Talks (gate two –four pegs – one/two last lap – three wide home turn) was third 4.4 metres away and also looks to be a coming winner. The mile rate 2-03.2.

Ararat

■ Friday was Ararat Pacing and Trotting Cup night with both races carrying a purse of $20,000 in a neat program of racing.

The 2195 metre Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup going the way of Mount Wallace trainer Kyle Marshall with ex-Kiwi 5Y0 gelding Ata Rangi.

Crossing polemarker Madrigal from gate four shortly after the start, Ata Rangi driven by Jordy Leedham led throughout in a gutsy victory after the favourite Meteor Moth from the extreme draw was sent forward with a rush to tackle the leader in earnest but was unable to cross.

Kicking clear approaching the final bend with Madigan (gate two second line) which had been three wide from the bell issuing a challenge, the pair went head and head to the wire with Ata Rangi stalling off the challenge to win by a half head in a thrilling finish.

Madrigal along the sprint lane held third 4.1 metres back a nose ahead of Maxy

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Birchip – much anticipated Running Of The Bulls and Cup/ Wangaratta (Cup), Tuesday – Echuca.

Wants To Play (three pegs from inside the second line) which was checked in the last lap. In quarters of 29.1, 29.9, 28.2 and 30.1, Ata Rangi returned a 1-55.9 mile rate only two tenths of a second outside Perfect Stride’s 1-55.7 set in 2022.

■ The Ararat Pre Mix King Trotters Cup over 2570 metres saw Fieldstone (Melton District) trainer Vince Dicocco victorious with most consistent 7Y0 Creatine-Muscle Ruby gelding More Wanted. Raced by Vince in partnership with Mark Del-Re and a large group of family and friends, More Wanted driven by Bendigo’s Jack Laugher stepped cleanly from 20 metres to settle one/one as polemarker Im Above The Law led.

Pushed back a spot when Avant Guard (10m – one/two) took off mid-race to make an unsuccessful bid for the front running, More Wanted after easing three wide in the last lap sprinted sharply to join the leaders on the home turn, continuing the move to gain the judges nod by a nose from Avant Guard and Our Marvella (20m – one/three) which flew late out wide to cut Maximez (gate two – behind leader) out of third by a nose after using the sprint lane.

In quarters of 30.9, 30.4, 29.3 and 29.9 after a lead time of 77.4 seconds, More Wanted returned a mile rate of 2-03 - 1.9 seconds outside Aldebaran Vera’a 2-02.2 set last year.

■ Veteran 83-year-old Coimadai trainer Graeme Whittle has never lost his enthusiasm for the sport and snared the Hotondo Homes Trotterrs Handicap over 2165 metres with 9Y0 Skyvalley-Kyvalley Diva gelding Floating Mountain who is a most reliable source and never far away in his races.

Driven by son Matthew who also races the horse, Floating Mountain starting from 30 metres was smartly away to settle three back in the moving line as the roughie Brown Eyed Kate began best to lead from barrier two.

In what was a winning move, Floating Mountain was sent forward three wide to join the leader Ataboy Charlie which had taken over within a lap racing for the bell and in a two horse war on turning, Floating Mountain got the stride in to record a 1.2 metre margin. Sonarmi Joh (30m – one two) three wide home turn was third a metre away. The mile rate 2-05.5.

Newcastle

■ What a night it was for Cranbourne’s Scott Ewen at Newcastle (NSW) on Friday winning three races on the program including the $100,000 (Group 2) Newcastle Mile with evergreen 11Y0 Art Official-My Riviera Girl gelding Bulletproof Boy.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Bulletproof Boy awkwardly drawn outside the front line was taken back to the tail as ex Victorian Cheerstolou led from gate three. Still last hitting the back straight, Bulletproof Boy followed both the raging hot favourite Rakero Rocket (gate four - one/ one) and Bainbridge (gate seven -one/two) into the final bend and after easing to the extreme outside on turning, motored to the wire to record a 1-50 mile rate in defeating Rakero Rocket by 1.2 metres, with Bainbridge 2.8 metres away third. (Last half 54.8 – quarter 27.9).

Scott Ewen in what was probably his biggest night ever also snarned the Garrards Horse & Hound Pace with Bulletproof Kid (Ewa Justice) and the 2HD Breakfast With Richard King Pace with Tara Victory (James Herbertson).

Len Baker

Murrindindi hit hard, says Governor

■ “Murrindindi Shire was hit incredibly hard by the recent Longwood bushfire,” weas the message from State Governor, Prof. Margaret Gardner, during her visit to Yarck and Fawcett on Friday (Feb. 27).

“Hundreds of thousands of hectares were burnt, hundreds of houses were lost - along with many other buildings, critical infrastructure, livestock and farmland,” Prof. Gardner said on social media after the visit.

“After receiving a briefing from Murrindindi Shire Council on devastating impact of the fires and the ongoing recovery efforts, the Governor visited affected areas in Yarck and Fawcett to see the damage firsthand,” said her representative.

“It brings to close the visit to the broader region, facilitated with Emergency Management Victoria, where the Governor has met with those affected, and given thanks to those who have worked on prevention and recovery efforts.”

Freemasons collect for fencing donation

■ Collections are underway amongst Victoria’s Freemasons to assist with farm re-fencing in gthe Yarck-Cathkin-FawcettKorielle area.

Individuals and lodges are making donations to a fund, which will be co-funded by Freemasons Foundation Victoria.

Ivanhoe Lodge has donated $1000; Weston Street United Lodge has pledged $1000; and Whittlesea Lodge has promised $500. A number of donations have been mnade by Freemasons and members of the public, More donations will be collected over the next two months.

Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge is heading the drive. Ivanhoe had an historic link with the former Duke of Clarence Lodge at Yea. The Ivanhoe Lodge was formerly the Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge, and the Ivanhoe Grammar School evacuated to Yea in World War II.

Donations can be made to ivanhoe Lodge, BSB 633 000. Account 144 000 510.

The Freemasons intend to make their aggregate donation via Foundation Murrindindi, to be passed on to the Fawcett Mechanics Institute for distroibution by the local committe headed by past Murrindindi Citizen of the Year, Sam Hicks.

The bushfire relief fund is being promoted by Ash Long, a member of Ivanhoe Lodge for the past 48 years. The fund is under the supervision of Lodge Master Peter Winter, Secretary Geoff Lewis and Treasurer Graeme Hawke, and will be audited.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026

YOUR EXCELLENCY

Treasurer under fire

■ Western Victoria MLC Bev McArthur has challenged State Treasurer Jaclyn Symes over what she described as inconsistences in the State Government’s claims about Country Fire Authority funding, following her repeated assertions that funding increased every year.

Mrs McArthur is referencing CFA annual reports which demonstrate total income fell from $456.3 million in 2020–21 to $451 million in 2023–24, over the period when the Premier and Treasurer said it had increased.

“So again, we ask: will she acknowledge that CFA total income of $451 million in 2023–24 was less than $456.3 million?” she said.

Mrs McArthur said the annual reports also indicated the CFA had recorded deficits in 2023–24 and 2024–25.

“Page 74 and its equivalents in earlier annual reports confirmed the total income figures referred to in the substantive question and also that the CFA ran a deficit,” she said.

“Why is the CFA running a deficit?”

Mrs McArthur said that instead of answering straightforward questions, the Treasurer chose to dismiss the specific figures and the concerns raised directly from the CFA’s own reported figures.

Mrs McArthur said that the Treasurer responded: “I can assure you that funding for the CFA has not reduced as you have alleged. I can continue to point you to the facts; I cannot force you to understand them.”

Mrs McArthur said: “The response simply demonstrates the Government’s arrogance towards scrutiny and their blatant disregard for facts.

“The Treasurer did not dispute the figures because she cannot deny that $451m is less than $456.3m.”

“When Labor cannot explain the numbers, they attack the question.”

Volunteers refuse

■ Just 8000 of Victoria’s 56,000 CFA and SES volunteers have lodged applications for rebates on the emergency services tax they must pay this financial year, reports The WeeklyTimes.

As of February the Government had paid out just $3.4m to 7400 volunteers, equivalent to an average of $459 each, TheWeekly Timessaid.

“The slow uptake appears to be due to a mix of volunteers taking a principled stance against receiving any form of payment, while others appear confused over the rebate rules.”

‘Loss everywhere’

■

“We all use words and phrases like resilience, coming together, rebuilding, support, recovering and such,” Cr Clark Holloway told the latest meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council.

“Yes, these are important concepts and yes, they are even true. But they come about from the one that has defined the beginning of this year which is loss.

“Loss everywhere. Wildlife, stock, farms, out buildings, homes. And when we get to people's homes, we've also lost memories, keepsakes, histories, stories.

“A big part of our collective stories are now gone. I can only say that fortunately the loss of human life was minimal.

“But unfortunately, we may lose even more stories if people who have lost their anchor to this place decide that it's too difficult, too painful to rebuild and another place gains their story, and Strathbogie Shire loses it.

“There are, and will continue to be amazing examples everywhere of resilience coming together, rebuilding, support and recovering. I don't want to sound completely without hope.

“The sad facts are that Strathbogie Shire has been hit with a terrible two year drought, rising costs hitting residents, especially farmers in that time, and now the worst fire in our Shire's living memory, or as Scott [Jeffery]said, since the 1960's.

“To those people who've lost their place and their story, I can only say we are with you.

“We are a community who will come together, rebuild, support and recover together.

“Its all we have. It is supremely unfair that some amongst us have lost everything, but we will share all we have with you until our collective story can begin anew,” Cr Holloway said.

Back to fire areas

■ Cr Sue Carpenter told last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting that she has spent a lot of time talking with community members.

“Three weeks post the start of the Longwood fires I have been back to some of the fire impacted communities,” Cr Carpenter said.

“At the Terip Terip community relief meal I was able to get feedback from the community about how and if their needs were being met, and how Council could help support them in the coming days and weeks. I then was able to report their concerns back to Council

“I have visited Highlands for a community relief meal twice. Again, I had the opportunity to meet impacted locals and hear their stories, hopes and fears.

“Emergency Recovery Victoria held a community information meeting at the Shire Hall in Yea on Thursday, February 5.

“Yea Rotary Club members cooked a barbecue after the meeting and more discussions were had.

“Psychologist and disaster relief expert Rob Gordon spoke at Yarck Hall February 17. His insights and advice were so helpful. Take the opportunity to see him speak in Alexandra.

“In my portfolio area, there are helpful fact sheets on our web site regarding temporary accommodation including:

■ Eligibility

■ What they are

■ Temporary buildings

■ Storage

■ Shipping containers,

■ Vegetation removal

■ What is native vegetation

■ Exemptions

■ Dangerous trees

■ Roadsides

Hildebrand reports

■ Cr Paul Hildebrand told last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting that the past month has been nothing short of relentless, with an extraordinary effort from so many people right across the shire.

“The scale of what our communities have faced has required resilience, patience and compassion — and I have seen all that in abundance,” Cr Hildebrand said.

“Our community hub volunteers have been second to none. The long hours they have committed, the care they have shown, and the quiet strength they bring each day has made an enormous difference to so many people.

“They have worked tirelessly to ensure residents feel supported, informed and connected, doing everything possible to help people navigate these very challenging times. Their dedication to their communities should not go unnoticed.

“I also want to acknowledge our Council staff, who have been exceptional. Many have stepped well beyond their normal roles and responsibilities, working extended hours and responding wherever they are needed most.

“Their professionalism, commitment and genuine care for our community have been evident every step of the way.

“In addition, we have been very fortunate to receive assistance from staff from neighbouring councils who have generously given their time and expertise to help us manage the workload. That support has been invaluable.

“The generosity shown by individuals, businesses and organisations has been nothing short of remarkable.

“The number of people donating their time, money, goods and services truly reflects the strength and character of our community.

“In times of hardship, we see the very best in people, and this past month has been a powerful reminder of what community spirit really means.

“I have continued visiting as many communities as possible, supporting our community hub leaders and speaking directly with residents. While I do my best to be present and available, it often feels like it is never quite enough.

“Listening to people’s stories of loss, uncertainty and frustration is heartbreaking at times. These are real impacts affecting families, livelihoods and futures. But alongside that, I have also witnessed incredible resilience and solidarity.

“The community hubs have become places not only of practical support, but of connection,” Cr Hildebrand said.

Mansfield Mayor reflects

■ Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Shire Mayor, spoke at the February 17 Council meeting about the Longwood fires and the recovery that has begun.

“2026 began in the most challenging way imaginable for the communities here in the north eastv of Victoria,” Cr Rabie said.

“The Longwood fire broke out on January 7 and over the following days, days of extreme and catastrophic fire danger, it spread through our neighbouring shires and reached Mansfield Shire’s western borders.

“The fire suppression efforts of hundreds of CFA, FFMVIC and FRV firefighters saw the fire come to a halt in the west of our shire but the communities at Merton, Woodfield, Maintongoon, Ancona and Bonnie Doon were impacted to varying degrees.

“I’d like to thank the private firefighters who left their homes in the early hours of the fire to go and defend the farms and properties of others. More than once, I’ve been told they had a huge mpact on firefighting efforts.

‘Fortunate’

“We’ve been fortunate. The fire burned around 140,000 hectares of land and claimed hundreds of homes, 15,000 animals and the life of one human.

“The impact we’ve seen here in Mansfield Shire is dwarfed by the impact recorded in Murrindindi Shire and Strathbogie Shire

“I was pleased to see the Mansfield Shire Emergency Relief Centre open in the early hours of the emergency.

“Over 1000 fire-impacted people came through its doors seeking shelter, food, water and access to emergency relief services with another 100 people, along with nearly 200 animals, visiting the Mansfield Shire Emergency Relief Centres for animals at the Mansfield Showgrounds, McCormack Park and Mansfield Zoo.

“Council was well prepared for this emergency and it showed in the response. I’d like to thank the staff who coordinated the response and those who stepped out of their day-to-day roles to work at the Emergency Relief Centre, around the clock, to make sure those who needed help, received help.

“The community showed resilience, spirit and self-reliance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Pride

“They came together to support each other. People opened their doors and homes to those in need of shelter. People donated their time, efforts, money and goods to the relief cause.

“As the Mayor of Mansfield Shire, I’m grateful to those who’ve helped out and I’m very proud to be part of such a special community.

“Through decades of experience with the Barjarg CFA brigade and involvement in complex operations on dangerous firegrounds such as Corryong during the Black Summer Bushfires, I’ve learned the need for strong, present leadership as well as clear and timely communication during emergencies.

“I joined the shire’s Municipal Emergency Management Team, advocating for the needs of community and working to bring the community regular updates through Council’s Facebook page, through interviews with Mansfield Radio 99.7 and through conversations with the MansfieldCourier.

“I hope my updates provided the community some clarity during a difficult time.

Advocacy

“As a result of the bushfires, we have welcomed Minister Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events as well as Minister Nick Staikos, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Local Government, to Mansfield

“These visits gave us an opportunity to advocate on behalf of our community for immediate financial assistance to aid relief and recovery efforts.

“We also stressed the need for an Emergency Services Precinct that gives our emergency services the facilities they deserve.

“Our shire’s going to experience emergencies in the future, bushfires and floods. We have to be prepared. We’ve asked the Ministers to advocate on our behalf and we’re hopeful that they will prove to be allies in our critical mission to get the Emergency Services Precinct over the line.

“The news that the fire was finally contained came just in time for the Australia Day long weekend which was good news for our shire’s small business owners who have been impacted by the town’s closure during the peak

tourist season.

Place to be

“Despite having to go the long way via Benalla, visitors returned to Mansfield Shire in large numbers. It felt like the place to be for the Australia Day long weekend.

“I’m really pleased Council’s Australia Day celebration at the Botanic Park was so well attended and well received.

“It’s an event that Council looks forward to every year. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate what is so great about our country and our little shire.

“Finally, Council continues to advocate on behalf of the community on matters that impact them.

“I’ve recently spoken out about the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund to mark 12 months of advocacy against the unfair tax.

Support

“Our small businesses, our primary producers and our volunteers have been through a lot of late and they need our support.

“The ESVF does not support them. Twelve months on and the ESVF remains as badly conceived as it was when it was announced.

“It’s a significant strain on our community, our businesses and our local economy.

“I remain in correspondence with the government officials who manage the state’s network of roads and control the road maintenance funds.

“I don’t believe Mansfield Shire is getting sufficient investment from Spring Street to improve the safety of our roads. Our population is growing. The number of visitors we host from Melbourne each year is growing.

“The State Government’s roads need to be able to accommodate these growing numbers and keep residents and visitors safe as they travel through our shire.

Results

“This advocacy work is ongoing and will not stop until we get the results we need.

“Summer is coming to an end and cooler, shorter days are coming. Hopefully we receive some rain to freshen up our Shire after a dry summer.

“In the meantime, please continue to pay attention to fire danger ratings and announcements on total fire bans. These restrictions are in place to keep us all safe,” Cr Rabie said.

‘State of alert’

■ Murrindindi Shire Council last week received a fire receovery update from Cr Sandice McAulay:

“Over the past weeks, many of our communities have continued living in a heightened state of alert following the Longwood fire and recent fire activity across the region. The emotional and economic impacts remain very real,” Cr McAulay said.

“The recently completed economic impact report is based on agricultural data, business engagement feedback, Spendmap information and Commonwealth Bank data.

“Approximately 4500 kilometres of fencing were destroyed — the equivalent of the distance from Perth to Sydney. This represents both internal and boundary fencing across agricultural properties.

“Beyond the physical loss, the report identifies significant flow-on impacts to productivity, small businesses, and regional supply chains.

“Council continues to advocate for a more comprehensive regional impact assessment through RDV, while working closely with the Business Recovery Group and local operators to coordinate support and minimise duplication.

“Our recently completed Economic Development Strategy and Local Development Strategy will assist greatly with providing a structured pathway to rebuild jobs, diversify industry and retain economic activity locally.

“A recent briefing by the Murrindindi Health Network Executive reinforces that economic resilience is directly linked to health access and workforce capacity. The plan has identified:

■ Approximately 1,050 potentially preventable hospital admissions per year.

■ Between 450 and 600 years of life lost annually due to preventable conditions and health crises.

■ Significantly higher levels of mental health-related hospitalisations compared to the state average.

■ Suicide rates remain significantly higher than the Victorian average.

“The broader economic cost of fragmented health access in Murrindindi is estimated at $87–$90 million annually in social and productivity loss.

“Looking forward, modelling shows:

■ Mental health demand projected to grow substantially by 2036, placing considerable pressure on services.

■ Aged care demand increasing significantly.

■ Workforce requirements across nursing, medical and allied health roles exceeding current local capacity.

“This is not just a health issue — it is a workforce, economic and community sustainability issue.

“The Murrindindi Health Network Plan provides a coordinated, decade-long approach to:

■ Strengthening local workforce pipelines through training and placements.

■ Improving navigation and transport coordination.

■ Reducing avoidable admissions through prevention and integrated care.

“The document has already helped with advocacy work, including a submission to the Commonwealth Aged Care Inquiry, and has been used to explain why more funding is needed for local mental health support.

“The Plan will come to Council for endorsement in March.

“Council continues to support and coordinate:

■ Business Recovery Working Group

■ Community Hubs

■ Volunteer coordination

■ Collaboration between:

■ Murrindindi Foundation

■ Alexandra Events

■ Material Aid Groups

■ As well as directly and indirectly affected businesses.

“The fire has highlighted how interconnected our systems are — economy, workforce, mental health and community resilience.

“Rebuilding fencing is essential. Rebuilding workforce capacity and keeping care local is equally essential.

“When Council, Support Agencies and volunteers coordinate their work, the whole Shire benefits.

“It means more support is given to the people who need it, and no one wastes time doing the same job twice and more importantly people needing help are less likely to fall through the gaps,” she said.

‘Roll up your sleeves’

■ Rural Aid has released its 2026 Farm Recovery Event program, delivering practical, hands-on support to farming communities impacted by floods, fires, cyclones and ongoing drought.

These week-long events bring together volunteers from across the country to help restore damaged farm infrastructure, improve productivity and support the wellbeing of farming families doing it tough.

From fencing and repairs to property clean-ups and gardening, volunteers play a vital role in helping farmers get back on their feet, said a Rural Aid representative.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Farm Recovery Events are about more than physical repairs.

“Each Farm Recovery Event provides meaningful, practical support that helps farming families move forward after incredibly challenging seasons,” Mr Warlters said.

“Our volunteers don’t just rebuild fences or clear debris, they help restore hope. When farmers see people turning up to lend a hand, it reinforces that they are not alone. That sense of solidarity is incredibly powerful.

“Farmers consistently express deep gratitude for the support provided through Farm Recovery Events.

“Beyond the tangible improvements to their properties, many say the greatest impact is knowing that others care enough to show up and help.”

Mr Warlters said volunteering at a Farm Recovery Event is a powerful way for Australians to stand alongside farming families.

“Volunteering your time and skills can make an immediate and lasting difference,” he said.

“It’s a chance to give back to the people who put food on our tables and keep regional communities strong.

“We encourage individuals, community groups and corporate teams to get involved in 2026.”

First-time 2025 Farm Recovery Event volunteer Liz Meloury, who assisted at the Wingham event last year, said the experience was both humbling and rewarding. Contributed

WOOD COLLECTION STARTS

■ Victorians can collect free firewood for personal use from designated State Forest firewood collection areas in Yarra State Forest and Paul Range State Forest as from last Sunday (Mar. 1)

The autumn firewood season ends on June 30 , but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s website has published maps showing available collection areas from last Sunday.

Maps are updated throughout the season as collection areas open or close due to availability or access.

An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer Port Phillip region, Tamara Beckett, said firewood in the collection areas had come from FFMVic’s 2024 storm recovery operations and preparatory works for bushfire prevention operations.

Medium volumes of firewood from storm recovery by-product will be available at Pioneer Creek Domestic Firewood Collection Area Firewood in Mississippi collection area was drawn from planned burn preparatory works.

Low volumes of firewood were available at MB Fireline, Patrol Rd, Xanthorrea Track, Worlleys Track and other roadside collection areas.

Ms Beckett urged firewood collectors to plan their visits and check road closures.

“For example Worlley's Track, Crusher Track, Mississippi and Torbets collection areas include some seasonally closed roads which will close on from June 9, she said.

She urged Victorians to collect wood safely, use their chainsaws responsibly.

Ms Beckett urged collectors to check daily fire conditions and to drive on designated formed roads.

“I encourage you to be aware of the environment around you for the safety of yourself and that of others,” she said. “Trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.

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“Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut wood that is on the ground due to natural fall or forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a standing tree, living or dead.

“A wheelbarrow may be needed to transport wood to the vehicle as the vehicle cannot leave formed tracks.”

Ms Beckett said people can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres which is approximately the size of a large box trailer load per household per financial year.

“Most people do the right thing, collect wood that is already on the ground, take only what they need, and stick to limits and rules,” she said.

Authorised Officers patrol State forests and can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules.

If prosecuted in court, more serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $10,175 and/or 12 months in prison. Authorised Officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment used in firewood offences.

■ The Federal Government must guarantee that regional Australians will not be left high and dry with no landline or broadband services, following Telstra’s announcement it will shut down its CAN Radio and ADSL networks, says Senator Sarah Henderson.

“After Labor’s mismanagement of the 3G mobile network shutdown, Communications Minister Anika Wells must ensure that impacted customers can seamlessly transition to newer technologies such as 4G fixed wireless, Starlink, or the NBN,” Senator Henderson said.

“No matter where Australians live, access to these services including Triple Zero emergency calls is critical.

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Monday, April 6-Sunday, April 19 (not performing Wednesdays). 6.15pm. Theatre/PlayMelbourne International Comedy Festival. Gumboot Theatre Company. In a new play inspired by Real confessions, 'Confessional' showcases the hilarious and confusing thoughts we have when we lust over someone. In a comedic sketch-style exploration of love, it brings to light the community we find through confession. Tickets: $16.88-$31.23. 432 Queen Street, Melbourne. contact@gumboottheatre. com.au. https:// www.comedyfestival.com.au/ browse-shows/confessional/ March 23-April 5, Daily, 5.45PM. Why Are You Here? Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A Bronwyn Isaac's debut at Melbounre International Comedy Festival, and it's a show that catches flights AND feelings! $34.30. The Motley Spielhaus. Phone: 9245 3700. Email: bronwynariel@gmail.com. Web: https://www. facebook.com/ profile.php?id= 61588374243391

FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. 11.30am. Laughter Yoga. Nunawading Laughter Yoga group. LOLJoin our laughter session to discover the benefits of laughter. It can reduce stress, improve your mood while having interaction with others.nteraction. Free. Tuntable Park, Luckie St. Nunawading. Phone: 0414 518 820. EmailL: jennylouise21@gmail.com

Notice of Precipe

For the record Marta Popa© nee Servanis, on Victoria, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 38541 62601 on Proclamation Date10th September 2025, respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Marta Popa© nee Servanis in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

Seeking John and Peggy Bailey in Coolaroo - Victoria Please contact Sylvia Hall. Now living in Katoomba NSW. Email: sylvia85hall@gmail.com /steve.hall70@yahoo.com

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P24/0977.01

Applicant name: ARC ENG DESIGN

The Land affected by this application is located at:

114 BRADFORD ROAD MOUNT MARTHA LOT 9 LP 7096 VOL 8459 FOL 004

The application is to amend permit number by: AMENDING THE PLANS / DOCUMENTS ENDORSED UNDER THE PERMIT GENERALLY INVOLVING:

• Increase maximum building height from 5.92 metres to 7.88 metres.

• Increase maximum wall height from 4.867 meters to 6.865 meters.

• Increase building setback from eastern side boundary from 1.50 meters to 1.99 meters.

• Reduce extent of earthworks.

• Vary restrictive covenant AY864038X affecting the land described as Lot 9 on Plan of Subdivision 007096 on Volume 8459 Folio 004 by amending item (a) (building envelopes) by replacing building heights fixed by Australian Height Datum (AHD) level ‘118.85’ with new levels.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 18 MARCH 2026

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

FOR SALE

Gravesite Private Sale CHELTENHAM MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY Rare opportunity Idyllic location, shaded bench seat Up to 3 Burials +Cremations 0417 556 755

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/2237

Applicant name: B KONDOS

The Land affected by this application is located at: 41 NAVIGATOR STREET MCCRAE LOT 1 PS 647182 VOL 11508 FOL 255

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOP DOUBLE STOREY DWELLING AND VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT PS647182H BY:

•DELETING THE WORDS “THE REGISTERED PROPRIETOR OR PROPRIETORS FOR THE TIME BEING OF LOT 1 ON THIS PLAN OF SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT CONSTRUCT OR ALLOW TO BE CONSTRUCTED A BUILDING OUTSIDE THE AREA SHOWN HATCHED ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW”

•AND REPLACING WITH THE WORDS “THE REGISTERED PROPRIETOR OR PROPRIETORS FOR THE TIME BEING OF LOT 1 ON THIS PLAN OF SUBDIVISION SHALL NOT CONSTRUCT OR ALLOW TO BE CONSTRUCTED ANY BUILDING (EXCEPT FOR SUNBLINDS, VERANDAHS, PORCHES, EAVES, FACIAS, GUTTERS, MASONRY CHIMNEYS, FLUES, PIPES, DOMESTIC FUEL OR WATER TANKS, HEATING OR COOLING EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES, LANDINGS WITH AN AREA OF NOT MORE THAN 2sqm AND LESS THAN 1m HIGH, STAIRS, RAMPS, PAVERS, RETAINING WALLS, PERGOLAS, SHADE SAILS, SWIMMING POOL AND ASSOCIATED OUTBUILDINGS OF AREA NOT EXCEEDING 25sqm) OUTSIDE THE AREA SHOWN HATCHED ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW UNLESS WITH THE FURTHER WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE COUNCIL. •VARYING THE BUILDING ENVELOPE DIAGRAM

A PERMIT IS REQUIRED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE OF THE PLANNING SCHEME:

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSEMATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO3) Construct a building or construct or carry out works

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO3)Construct a fence

Clause 52.02 (Easement,Create, vary or remove an Restrictions and reserves)easement or restriction

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 23 MARCH 2026

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

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMI APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/1989

Applicant name:

PRIME SURVEYING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

The Land affected by this application is located at: 1/2 & 2/2 MAINE STREET TOOTGAROOK

LOT 1 RP 14737 VOL 11003 FOL 698

LOT 2 RP 14737 VOL 11032 FOL 298

LOT CM RP 14737 VOL 12118 FOL 142

The application is for a permit to:

VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT 1178130 ON COMMON PROPERTY ON PLAN OF STRATA SUBDIVISION 014737 VOL 12118 FOL 142 AND LOTS 1 & 2 ON PLAN OF STRATA SUBDIVISION 014737 VOL 11003 FOL 698 & VOL 11032 FOL298 BY DELETING THE WORDS “…COMPRISED IN ONE SINGLE-STORIED BUILDING.”

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

Planning Scheme Clause:Matters for which a permit is required

Clause 52.02Vary a restriction

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 18 MARCH 2026

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

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P26/0030

Applicant name:

PREMJEET SINGH FAMILY INVESTMENTS PTY LTD

The Land affected by this application is located at: 57 & 59 BAXTER-TOORADIN ROAD BAXTER and 2 EATON PLACE BAXTER

LOT 12 LP 112707 VOL 9099 FOL 055

LOT 13 LP 112707 VOL 9099 FOL 056 LOT 54 LP 94452 VOL 8938 FOL 761

The application is for a permit to: VARY THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS BY DELETING (A) AND (E):

•COVENANT G598025 AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBED AS LOT 12

PS112707 VOL 09099 FOL 055

•COVENANT G651321 AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBED AS LOT 13

PS112707 VOL 09099 FOL 056

•COVENANT E957773 AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBED AS LOT 54

PS094452 VOL 08938 FOL 761

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE:

MATTERS FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

CLAUSE: 52.02 CREATE. VARY OR REMOVE AN EASEMENT OR RESTRICTION

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 23 MARCH 2026

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

& Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public

view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the