The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Feb. 25, 2026

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026

OPPOSITION LEADER VISITS WOLLERT CFA

■ Opposition Leader Jess Wilson joined Country Fire Authority volunteers at Wollert, to hear about the challenges facing their brigade.

Ms Wilson signed the CFA volunteer pledge, committing that a future Liberals and Nationals Government will provide the funding, support and recognition that the CFA deserves.

“The Wollert CFA volunteers are doing a fantastic job serving their local community and ensuring residents along Melbourne’s rapidly growing north more broadly are protected from all manner of emergencies,” Ms Wilson said.

“They desperately need the support of a government that will commit to funding and resourcing them properly, which just isn’t happening under Labor’s wrong priorities.

“I am proud to sign this pledge and commit that - if elected - a Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will provide the CFA the support it deserves.

“Thank you to Wollert CFA Captain Senad Tubic and First Lieutenant Tony Ellis for the invitation and for the brave work your brigade did over summer fighting dangerous fires in towns like Longwood, Ruffy and Harcourt

“I also acknowledge the outstanding work volunteers from our wonderful Indian community provide to this brigade.”

Northern Metropolitan Region MLC Evan Mulholland also signed this pledge.

“It’s great to host Jess Wilson here in Wollert and for her to see the challenges this community is facing, like so many across Victoria, thanks to Labor’s neglect.”

ELTHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

■ This year’s Eltham Jazz Festival will again be held on Friday (Feb. 27) and Saturday (feb. 28) in the Town Square precinct.

Plenty Valley FM continues it long association with the event, including live music fromtwo alternating stages, and the flavours of local wineries and food.

Plenty Valley FM President Craig Wright said “Music is a medium that is all-inclusive, and this festival is a multi-sensory event featuring all the sounds, smells and tastes that the festival brings.

“We will be broadcasting live from 4pm on the Friday and midday on the Saturday

“It’s one of our biggest community engagement opportunities within our service area in Melbourne’s outer north.

Conrad Browne from Vision Australia Radio says: “ Vison Australia Radio is known for providing access to information, but we also appreciate an opportunity to collaborate with other stations and deliver quality entertainment to our community of interest too.

“That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with Plenty Valley FM to simulcast some of the many highlights from the Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival on our IRIS DAB+ feed for Melbourne’s blind and low vision community.” www.elthamjazz.com.au/program

Tree removals

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is carrying out essential tree removal works in Euroa this week.

To maintain public safety and support the health of o local reserves, the following dead or declining trees will be removed:

■ Two small dead trees in Seven Creeks Park (near the RSL )

■ One dead tree near the Euroa Miniature Railway

■ Two Flowering Gums on Clifton St that are in poor condition

“These works will help ensure our public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said a Shire Council representative.

Inland rail works

■ Inland Rail works are being undertaken across multiple sites in Mitchell Shire to provide sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains. Works are underway in Broadford, Seymour, Tallarook and Wandong These works are being delivered by John Holland.

Some road closures and extended working hours will be needed as works progress, with delays expected.

Khial Smith wanted

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Khial Smith

The 35-year-old man is wanted for questioning in relation to an aggravated burglary at a property on Maude St in Shepparton about 12.30am on Saturday, February 14. Police are investigating after a man forced entry, started two small fires and threatened some of the occupants who disturbed him.

Inside This Week

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026

Local Briefs

Feral deer action

■ Nillumbik Council was due last night (Tues., Feb. 24) to consider supporting a motion to the Australian Local Government Association in Canberra in June to increase grant funding and investment of infrastructure to support the delivery of their National Feral Deer Action Plan 2023. The plan aims to limit the spread of feral deer into new areas and reduce their negative impacts on agriculture, communities and the environment.

Dog park changes

■ Concept plans for Hurstbridge Dog Park look likely to be amended.

The park, located at 14 Arthurs Creek Rd, Hurstbridge, is a wellutilised and valued community asset, regularly frequented by local dog owners and their pets.

Nillumbik Council has secured grant funding through the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program (Round 2) to support upgrade works at the park. The grant program guidelines require the Council to make a financial co-contribution to the project.

Tourism meeting

■ Mansfield Shire’s tourism industry reopresentatives attended last week’s Tourism Connect network and planning meeting.

The meeting signalled the local industry’s firm commitment to growing tourism and the visitor economy in the region.

Hosted by Mansfield Shire Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Team, the meeting brought together tourism businesses, industry partners and stakeholders to discuss the Shire’s Destination Management Action Plan, a practical roadmap guiding local tourism priorities over the Attendees received an update on the ongoing bushfire recovery efforts, including relief and advocacy work, marketing initiatives and upcoming events.

Mansfield Council and Tourism North East outlined regional marketing activity, including a major campaign designed to support visitation across the High Country Participants workshopped priority actions within the Plan, helping to refine timelines, sequence projects and ensure delivery remains achievable and aligned with industry and council capacity.

“The collaborative approach reflects Council’s commitment to genuine stakeholder involvement in shaping tourism strategy and actions,” said a Mansfield Shire representative.

Jazz Festival this weekend

■ This year’s Eltham Jazz Festival will again be held on Friday (Feb. 27) and Saturday (feb. 28) in the Town Square precinct.

Plenty Valley FM continues it long association with the event, including live music fromtwo alternating stages, and the flavours of local wineries and food.

Plenty Valley FM President Craig Wright

said “Music is a medium that is all-inclusive, and this festival is a multi-sensory event featuring all the sounds, smells and tastes that the festival brings.

“We will be broadcasting live from 4pm on the Friday and midday on the Saturday

“It’s one of our biggest community en-

gagement opportunities within our service area in Melbourne’s outer north.

Conrad Browne from Vision Australia Radio says: “Vison Australia Radio is known for providing access to information, but we also appreciate an opportunity to collaborate with other stations and deliver quality entertainment to our community of interest too.

“That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with Plenty Valley FM to simulcast some of the many highlights from the Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival on our IRIS DAB+ feed for Melbourne’s blind and low vision community.”

www.elthamjazz.com.au/program

OPPOSITION LEADER VISITS WOLLERT CFA

■ Opposition Leader Jess Wilson joined Country Fire Authority volunteers at Wollert, to hear about the challenges facing their brigade.

Ms Wilson signed the CFA volunteer pledge, committing that a future Liberals and Nationals Government will provide the funding, support and recognition that the CFA deserves.

“The Wollert CFA volunteers are doing a fantastic job serving their local community and ensuring residents along Melbourne’s rapidly growing north more broadly are protected from all manner of emergencies,” Ms Wilson said.

“They desperately need the support of a government that will commit to funding and resourcing them properly, which just isn’t happening under Labor’s wrong priorities.

“I am proud to sign this pledge and commit that - if elected - a Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will provide the CFA the support it deserves.

“Thank you to Wollert CFA Captain Senad Tubic and First Lieutenant Tony Ellis for the invitation and for the brave work your brigade did over summer fighting dangerous fires in towns like Longwood, Ruffy and Harcourt

“I also acknowledge the outstanding work volunteers from our wonderful Indian community provide to this brigade.”

Northern Metropolitan Region MLC Evan Mulholland also signed this pledge.

“It’s great to host Jess Wilson here in Wollert and for her to see the challenges this community is facing, like so many across Victoria, thanks to Labor’s neglect.”

Local Briefs

Unscheduled meet

■ Whittlesea Council was due to hold an unscheduled meeting last night (Tues., Feb. 24) to onsidering details relating to confidential matters in regard to the employment of Chief Executive Officre Craig Lloyd.

The meeting was due to be closed to the public with discussion to include Mr Lloyd’s contract and a mid-term review.

Donnybrook Rd issue

■ Northern Victloria MLC Wendy Lovell has demanded that the Minister for Roads and Road Safety [Melissa Horne] immediately release the final designs for the upgrade of Donnybrook Rd

Last year s Horne advised Ms Lovell that Major Road Projects Victoria was progressing planning work, which would be complete in late 2025.

“The timeline shown on the Big Build webpage for the Donnybrook Rd upgrade says planning work would be complete in late 2025 after feedback from the community consultation had been reviewed,” Ms Lovell said.

“2026 is now well underway, but there are no signs of any design work being released to the public, and locals are concerned that the most urgent sections of the upgrade will not be prioritised by the Allan Labor Government.”

Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament last week to call on the Minister to confirm whether the designs have been finalised, and publicly release them.

Ms Lovell said: “Donnybrook Rd is the most egregious example of Labor’s planning failures in growth areas. Fully duplicating Donnybrook Rd , including the bridge over the Hume Fwy, is an urgent necessity, but the Allan Labor Government won’t commit to this vital project.”

Impact Report

■ An Impact Report compiled by Murrindindi Shire Council details the severe and compounding impacts of the January Longwood Bushfire and earlier floods on local businesses, farms and the visitor economy.

Recovery will be won through coordinated investment across government, philanthropy and industry, over the long term.

“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,” said a Murrindindi Council representative.

Highway signs ‘unreadable’

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has slammed the State Government for allowing directional signs on state arterial roads to degrade to the point of being unreadable.

“Roads across northern Victoria have become more dangerous as the directional signs that guide drivers are faded and cracked, with lettering that has shrunk or is peeling off,” Ms Lovell said.

“Inability to read directional signs can cause driver confusion, and lead to risky manoeuvres when drivers realise at the last second that they must take an exit or change lane.

“One egregious example is the fork in the road on the exit lane where drivers leave the Goulburn Valley Highway to join the Hume Freeway.

“One side goes to Wodonga and the other side curves around to join the

This is the February 25 of The

cal Paper (including the Melbourne Observer) for 2026. Digital issues are produced weekly, and print issues are published fortnightly.

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Rod Basto, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Linda Hartley, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Graeme McCoubrie, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Lucy Nicolson, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky, Tyler Sandiford

Hume toward Melbourne, but it’s hard for unfamiliar drivers to know which side of the fork to take because the text on the sign is unreadable.”

Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament last week to call on the Minister for Roads and Road Safety [Melisssa Horne ] to invest in maintenance and renewal of state arterial road signs in Northern Victoria. “Roads signs across Northern Victoria are unreadable because the lettering has shrunk, faded, cracked or is peeling off,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Minister for Roads and Road Safety must stop penny pinching and urgently order a program of road sign refurbishment.”

“ Labor can’t manage roads, can’t manage money, and Victorians are paying the price.”

Public artwork for Montmorency

■ A new public artwork is coming to Montmorency, drawing inspiration from the local bushland and community feedback.

Titled Hello Casuarina, the sculpture is inspired by the native Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis), a tree of cultural significance for the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people and strong ties to Montmorency’s bushland character. The artwork will be installed at the Station Rd and Were St intersection by mid-2026.

The design builds on feedback gathered by the State Government during community consultation in 2020-21 railway station redevelopment, where locals expressed a strong desire for natural, earthy materials and artwork that reflects local flora and fauna.

Artists Joanne Mott and Dr John Power bring extensive experience in public art and a deep understanding of Montmorency’s sense of place, with Joanne having previously lived in the area.

“The work celebrates local flora and will become a symbol of the heart of the village”, said Ms Mott. “It’s earthy tones and organic surface creates a strong dialogue with the surrounding bushland, reinforcing the sense-of-place unique to Montmorency.”

The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project.

Dr Power is a digital artist specialising in interactive and ambient screen-based art. His practice focuses on generative media and digital storytelling.

Ms Mott is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores nature, ecology and place through sculpture, installation, collage and new media. She was originally shortlisted in 2021 to develop a concept for Montmorency Station and brings continuity to the project.

Ms Mott has previously lived in the area, and the character of Montmorency and the wider region continues to influence her practice. Her response to this commission draws directly from the original artist brief, shaped by community consultation from 2021, and builds on her earlier concept for the site.

Local Briefs

Cemeteries Trust

■ The Banyule Cemetries Trust, run by Banyule City Council, had a overall operating surplus for the six months ended December 31, of $3750. The Trust had budgeted for an operating surplus for the six months of $48,548. The variance is $44,798 or 92 per cent less than budgeted, Banyule Councillors were advised.

Rate capping

■ Whittlesea Council last week received a petition from 17 residents requesting that the City consider a concept that the level of ates to be levied against residents be based on the cost of the services provided by Council and that the rates be capped at $1400 irrespective of the value of their property.

Hawkstowe plan

■ A development plan for a single property at 1180 Plenty Rd, South Morang , was considered last week by Whittlesea Council. The site is approximately 2.1 hectares in size and is bound by Plenty Rd to the west and south. Two local roads and a Council owned reserve are directly to the north and Hawkstowe railway station is directly to the east.

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GOVT IS CORRUPT: GUY

■ Bulleen MLA Matthew Guy has accused the Allan State Labor Government is being corrupted.

He was addressing allegations that $15 billion has gone missing from Big Build projects.

“This is the kind of disgraceful behaviour that I think locals are, rightfully, very, very angry about, and more to the point would be very angry that Labor members would be defending,” Mr Guy said.

“But it is not surprising that Labor members would defend the disgraceful action of union members abusing local people on social media.

“Why wouldn’t they defend them when $15 billion goes missing from Big Build sites, primarily to bikie gangs via the CFMEU , and the Labor Government goes quiet and says there is no problem, no need for an inquiry and no need for a Royal Commission? This government is corrupt

“Recently I spent time with Bulleen locals hearing about a number of issues which they are very concerned about in relation to the North East Link, particularly dust, noise, and water pressure in Elizabeth St, in Austin St and in Derwent Square

“A number of these locals have been voicing these issues and concerns on social media.

“But as a number of them wanted to show me and did show me, when they have taken to social media they are being heavily bullied. These people are clearly associated with the union movement on Big Build sites,” Mr Guy said.

By-election to be held in May

■ A by-election will be held in May for the Thomastown Ward seat vacancy in the City of Whittlesea caused by the resignation of Nic Brooks for ‘personal reasons’.

The by-election will be run and managed by the Victorian Electoral Commission and will take place via postal voting.

Nominations to become a candidate open at 9am on Monday, April 13 and close at 12 Noon on Tuesday, April 21.

The Brooks resignation took effect immediately on January 11.

He was elected to Whittlesea Council in the November 2024 Local Government elections and served on a number of Committees in this time.

While the role of Thomastown Ward Councillor remains vacant, residents of the ward can contact the Mayor, Deputy Mayor or the broader Councillor group for any enquiries.

12 sign petition

■ Banyule Council has received a petition with 12 signatures, calling for the suspension of rates for traders in Cartmell St, Heidelberg.

Struck by car

■ Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Reservoir on Friday evening (Feb. 20).

Emergency services were called to reports a woman had been struck by a car on Seston St about 7.40pm. The woman died at the scene. A man, alleged to be the driver, was arrested at the scene. A man has since been charged with murder.

Investigators allege the people involved appear to be known to each other.

Homicide Squad detectives were to attend the scene.

Property decisions

■ As this issue of The Local Paper went to press, Darebin Council was last night (Tue., Feb. 24) due to make decisions about the future of properties at:

■ Pioneers Retreat, 152-154 George St, Northcote

■ Sheds 2 and 4, 2 Wingrove St, Alphington

■ Old Preston Police Station located at 59B Roseberry Ave, Preston

■ Celebrations will be held at Watsonia Town Square from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, March 14.

325kg of Lego

■ More than 325kg of Lego has been donated to be sorted and sold at 14 Church St, Greensborough.

“It's been amazing to watch the whole team as they have worked tirelessly to build what will be an incredible community and workplace for neurodivergent young people,” said a Banyule Council representative.

paper.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, February 26

Addo, Papa Yaw Akram, Saher Bedggood, Norman Leslie Biddle, Aaron Bond, Jason Glyn Buckley, Matilda Butler, Jade Christou, Anthony Coleman, Rebecca Connell, Danny Egboiyi, Christopher Elmaaraoui, Ahmed Fleming, Kristine Foley, Lachlan Thomas Gibson, Brendan Green, Adam Blair Hadson, Brock Hammond, Anthony James Hardinge, Biron Harmer, Brantley Hogan, Bernard Arthur Horvat, Igor Kelly, Hugo Kerslake, Mitchell Kirkham, Kaylam Leeves, Joshua Loughnan, Julia Stephanie Manning, Scott Adrian Marchant, Pamela Lynette Martin, Joshua Mcdonald, Paul Mcdonnell, Jake Michael Merkel, Scott Andrew Murphy, Ziek Patrick Nancarrow, Charles Nodzio, Jai Clinton Ryan, Michael Ronald Sanderson, Matthew Santiago, John Skinner, Heath Leslie Sleddon, Alison Thorpe, James Threlfall, Bree Titley, Eric Walker, Rory Washington, Rachel Wood, Ryan

Friday, February 27

Churchill, Brett Michael Djuric, Miroslav Donnelly, Lachlan Neil Foster, William Foster Freemantle, Duncan Godfrey, Mathew Lincoln, Colin Lincoln, Corey Lincolns Earthmoving Pty Ltd Wallace, Dennis 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 Lebidka, Henry Lucas, David Musovic, Sinna Pugh-Mundy, Sarina-Lee Ross, Paul Douglas Sabellano, Frinch Sharma, Sushil Sharpe, Rhys Sparkes, Matthew Luke Sundbloom, Elle

Corruption comment

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish describes the Big Build project findings as the largest corruption scandal in Victoria’s history .

“In Parliament, the Premier repeatedly refused to explain what actions she has taken to keep women safe following the release of the Watson Report into CFMEU misconduct,” said Ms McLeish who is Shadow Minister for Women.

“It’s not good enough for the Premier of Victoria to pretend this is everyone else’s problem but her own.

“he Premier failed to guarantee:

■ That sexual exploitation is no longer occurring on Victorian Government worksites.

■ That no sexual assaults are occurring on Victorian Government worksites.

■ That state sponsored strippers are no longer on Victorian Government worksites.

■ That no sex offender is currently working on a Victorian Government worksite.

■ That any woman sexually assaulted on a Victorian Government worksite will be eligible for compensation.

“Premier Allan has comprehensively failed Victorian women, workers and taxpayers,” Ms McLeish said.

New grants policy

■ The City of Whittlesea has adopted a new Grants Policy Grants apply for local individuals, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and businesses.

The Council says that it has provided more than $1 million in grants and funding since last July.

“Annual grants help community-based organisations deliver specialised services, while four-year funding agreements are available to organisations with a strong history of providing essential services or major community-driven festivals and events,” said a Council representative.

Whittlesea Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox said: “The City of Whittlesea’s Grants Policy reflects our strong commitment to supporting our diverse and growing community. We’re helping individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses deliver programs, services and events that make a real difference to our community.”

Cat confinement

■ New cat confinement rules have been introduced in Nillumbik Shire, introduced, requiring cats to be on their owner’s property at all times unless they are securely confined (for example, in a cat carrier or on a leash).

Cat confinement forms part of Nillumbik’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025–2029 and was accompanied by two rounds of community consultatio.

The Council says that it recognises this is a significant change for many households and their cats. A two-year transition period has been introduced and is now in place.

The Council says that its approach is focused on education and guidance, working with cat owners to support a smooth and practical transition to keeping cats at home. Cats can still enjoy outdoor time at home, provided they remain within the boundaries of their owner’s property. Enclosures or escape-proof fencing arec suggested.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said cat confinement was vital for keeping both local wildlife and cats safe.

Festival returns

■ The City of Whittlesea Community Festival returns on Sunday, March 15, with a full day of free, family-friendly entertainment, live performances and hands-on activities at the Civic Centre Lawns

“This year’s festival offers an even bigger program of theatre, music and colourful performances across stages at PRACC and the Civic Centre Lawns, along with plenty of festival favourites,” said a Council representative.

50th anniversary

■ Bundoora United Football Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary year.

President Marc Cittadini says that since 1976 the club has grown into one of the largest and most successful community clubs in Melbourne’s northern corridor. A move was made to South Morang in 2003.

“Some clubs treat football like a business, prioritising A teams and redirecting the majority of fees to fund NPL teams or senior imports. We reject this 'win-at-allcosts' model. At Bundy, every player matters. Every family belongs.

“This core value isn't just words, every dollar goes back into our community and our home. You can see the results in our upgraded synthetic pitch and new lighting, a project also made possible by a combined $1.2M investment from the Victorian Government and the City of Whittlesea Teams are:

■ MiniRoos: U8 (3 teams), U9 (3 teams), U10 (5 teams), U11 (4 teams).

■ Juniors: U12 (4 teams), U13 (5 teams), and U14 (4 teams).

■ Seniors: U15, U16, U18, U21, Reserves, Seniors, Metros, and Masters.

“I'm also a proud Bundy parent. My kids grew up here, and now my grandkids play at the club,” Mr Cittadini said.

Advocacy priority

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors are expected at the meeting tonight (Wed.) to set the Alexandra Community Relief and Leisure Centre Redevelopment Plan to be a priority for advocacy for the 2026 State Election. The meeting is due to commence at 6pm at Alexandra.

As the Climate Turns Hostile, Councils Turn to AI

■ Images of devastated property are becoming an increasing feature of news outlets in communities across the country.

Uprooted trees on buildings, carparks with rows of battered vehicles, smashed windows, flooded local shops and homes –even loss of life is increasingly common.

Recently, it was NSW and southern Queensland battered by severe hail and thunderstorms through northern parts of Melbourne and what was described as the most significant storm event on record in Port Pirie in South Australia.

In Sydney and the Central Coast, the hottest October on record was punctuated by sudden and record-breaking wind, rain and hail.

All over Australia, what were once one in 50 year weather events – or even the type of event usually associated with in the tropic – have become more and more frequent.

Fortunately, technology has progressed as climate uncertainty has increased. It is now possible, for example, to have such a detailed and granular view of all the assets and infrastructure in a community that the individual trees at highest risk of falling can be identified in minutes after a storm warning.

And, furthermore, to get individual messages to the residents most likely to be affected.

So why is not every council doing this?

Firstly, budgets are desperately tight. An aging community putting pressure on the cost of services and rate capping constrain-

ing revenue have them in a fiscal pincer.

Secondly, the cost of keeping alive the old, legacy technology running their operations is growing more and more, and delivering less and less of the services residents have a right to now expect.

Some, however, are showing there is a path through.

Central Coast Council in NSW recently partnered with Australian tech giant TechnologyOne to completely replace business systems it had relied on for more than 20 years.

The new systems will not only deliver huge internal operational savings – automating processes that today take hours of council staff time – it will support the citizen focused services that communities increasingly will not be able to do without.

But the icing on the cake is that the Council will pay less for the technology than it is presently paying for its outdated and inadequate mishmash of overseas software products.

Not just save a small amount –it believes it will save $2.4 million of precious ratepayers’ money.

The combination of TechnologyOne’s unique pricing model, which does not charge separately for implementation –the heart of the tech wreck horror stories councils so desperately need to avoid – and the reality that system modernisation can save money from day one, is changing the game for councils considering digital transformation. And not a moment too soon for residents.

THOMSON Fatal accident

■ Police are investigating a fatal crash in Thomson (Geelong) on Saturday evening (Feb. 14).

Emergency services were called to reports a car had crashed into a parked vehicle on Lomond Tce about 7.25pm. The male driver died at the scene.

The investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing.

PRESTON

Vale Tim Picton

■ Nathan Lambert, Preston MLA, has paid tribute in State Parliament to the life of Tim Picton.

“I rise to acknowledge the passing of Tim Picton, who was well known to this place through his contribution to Victorian politics and the broader Australian Labor Party.

“Tim died as the result of an allegedly violent and unprovoked attack that occurred outside a Perth nightclub on December 27 at 5.30 am.

“I think it is important to say that Tim was actually someone who was very comfortable smoking Winfields outside a nightclub at 5:30 am.

“He was someone who for a long time had a bit of a Jim Morrison , young Bob Hawke kind of vibe to him. He was charismatic, he was iconoclastic; he liked people and people liked him.

“But his great magic was that he would then walk into the office or onto the campaign trail, and he would be the same person, but he had this extraordinary drive and determination. He was effective and he was competitive in a real team captain sort of way. He brought people with him, and he had achieved more at age 36 than most of us will achieve in our lifetimes.

“At his memorial were two premiers, the Prime Minister and 680 of us who all thought we were amongst his closest friends. Our thoughts are with his brother Chris, his sister Jo, his wife Priya and their four-year-old daughter Charlotte.”

JAIL FOR MAN, 42, WHO SEXUALLY TOUCHED CHILD

■ A Victorian man was sentenced by the County Court in Melbourne to three years and 10 months’ imprisonment for sexually touching a child and producing child abuse material.

He will be eligible for parole after serving two years and six months.

The man, 42, previously pleaded guilty to:

■ One count of producing child abuse material for use through a carriage service,

■ One count of possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service,

■ Two counts of sexually touching a child under the age of 16 years,

■ One count of producing an intimate image, and

■ One count of installation, use and maintenance of optical surveillance devices.

VICTORIA

Faster paramedics

■ Ambulance Victoria says paramedics and first responders are getting back on the road faster and improving response times thanks to a significant drop in hospital clearing times across the state.

Hospital clearing times are the duration between an ambulance crew completing their patient handover and being available to attend another

case. Introduced last year, the Standards for Safe and Timely Ambulance and Emergency Care are improving handover times across the state.

AV Acting Executive Director Regional Operations Michael Georgiou said across Victoria, the average hospital clearing time dropped by more than four minutes last year.

“Every small improvement – from more efficient hospital handovers to quicker clearing times – adds up to better care for all Victorians ,” Mr Georgiou said.

“We are extremely proud of our crews who through dedication and teamwork have made remarkable improvements to hospital clearing times and are returning to the

community faster.” The statewide average clearing time has dropped from 31.8 minutes between January and March 2025 to 27.6 minutes between October and December 2025.

As a result, the latest ambulance performance data for October to December 2025 has shown improvements statewide and in 49 Local Government Areas.

During the October to December quarter across Victoria, AV crews responded to 65.1 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes – up from 64.1 per cent in the previous quarter. The statewide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 40 seconds – six seconds faster than the previous quarter.

Statewide

LUCAS Car versus tree

■ Police are investigating a fatal crash in Lucas on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 14). Emergency services were called to reports a car had crashed into a tree and rolled near the intersection on Finchs and Carngham Rds about 2pm. The male driver died at the scene.

The investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing.

OMEO

Open Day award

■ The Omeo Ambulance Victoria branch has taken home the award for Event of the Year for their outstanding work organising the Omeo Emergency Services Open Day SOUTH-EAST

Locksmith scams

■ Ann-Marie Hermans, South-Eastern Metropolitan MLC, has presented a 142-signature petition to Parliament noifyoing of a “major scam” by overseas criminals posing as locksmiths, costing unsuspecting Victorians millions of dollars each year.

“The scam targets people, often lone females and elderly people, who have locked themselves out of their homes, quoting cheap call-out fees then adding fake charges ranging from many hundreds of dollars to more than $2,000.

“The criminals often destroy the lock and door, forcing customers to pay even more to have this repaired by a legitimate locksmith. Many victims have also reported threats and standover tactics to pressure them to pay, and they do so out of fear.

“These criminal organisations operate in plain sight, setting up legitimate looking websites offering emergency 24/7 locksmith services at low prices. The websites feature fake addresses and often have fake reviews. They spend huge amounts of money on Google Ads to ensure maximum exposure,” the petition said.

Pathway works

■ The former Yarra Hills Secondary College site at 150 Cambridge Rd will soon have new paths and landscaping. This is the next step towards revitalising the community land.

Yarra Ranges Council will shortly establish a pathway network around the site, improve drainage, establish garden beds and areas for tree planting, with works also taking place to renew the front fencing to the site.

In 2022, Yarra Ranges Council purchased the former school site from the State Government, following overwhelming community feedback about protecting the land from development.

Following the purchase, the Council created a 10-to-15-year Master Plan for the site using community ideas and feedback.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that the next phase of first minor works in the Master Plan would shortly get underway, to make the area more usable for community.

“150 Cambridge Rd is a site that our community cherish – they stood strongly for Council’s purchasing of the site, and we know that locals really want the site to flourish,” Cr Higgins said.

“These works, taking place from February, will improve the look and walkability of the park, providing paths and garden beds, improved drainage, sites for tree planting and a new fence along Cambridge Road.”

The Master Plan, which outlines projects that Council will seek funding for, included ideas for nature play, activity areas, picnic shelter, public toilet and garden features, Cr Higgins sxai.d

Bowls at Spring St

■ Bowlers from 12 Euroa electorate clubs visited State Parliament last Wednesday (Feb. 18) for the third annual Cleeland bowls tournament on the Parliament Garden Green, the oldest operating green in Victoria Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland said: “In small towns sport is not just recreation, it is connection.

“Congratulations to winners Wendy and Michael Szczykulski from Seymour VRI and runners-up Peter Cunningham and Robert Dashwood from Heathcote

“It was a great day and a reminder that this Parliament belongs to the communities that we represent,” Ms Cleeland said.

Letter to the Editor editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Murrindindi Film Society closes

Sir,

After more than 20 years of screenings films for the local community in a pleasant and congenial setting, the Society regretfully announces that it will be closing its doors from now on.

This decision has been brought about by a number of factors including increasing costs, an ageing demographic and the development of technology which brings entertainment at the touch of a screening button.

Despite efforts over the last couple of years the Society has been unable to attract new and younger members, and it has now been decided that the time to has come to cease operations.

There has been a lot of fun and companionship over the years while viewing films from all ages and genres, some inspiring and some less so, but mostly interesting and thought provoking.

The Society would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped over the years, from committee members, tech experts and operators, the Victorian Federation of Film Societies, Yea Butter Factory, Murrindindi Shire Council and staff, local papers and Yea website.

And of course all the members who have attended over so many seasons, some who are sadly no longer with us but are fondly remembered.

At the final Committtee Meeting it was unanimously decided to donate left over funds to the local CFA who have been doing such wonderful work in protecting us in this dry and dangerous summer.

Jill Dwyer, Secretary, Murrindindi Film Society

Local News

Works up Upwey way

Cr Richard Higgins, Mayor

■ Pedestrians will have safer crossings in Upwey, with raised pedestrian crossings to be constructed over the coming month.

Crossings at the Morris Rd roundabout and Mahony St roundabout intersections will be raised, with zebra crossings, as part of works to improve the streetscape and drainage in Upwey’s main street.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the works had resulted from feedback from the community.

“We heard from locals that they wanted safer, more visible pedestrian crossings, and these new crossings will make every pedestrian’s journey safer and give drivers better visibility.”

“Having raised pedestrian crossings will keep everyone safer, whether you’re walking to the shops, the station or school.

The temporary parklet, set up during the COVID-19 pandemic using State Government funding, will be replaced with a permanent outdoor seating space.

Cr Higgins commented: “The replacement of the parklet also comes off the back of positive community feedback about the space.

“People like having more seating in the township, so we’re delivering a permanent space,” Cr Higgins said.

$500 for Snowgum Strings

Council Rounds

Grant for Paige Lyon

■ A report to the Nillumbik Council meeting last night (Tue., Feb. 24) noted a $250 grant to Paige Lyon (Edendale Ward) for being selected to represent Australia at the ICU Cheerleading Championships in the USA

“Nillumbik Shire Council wishes them every success with their future sporting pursuits.”

CCTV roll-out

■ Mitchell Shire Council is installing new and upgrading existing CCTV cameras at key locations across the municipality to improve community safety and support the responsible use of public spaces.

“The works are funded through $750,000 secured over three financial years under the Strengthening Community Safety – Federal Election Commitment Funding Program,” said a Council representative.

Installation was scheduled to begin on Monday this week (Feb. 23), with all sites included in the Year 1 program to be completed by June 30.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said the investment would help residents feel safer in the places they live, work and visit.

“This funding allows us to strengthen safety in high-use public areas across Mitchell Shire, including town centres, community facilities and sporting precincts,” Cr Dougall said.

“CCTV plays an important role in supporting safe, welcoming spaces and gives our community greater confidence when using shared public areas.”

Mitchell Council has acknowledged the support McEwen MHR, Rob Mitchell, in securing this commitment for the community.

The program includes a combination of new CCTV installations and upgrades to existing systems, focusing on areas with high levels of community activity.

“These upgrades are about prevention as much as protection,” Cr Dougall said. “By improving visibility and lighting in key locations, we’re helping to reduce fear of crime and support positive use of public spaces.”

$1 billion in assets

■ Nillumbik Council has net assets of $1.076 billion and cash holdings of $30.7 million, a report to Councillors says.

●

●

‘Snowgum Strings’, a talented ensemble of five secondary students from the local Steiner School, accompanied by their music teacher, performed at the Mansfield Masonic Lodge on the final meeting night of Immediate Past Master Ray Norris.

“The recital was well supported by family members, and following their impressive performance, the students were presented with a $500 School Award in recognition of their dedication and musical excellence,” said a Lodge representative.

Gender challenge at Yea

■ Completing their dominance in this year’s competition the Yea Golf ladies won nine of the 18 individual matches with another two matches being drawn in the last and ninth round of Gender Challenge

The individual winner and Mary Walker Trophy winner was Nicola Rule (53) with 39 points. Second was Luke Gregory(8) with 38, followed by Judi Newman(38) with 36, Jeff Aurisch(23) 36 and Meryl Connell(25) with 35.

Team average went to the ladies who won the day with 55 points to 30 for the men. Final scores of the competition saw the Ladies on 590 to the Men 355. This coming Wednesday (Feb. 25) will see the Men preparing lunch for the Ladies.

Saturday saw hotter conditions with most of the 29 players getting in early. In the Mens stableford one of the two afternoon players Andrew Bohn(7) defied the hot temperatures and recorded 36 points to win from four others all on 34 points.

Greg Clememnts(19) finished second on CB from Jonathon Fisher(11) third, John Phillips(19) fourth and Rick Wills(10) fifth. Mick Spagnolo was NTP on the 18th and Clint Rose first up in a competition won the Club Award.

In the Ladies Judi Newman (37) with 36 points had a win from Nicola Rule(52) with 32 points. Caroline Webber(44) was third with 31 points. There were eight players in the field. Next Saturday sees the final round off the Murrindindi Masters to be held at Yea

Bulent Oz, Chief Financial Officer, said that as December 31, 2025, the Income Statement shows an overall favourable year to date variance of $1.8 million representing 3.80 per cent of the Year-to-Date Budget.

“This reflects the combined result of higher than budgeted operating income of $1.88 million and higher than budgeted operating expenses of $76,000,” the report said.

‘Division by design’

■ Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie says that Council’s hands are tied in relation to senduing the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund payment to the State Government.

“Mansfield Shire Council has a legal obligation to fulfil the obligations that the State Government placed upon Victorian Councils without consultation,” a Council representative said.

“Unwilling to trigger fines and penalty interest that would only serve to cost the shire more than the $1,133,450 the state has already demanded for the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, the Councillors ‘regrettably approved’ the payment.

“This brings the total of ESVF taken by the State Government to $2,099,824 for the first half of 2025-26 which represents close to a 100 per cent increase from 2023-24 when the State Government collected $2,210,435 across four quarters.”

Cr Rabie stated his belief that Victoria’s emergency services and volunteers deserve proper funding and proper equipment but that the ESVF is not an equitable means of achieving that outcome.

“As Mayor, I will always stand with our emergency services and I will always stand up for fairness for our ratepayers,” he said.

“For decades, our emergency services were funded through consolidated through broad-based taxation shared across the entire community. That reflected a simple and fair principle: emergency services protect everyone, so everyone contributes.”

57 years. Since 1969.

WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY25,2026

Entertainment Styles to curate Meltdown Festival

■ The Southbank Centre has announcecd that Harry Styles is to be curator of its 2026 Meltdown festival Styles joins a long line of prestigious past curators including David Bowie, Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Nile Rodgers and many more.

This year marks a landmark edition of the world’s longest-running artistcurated music festival, presented as part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year.

The Southbank Centre, a place that brings different art forms together and is open to all, will see Styles take its artistic reins for 11 days and curate its annual multi-arts festival, spanning the 11-acre site (June 11-21).

Styles said: “I’m deeply honoured to curate the Meltdown festival, especially for the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary year. My goal as the curator is to share the music and art that I love, and to celebrate the rich history of the venue. We both share a passionate belief that music is a vital part of life. It brings us together and the Southbank Centre has been at the heart of it, providing easy access to great music for the past 75 years.”

Peninsula partners take over at Warragul

Statewide

Vanessa’s Place

■ The Transport Accident Commission is roll outing Vanessa’s Place , a new road safety initiative designed to connect with young Victorians at the heart of their social lives: music festivals and events.

Building on the legacy of the iconic Vanessa Bus, Vanessa’s Place is a fully immersive tiny home experience that delivers life-saving road safety messages in a fun, relatable and unforgettable way. Inside the tiny home, festivalgoers will navigate an escape-room-style experience that explores the risks of drink and drug driving, fatigue, and speeding.

Motor Show in April

■ The Melbourne Motor Show, running from April 10-12, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, has announced a landmark partnership with Universal Studios to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise at the show this year, delivering one of the most anticipated fan experiences in the show’s history.

The partnership will feature a dedicated Fast & Furious fan immersive experience, celebrating the franchise’s most iconic onscreen moments and its enduring themes of family, loyalty and cars.

CAMPBELLTOWN

Civilian charged

■ A NSW Police civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into an alleged domestic violence related incident.

Officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command commenced an investigation after reports a 49-yearold man allegedly threatened a person known to them on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 19).

Later that day, police arrested the 49year-old man in Narellan

28KG COCAINE HIDDEN IN LUXURY BUS: AFP

■ The Australian Federal Police has seized more than 28kg of cocaine concealed within a luxury bus in South Australia, after an intercept by Australian Border Force officers on a vessel berthed at Outer Harbor.

ABF officers examined a roll-on/roll-off vessel on Monday last week (Feb. 16) based on intelligence-led targeting.

Across Australia

PERTH

Congo man charged

■ A Republic of the Congo -born man was expected to appear before Northbridge Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (Feb. 21) charged with allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated conditions.

The AFP charged after he was located in Perth. It was to be alleged the man breached a condition of his Commonwealth visa by failing to observe his residential curfew obligations.

CAPALABA

Sydney Mail

He was charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm and granted conditional bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday (Feb. 24). His employment status is under review.

60-kmh over limit

■ Capalaba Highway Patrol have fined a P-plater after he was allegedly detected riding more than 60-kmh over the speed limit in Chandler

Officers were conducting proactive patrols around 8.30am on Friday (Feb. 20) when they detected a Yamaha motorcycle allegedly unlawfully edge filtering and speeding on Old Cleveland Rd

It is alleged the rider travelled at speeds up to 144-kmh in the 80-kmh speed zone.

Officers intercepted the vehicle and further detected the motorcycle’s rear tyre was allegedly not compliant for road use.

The 20-year-old Cleveland man was issued with traffic infringement notices for drive defective vehicle that does not comply with vehicle standards ($166 fine and 1 demerit point), exceed speed limit in speed zone by more than 40km/h ($1,919 fine and 8 demerit points), and motorbike rider lane filter unlawfully ($500 fine and 3 demerit points). The man’s licence will be disqualified for six months.

Brisbane Sun

A forensic search by ABF officers, using technology including videoscopes and the deployment of detector dogs, identified several one-kilogram packages of a white powdered substance hidden behind a television inside a luxury bus.

Presumptive testing returned a positive result for cocaine, with an estimated weight of 28kg. ABF officers referred the detection to the AFP who seized the illicit drugs and commenced their inquiries.

This amount of cocaine, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value of about $9 million, with the potential for about 140,000 street-level deals.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Simon Lalic said the AFP - together with its state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement partners - was committed to disrupting and dismantling organised criminal syndicates threatening Australia

“Criminals are driven by their own greed and profit and will attempt any method to import harmful illicit substance into our country,” Det a/Supt Lalic said.

“No matter how creative these criminals attempt to be, our message is clear – we are on to you.”

ABF Superintendent Jody Griswood said ABF officers were determined to stop the importation of illegal substances into Australia.

“Every detection of illicit drugs at the border reduces drug-related crimes in the Australian community and takes money out of the hands of international criminal syndicates,” Supt Griswood said.

INDEPENDENT NEWS FROM RIGHT AROUND AUSTRALIA

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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. ●

National Observer

“I commend the highly skilled officers involved, who were vital to the detection of this large quantity of cocaine, thereby preventing significant community harm.”

Adelaide Sun

CANBERRA

Public alarm case

■ A Campbell man was expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court last Saturday (Feb. 21) over his alleged role in a plot to disrupt a conference in a Canberra hotel by throwing a lit incendiary device into the venue.

The man, 20, was arrested after the ACT Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed search warrants at homes at Campbell and Scullin. Various items were seized from the properties and are undergoing forensic examination.

He has been charged with one count of acting with intent to cause public alarm, and one count of damage property. These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The ACT JCTT – comprising the AFP, ACT Policing and ASIO – began investigations after rocks and an incendiary device were thrown through windows of the Commonwealth Avenue hotel on Wednesday (Feb. 18).

The AFP Bomb Response Team seized the incendiary device and a forensic examination is ongoing.

Police will allege the incident was intended to cause panic and fear among attendees of a conference being held at the hotel. AFP Assistant Commissioner Steve Nutt said the ACT JCTT investigation is continuing and will pursue enquiries to locate the other individuals involved. Further charges have not been ruled out.

“Let me be clear – this was not a prank. This was an extremely dangerous act we allege was intended to, and did, have a chilling effect on conference attendees.” Canberra Observer

The man, 34, wAS charged with one count of failing to comply with visa curfew conditions.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and/or a $99,000 fine.

Perth Observer

ALICE SPRINGS

Siege ends

■ The Northern Territory Police Force arrested a 17-year-old male following a siege in Alice Springs Police attempted a traffic apprehension about 10.45pm Saturday (Feb. 21)on a white Toyota Hilux allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old male with an outstanding arrest warrant northbound on the Stuart Highway. The vehicle failed to stop and proceeded to drive dangerously, with a police pursuit not being initiated due to safety concerns.

The police drone monitored the vehicle and sighted it attending a residence on Ulpaya Rd . The driver and other unknown persons entered the residence and locked the doors, preventing access to police upon attendance.

The house was cordoned and contained. Additional police, including negotiators and the Dog Operations Unit , were deployed to the scene. The 17-yearold male was subsequently arrested without incident when police were given access to the residence.

No injuries were reported, and the offender was in custody with charges were expected to follow.

Darwin Observer

HOBART

Derwent rescue

■ Some 25 people aged between 10-18 years of age were rescued on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 22) after a large wind gust caused a number of sailing boats to capsize while participating in a race on the River Derwent off Long Beach, Sandy Bay.

Police and emergency services were called about 1.22pm following a report that a large number of young people were in the water.

Marine Search and Rescue crews, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter commenced the rescue with the assistance of several bystander boats that were in the area at the time.

Acting Commander, Andrew Keane said that police worked closely with the race organisers throughout the incident to ensure all participants were accounted for.

“About 2.36pm it was determined that all 54 participants had been accounted for and safely brought to shore.

“ Ambulance Tasmania paramedics were at the scene and assessed all participants rescued, and thankfully, no injuries were reported,” he said.

“As a precautionary measure, aerial and marine resources continued to search the River Derwent following the conclusion of the rescue.

“This searching has now concluded.

“Thankfully, all participants of the race today were wearing approved life jackets at the time of the incident, which played a significant role in the successful outcome of the rescue.

“The lifejackets helped keep people visible and afloat in challenging wind and water conditions, allowing rescuers to locate and recover them quickly and

“Their use greatly reduced the risk of injury or exhaustion and contributed to all participants being brought to shore without harm.

“We’d like to thank the race organiser, Ambulance Tasmania and the members of the public who assisted police with the rescue.”

■ Victoria Police has announced a $1 million reward for information to help solve the 1981 murder of Richmond woman Haroula Kipouridou

The 25-year-old was last seen alive in the early hours of Friday, July 3, 1981.

At the time of her death, Haroula worked as a singer at a hotel on Gertrude St in Fitzroy.

She had been working there on the night of her death and police established that she was later given a lift home to her Elizabeth St address by two associates.

The pair dropped her off in front of the housing tower about 2am and did not see anything untoward at that time.

About half an hour later, Haroula’s body was discovered on the floor of a lift inside the tower.

She had been severely physically assaulted and also sexually assaulted during the attack.

The investigation by the Homicide Squad at the time involved speaking to a large number of people who were known to Haroula or who lived in the vicinity of where she was murdered.

Although a number of people were investigated as potential suspects, police were unable to determine who the offender or offenders may have been.

Media reports at the time also suggested police were investigating one specific suspect, however there has never been sufficient evidence to conclusively say that person was responsible.

No one has ever been charged in relation to Haroula’s death and in 1983, a Coroner returned an open finding in relation to Haroula’s death.

A reward of $50,000 was announced three months after her death.

Victoria Police has now announced an increased reward for information in relation to those responsible for Haroula’s death. A reward of up to $1M will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police

MP QUERIES SOCIAL HOUSING GROUP

■ Questions about a group in the social housing sector have been raised in parliament by Bundoora MLA Colin Brooks.

“My residents are concerned about the operation of a pending social and affordable housing development in Greensborough in my electorate,” Mr Brooks said.

“It has been reported that Together Housing (Victoria) Limited has been funded to deliver this development, which consists of more than 200 dwellings.

“This organisation is somehow registered with the social housing regulator but does not seem to have ever run social housing.

“It appears to have no staff, no income and no assets or expenses.

“Remember that in Victoria only notfor-profits can register as community housing organisations.

“Its directors are listed on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website as Brodie Commens, Ryan Slocombe and Stephen McDonough, and Terrene Searl e is the secretary and public officer.

“All just happen to also be principals or directors at private capital investment firm Tetris Capita l.

“I note that Together Housing has engaged a longstanding community housing provider to actually run the housing at Greensborough

“I believe the creation of Together Housing Limited can be one of two things.

“Firstly, it might be a small group of people with experience in funding housing developments who are wanting to simply apply their skills to help people in housing.

“If this is the case, I am not sure why they would not have joined an existing community housing organisation to help out, but this is one possible scenario.

“The other option is that Together Housing is an artifice to allow people to make profit from the funding that is available for not-forprofits to provide social and affordable housing.

“This would be completely unac-

ceptable, and I am going to devote significant effort and time to exposing any money that flows back to these individuals or Tetris , whether it be through management fees, financing arrangements or any other means,” Mr Brooks said.

Then the crazy ploy that Ms Allan would take the media professional’s silence was to be taken as an assumption that the observation was being withdrawn. Ms Allan portrayed not the incontrol woman, was as a politician from hell, who had been checkmated.

Ms Allan’s ill-advised tactics prompted the wide-ranging ccomments on social media that she was a bullyingDan Andrews in a dress.

It sparked comments about Ms Allan’s second husband, Yorick Piper, who was formerly a CFMEU official.

Until now, Mr Piper has successfully flown under the media radar ... execpt for his drinkdriving offence late last year.

Rather than the girl-next-door, Ms Allan quickly became the neighbour-from-hell ... the one to avoid.

In an election year, and faced with freefalling acceptance figures, this was the disaster that Ms Allan did not need.

Media commentators cranked up speculation that Labor identities Ben Carroll and Gabrielle Williams were in the wings, ready to take the role as Victorian premier.

It was not Ms Allan’s best week in politics.

Battery roll-out

■ Some 139 neighbourhood batteries are being rolled out across Victoria . The devices cut power bills by soaking up cheap renewable energy and dispatching it when it is needed most.

They provide a resilient source of power in the event of extreme weather outages.

State Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited Truganina Community Centre on Sunday (Feb. 22), the latest site to receive a neighbourhood battery. It alone is expected to save $20,000 per year. It is one of 10 announced as part of the final round of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

The 139 neighbourhood batteries have more than 23,000 kWh of energy storage for Victoria.

There are now neighbourhood batteries in 60 local government areas, aimed at cutting power bills and boosting energy resilience.

The program is helping achieve Victoria’s target of at least 2.6 gigawatts of energy storage capacity by 2030 and 6.3 GW by 2035 – enough energy to power around half of Victoria’s homes at peak energy use.

“We know the cost of living is tough for many Victorians, that’s why we’re building neighbourhood batteries that help lower power bills for households and communities,” said Ms D’Ambrosio.

Laverton MLA Sarah Connolly said: “These batteries will help our local community cut their power bills while sharing the benefits of renewable generation.”

$100,000 grant

■ The State Governemnt is giving $100,000 to support businesses in Chinatown.

The grant will be provided to the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association, who will develop a website and app to promote all businesses in the area. The app will include business profiles, interactive maps, event information and exclusive promotions.

no

No, no, no, no, no,

● ● Jacinta Allan at last week’s media conference

■ For some weeks, the Labor State Government was merchandising Premier Jacinta Allan as the girl-nextdoor.

Faced with a new Opposition Leader in Jess Wilson, Ms Allan was being shown at every opportunity as being able to wear a mean pair of jeans, smiling mid-sentence, and even on a video making the kids’ school lunches.

And then it all fell over when Ms Allan appeared rattled at a media conference, demanding that a reporter retract an observation that Mr Allan seemed not to care after findings from the investigation into the CFMEU.

“No, no, no, no , no, no,” said Ms Allan, insisting that the journalist withdraw their observation.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 5, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 35, 8

Travel may be necessary to improve your financial position, and this movement could open unexpected doors. Your focus is now strongly on loved ones, and ensuring their well-being brings emotional satisfaction. Romance is highlighted, and deeper conversations strengthen bonds. This is a period of responsibility, and others rely on you.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: White

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

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 25, 23, 36, 7

Financial temptation is strong, especially for useful or beautiful purchases. Self-reliance is your greatest strength right now. You may feel disappointed when someone fails to meet expectations, but trust your own judgement. Steady progress wins over quick fixes.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 2, 3, 12, 26, 35, 40

Extra effort in relationships will pay off in the long term. Avoid workplace drama as it is not worth your time or reputation. Let others create their own complications while you focus on your goals. Your adaptability is your greatest asset.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 5

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

Be mindful, as this can be a slightly accidentprone period if you rush. Stay present and alert. Opportunities may appear suddenly, especially through unexpected contacts. Financial luck improves when you trust your instincts.

LEO (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 23, 36, 32, 20

Romance sparkles this week, and a surprise may lift your spirits. However, finances require realism. Avoid spending money you do not have. Ground your dreams in practical planning, and everything will flow more smoothly.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Black

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

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 35, 40, 45

Be cautious about criticism in the workplace. The wrong words could cost valuable support. Love life improves significantly, bringing warmth and stability. Diplomacy now protects future success.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

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

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 45, 20, 32, 22

Misunderstandings could affect finances if you do not clarify details. Avoid commitments that stretch your resources. Clear communication prevents unnecessary loss.

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 25, 8, 6, 11

News from afar may inspire travel plans. A streak of luck could accelerate personal projects. Trust your partner and communicate openly. Honesty strengthens your position.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 25, 6, 30, 11

Keep communication clear; mixed messages can cause unnecessary stress. Reunions with old friends bring joy and a fresh perspective. Variety improves your outlook.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 8, 12, 5, 44, 40, 33

Avoid heated debates as they are easy to start and difficult to end. You may receive an invitation that feels inconvenient. Stay polite but protect your schedule. Financial luck is improving steadily.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 2, 6

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 34, 40

People surround you, and your experience sets the tone. Leadership comes naturally. How you respond shapes how others behave. Stay steady and confident.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 30, 33

You may feel uncertain how to act in a situation, but guidance will appear at the right time—rewards from past kindness return. Someone from your past could re-enter your life with purpose.

ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE: $5M SUSPICIOUS CLAIMS

■ A man who allegedly used his position as a public servant to defraud the National Disability Insurance Scheme was expected to face court last Thursday (Feb. 19)

The man, 47, a National Disability Insurance Agency employee, allegedly used his position to refer vulnerable members of the community to a NDIS provider business he coowned.

The Fraud Fusion Taskforce , which comprises 24 agencies, started an investigation in October.

Since 2019, the man’s business has claimed more than $28 million from NDIS funding, with about $5 million of the claims identified as suspicious.

The AFP executed search warrants at a Lee Point residence, Durack business and Yarrawonga businesses.

Investigators seized documents and electronic devices, including laptops. The devices will be subject to further digital forensic examination and the investigation remains ongoing.

The man was arrested by members of the AFP Fraud Fusion Taskforce and

charged with:

■ One count of obtaining a financial advantage by deception

■ Two counts of general dishonesty

■ One count of abuse of public office

■ One count of unauthorised use or disclosure of protected Agency information

AFP Detective Inspector Aidan Milner said the AFP was committed to stopping criminal exploitation of Commonwealth payments designed to help those in genuine need, especially by those in positions of trust.

“Defrauding the Commonwealth ultimately steals the money of hardworking Australians and prevents those with genuine needs receiving the care they desperately need,” Det-Insp Milner said.

“The AFP and its partners are focused on identifying fraud in Commonwealth programs and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit our government social programs for their own benefit.”

A rtepresentative from the NDIA’s Fraud Fusion Taskforce and Integrity Capability Division said abusing access or authority

within the NDIA was a serious crime and the agency acts decisively when suspected wrongdoing is identified.

“Our investigations led to this arrest. Attempts to defraud the NDIS and participants will be detected and the full weight of the law applied,” the spokesperson said.

“When red flags are identified, we act swiftly to protect NDIS participants and the scheme’s integrity, working closely with our Fraud Fusion Taskforce partners.”

The NDIA has disrupted more than 2500 NDIS providers with a pattern of incorrect or non-compliant claims or other significant risk indicators since the Fraud Fusion Taskforce was created in November 2022.

The FFT is a multiagency taskforce comprising 24 agencies, co-led by the NDIA and Services Australia , and including the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission , the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the AFP, focusing on high-risk and serious criminal activity targeting government programs designed to help those most in need.

MRS DOUBTFIRE DEBUTS

75 Years Ago

The Argus. Sat., Feb. 24, 1951.

Coal crisis

■ Victoria is facing a 24-hour week in industry, as a result of the coal shortage, with a 40 per cent reduction in output and a £1 million weekly wage loss to employees, manufacturers said last night.

Mr. N. Curphey, secretary of the Victorian Chamber of Manufactures , said the entire State was threatened with "industrial paralysis".

"Only way to avoid this huge loss is for the State to get 38,500 tons of coal every week," he added.

‘We

fight if -’

■ Japan would "invoke the right of selfdefence" if Communist China or Russia should fail to sign a peace treaty and should attempt to station troops in Japan, Mr. Yoshida, Japanese Prime Minister, said today.

Even if countries which should refuse to conclude peace with Japan had a right to station troops in the country under the Potsdam Declaration, Japan was not obliged to accede to their demands, he said.

■ The hit West End musical Mrs Doubtfire will debut in Australia at Melbourne's Princess Theatre in November.

Featuring all the iconic moments known and loved, plus new songs and dance numbers, Mrs Doubtfire is directed by fourtime Tony Award winning Jerry Zaks

“Producing Mrs Doubtfire has been an incredible and joyful experience. This show is heartwarming, hilarious and fun for the whole family and we're delighted that audiences in Melbourne will now get to embrace everybody’s favourite nanny for themselves," said producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson

“We cannot wait to premiere this new musical in Melbourne at the beautiful Princess Theatre. Melbourne is the home of comedy and Mrs Doubtfire is a hilarious and heartfelt musical that proves we’re better together,” said producer Suzanne Jones of Jones Theatrical Group

Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate bid to stay in their lives.

But as his character takes on a life of its own, Daniel discovers more than he bargained for about family, love and what it really means to be a father.

Jockey censured

■ Jockey W. Williamson was yesterday severely censured by V.R.C. stipendiary stewards for his riding of Carbon Copy in the St George Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday. They considered that his riding was unsatisfactory. No action was taken against the owners, Messrs. H. and A. G. Silk , trainer D. Mccormick , or the horse.

The stewards resumed the inquiry into the running of Carbon Copy at 11 a.m. yesterday. It was not until 1.30 p.m. that they announced their decision.

Mr. A. G. Silk was before the stewards for 40 minutes, and was then joined by his brother. Mr. H. Silk , followed by Mccormick and Williamson.

Cairns award

■ Mr. J. Cairns, 36, former member of the Victorian Police Force , has been awarded a Nuffield Foundation Scholarship to study in Britain . He is a lecturer in economic history at Melbourne University . Mr. Cairns graduated in commerce in 1947, and in 1950 took his master's degree with first-class honors while he was a detective.

Bush Telegraph

Fast butterfly

■ A fast-moving butterfly is helping scientists prove that Facebook and Flickr aren’t just for holiday snaps, they could be key allies in tracking invasive species and monitoring biodiversity shifts in real time.

In a new study published in Conservation Biology, an international team of researchers led by Monash University School of Biological Sciences have shown that social media platforms can provide faster, broader, and often more detailed biodiversity data than traditional sources.

The team, led by Dr Shawan Chowdhury, used public Facebook and Flickr posts to track the tawny coster butterfly (Acraea terpsicore) and uncovered a far more extensive and rapidly changing distribution than existing biodiversity databases revealed, including its spread into Australia

“Social media gave us faster, broader, and often more precise data than the world’s largest biodiversity repositories,” said Dr Chowdhury.

Protected Areas

■ The State Government has introduced legislation to dismantle key institutions that protect habitats and wildlife, which will silence expert voices and strip away independent safeguards for nature, says the Victorian Protected Areas Council.

Two critical protection agencies will be gutted, with four other expert scientific and advisory committees under review and also at risk of being axed.

Leading nature advocates – Victorian National Parks Association, The Wilderness Society, Environmental Justice Australia, Victorian Protected Areas Council – are calling on the government to scrap the legislation and retain these vital bodies that have protected nature in Victoria for decades.

“The Allan Government is gutting key nature institutions, including the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council and Victorian Marine and Coastal Council

“For 50 years, VEAC have played a central role in protecting habitats and wildlife, shaping millions of hectares of national parks and protected areas across the state, including Grampians (Gariwerd), Alpine, Box-Ironbark, Redgum and marine national parks.”

Mine rehabilitation

■ Every dollar received from water access for the Latrobe Valley mine rehabilitation will go back to local communities and families, says the State Government.

State Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has announced all water access revenue received from AGL’s bulk water entitlement will be paid into the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund for the benefit of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.

The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund supports community projects, creates new jobs, and delivers infrastructure projects that help regional and rural Victoria continue to connect and grow.

This will support the region's long-term future, including through opportunities to improve waterway health and long-term resilience of the Latrobe River system, water security and efficiency projects, and enhance self-determined outcomes for Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners.

Funding would start to flow once mine rehabilitation for the Loy Yang coal mine starts and continue until 2065 at the latest.

Allocating water for Loy Yang mine rehabilitation will help support a safe, stable and sustainable environment post-rehabilitation. Conditions are in place through the bulk entitlement to protect the water rights of existing water users and the local river systems in Gippsland

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026

SUPERCHARGING THE FARM ECONOMY

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation says strategic government investment and smarter policy settings for seven key priority areas will supercharge the industry and solidify its position as a critical pillar for Victoria’s economic future.

In a submission directed at the Victorian State Budget in May, the VFF is calling for support to ensure:

■ Efficient transport and freight networks;

■ Protection of productive farmland;

■ Equitable access to healthcare, transport and childcare in rural areas;

■ Stronger pest control and biosecurity;

■ Drought preparedness and water security;

■ Productivity-enhancing investment in skills, infrastructure and innovation;

■ Tougher protections against rural crime.

VFF President Brett Hosking said the State Government has a golden opportunity to invest for the future.

“There’s no overstating how big the opportunity for growth is. Victoria has the land, skills, infrastructure foundations and global reputation to significantly increase production, create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in additional export revenue.”

“We’re a major $22 billion industry that indirectly employs more than 150,000 people. Imagine what that could be with some forward-thinking initiative and a genuine commitment for the future.”

“We just need the Government to invest and

● ● ● ● Brett Hosking tweak policy in the right places and Victorian farmers will do the rest,” Mr Hosking said.

Mr Hosking said the industry must be seen as critical sector to propel Victoria out of debt and towards prosperity.

“Time and time again our industry has proven there’s no better investment than our industry when it comes to economic returns and future growth.”

TICK FOR ARTHURS SEAT EXPANSION

■ A new roller coaster-like luge ride and major upgrades at Arthurs Seat Eagle have been approved.

The State Government has given the Arthurs Seat expansion project the green light following consultation and rigorous assessment – backing local workers, local businesses and local tourism.

The upgrades – including a new experience centre, observation tower and luge ride – will bring more visitors to the region, supporting cafés, wineries, accommodation providers and small businesses right across the Peninsula

The roller coaster-like luge ride will run between the Summit and Base Stations on a closed loop track, following the natural slope of the land to deliver an exhilarating experience for families.

More than 100 jobs will be created during construction and 120 ongoing jobs once complete. The facility already attracts up to 277,000 visitors a year – and these upgrades will bring more people to the region.

The project was approved through the Development Facilitation Program, a streamlined pathway for priority projects that create jobs and grow the economy.

The projects underwent community consultation with nearby residents notified, on-site signage installed and newspaper ads placed encouraging people to have their say.

Key agencies including DEECA, Transport for Victoria and Parks Victoria were consulted and did not object, subject to conditions.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said: “The Development Facilitation Program backs the projects that back Victoria – projects that grow jobs and strengthen local economies – every single project goes through a rigorous assessment process.

“Arthurs Seat already draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.”

Whiparound

10 new houses

■ Irymple has welcomed a new community of key workers after 10 new houses were built in the Mallee town.

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Regional Development, celebrated the completion of the housing project, which is one of dozens supported across the state through the Regional Worker Accommodation Fund

The fund invests in accommodation projects that help regional employers attract and retain essential workers, who in turn contribute to the area’s liveability, prosperity and opportunity.

In Irymple, where the population has increased rapidly, those workers include professionals in law enforcement, healthcare and childcare.

Completed ahead of schedule by local builder MCBG Karadoc, the project has transformed a previously empty culde-sac into a vibrant new part of the community, with the 10 houses already occupied or allocated to incoming tenants.

Farmers forgotten

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation says farmers have been largely forgotten about in the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s 2026 Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper, with little to no mention of the massive economic contribution and the thousands of jobs the agriculture sector sustains in the region.

VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the lack of acknowledgment demonstrates a clear failure to strike an appropriate balance between environmental priorities and the needs of the people and industries that manage the Basin and sustain regional communities.

“Farmers are not just water users, they are land managers, employers and the backbone of Basin communities.

“It is unacceptable that food security, manufacturing and employment are effectively absent from a document that will shape the future of the Basin for decades,” Mr Leahy said.

Worst weeds action

■ A national effort to support Australia’s drought resilience from some of Australia’s worst weeds is bringing the outcomes of the National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy Initial Stage project to reality.

The project identified 20 weed species for investment in its National Weed Biocontrol Investment Report and now, with the Federal Government’s $5.9 million investment in the five-year Weed biocontrol network for drought resilience initiative, evidencebased, sustainable weed biocontrol solutions are rolling out.

Six of the 12 Weeds of National Significance listed in the National Weed Biocontrol Investment Report, and seven weed species overall, are in scope. These are:

■ African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)

■ Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana)

■ Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica)

■ Opuntioid cacti (several species of cacti including tree prickly pears, Hudson pear, rope pear and snake cactus)

■ Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

■ Sagittaria (Sagittaria platyphylla) Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is the final weed species covered by this nationwide biocontrol collaboration supporting sustainable land management.

Weeds cost Australia nearly $5 billion annually, threatening ecosystems, waterways, and agricultural productivity. Biocontrol uses natural enemies from a weed’s home range and is a cost-effective solution at landscape-scale which delivers an impressive return on investment.

■ Emma Algeri’s MrsMarvin is hitting the road in 2026 for an Australia-wide tour. Algeri's portrayal as the unhinged school principal is described as 'a musical comedy event, where satire and theatrical flair collide with original songs and virtuosic live performance'.

Mrs Marvin will be appearing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 14-18 at the MC Showroom

Sharing the stage with Melbourne pianist Isaac Mouskovias, the duo deliver original music alongside parodied classics.

With Emma Algeri’s classical training at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music underpinning her live musicality, every moment on stage is said to become 'an unforgettable blend of vocal performance and comic precision.'

Performance Season: April 14 - 18

Venue: MC Showroom,L1/50 Clifton St., Prahran

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Cyrano de Bergerac

■ This Martin Crimp adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play, Cyrano de Bergerac, maintains the original emphasis on verse, meter and rhyme but with a contemporary edge that is akin to rap. Faithful, also, is the storyline which teases out concepts of bravado, love, beauty and deception.

Cyrano (Mark Yeates) provides the words used by Christian (Callum O’Malley) to woo Roxane (Cazz Bainbridge) despite loving her himself. The pathos still resonates today.

Director Matthew Cox uses a sparse stage where judicious lighting and sound capture the moments when the words, alone, convey the transformative message of love. Every other setting and subsequent tone is made manifest by an ensemble whose energy and fervour creates the moments of tension when words and swords are interchangeable rapiers, where writing is as powerful as rank, and where characters are victims of their own folly.

Rostand’s original acknowledges the theatre, the art of writing, human folly, love’s unrequited sorrow and even the misogynistic nature of the seventeenth century world inhabited by the actual playwright, Cyrano de Bergerac

Containing the expansiveness of Rostand’s work to suit a contemporary audience is the challenge that must be faced which compromises any production.

This production is a feast of language which is the mainstay of the play accentuated by Cox , with actors effortlessly –though this would have taken tireless dedication – delivering lines as if rhyme were as natural as breathing. This reviewer’s prose, perhaps, cannot do it justice.

Artefact Theatre at 45 Downstairs Flinders Lane

Until February 28.

artefacttheatre.com/ Review by Peter Murphy

ROBOT SONG: NOTHING SHORT OF MAGNIFICENT

■ In a new season of what was originally a 2018 Arena Theatre Co production, the award-winning musical theatre show Robot Song at Theatre Works was a beautiful heartfelt celebration of difference, a fantastic example of how powerful reframing a negative experience can be.

A young girl, Juniper May , is shocked when her classmates sign a petition stating that she’s the most hated person in the school.

With her world thrown into chaos she withdraws into a fantasy world for comfort. Eventually this world and her creative life within it allows her to grow, to be strong and to claim and celebrate who she is.

Written by Jolyon James with music composed by Nate Gilkes, the show was based on a true story.

What James and Gilkes did with that story was profound in reflecting upon and affirming the critical importance of difference in society.

In turns humorous and deeply moving, the script is exemplary in how it blends song, music and dialogue into something greater than the sum of its parts.

The three performers who brought the script to life - Adeline Hunter (playing Juniper), Phillip McInnes ( Juniper’s father) and musician Michelle Doyle (who occasionally took the role of Juniper’s mother) - gave wonderful performances, full of passion and well-chosen moments of stillness.

The night, however, belongs to Hunter. Her portrayal of Juniper is nothing short of magnificent. She captures the character’s sensitivities through a commanding performance, singing beautifully and with an arresting stage presence.

James not only wrote the piece but also directed and produced it. In both roles he excelled in getting great performances from his actors and by incorporating the musical elements of the show seamlessly into the narrative.

A big shout out also to stage manager Stephanie Young and technician Justin Gardam for their work in staging the show.

Overall then Robot Song was a truly uplifting, joyful and profound theatrical experience and not to be missed.

Review by Peter Murphy

Black Light

■ Jada Alberts, who wrote and directed Black Light, has eschewed a conventional narrative and provided audiences with a piece that has symbolic and poetic overtones.

Three generations of an indigenous family are simultaneously reunited and stranded on traditional land.

The vast open set ( Dale Ferguson) with a rock groin that seemingly penetrates into the sea has an overhanging porch that one might find on a shoreline.

Bub (Tahlee Fereday) has returned home where Aunty (Rachael Maza) has been looking after the matriarch of the family, Nan (Trisha Morton-Thomas).

Here too we find Mum (Lisa Maza) who had previously taken parental responsibility for Bub when Bub’s real mother died.

The tension between the sisters, Aunty and Mum , speaks to the sacrifices they have made and the frustration experienced by societal indifference to indigenous welfare.

The three generations, however, also represent a more poetic sensibility in Alberts’ work. Nan speaks of the landscape’s restorative power and there is an echo of a looming dystopia behind the scenes that has compelled Bub to return.

We can only guess at what this might be but there are echoes in the lightning and thunder ( Jenny Hector and Kelly Ryall ) which portend trauma.

The play is at its best when the friction between the sisters surfaces. This is a naturalism we can identify with.

References made to the landscape be-

● ● Adeline Hunter (Juniper) in Robot Song . come more symbolic and emblematic making them more open ended. Mention of Bub’s drug addicted father, for example, could well be interpreted as representative of systemic abuse within society leading to a condemnation of not just an individual character but the collective apathy indigenous families have had to deal with. This is much harder to follow.

The work doesn’t seem to be a linear story telling or traditional character development. Alberts’ message lies in each individual audience member finding the moments that resonate.

Until March 7 at Malthouse Theatre.

Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au

Review by David McLean

Where is the Green Sheep?

■ Monkey Baa Theatre Company is bringing its new Australian production of Where is the Green Sheep? to around 80 venues over two years in a national tour.

The show will be presented by Arts Centre Melbourne at the National Theatre, St Kilda in September.

Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek and adapted for the stage and directed by Eva Di Cesare. Audiences meet Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers and Red Sheep who cartwheels in the fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce. But where is that green sheep?

Blending puppetry and animation, the production invites young audiences to join three farmers on a playful and surprising quest to find the elusive green sheep.

Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, the show integrates their voices as narrators so the world they know is reflected on stage.

As families think more about time online, many parents are seeking real-life moments that help young people feel present and connected.

This production creates that space. Young people sit with their families, watch characters appear in front of them, listen to real voices and respond in the moment.

September performances in Melbourne : September 15-18. Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda. Show duration: 45 minutes. Ages: 1 to 6 and their families.

■ Award-winning Australian independent feature film Misgivings, written, produced and directed by artist-filmmaker Duncan James , will celebrate its Melbourne premiere on Thursday, February 26 at 8 pm at Palace Balwyn

Rated M and running 88 minutes, Misgivings is a French -inspired Australian drama that favours character, atmosphere and quiet provocation over spectacle.

Described as 'intimate and off-beat', the film positions itself deliberately outside mainstream trends and clichés, offering audiences a timeless cinematic experience grounded in emotional authenticity.

Shot over 19 days in 2024 on the stunning Barrington Coast, NSW — particularly the' 'breathtaking surrounds' of Blueys Beach — Misgivings emerged after several years of development and production.

The film has already garnered recognition on the international festival circuit, successfully screening at various international film festivals and building a reputation as a bold and distinctive Australian independent work.

The story tells of a bored suburban woman taking a solo road trip after her husband announces another work trip, only to uncover a shocking truth that unravels his life - and her own.

Misgivings explores themes of disillusionment, autonomy, and the quiet fractures within modern relationships.

With its restrained pacing and painterly aesthetic, the film draws inspiration from French art-house cinema while remaining distinctly Australian in tone and landscape.

Duncan James says he approaches filmmaking as an extension of his artistic practice, prioritising mood, performance and natural environment over formulaic storytelling.

In Misgivings, he crafts a contemplative work that invites audiences to sit with ambiguity rather than resolve it — said to be a rare proposition in contemporary cinema.

Melbourne premiere screening: February 26 at 8pm

Venue: Palace Balwyn, 231 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn

Tickets: Eventbrite

Duration: 88 minutes. Rating: M

Queerthentic

■ Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc . has announce the return of Queerthentic - a regional exhibition celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists and stories from acros s Central Victoria and beyond. Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc. is a volunteer-led, queer community-based organisation committed to increasing visibility, accessibility and creative opportunity for LGBTQIA+ artists in regional settings.

Observations

Four Weddings and an Encore

■ ‘Been there, done that, bought the Tshir’t could well have been the title of music industry trailblazer Amanda Pelman’s new autobiography.

In fact, its catchy title is Four Weddings and an Encore, reflecting experiences from Amanda’s own amazing life.

Starting as a radio journalist in Melbourne, her interviews with entertainment personalities lead her to move to London in 1981 to work with the band Dire Straits

THE DOLL TRILOGY

After several years in the UK, she moved to Los Angeles to start a master’s degree in Film Theatre at the University of Southern California.

But Amanda’s impatience to return to Australia and start her own business curtailed that initiative.

After experimenting with her own publicity company, she moved to Mushroom Records to work with Michael Gudinski, where she really hit her straps as National Publicist and Label Manger, signing a young Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan along the way.

And from there, the world was Amanda’s oyster, and she became a mover and shaker with major names here and across the world.

Becoming casting consultant to Cameron Mackintosh became another string to her bow, and she cast countless shows for Mackintosh and for such luminaries as Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.

Not surprisingly, Amanda has a host of stories to tell about people who are household names in the entertainment industry, which is reason enough to buy her book Four WeddingsandanEncore. Whether you will be able to put it down is another matter … Julie Houghton

Dance Summit

■ Dancers, educators and dance professionals from across regional Victoria will gather in Castlemaine for a full day of movement, creativity and connection at the Regional Dance Summit on Sunday, March 22, presented by Ausdance Vic and Movement Zone as part of the Castlemaine State Festival.

The Regional Dance Summit is designed to bring Victoria’s regional dance community together for one day of workshops, classes and conversations led by leading artists from across the state.

Held at Movement Zone Studios and Castlemaine Theatre Co in Castlemaine, the event celebrates participation, professional development and creative exchange across all ages and stages of dance practice.

The Summit welcomes:

■ Young dancers looking to build skills and confidence

■ Adults returning to dance or exploring it for the first time

■ Teachers and studio owners seeking fresh ideas, professional learning and connection

Through a tailored and inclusive program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, connect with peers, and experience the energy of being part of a wider regional dance network.

Contributed

Shows

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays (by Ken Ludwig) Until February 28 at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lucia Morris. Bookings: 9735 1777 lilydaleatc.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Browning Version/South Downs (by Terrence Rattigan and David Hare) Until February 28 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Two plays presented as a double bill. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Bookings: wlt.org.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Baby (by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. Until February 28 at Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr. Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 0493 069 479 www.brightontheatre. com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Loss and What I Wore (By Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman) Until February 28 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Catherine Christensen. Bookings: www.htc.org.au Phone: 9457 4117.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Tin Woman (by Sean Grennan) Until February 28 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Brett Turner-Valenta. Bookings: Phone 1300 131 552, or online malverntheatre.com.au/ book-tickets

■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage, Until March 14 at The Lowe Auditorium, The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Rob Blowers. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

Auditions

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Boeing Boeing (by Marc Camoletti) February 25 at 7.30pm and February 28 at 11am at the Mechanics Hall, 80 Yarra Street, Warrandyte. Directors: Tegan DeClark and Taryn Johns. Audition enquiries: tegsandtaz+boeingboeing@gmail.com

■ The Basin Theatre Group: You’re Only Young Twice, February 15 from 7.30pm and February 16 from 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Audition bookings and enquiries: bobbramble2013@gmail.com

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Other Place (by Sharr White) February 15 at 1pm; Callbacks if required: February 16 from 7.00pm at Unit 8, 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham: Director: Barry O’Neill. Audition enquiries/scripts/character profiles: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-theother-place/

■ Essendon Theatre Company: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (by John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson) February 21 at 2pm, February 24 at 7.30pm at the Bradshaw Street Community Theatre, Bradshaw St., Essendon. Directors: Claire Benne & Nathalie Fo. Audition bookings: 0433 344 647 or cpbenne@gmail.com

■ The 1812 Theatre: Treasure Island February 22 from 6pm; February 23 from 7pm at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Erin O’Hare. Audition enquiries: 1812theatre.com.au/auditions/audition-notice-treasure-planet/

■ Peridot Theatre: The Cottage (by Sandy Rustin) February 23, 25 at 7pm; Callbacks March 2 at the Monash Theatrical Rehearsal and Resource Centre, formerly Fleigner Hall, Cnr Highland and Turnbull Aves., Oakleigh East. Director: Steve Saul. Audition details: peridot.com.au/auditions

■ Melton Performing Arts: Terry Pratchett’s Guards! Guards! (Adapted by Stephen Briggs) February 28 at 10am, March 1 at 10am at Melton Christian College Brookfield, 152-156 Brooklyn Rd., Brookfield. Director: Josh Tooth. Audition enquiries: Ben Stokes- info@meltonpa. org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (by Nancy Harris) February 28 at 10am, March 2 at 7pm at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Audition bookings: beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Wicked Sisters (by Alma de Groen) March 1 at 2pm, March 2 at 7pm at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: L.B. Bradley and Michaela Smith. Audition bookings and enquiries: aurachaela@gmail.com

Cheryl Threadgold

■ Red Stitch’s rendering of Lawler’s Doll Trilogy is a master class of playwriting, production, and performance.

Lawler revolutionised theatre with Summer of the Seventeenth Doll in 1953 and later went on to write Kid Stakes (1975) and Other Times (1976).

Combined, they provide not only an arc of history from the depression, through World War II and the fifties but highlight the dramatist’s craft of superbly sequenced narratives where flawed characters are eminently relatable.

The living room set ( Jacob Battista and Sophie Woodward ) along with the wall lamps and lighting effects ( Rachel Burke) have us in an era of penury and penny pinching.

Daniel Nixon’s sound design evokes time, tone and texture – a few bars of the Last Post, for example, is all it takes to establish context.

This foundation sets the stage enabling director, Ella Caldwell, to evoke the best from her cast. The timing and intimacy between the characters seems real.

The emphasis shifts over the course of the trilogy. Roo (Ben Prendergast) and Barney (John Leary ), cane cutters from Queensland , meet Olive (Ngaire Dawn Fair) and Nancy(Emily Goddard) during a lay-off in Melbourne with the household matriarch, Emma (Caroline Lee) struggling to survive by running a boarding house.

The mores of social respectability and subsequent denial begin to be challenged.

This is further accentuated as Nancy grapples with the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy in Other Times

Ultimately, the fabric of the hopefulness and naïve expectation is shattered in the final work.

Olive cannot recognise the collapse of her world wanting everything to remain the same.

Barney betrays Roo bringing into question the shibboleths of mateship and integrity.

The cast find the emotional truths behind their respective follies and denials.

The prospect remains in the new ganger who has supplanted Roo, Johnnie Dowd (Khisraw Jones-Shukoor) , and his budding relationship with Bubba (Lucinda Smith) that the cycle will continue.

This is not to be missed theatre. The works are iconically Australian . The acting gripping.

Until April 11. Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, St Kilda. redstitch.net

Review by David McLean

■ The Basin Theatre: Heatstroke (by Eric Chappell) Until March 1 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Directed by Pip Le Blond. Bookings: thebasin.sales. ticketsearch.com/sales/sales Phone: 0494 065 006 Email: tickets@thebasintheatre. org.au

■ Peridot Theatre: A Night on the Tiles (by Suzanne Hawley) Until March 1 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Samsara. Bookings: peridot.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales

■ 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) February 26 –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) Feb 28, March 1, 7, 8, 9 at 2pm, outdoors at The Knowe, 4 Clarkmont Rd., Sass- afras. 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, February 27 – 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

Cheryl Threadgold

Ovation tour Entertainment Extra

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

● ● ● ● Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Oakleigh on Sunday morning (Feb. 15). Emergency services responded to reports of a collision between a vehicle and a motorcycle at the intersection of North Rd and Golf Links Ave about 11.30am. CPR was performed on the motorcyclist, a 26-year-old Bentleigh man, who died at the scene.

■ 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. Feb 22. Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat. 4pm Sat. Feb. 28. The Playhouse, Geelong. 2pm Sun. Mar. 1. Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. 3pm 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

Rourke’s Reviews

Sirat

■ (M). 115 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas February 26.

Nominated for Best International Feature at this year’s Academy Awards, this sprawling road movie is a rich mixture of sight and sound, immersing the audience in a landscape which puts its characters through a journey that wavers between hope and despair.

The opening sees a crew putting together a multitude of speakers in the middle of the desert, setting up for what will be a rave.

The mountain of speakers is surrounded by an imposing mountain wall, but once the sounds start humming, the party goers are soon entranced, dancing happily to the music thumping through the ground, their bodies and their ears.

Entering this all-consuming environment is Luis (Sergi Lopez) and his young son Esteban (Bruno Nunez Arjona).

Luis is looking for his teenage daughter, a raver who has been missing for quite a while, but no matter how many people he asks, no one has seen her.

When soldiers arrive on the scene and break up the party, everyone is forced at gunpoint to get in their vehicles and disperse.

A group break away from the designated exit path set by the military, and making a split-second decision, Luis decides to follow them.

This group includes Steff (Stefania Gadda), Tonin (Tonin Janvier) and Jade (Jade Oukid).

As reports about the end of the world are heard in the background, this group will be pushed to the limit, as they try to listen for a world each one can embrace and dance to.

Sirat is quite an experience.

Co-writer/director Oliver Laxe (whose last film was the 2019 drama, Fire Will Come) uses sound to incredible effect, attaching it beautifully to the images on screen (gorgeously shot by Mauro Herce), turning what we see and hear into numerous metaphors and interpretations, as we all want to find, follow and trust that perfect rhythm.

Laxe captures the exquisite yet harsh landscape as effectively as George Miller.

Performances are terrific. Sirat will frustrate some, as it demands involvement from the audience, but for those who do find its beat, will be invigorated and hugely entertained.

RATING - ****½

Lord of the Flies

■ (MA) (2026). Four episodes. Now available on Stan.

After wowing global audiences with the astonishing 2025 TV limited series Adolescence (if you haven’t seen it, please try and do so, as soon as is humanly possible), writer Jack Thorne now tackles a much more famous tale, the highly influential book by William Golding, one that also details a dark journey involving children.

Maybe expectations were just too high, but the result doesn’t reach the heights one was hoping for, even though it is still very much worth watching. The plot is the same.

A group of British schoolboys wake up on a desert island, discovering that their plane has crashed, but more importantly, all the adults have died.

Once the children start to

realise what the situation is, they try to decide what to do.

Only Piggy (David McKenna) thinks in a rational, reasonable manner, wanting to put in place logical steps so everyone has a chance to survive until help arrives.

Piggy befriends Ralph (Winston Sawyers), but meets resistance from head choir boy Jack (Lox Pratt). Ralph is voted in as chief, which upsets Jack, but the group initially try to work together, but as time goes on, this begins to change, and things will eventually become chaotic, dangerous and violent.

Cinematographer Mark Wolf captures the growingly hostile environment wonderfully, with heightened colour schemes that match the kids’ descent into hell, and the FX work is sometimes reminiscent of Alex Garland’s Annihilation

Director Marc Munden (Help, The Sympathizer TV series) keeps things visceral, and isn’t afraid to maintain a chilling gaze as events become more brutal.

The main issue is with Thorne’s screenplay, which decides to stretch Golding’s efficient story (the book is only around 200 pages) over four one hour episodes.

The extending of plot elements, and in-particular the over-reliance on flashbacks to explain certain behaviour, largely dilutes the source material’s power and point (interestingly, the 1963 and 1990 film adaptations run 90 minutes).

The acting is excellent, but special mention must go to McKenna, who is outstanding as Piggy, and he really is the core reason why the series works as well as it does.

Despite its flaws, LordOfThe Flies 2026 is still strong viewing and comes recommended, and is sadly relevant to the current state of the world today.

Those who have recently seen Sam Raimi’s wildly entertaining Send Help, may smile at some of the events that transpire.

■ It is hard to believe that it is now 62 years since our first successful police drama series Homicide debuted on Australian television.

Crawford Productions produced the popular series that pioneered the television drama industry we know today.

Terry McDermott played Detective Sergeant Bronson and we were shocked when one of our favourite characters was shot and died in the line of duty.

Terry McDermott was born in 1927. When he was 23 he worked as a location manager on the feature film Kangaroo, which starred Maureen O’Hara, Peter Lawford and Richard Boone . The film was shot in at Port Augusta in South Australia.

Terry later played guest roles in many of the early television series such as, Long John Silver, Whiplash and Consider Your Verdict.

Terry told me that in the early days when he was asked “Can you do that? In order to get a role - he always said, Yes!

He was offered the role of a policeman who was required to drive a motorbike across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in peak traffic.

Terry said “No problem,” then set out to learn how to ride a motorbike only to find that he needed extensive training and a special licence. Luckily the director rang Terry and said, “I’ve just found out that we need a special licence – would you like another role in the film?” – and all was well.

Whatever Happened to ... the Terry McDermott

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

In 1964 Terry McDermott was cast in Homicide playing a detective in the homicide squad of the Victoria Police

He was one of the original leading actors playing opposite Jack Fegan and Lex Mitchell.

The series achieved consistent high ratings and proved that we could make high quality drama that would be accepted by the viewers.

Terry was with Homicide for only 15 months and appeared in 59 episodes. It seemed like he was with the show for much longer and that is probably due to the fact that his episodes were repeated many times.

After Terry McDermott finished in Homicide he guest starred in many television series such as Skippy, Division Four,

Matlock Police and Prisoner. He had a regular role in the ABC soap opera Bellbird where he played Max Pearson.

His film credits include The Mango Tree, Dimboola and The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith.

Terry appeared in many stage musicals including Man of La Mancha, Oliver and Me and My Girl. He appeared in 70 stage productions over the years.

I had the pleasure of working with Terry on a rehearsed play reading of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in 1993.

In 1994

with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

ENERGETIC WORLD AT TOWN HALL GALLERY

Theatre Extra

Open Score

■ For 120 years, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has helped shape the sound of Melbourne – and the many communities, places and people within it. In 2026, the MSO is opening the score.

Open Score is a bold new community composition initiative launched as part of the MSO’s 120th anniversary, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate with the MSO by creating and sharing their own original music in response to a theme: Sense of Place

Open to everyone across Australia, Open Score removes traditional barriers to orchestral music-making. No formal musical training is required – the project offers an open opportunity for anyone with an idea, sound, or story to express it through music.

“Open Score is part of our ongoing commitment to access, inclusion and shared cultural ownership. It celebrates creativity in all its forms and reflects our belief that orchestral music belongs not just on the concert hall stage, but in the lives, places and imaginations of people everywhere,” MSO CEO Richard Wigley said.

Open Score prioritises expression above technical perfection, with participants encouraged to explore their own sense of place through music - reflecting on who they are, where they call home and why, and what music means to them.

The initiative will capture a musical snapshot of community for the Orchestra’s 120th year, through personal responses that connect identity, memory, and place through sound.

Participants of any age or background are invited to submit a 1-2 minute original, unperformed work that is not AI-generated.

Submissions will be reviewed throughout the year by the MSO’s Artistic and Learning & Engagement teams. Selected works may be recorded by MSO musicians, shared across MSO digital and social platforms, and in rare cases, workshopped or performed live. Selected composers will receive a recording of their work.

Waitress cast announced

■ Produce r John Frost has nnounced the cast for the Australian premiere of Broadway’s musical Waitress, which will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne from May 1. Tickets are now on sale at WaitresstheMusical.com.au .

Leading the cast as Jenna will be Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Chicago, Shirley Valentine), while Gabriyel Thomas (Cats, Sister Act) and Mackenzie Dunn (Grease, Annie) play Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s coworkers at the diner.

Rob Mills (& Juliet, Wicked) will play Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters (The Woman in Black, Play School) will be Joe, the owner of the diner.

One of Australia’s most popular leading ladies of stage and screen, Natalie Bassingthwaighte will play Jenna, an unhappily married waitress in a small US town.

Natalie’s music career has seen her achieve acclaim as one of only 20 Australian solo female artists to reach Number One on the ARIA Album Charts with her solo album, 1000 Stars

Direct from her acclaimed performance as Grizabella in the national tour of Cats, the role of Becky , the irascible waitress with a wicked sense of humour, will be played by Gabriyel Thomas

Most recently seen on stage as Lily St Regis in the Australian tour of Annie, Mackenzie Dun n will be Dawn, the eccentric youngest waitress at the diner.

Charming stage and screen star Rob Mills will be playing Dr Pomatter, Jenna’s endearing but neurotic gynaecologist. As Joe, the curmudgeonly diner owner who has a soft spot for Jenna, will be stage icon John Waters

Echo and Resonance – Chelsey Liu Chelsey invites viewers to step into her energetic and dynamic world of colour, texture and form.

Liu’s artistic practice explores the creative possibilities of Abstract Expressionism. By allowing instinct and impulse to influence every brushstroke, each painting becomes a representation of thoughts and feelings too hard to explain through words alone.

Through spontaneous gestures, Liu reflects on her cultural identity. Personal experiences and observations of daily life in Boroondara

By doing so, she examines broader themes of connection, memory and the diversity of cultural experiences present in her community.

Exhibition closes March 4.

Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

MAPh

Coded Blooms

Petals of provocation Coded Blooms at the Museum of Australian photography unfurls the mysteries of flowers through the photographic works of Robert Mapplethorpe and four Australian artists – Pat Bassington, Del Kathrym Barton. Kake Prevalm Meng-Yu Yan.

Flowers have long stood for what could not be spoken aloud, sex, death, longing, defianc. Soft in appearance yet potent in meaning. they are among art history’s greatest deceivers. Across centuries and cultures, the bloom has functioned as a visual code, from artists have returned to, reclaimed and rewritten to speak about desire, power and taboo.

Coded Bloom begins with the American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, whose flower photographs from the exhibition’s conceptual author.

Drawn from the collection of the National Gallery of Australia, these works establish a charged framework for contemporary rereading of the floral.

In Mapplethorpe’s hands, the bloom becomes sculptural, erotic and exacting, stripped of sentiment and sharpened in form.

Exhibition opens March 7 and closes May 24. MAPh 860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill

MUMA

Knowing Knowledge is a major group[ exploring how artists enact ancestral, spiritual and embodied ways of knowing amid eroding trust in government and dominant Western frameworks.

From mysticism and occult traditions to First Nations storytelling and cosmologies, the exhibition brings together artworks incorporating collective ritual, image-making, systems of astrological and diagrammatic mapping, sound and embodied performance.

Rather than treating such practices as marginal or esoteric, the exhibition approaches them as living systems that have long shaped commu-

The Arts

nity life and cultural endurance. They predate, exceed and persist despite efforts to suppress or contain them.

Exhibition closes April 21.

MUMA Building F Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield.

MPRG

The Cuckoo The Herring and The Trembling Tambourines – Michael Vale

Michael Vale is a Melbourne-based artist whose practice brings together Romantic traditions, absurdist theatre, dark fiction and a mischievous sense of humour.

Over several decades, he has developed a distinctive visual language that fuses the grandeur of dramatic landscapes with the unexpected presence of surreal and often comical figures. His paintings and installations are populated with spectral characters, cartoonish costumes, and shadowy theatrical backdrops that unsettle as much as they amused.

By deliberately disrupting clear narrative readings, Val creates scenes that hover between the similar and the uncanny, inviting viewers into a world where meaning is unstable and tone constantly shifts.

Exhibition opens February 28 and closes May 31.

MPRG Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington Peter Kemp

La Fiera Festival

■ La Fiera Italian Festival will return to Myrtleford and Victoria’s Alpine Valleys from Friday May 15 to Sunday May 17, marking a major milestone as the much-loved festival celebrates its 18th year.

Hosted by Myrtleford in High Country Victoria, La Fiera has grown from a small community celebration into one of regional Victoria’s most anticipated Italian cultural festivals, drawing visitors from across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and further afield to experience authentic food, wine, music and the Italian spirit.

Ukelele Festival

■ Melbourne Ukelele Festival will play out from March 27-29 along High St in Northcote.

MUF has become an annual musical institution with workshops, performances, local and international acts and experts, as well as a musicians marketplace. More details and tickets at Humanitix.com

Port Fairy

■ The much loved Port Fairy Music Festival is with us again for 2026.

The March long weekend will see the 49th festival feature over 90 acts from soloists to bands and include overseas guests as well.

Partners include both the State and Federal Governments , Local Government and Deakin University plus numerous businesses.

It’s Shane

■ Multi-award winner Shane Nicholson will perform at the Bayview Country Art Club In The House series of concerts from 2pm-5pm on Saturday, July 25.

The intimate style show offers an acoustic setting where the audience can appreciate and absorb the lyrics of his songs, says their media release.

Tickets and more info at Humanitix.com

● ● Kate Ceberano is undertaking a 2026 encore tour around Australia, as well as a show in London. The 30-date run will begin in September.

Love, Loss and What I Wore

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company opens 2026 with a delightful production of the nostalgic dramatic comedy Love, Loss and What I Wore, playing until February 28.

Based on monologues in the 1995 book by Ilene Beckerman and written by Nora and Delia Ephron , Love, Loss and What I Wore features a cast of five female players.

Their storytelling presented individually and as an ensemble, revolves around the rollercoaster of emotions and memories connected to various clothes, shoes and accessories worn on different occasions throughout life.

Expert actors are vital in this play to deliver the intricately crafted dialogue and sustain momentum.

Director Catherine Christensen has nailed the show’s casting to perfection and presents a beautifully staged production, with great choice of music, too.

The versatile players are Regina Miller, Elise Moorhouse, Candice Schell, Sarah Sell and for most performances, Lindy Yeates

On the opening weekend, it was necessary for Paula McDonald to replace Lindy Yeates as Gingy – a courageous undertaking for an actor. Bravo to Paula for a professional, relaxed and charming performance.

The cast makes the most of every emotive moment in the script as we hear memories,

good and bad, associated with clothes ranging from a Brownie uniform to the black dress.

Congratulations to Sarah, Regina, Elise and Candice on first-class performances.

Michael Rowe’s lighting design enhances mood and complements Christensen’s direction in splendid style.

Wendy Drowley’s design concept is stunning in its simplicity. The pink-toned set greeting audiences on arrival sets the elegant style of the show.

This play is a wonderful validator for those of us who keep clothes for their memories and sentimentality.

But more than that, the audience becomes immersed in the women’s stories, sharing the wide gamut of emotions, and in the end there is a feelgood sense of celebration.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Performance Season: Until February 28

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre,

36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.

Bookings: htc.org.au

Review by

Cheryl Threadgold

Stand-in

■ Irish Mythen will step in for Grace Petrie on select Victorian dates and National Folk Festival appearance. “"My thoughts are with Grace as she navigates such a difficult time at home.,” Mythen said.

ST KILDA

School bomb hoax

■ Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after allegedly making threats outside a St Kilda East school last Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 18).

Officers were called to the Dandenong Rd address following reports of a man with a backpack allegedly making the threats about 2.45pm. A 45-year-old man was arrested on Westbury St.

The Bomb Response Unit attended and assessed the backpack, with no suspicious devices located.

The nearby school was momentarily placed into lockdown as a precaution.

The man was charged with bomb hoax, trespass, unlawful assault, possess drugs and possess a controlled weapon.

He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 16.

Investigators do not believe the incident was religiously or ideologically motivated.

DEANSIDE

Pursuit and crash

■ Police have arrested five teenagers after an incident where a male was allegedly assaulted and dragged into a vehicle, before being involved in a pursuit across Melbourne’s north-western suburbs.

It is alleged that a 17-year-old boy was walking along Harrier Circuit in Deanside when he was assaulted by four male offenders and dragged into a Toyota Camry sedan about 8.30am.

With the five occupants on board, the Toyota continued along Taylors Rd

Police pursued the vehicle through Caroline Springs and back into Deanside Stop sticks were deployed on Neale Rd, before the car crashed into a pole on Hopkins Rd in Truganina

Four 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man in the Toyota were arrested at the scene, including the boy who was forced into the vehicle.

The incident appears targeted and those involved are known to one another.

One male sustained minor injuries believed to be from the assault and was assessed by Ambulance Victoria

They were to be interviewed by detectives and investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the incident.

GEELONG

Teenager stabbed

■ A teenage boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a stabbing in Geelong on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 19).

Officers were called to the Malop St scene after several calls to Triple Zero (000) about an assault just after 3.30pm.

Police have been told two boys were seen fighting in the mall of a shopping centre while a group of teenage bystanders, believed known to the pair, looked on.

A 17-year-old boy was later found by police injured nearby with suspected stab wounds.

He has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.

It is believed the other person involved and several bystanders fled the scene and were last seen headed towards Yarra St

A crime scene was established in the mall and the surrounding area while police process the scene.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have filmed the altercation to please come forward.

RICHMOND

Blaze at brick home

■ Fire Recue Victoria responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls for a structure fire in Richmond shortly before 6pm on Thursday evening (Feb. 19).

Firefighters arrived within seven minutes to find flames issuing from a 20 x 30 metre double-storey brick home that was under construction.

Firefighters quickly attacked the fire using multiple hoselines, as well as protecting homes on multiple sides that were threatened by the fire.

Two peoplewere in the rear yard of the property and had to be assisted to evacuate by firefighters. No injuries were reported. The fire was declared under control at 6.28pm.

TRARALGON SEXUAL ASSAULT: APPEAL TO IDENTIFY MAN

■ Central Gippsland Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are appealing for public assistance in identifying a man following a sexual assault in Traralgon. Investigators have been told a man attended the victim’s Elliott St address about 7pm on Tuesday, February 10.

The man, only known as ‘Jaz ’, often walked up and down the street and had befriended the 69-year-old victim before being invited into her residence.

Once inside, the man made unwanted physical advances towards the victim, grabbing her and attempting to kiss her before biting her on the cheek.

He then left the residence and the matter was reported to police.

The victim received bruising from the incident but did not require medical treatment.

Detectives have released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is perceived to be of Indian Sub-Continental appearance, aged in his 60s, approximately 182cm tall with a short grey beard.

He was wearing a white turban, orange t-shirt, beige trousers and brown leather sandals.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

BENDIGO

Drugs seized

■ Two men have been charged as part of an investigation into alleged drug trafficking in the Bendigo area.

Police were originally called to a department store at Pall Mall, Bendigo, where two bags had been left unattended on February 6.

The bags were searched, and police located a large amount of cash and drugs, however no arrests were made.

Detectives continued to investigate the incident and on February 16 they intercepted a black Mercedes on the Calder Hwy. The vehicle was searched and police seized what is alleged to be methylamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, Xanax, testosterone tables, ketamine and cash.

A 48-year-old Sunshine North man was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence. He was remanded to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’’ Court on May 13.

Bendigo Uniform Police observed a Black Amarok Ute parked at Albert Richardson Reserve in Bendigo about 1am on Wednesday (Feb. 18). Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located what is alleged to be methylamphetamine, GHB, ecstasy, heroin and $6,000 cash. The 34-year-old California Gully man was due to face Bendigo Magistrates’ Court, charged with trafficking a drug of dependence.

● ● Police want to speak with this man. NEWHAM

Charge over fatality

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Newham

The 28-year-old man has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death and fail to give way.

The charges follow a collision between a car and truck at the intersection of Egans Lane and Three Chain Rd on about 7.20pm on Tuesday, February 3.

The passenger of the truck, a 67-year-old Kyneton man, died at the scene.

The driver of the truck, a 43-year-old Malmsbury man, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The male driver of the Holden Commodore involved, also from Malmsbury, was arrested at the scene and subsequently interviewed.

He has been bailed to appear before Bendigo Magistrates’ Court, for a committal mention, on June 27.

GREATER DANDENONG

Noble Park stabbing

■ Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a stabbing in Noble Park

Statewide

EAST Constable charged

■ A senior constable from Eastern Region has been charged following an internal investigation.

The 42-year-old man has been charged with perjury, make false report, attempt to obtain assistance by fraud and provide false or misleading information (Victims of Crime, Financial Assistance Scheme Act).

It is alleged the incident occurred on March 18 last year while the officer was offduty.

He was charged on summons to appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.

BENDIGO

Rape on bus

■ Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an alleged incident on a bus in Bendigo

It is alleged a man got onto a Route 5 bus just after it had left Bendigo Railway Station about 6.20pm on Saturday, February 14.

He allegedly sat next to the victim, an 18year-old woman, and sexually assaulted her on the bus, which was travelling towards Kangaroo Flat, before she moved away.

The man allegedly continued to perform a lewd act on the bus.

The 33-year-old Epsom man was arrested in Epsom on Monday, February 16.

He was interviewed by detectives and has been charged with rape.

He was remanded to appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on May 13.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

MORWELL

Stabbing incident

■ Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a series of alleged offences in Morwell.

Police were called to a property in Yarak Court after a man allegedly stabbed another man before fleeing about 5.20pm. on Wednesday, February 11.

The victim, a 39-year-old Morwell man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The offender was allegedly involved in an attempted carjacking in Bunyip Court a short time later.

The driver of the car, a 32-year-old Morwell man, was not physically injured.

About 5.55pm, it is alleged the same man was involved in an altercation with a 29year-old male victim on Peter St.

It is understood a group of unknown male offenders assaulted a 20-year-old man in a carpark off Memorial Drive about 10pm Wednesday (Feb. 18)

The Narre Warren South man was taken to hospital in a critical condition however his condition has since improved and is no longer believed to be life-threatening.

The offenders fled the scene on foot and no arrests have been made at this stage.

Detectives do not believe the incident was a random attack.

ABBOTSFORD

Building fire

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a building fire on Mollison St, Abbotsfor d, at 2.52am Thursday (Feb, 19) following multiple calls to Triple Zero (000).

FRV crews arrived on scene within five minutes to find fire through the roof of a brick building approximately 10m by 30m, so the response was escalated.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked swiftly to contain the fire to the building with an aerial appliance also helping crews tackle the blaze.

FRV crews conducted a primary search confirming no one was inside. The incident was deemed Under Control at 4.02am however firefighters remained on scene for several hours to monitor hotspots.

The victim was not injured, but a dog sustained injuries during the incident.

The offender fled the scene. After extensive searches of the area, police located the man in the roof of an address on Dell Circuit in Morwell on Thursday, February 12. He was allegedly armed with a knife, resisted arrest and assaulted police officers.

The officers sustained minor injuries and a taser was deployed.

The 29-year-old Morwell man was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital under police guard.

He has been charged with:

■ intentionally cause serious injury

■ cause pain/suffering to animal – cruelty assault

■ attempted carjacking

■ attempted robbery

■ attempted aggravated burglary

■ criminal damage

The Morwell man was remanded to appear at Latrobe Magistrates’ Court on May 6.

MELBOURNE CBD Gas leak scare

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 10.54pm Wednesday (Feb. 18) to an incident on Latrobe St, Melbourne, after a caller to Triple Zero (000) reported a smell of gas. Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes at the multi-storey commercial building where the incident was reported. Around 100 people were safely evacuated from the building, managed by Victoria Police Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and used gas detectors to work on locating the source of the leak.

The response involved 21 firefighters, four pumper appliances, one rescue unit and one other unit.

The incident was deemed Under Control at 12.57pm. The scene was handed to building management.

OBSERVER STANDS OUT IN GUINEAS

■ The origin of the Guineas as a classic race for three-year-olds traces back to 1809 in Great Britain

Named after the currency in which the prize money was paid, it was first adopted in Australia by way of the Caulfield Guineas in 1881.

However, the Australian Guineas was only introduced by the Victoria Racing Club 40 years ago, in 1986.

In that short time, high calibre thoroughbreds including Mahogany (1994), Miss Finland (2007) and Alligator Blood (2020) have been successful.

One horse stands out among those set to contest the race at Flemington over 1600 metres this Saturday (Feb. 21).

His name is Observer , a beautifully bred Godolphin -owned colt who flourished last spring.

This son of Ghaiyyath was a luckless third in the Caulfield Guineas when knocked down 250 metres from home and still held up with just 100 metres to go.

Next start he went to Moonee Valley, and jockey Mark Zahra took luck out of the equation, leading all the way for a dominant win.

On to Flemington for the Victoria Derby where he controlled the race from the front again and staved off all challengers in the run to the line.

Observer then had a well-earned break from racing before returning earlier this month in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield over 1400 metres.

He did plenty of work outside the leader, taking the top on straightening, and scoring a comfortable victory.

The $600,000 first prize in the $1 million Group 1 Australian Guineas would take the total amount in stakes won by Observer to just over $2.5 million.

Successful or not on Saturday, this is one serious horse destined for even bigger things.

If there was to be an upset, one of the following horses would probably be responsible: Sixties

Sydneysider who chalked up two wins at first preparation.

Returned to racing following four months off with a win at Rosehill

Impressive last time at Flemington over 1400 metres when wide throughout yet proved too good.

Planet Red

Usually settles well back in the field and finishes off strongly.

That race pattern can prove a stumbling block at times.

Outperformed market expectations finishing a close second to Autumn Boy in the Caulfield Guineas . Runner-up again, this time to Observer when resuming from a spell.

Space Rider

Won three races, all at 1200 metres.

The most recent when first-up at Caulfield

Was caught three-wide the trip and showed plenty of fight to win.

Only run over 1600 metres was an unplaced effort in the Caulfield Guineas when he got too far back.

Rod Basto

Racing Photos

■ Featured on the Melbourne Observer Racing Page each week are photographs of popular racehorses and their jockeys.

The professional photographers at Racing Photos capture this high-intensity action across all Victorian professional race meetings.

Photos like these have attracted followers to the sport of Horse Racing over many years and will continue to do so into the future.

For more than a century, the traditional framed racing photo has been purchased by owners of winning horses.

This focused on the finish of the race, with a picture of the winner returning to scale inserted at the top.

Fast forward to today and Racing Photos provides several options to allow for customisation.

In fact, a photo of your favourite racehorse doesn’t have to be confined within a frame and mounted on the wall. It is even possible to enjoy that image on a coffee mug or stubby holder.

Photo Finish

■ Yet a different type of photography can play an important role in the outcome of a horse race.

Following a trial period in early 1946, the Victoria Racing Club officially adopted the ‘Camera-Graph’ photo-finish system.

From the first race at Flemington on July 6 of that year, this image could be used to determine the winner in a close finish.

These days digital technology has replaced the original continuous-flow film process.

As a result, there are fewer dead-heats declared, with the judge able to separate horses by a single pixel.

Horses To Follow

■ Plunger

■ Stuntman

■ Hard Kick

■ Ole Dancer

■ Tentyris

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, February 25: Sandown Lakeside

■ Thursday, February 26: Pakenham

■ Friday, February 27: Kyneton, Cranbourne

■ Saturday, February 28: Flemington, Wangaratta, Woolamai

■ Sunday, March 1: Werribee, Sale

■ Tuesday, March 3: Seymour Rod Basto

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Is there a Public Notice you need to publish, or do you want to promote a coming event? We can help you with the wording. Phone an Ad-visor today on 9489 2222.

‘Still living with physical scars’

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has told Premier Jacinta Allan that local people are still living with the ‘physical scars’ of the Longwood fires.

“My question is to the Premier. How will the Government restore a universal coordinated clean-up so every fire-affected Victorian can recover safely and fairly?” Ms Cleeland asked.

“Families across Euroa electorate are still living with the physical scars of the 2026 bushfires more than five weeks on.

“Burnt homes, asbestos debris and unsafe structures remain weeks later.

“But they are being told that if they were responsible enough to insure their home, they are excluded from the state clean-up.

“For more than a decade Victoria took a universal approach so communities could recover quickly and safely.

“Instead this year Labor has created a two-tier emergency response that many residents feel taxes them twice and punishes them for doing the right thing.

“People are being quoted tens of thousands of dollars just to clear debris.

“That strips rebuild money from insurance payouts, slows recovery and is already pushing some residents to attempt dangerous clean-ups themselves, which increases the environmental risks when properties are cleared piecemeal.

“It is inequitable, it creates a moral hazard and it divides communities street by street and town by town,” Ms Cleeland said.

Help from prisons

■ Corrections Victoria Prison Industries are supplying livestock feed and on-ground assistance to communities hit hard by recent fires.

Langi Kal Kal Prison has delivered more than 60 hay bales to Stoneleigh for distribution to local farmers impacted by recent fires – with prisoners at the minimum security facility helping to grow, cut, rake and bale the hay onsite.

This follows a further 110 hay bales provided to communities affected by the Longwood fires, helping replenish critical livestock feed reserves after paddocks and stored fodder were destroyed.

Prisons across Victoria are also contributing to local recovery efforts:

■ Loddon Prison is supporting Mount Alexander Shire Council with fire recovery work in Harcourt

■ Beechworth Correctional Centre has offered help to local councils with re-fencing and timber clearing along the High Country Rail Trail

■ Landmate crews from Langi Kal Kal have commenced building new fencing in the Ripon District to help farmers safely contain livestock.

Landmate crews within 100km of bushfire-affected areas will provide recovery support over the next year.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026

FRESH FIRES HIT NORTH-EAST REGION

■ The stark reminder that much a dangerous summer-autumn remains arrived over the past week with fresh fires at Tallarook-TrawoolKerrisdale, and also south of Mansfield at Gaffney’s Creek towards Woods Point.

Residents in Kerrisdale, Tallarook and Trawool were warned to take shelter as the fire travelled from the Goulburn Valley Hwy in a south-westerly direction.

“You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive,” VicEmergency said.

“The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.”

Residents were warned that those in Kerrisdale, Strath Creek and some parts of Tallarook should leave before the fire grew too large.

Residents in Dairy Creek and Homewood, west of Yea, were told they should stay alert and monitor emergency warnings.

Warnings were later downgraded. A public meeting was held at Strath Creek on Saturday (Feb. 21).

Meanwhile, at the weekend, south of Mansfield, the Gaffneys Creek fire hit areas including Frenchman’s Gap Lookout to the south, close to Woods Point.

Warnings to leave were later extnded to people in the area near the A1 Mine Settlement, and on the outskirts of the Matlock township.

To the north of Gaffneys Creek there was concern as the fire area epanded towards Knockwood.

New roads system

■ Murrindindi Council has introduced a new road classification system to help manage access safely while recovery works continue.

“This system allows essential and authorised users including residents to move through the area,” a Council representative said.

■ Open – Unrestricted: Fully accessible to all users

■ Open – Restricted: Open under traffic management due to hazards

■ Road Closed – Authorised Access (local traffic only): Limited access such as residents, emergency response, essential services, farming support and waste services (daylight hours only)

■ Road Closed – No Access: Unsafe for all traffic except emergency services

■ Conditional Access: Access only with prior notification to, or supervision by, Council

Ghin Ghin Rd (to Highlands Hall) has now reopened under temporary speed restrictions following recent impacts from the Longwood Fire

“While crews continue tree management and safety works across the fire-affected area, please drive with care and follow all signage in place,” the Murrindindi Council representative said.

1-in-3 trucks out

■ It has been revealed one-third of Fire Rescue Victoria’s metropolitan fleet is currently unavailable.

Shadow Minister for Fire Rescue Victoria, Nick McGowan, said that of the 131 trucks in FRV’s metropolitan fleet, 44 were sitting and awaiting repairs in a workshop at Thornbury

“A staggering 65 per cent of the entire fire truck fleet in Victoria is past its service date. This means our firefighters are responding in trucks that routinely break down and place them and the public in danger,” Mr McGowan said.

“It is scandalous that one-third of our fire trucks are off the road during the peak of the fire season.

“With half of FRV’s telebooms and onethird of the entire fleet unavailable to fight fires, the Minister should hang her head in shame.

“The fleet is so old and unreliable that the safety of Victorians, and our firefighters, is being put at risk.” Mr McGowan said.

Race days honour volunteers

■ The State Government is supporting regional race days to honour the volunteers, firefighters and emergency services workers who worked tirelessly through January’s devastating bushfires.

Anthony Carbines, Minister for Racing, acknowledged the dedication and skill of emergency responders and CFA volunteers at the first Racing for Our Regions event held at the Seymour Racing Club

The four-day initiative is being delivered by Racing Victoria with almost $50,000 in support from the Government through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund

Around 200 volunteers and emergency service workers enjoyed complimentary entry to the Seymour race day, including a dedicated marquee and community barbeque.

A Racing Victoria fundraiser at the event will raise additional money for the Country Fire Authority Trust and Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund

More events will be held across fire-affected regional locations in the coming weeks including in Towong, Alexandra and Kyneton

Locals are encouraged to attend their local event, enjoy a day at the races and recognise the extraordinary commitment of emergency services workers who protected their communities.

“Today we honour the volunteers, firefighters and emergency service workers who spent January on the frontline – sacrificing their time and working through dangerous conditions to keep their communities safe,” said Mr Carbines.

“The fires had a major impact on racing – from stables and studs to clubs and officials – coming together shows the industry’s resilience and its commitment to supporting its people when they need it most.”

Strathbogie Mayor offers fires overview

■ Strathbogie Council Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery has offered a detailed report at the first Shire meeting for the year.

“When we were last in this Chamber for our December Council meeting, we were looking forward to Christmas celebrations, enjoying summer events and a short break to recharge ahead of what was shaping up to be a busy year,” Cr Jeffery sai.d

“Pleasingly, we had made great progress towards recovering the Budget, improving council processes and governance, being relieved of our Municipal Monitor, and having a strong team of Councillors and Executive staff all working together towards a common goal.

“At that time, I had not imagined my first address for 2026 would be about the worst bushfires to hit our Shire since 1965.

“The Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire has changed our landscape and had profound, farreaching and enduring impacts on the Strathbogie Shire, and particularly the residents of Ruffy, Longwood, Gooram, Tarcombe and Creighton’s Creek

“Our hearts are broken for the loss of life; the loss of homes, properties and businesses; the loss of livestock and the broader impact on our communities and economy.

Courage

“I want to acknowledge all the emergency services personnel who responded to this disaster, including particularly CFA volunteers and frontline workers for their tireless efforts.

“Your courage, professionalism and compassion have made a profound difference to our community and will continue to do so.

“I also want to acknowledge the community-led relief operations, particularly in Ruffy which has been a herculean effort in responding to both human and animal needs, and also the communities of Creightons Creek and Gooram who have established strong support and recovery plans for their areas.

“I am so proud of the way our community has come together to support one another. At times in this role, it is easy to get consumed by the targeted negativity in social media and the efforts of night-time keyboard warriors, but it has been so heart-warming to see only the best of the great Aussie spirit rise to the top, to protect and assist our most in need.

“The generosity has been overwhelming, and we thank you for the outpouring of love and support that has been felt right across our Shire

Contributions

“I want to specifically acknowledge the phenomenal contribution of our local Member for Euroa – Annabelle Cleeland

“Despite losing much of her own farm and stock, Annabelle has been on the ground in every part of her affected electorate and beyond, advocating, organising, connecting people, and resolving issues.

“She connected the best to initiate the Longwood Fodder Depot, to which we will be forever indebted to Neil and Kerrie Tubb and family, along with countless volunteers.

“She has also been instrumental in ensuring her constituents can access funding through the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund, organised by another group of dedicated and professional community members.

“Regardless of political affiliation, it is hard to fault Annabelle’s remarkable humanistic response to this disaster, and I look forward to continuing our advocacy, and support of our community, together.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible work over the past few weeks of my fellow councillors who have been on the ground across our Shire helping our residents.

“Our councillors were there right from the start, assisting at the relief centres, organising help for affected residents, even moving hay and other goods to those in need.

Thanks

“I would like to thank Deputy Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy for stepping into the Mayoral role while I fought the fires as a CFA volunteer, and subsequently fire threatening our family homes and properties in the first few days of the disaster.

“As expected, she didn’t miss a beat, but she did break my phone!

“Thank you to our CEO Rachelle Quattrocchi who, less than a year into the role, has shown absolute commitment to our organization, people, and community.

“We have shared unimaginable grief with residents directly affected by fire, watched with awe at the strength and resilience of our com-

munities, and commenced the process to recovery. Rachelle has also been instrumental in planning and articulating our requirements through effective advocacy, which I will speak more about shortly, but also that I hope to be able to report on as success stories in the coming months!

“Many of our staff and their families were also directly affected by the fires, but the entire team has worked tirelessly to support our communities.

Dedication

“This included filling emergency roles when the fire was still going, to now leading the recovery efforts. The entire council team has continued to deliver business as usual while responding to the fire emergency, and I want to commend each member of staff for the dedication they have shown.

“The fire’s impact extended into our neighbouring shires, and we have been working closely with Murrindindi, Mansfield and Mitchell Shires as we all start on the long road to recovery.

“It has been uplifting to see that municipal borders have become temporarily erased, with the needs of our communities coming first and foremost.

“A special thanks must go to Mitchell Shire, CEO Mary Agostino and Mayor John Dougall for hosting the Relief Centre in Seymour in the first few weeks of the disaster, and Mayor Shane Sali from the City of Greater Shepparton for organising three semi-loads of human supplies from donations received from the good people of Shepparton

“Other Councils from across Victoria have mobilised staff with emergency response and recovery experience to assist us with our initial response and now the recovery process.

“Staff from Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Mornington Peninsula, Monash, Manningham, Greater Dandenong and Bendigo, along with the Red Cross, Victorian Council of Churches, Government Shared Services and Arborists, have come together to form the Secondary Impact Assessment teams that will be active in our devasted communities for some time to come, and we thank them for their support.

Greater Good

“There are so many other volunteers, both individual, charitable, and business, that have contributed so much to the greater good in this response – thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you have given and continue to give!

“Council is committed to carrying on the great work our community has started, supporting rebuilding and restoring what was lost, while strengthening our communities and laying the foundation for a more resilient future.

“In today’s agenda, Council will introduce a condolence motion. With that motion, we recognise the resilience and strength shown by communities in the face of all we have lost and reaffirm a shared commitment to recovery and renewal.

“We took an important step on our recovery journey last week with the opening of our longterm Recovery Hub at 34 Railway Street, Euroa. The Hub is a central, welcoming and trusted place designed to support our community through recovery, healing and rebuilding.

“It brings together key agencies, wellbeing services and recovery specialists in one accessible location.

“It is designed to make it easier for individu als, families, businesses and community

groups to access practical support, clear information and guidance – all in one place.

“The Recovery Hub has been made possible thanks in part to the $15 million in recovery support funding that has been pledged by the State and Federal Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Advocacy

“Council has been actively advocating across all levels of government since the fires to ensure our community has the resources and support it needs to move forward.

“The CEO, Councillors and I have met with numerous Federal and State Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries including:

■ The Premier – Jacinta Allan

■ The Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development – Jaclyn Symes

■ The Minister for Emergency Services – Vicki Ward, who also attended our Hub opening

■ Minister for Local Government – Nick Staikos

■ The Minister for Planning – Sonya Kilkenny

■ The Minister for Agriculture – Ros Spence

■ The Federal Minister for Emergency Management – Kristy McBain

■ The Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland

■ The Member for Indi – Helen Haines

■ The Member for Nicholls – Sam Birrell

■ Member for Northern Victoria – Ricki-Lee Tyrrell

■ The Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services – Sheena Watt and the Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – Paul Edbrooke

■ Minister Mental Health, Ageing, Multicultural Affairs and Prevention Family Violence - Ingrid Stitt

■ Shadow Treasurer and Leader of Opposition – Jess Wilson

■ Shadow Minister for Women, Prevention Family Violence, Worksafe and TAC – Cindy McLeish

■ Tim Wiebusch, Emergency Management Commissioner

■ Member for Northern Victoria – The Hon Wendy Lovell MLC and Gaele Broad

Visits

“I have also spoken at length with Her Excellency Sam Mostyn – the Governor General of Australia, who showed great interest and empathy towards our situation. I have extended the offer for Her Excellency to visit our region soon.

“We are also presently working with Her Excellency, Professor Margaret Gardner, Governor of Victoria, to organise a visit to the fireaffected region, such that there is a broad appreciation of the devastation and a multi-faceted approach to Government’s response.

“These meetings and ongoing advocacy are critical to ensure that our politicians and decision-makers understand the context that we are living – that being Strathbogie Shire operating in a financially constrained environment, and suffering from at least three significant and consecutive natural disasters.

“It is absolutely essential and my strong position, that we receive support and funding that adequately covers the costs incurred by council (and thus our ratepayers and taxpayers) in responding to these events.

“I thank all those I have met with for the support they have shown thus far, and I look forward to working together in partnership through the recovery phase.

“With all that’s been going on, business as usual has continued in other parts of the Shire, and I wanted to mention the wonderful Australia Day events that took place last month.

“Thank you to all the organising committee members, and those who participated in bringing many Strathbogie Shire Australians together in celebration of what makes this place so great.

“I was proud to welcome some of our newest Australians at our Citizenship Ceremony, which was held on January 27. At a time when we had witnessed first-hand the very best of Australian courage, mateship, and resilience, it was wonderful to reflect on what it means to be Australian as I received the pledges of our newest citizens.

“Finally, I’d like to thank and make mention of the roughly 80 per cent of our shire community who was not directly impacted by this disaster but has stood by us over the past nearly six weeks since the fire first started at Berrys Lane in Longwood.

“Your generosity of spirit, human and animal needs, and for giving us the space to stablise the community and organization, and implement our recovery process, has been much appreciated. We anticipate more business-as-usual council updates from next week, with the Recovery hub running in parallel.”

Cr knocked out

■

Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy, who was vocal in the media during the Longwood fires, has been knocked out of the Liberal preselection process.

She wanted to nominate for the Northern Victoria MLC seat from which wendy Lovell will retire in November.

Despite references from Josh Frydenberg and Ted Baillieu, Cr Ewart-Kennedy was blocked from running as a Liberal Party candidate because her form was one day late after she helped Longwood bushfire victims, reported the HeraldSun.

Cr Ewart-Kennedy was Acting Mayor of Strathbogie Council at the time of the fires.

“Encouraging women to step forward — particularly in regional areas — requires systems that understand the realities of leadership during a crisis, alongside clear and consistent processes,” she said.

“It appears that they have different rules for different people and discretion is extremely selective which is not in the spirit of the constitution.”

The HeraldSunreport said: “Former federal candidate for Nicholls, Steve Brooks; former MP Amanda Millar; and Mansfield Shire councillor Steve Rabie are among the more high profile candidates who were preselected.”

Water in demand

■

“While floods, bushfires, and cyclones have dominated recent headlines, drought remains a pressing concern for farming families across Australia,” says Rural Aid.

“Rural Aid has received a surge in requests for assistance, particularly for household drinking water – a daily necessity that has become increasingly scarce on droughtaffected properties.

“In 2026 alone, Rural Aid has received 231 requests for water tanks, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

“Farmers across southern and eastern Australia are facing prolonged dry conditions. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, January rainfall was well below average, ranking among the driest 10 per cent of Januarys on record since 1900, across most of Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and large parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland

“Victoria and New South Wales saw their lowest January rainfall totals since 2013 and 2014 respectively. Some water storages in the eastern and southern states have also declined by up to 50 per cent compared to this time last year, adding to the daily challenges for farming families.

“Looking ahead, rainfall is likely to be below average for much of the countries south, suggesting dry conditions may continue for farming families in these regions.”

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said: “For people in the city, it’s easy to take clean water from the tap for granted. But for hundreds of farming families in drought-affected regions, this simply isn’t the case.

“Access to reliable household water has become a daily challenge, and it affects every part of life on the farm.”

Rural Aid has been delivering water as on-farm stocks run low, providing household water to help manage daily routines and care for their families.

“Drought brings multiple pressures at once,” Mr Warlters said. “Even small support, like access to water tanks or wellbeing resources, can make a real difference.”

Virtual fencing

■ State Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has announced that the Halter’s P5 electronic collar system is the first to be approved in Victoria for virtual fencing.

This technology will help farmers to save on the cost of building and maintaining cattle fencing through smart, real-time technology.

“We’ve heard from many farmers using various forms of virtual fencing, and it was clear that the technology made a significant difference to the health of their stock, their pastures and their workloads,” said a Government representative.

“Halter’s P5 system features a collar connected to an app, allowing farmers to virtually fence, move and monitor wellbeing of their cows while receiving real-time insights into animal health and pasture conditions.

“Farmers can virtually fence around waterways and sensitive land or vegetation, while still allowing native animals to access them.”

Liquor licence aid

■ The State Government says that it is helping businesses hit by this summer’s bushfires – waiving and refunding liquor licence fees so local operators can focus on reopening and recovery.

Minister Enver Erdogan announced that businesses affected by the January 2026 bushfires will have their liquor licence renewal fees waived.

This support will help pubs, wineries, distilleries, cafés and bottle shops save money at a time when every dollar counts.

Businesses in areas including Avenel, Merton, Seymour, Alexandra, Skipton, Natimuk, Tallangatta, Gellibrand and many more are eligible.

Businesses who lost stock in the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores fire will also have their 2026 fee waived.

More relief will be extended to licensees impacted by bushfires still active across the state.

All eligible businesses will have their fees automatically waived or refunded.

“Hospitality and retail businesses play a vital role in local economies and supporting them is central to helping regional communities recover from this year’s devastating bushfires,” a Government representative said.

“The fee relief builds on more than $370 million in jointly funded support already announced for affected families, farmers, businesses and councils.”

Molesworth Pub shuts

■ The lease of the Molesworth Hotel is to be sold, and the pub will not re-open under the model of current operators, Latitude 37.

“The recent fires occurred during our busiest time of year. Between the impact of those events and a complete lack of government support to help us bridge the gap, we have had to make a difficult business decision.,” the operators announced.

“We have chosen to sell the lease on the Molesworth Hotel and will not be reopening it under the Latitude37 model. While it is a venue with immense potential, it is ideally suited for a smaller owner-operator.”

Resilience is a burden

■ New research from Adelaide University is questioning the widespread use of the term ‘resilience’ in Australian agriculture, arguing that its overuse can place unfair pressure on individual farmers and obscure the need for systemic support.

Published in JournalofRuralStudies, the study explores the perspectives of women involved in farming businesses across Australia, examining how resilience is understood, experienced and talked about within the sector.

“The major finding was that our participants believed they were inherently resilient, often having to find ways to overcome the everyday challenges faced in farming enterprises,” said Dr Emily Buddle from Adelaide University’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.

“However, participants also emphasised that being resilient was not necessarily easy and were uncomfortable with other people describing farmers as resilient.”

Some participants suggested that labelling farmers as resilient can function as an “excuse” for governments to withdraw support, shifting responsibility for managing adverse events such as drought onto individuals rather than a shared responsibility.

The term resilience has become a common feature across policy areas including defence, economics, ecology and agriculture. In farming contexts, it is often promoted as something that must be strengthened at the individual level, particularly in relation to mental health and drought management.

“Our research shows women involved in farming businesses are concerned that this language minimises the scale of systemic pressures facing agriculture,” Dr Buddle said.

“There was a strong view that overuse of the term by policymakers and government representatives downplays the need for coordinated, systemic support for farming families and rural communities.”

As both a researcher and a farm business owner, Dr Buddle said her interest in the topic emerged from conversations within her own farming networks.

“I observed growing frustration with the word resilient, particularly because people

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Your business can have a free 40-word listing in each 2026 edition of this free newspaper, and also at our website - www.phoenixnews.com.au. The free service is worth $40 per issue, and is available totally without charge to businesses in the Mansfield, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Mitchell, Strathbogie, Whittlesea, Yarra Ranges regions. It is important to promote local businesses as this region rebuilds. (All ad listings are at the sole discretion of the Editor of The Phoenix).

Post this coupon to: The Phoenix, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 If not enough space on this form, attach wording on a plain sheet of paper.

Listing Information:

Rural Aid recovery

■ Rural Aid says that it is providing assistance to farmers affected by disasters, including financial support, mental health counselling, hay, water and hands-on assistance.

were exhausted by constantly having to 'bounce back' from numerous factors that affect farming,” she said.

“Drought is the most visible example, but farmers are also dealing with volatile commodity prices, rising input costs linked to global conflict, and having to travel further for essential services as rural populations decline.”

Dr Buddle says while she saw increasing levels of frustration in her own farming circles, she did not expect to see such widespread commentary nationally.

The research argues for a move away from relying on resilience as a catch-all concept, and toward approaches that better recognise ongoing structural challenges.

“Our findings highlight the importance of moving beyond the ‘buzzword’ of resilience and towards more meaningful responses that acknowledge systemic pressures and support farming families in navigating profound and ongoing change,” Dr Buddle said.

“I always believe there is a need to be more aware about the narratives we deploy when we talk about farming, both when we are talking within the agricultural industry as is the case for this paper, but also in more public facing domains.”

UP TO $1760

“This support will remain available as farmers work through the long and complex process of recovery, which can take multiple seasons or years,” said a Rural Aid representative.

“As a charity, Rural Aid relies on the support from the community to help to provide practical assistance like hay, water, financial relief, and counselling, while also funding volunteer farm recovery events that bring real help and real hope to communities in times of adversity.

“Recovery doesn’t have an end date,” said Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters. “Farmers and rural communities may still be dealing with damage, debt and emotional strain years after a flood, fire or drought.”

Fleetwood Concreting & Landscape Constructions Pty Ltd, 620 Pauls Lane, Dixons Creek. Phone 0418 534 973. Contact: Val Aquilina. https://fleetwoodconcreting.com.au. Email: fleetwoodconcreting@gmail.com

LOGIC LANDSCAPES is a family run business with a wide range experience in landscaping design and construction that spans over 35 years. Earth Logic Landscapes, 3974 Whittlesea-Yea Rd, Flowerdale. Phone: 0433 700 007. Contact: Jake Deans-Draper. https:// www.earthlogic.com.au/ Email: earthlogiclandscapes@ hotmail.com

FREE ADVERTISING

FOR EACH LOCAL BUSINESS

Every local business throughout the bushfire affected region qualifies for up to $1760 worth of free advertising in The Phoenix newspaper. The offer is available throughout 2026, to all business owners in the municipalities of Mansfield, Murrindindi, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Strathbogie, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges. The packages are totally free of cost. There is no obligation.

The free advertising packages provide a free 40-word line listing, worth $40 each fortnight until December 9, 2026. That’s a free $40 ad in 23 print issues (plus more free ads in 22 further online issues on alternate weeks). Each advertisement is listed in The Phoenix Newspaper and also online at www.phoenixnews.com.au

To apply for a free advertising package, complete the form online, or mail the coupon (below) to The Phoenix, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. All advertising packages are subject to the approval of the Editor of The Phoenix.

The free advertising packages are being privately funded by the owners of The Phoenix and its major supporters throughout metropolitan Melbourne, country Victoria, and interstate. Not a cent of tax - or public-money - is being used to fund this unprecedented promotion of local business.

The Phoenix is operated by Local Media Pty Ltd of Eltham, publishers of The Local Paper and the Melbourne Observer.

LATEST ADS

DOLL MAKING PARAPHERNALIA. Lots of wigs, shoes, hand made clothes. UFOs, etc. New cond. $250. Whittlesea. 716 1881.H-K

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coberlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Plae blue with thin white stripes. Never used. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. H-K

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Freedom Odyssey Plus, as new, 2 batteries, fully charged. Manual with instructions and invoice. Not needed anymore. Can inspect anytime. EC. $2000. Heidelberg. 0429 054 065.H-K

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening. GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.H-K

VINTAGE Mechanical Car and Trucks Jacks. 250 in total. Price negotiable. Williamstown. 0400 825 550.H-K

ALUMINIUM PUNT. 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp

DINING CHAIRS. Eight, leather. Frames, EC. Some chairs need recovering. Chocolate brown leather. $100 lot. FC. Assorted prices. Marysville. 0417 337 424.F-I

Near new. Ideal for holiday home or unit. Very clean. EC. $100. Marysville. 0417 337 424.F-I

2222

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.

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BAYSWATER

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station tower at 3 Valentine Street, Bayswater VIC 3153.

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of the removal of (9) nine existing panel antennas with the installation of (9) nine new 4G/5G panel antennas (<2.8m in length) approx. 30m above ground level. This upgrade also includes the Installation of associated auxiliary equipment and ancillary works.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

4. Please direct comments to Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra at planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, 0477 962 725 or by post to: Service Stream (Wireless) - Level 11, 2 Wentworth Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150 by 5pm Wednesday 4th March 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3153003

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870

Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 362-368 SWAN STREET, RICHMOND VIC 3121 (CP172943)

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade its mobile phone base station on the existing monopole at the above address. RFNSA: 3121016

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of

• Removal of six (6) existing panel antennas;

• Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (each 2.53m long) at a height of 20.8m;

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (each 0.72m long) at a height of 21.2m;

• 3. 4.

Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm Thursday 5 March 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3121016

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870

Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781

Amplitel Pty Ltd A.C.N: 648 133 073

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 495-511 BURWOOD HIGHWAY, VERMONT SOUTH VIC 3133

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade its mobile phone base station on the existing monopole at the above address. RFNSA: 3133007

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of

• Removal of nine (9) existing panel antennas;

• Installation of three (3) new panel antennas (each 2.69m long) at a height of 21.8m;

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (each 1.00m long) at a height of 18.5m;

• Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas (each 0.79m long) at a height of 24.5m;

• 3. 4.

Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm Thursday 5 March 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3133007

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870

Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781

Amplitel Pty Ltd A.C.N: 648 133 073

Does your local Council use The Local Paper to communicate with locals?

Local government in Victoria has been in operation for over 180 years, with its foundations dating back to the early 1840s.

From the very start, the best local Councils have used local press to keep residents informed about their activities.

Public notices, employment ads, pages with news of Council activities. Does your local Council publish ads in The Local Paper? Does your local Council practice what it preaches about transparency and clarity?

The Local Paper has a network of local editions - in print and online - that serve local communities including Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Mansfield, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Merri-bek, Mitchell, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Mornington Peninsula, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Strathbogie, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Yarra and Yarra Ranges. Does your local Council advertise locally? Does it hide its ads in the daily newspapersat unnecessary expense?

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