The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Feb. 18, 2026

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

EUROA MP TAKES ON THE PREMIER

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has shortfronted Jacinta Allan in Parliament over the Premier’s claims there had been no cutbacks to Country Fire Authority budgets.

Ms Cleeland: My question is to the Premier. Over summer the Premier repeatedly claimed that delays in tabling the CFA annual report were due to delays in the AuditorGeneral process, yet the AuditorGeneral issued a statement categorically disproving the Premier’s claims. Why did the Premier mislead members of the Avenel and Longwood CFA brigades in my electorate by blaming the independent umpire?

Ms Allan : In answering the question, I will correct the misinformation that is contained in the member for Euroa’s question. My answer to the tabling of the CFA’s annual report went to the auditing processes, and indeed there was some repeated back and forth between agencies and the Auditor-General’s office that enabled the final tabling of the report a couple of weeks ago. But the substance of the 2024–25 annual report shows that funding has increased to the CFA, so regardless of what date the annual report was tabled the facts that are contained in the annual report are that funding has increased to the CFA. For any mem-

Works underway

■ Strathbogie Shire Council has commenced road safety improvement works on the following roads:

■ Harrys Creek Rd

■ Euroa–Strathbogie Rd

■ Longwood–Ruffy Rd

These works are being delivered as part of the TAC Road Safety Program and will include:

■ Improved signage

■ Line marking

■ Curve alignment markers

■ Targeted safety barriers

Tuesday Meeting

■ The first Strathbogie Council meeting for 2026 was due to have taken place at 4pm yesterday (Tues.) at the Euroa Community Centre, as this issue of The Local Paper went to press. Agenda items included:

■ Mayor’s Report, Councillor Report

■ Public Question Time

ber of this place to say otherwise would be deceiving those volunteers who over this summer have worked tirelessly to protect us and to protect our communities and do not deserve the misinformation and deception. There has only ever been a funding increase to the CFA that is shown in the 2024–25 annual report, and today the CFA is better funded, better supported and better resourced because we back them.

Ms Cleeland : The Premier referred to cuts to CFA funding as a conspiracy theory, despite the independent budget watchdog confirming three consecutive years of cuts. Isn’t the Premier the only person peddling conspiracy theories in relation to CFA funding?

Ms Allan): I am pleased that the member for Euroa has given me an opportunity to comment on the process of how the Parliamentary Budget Office released this information to the opposition. When the fire struck on Janauary 7, 8 and 9, my focus was solely on supporting our emergency services and those fire-affected communities. The Leader of the Opposition’s focus was on soliciting false information from the Parliamentary Budget Office to then peddle to those very same communities.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, on

relevance, it is entirely out of order for the Premier to be reflecting on the independent Parliamentary Budget Office. That is exactly what you just did –shocking.

The Speaker: Order! The member for Brighton is warned.

Ms Allan : On the point of order, Speaker, I will not allow the member for Brighton to verbal me by way of a point of order, because it would be nasty for the member for Brighton to do that. I want to be absolutely clear that my issue is with the Leader of the Opposition and the fact that her focus was on politicisation of funding to emergency services, not on supporting fire-affected communities.

Danny O’Brien: Further to the point of order, Speaker, the Premier seems to forget what she just said. She said soliciting a false report from the PBO.

The Speaker: I do not uphold the point of order.

Ms Allan: This behaviour and the response we are seeing in the house today demonstrate why we cannot take this Liberal leader or this Liberal–National coalition seriously. They are all about cuts, not about backing Victoria.

Ms Cleeland: On a point of order, the question is to you, Premier, not the Leader of the Opposition.

■ Condolence and commendation Motion, Community recognition and Preparedness - Longwood Berrys Lane Fire

■ Quarterly Plaanning Report

■ Variations and Grants approved under CEO delegation

■ Infrastructure - capital works

■ Final Municipal Monitor Report

■ Memorandum of UnderstandingStrathbogie, Murrindindi, Mansfield and Mitchell Shires Bushfire Recovery

■ ALGA Financial Sustainability Inquiry Submission

■ Prevention and Management of Sexual Harassment Policy

■ Audit and Risk Committee Annual Performance Report

■ Notices of Morion lodged by Crs Clark, Holloway and Halsall.

Inside This Week

FREE ADS FOR FIREAFFECTED BUSINESSES

Throughout 2026, our ‘Phoenix’ section will offer absolutely free 40-word ads for local fireaffected businesses. Lodge your ad at phoenixnews.com.au

YOUR GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING

Life in the bush has its own unique set of challenges. Check our ‘Victorian Rural News’ section for the latest info. VicRuralNews.com.au

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

The Numbers

Most impacted

■ Murrindindi Shire is by far the most impacted local government area in the January fires.

Damage is still being assessed, and to date includes:

■ Houses destroyed: 193

■ Sheds and other structures lost: 519

■ Vehicles and machinery lost: 691

■ Total stock/animal losses (including bee hives): 5672

■ Fencing destroyed: 4524 km

■ Agricultural land impacted: 561.4 hectares Road and bridge assessments at a glance:

■ 451 kilometres total roads to be assessed

■ 376 kilometres roads currently estimated as directly impacted

■ 43 kilometres roads open, including speed restrictions

■ 87 kilometres tree works underway

■ 228 kilometres tree assessments underway

■ 73 bridges assessed

■ 9 bridges closed

■ 48 bridges damaged but remaining open

Local People Career transition

■ Sureway Employment and Training delivers Career Transition Assistance will soon start CTA in Seymour.

CTA is a FederalGovernment initiative to assist mature age job seekers, aged 45 years and over, to build skills and confidence to become more competitive in their local labour market. The course is voluntary and runs for three days a week for four weeks.

Delivered in small groups, with tailored assistance and 1:1 support, the CTA program covers:

■ Identifying your current skill set (transferable skills) and match these to new roles

■ Building an up-to-date resume and cover letter tailored to specific jobs

■ A resume that will beat online filters/ screeners/algorithms when applying for jobs - Applicant Tracking Systems

■ Identify and set career goals

■ Create your career pathway

■ Identifying employment opportunities

■ Navigating and utilising job searches

■ Submitting online job applications

■ How to promote and market yourself to employers

■ Preparing for job interviews, developing interview skills, participating in mock interviews

COUNCILS UNITE TO HELP MURRINDINDI

■ The scale of the bushfire recovery task has made clear the importance of councils working together, alongside State and Federal Government support.

“Murrindindi Shire Council covers more than 3880 square kilometres – that's more than five times the size of Singapore, and operates with around 160 full-time equivalent staff,” said a Council representative.

“When a major emergency strikes a rural municipality of this size, additional capacity is essential to ensure communities are supported while everyday services continue.

“Through the Municipal Association of Victoria’s emergency management support program, councils from across Victoria have stepped in to assist Murrindindi Shire Council during the early and critical stages of recovery.

“More than 90 staff from over 15 Victorian councils have stepped in to assist our community, including close to 50 from the City of Whittlesea, as well as teams from as far afield as Port Phillip, Bass Coast, Wyndham and Wellington councils. In addition, we have engaged a further 50 to 60 contractors to deliver critical infrastructure and recovery works across the Shire , including several local workers.recovery.

“Murrindindi Shire Council is also working closely with fellow Longwood fire-affected councils - Mitchell, Strathbogie and Mansfield - under a shared agreement to support our communities wherever help is needed, regardless of council boundaries or administrative barriers.

“This means that if residents see staff wearing another council’s badge working on local roads, trees, bridges or entering fire-impacted properties, they are there on behalf of Murrindindi Shire Council.

“Community members are encouraged to give them a friendly welcome and know they are part of a coordinated recovery effort supporting our Shire.

“The additional workforce is playing a vital role across our Shire, supporting recovery information hubs, undertaking on-site property assessments, inspecting roads, bridges and trees, and helping maintain essential council services while recovery work continues at pace.

“To date, hundreds of kilometres of roads have been assessed and more than 250 property assessments completed, helping to restore access and provide certainty for affected residents and landholders,” the Murrindindi Shire Council representative said.

Council Rounds Thanks to our neighbours: Shire

■ Murrindindi Council has acknowledged significant support from the State and Federal Governments, with funding covering the majority of costs associated with employing additional staff for the recovery effort.

“This investment ensures Council can respond to increased demand created by the emergency while continuing to deliver core services to the community,” a Shire representative said.

“Around half of Council’s own workforce has been personally affected by the fires. Having extra staff on the ground means Council can continue supporting the community, with minimal disruption to services.’

Mayor of Murrindindi Shire, Cr Damien Gallagher, said collaboration had been central to the recovery efforts.

“Our community has been through an incredibly difficult time, and our priority is making sure people feel supported at every stage of

“The additional staff who have joined us from other councils, are making a real difference on the ground.

“Their contribution is helping us provide timely, practical assistance to residents, farmers and businesses where it’s needed most.”

“We also want to acknowledge the strength of our community and the way people continue to support one another.

“Recovery will take time, but Council will walk that path alongside our community and stay focused on what is needed at each step.”

Local Hilux TV ad ‘pulled’

■ A Toyota Hilux Tv ad that featured spots in Yea and Molesworth has been ‘pulled’, after it was found to be in breach of multiple advertising standards codes.

“Complaints were received on the grounds that the ad depicts dangerous and potentially illegal behaviour,” said the Case Report from the Ad Standards Community Panel.

This means the ad will have to be updated or pulled from air entirely.

The Hilux ad, named The Pied Piper, depicts a large number of dogs chasing a red Hilux Rogue down a dirt road and into a town, with the animals jumping into the ute’s tray, unrestrained, comically overloading the vehicle, said 7News.

Images included Carter’s Store in Yea, temporarily signposted as a bakery; Yea Meat Supply ; and the Molesworth Hall.

“Dogs are meant to be tethered or otherwise safely transported to ensure safety while travelling,” said the report.

“Some of the complainants noted that there are exceptions for muster dogs, but the ad does not reflect best practice or community standards on transporting dogs.”

Three issues were raised by the Ad Standards Community Panel.

In response, Toyota Australia said: “In the hero film, dozens of dogs – the ultimate symbol of loyalty – abandon their owners’ utes and leap into the tray of the new Hilux in a playful demonstration of the loyalty Hilux inspires.” Toyota will modify the ad.

● ● This is the February 18 of The Local 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

Community Health

Murrindindi Council calls for urgent mental health help

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is calling on the State Government to urgently revise the delivery model for announced bushfire mental health funding, warning that the current announced approach risks leaving some of the state’s most heavily impacted communities without accessible support.

In an open letter to Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Murrindindi Council has raised serious concerns that the municipality is effectively excluded due to the tyranny of distance and being disconnected from the primary mechanism through which the $6.9 million joint Commonwealth-State mental health package will be delivered.

The January bushfires burned through around one-third of Murrindindi Shire, destroying approximately 200 homes and accounting for almost half of all residential losses across Victoria

Together with Strathbogie Shire, Murrindindi experienced a disproportionate share of the damage, with families displaced, livelihoods lost and communities re-traumatised.

Despite this scale of impact, Murrindindi Shire does not sit within the catchment of any Mental Health and Wellbeing Local facilities.

Nearest services are located in Benalla, Shepparton and Lilydale, requiring travel of between 85 and 160 kilometres, or up to 2½ hours each way, with no public transport options for many affected residents.

Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the current model creates an unacceptable barrier to care for people already dealing with trauma and loss.

“While we welcome the commitment of additional mental health funding, the way it is proposed to be delivered simply does not work for rural and dispersed communities like ours,” Cr Gallagher said.

“For people experiencing trauma, grief and loss, asking them to travel long distances away from their support networks is not a minor inconvenience - it is a barrier that will prevent access altogether.”

Council is calling for a portion of the funding to be allocated directly to established local services in Murrindindi Shire, including Yea and District Memorial Hospital, Alexandra District Health and the Lower Hume Primary Mental Health Service.

“These providers have strong local knowledge, trusted relationships and proven experience delivering trauma-informed care in rural communities,” the Council representative said.

“Their work behind the scenes, supporting individuals and families through what is an incredibly difficult time, should be recognised and sincerely thanked,” he said.

Since the bushfires, local health providers have reported a significant surge in demand, averaging an additional 30 hours per week across services.

Murrindindi Council has warned this level of demand is unsustainable without immediate and targeted investment.

Cr Gallagher said the current approach contradicts the National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, which emphasises place-based, flexible and locally responsive recovery.

“Our experience is clear - local, trusted services work,” he said.

“Following previous disasters, locally delivered health responses prevented escalation and avoided far more costly interventions later. Investing directly in local services ensures continuity of care and sustainable recovery outcomes.”

Murrindindi Council has formally called on the State Government to:

■ Immediately allocate a proportion of the announced funding directly to local providers in Murrindindi Shire

■ Enable flexible funding arrangements that allow services to scale outreach, engagement and therapeutic support now

■ Ensure delivery models for rural and dispersed communities align with national disaster mental health principles

“Recovery is not one-size-fits-all,” Cr Gallagher said.

“Murrindindi has carried an extraordinary share of Victoria’s bushfire impact. Our community deserves an equitable, accessible and locally delivered mental health recovery response.” murrindindi.vic.gov.au/longwoodfire

Opportunities at Worawa

■ “Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville offers wonderful opportunities for young Aboriginal women across Australia,” Eildon MLA

Cindy McLeish has tolde State Parliament.

“At last year’s presentation day guests gained an insight into the success of a former student, Mary Cruz Fernandez, who made the most of every opportunity available, including earning her boat licence, which boosted her confidence,” Ms McLeish said.

“ Mary grew up in both Darwin and Wurrumiyanga on the Tiwi Islands. Mary is Tiwi mob on her mother’s side and of Spanish heritage on her father’s.

“She attended Worawa from 2017 to 2021. Since leaving she worked with the Cathy Freeman Foundation in Wurrumiyanga before commencing the Navy Indigenous development program.

“She spent six months living in Cairns, completing military and TAFE training, gaining valuable skills and independence.

“She now works in CatholicCare NT, travelling every two weeks to deliver programs to remote communities.

“She supports the safe house program, creates activities for children and is preparing to run a women’s group on country. She is so impressive,” Ms McLeish said.

Yan Yean misses out

■ Wendy Lovell, Northern Victoria MLC, says that the Yan Yean electorate has missed out on State Government funding.

“Yan Yean also missed out on funding for other infrastructure projects that are vitally important to that population, like a new Beveridge train station, the Wollert rail extension and a new police station in Whittlesea and also one in Wollert

“The annual report for the police in 2021–22 stated that land had been acquired for this new police station in Wollert, but we have not seen any money for the construction of it.

“That is despite crime increasing dramatically in the Whittlesea police service area. What we have seen is crime go up and our police stations there actually have their hours reduced.

“There is only one 24-hour station, at Mill Park. When Mernda was built, it was promised to be a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week station. It is now down to just eight hours a day, between 10 and 6.

“Whittlesea is only open on two days a week, and Epping station also has 10 to 6 operational hours,” Ms Lovell said.

Congratulations Annie

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has told State Parliament about the achivements of Yea district young women Annie Dignam.

“Huge congratulations to Homewood local Annie Dignam, who topped the state in VCE agriculture and horticulture,” Ms McLeish said

“I am so proud of Annie , but I know her parents Brendan and Jo are doubly proud.

“On a gap year in Far North Queensland on a station at the moment, Annie plans to study agricultural science at Melbourne University on her return.

“I am so impressed to see remarkable young women like her keen to work in agriculture.

“Even more impressive, at this young age Annie and younger brother Harry did a couple of shifts on the Homewood CFA truck during the recent fires, as well as on their private firefighting vehicle,” Ms McLeish said.

Threat reduced

■ A grassfire that threatened areas including Clarkefield and Beveridge was quickly reduced on Wedmnesday (Jan. 11) aqfter starting near Konagaderra Rd. It burnt approximately 480 hectares. Hotspots and smoke were expectedd to continue in the burnt area over the next days.

Local firefighters have continued monitoring the fireground to keep the area safe and respond quickly if anything changes.

People located within Clarkefield, Wildwood were quickly able to resume normal activities.

Emergency services remained in the area. Smoke may have been visible from nearby communities and roads.

Many local roads have been reopened due to the changed conditions. Check the VicTraffic website or call 13 11 70 for road closure updates.

Tones and I concert

■ Tones And I Goes To Longwood will be held at the Longwood Recreation Reserve on Saturday, March 7. The event is sold out.

Meeting next week

■ The next scheduled meeting of Murrindindi Shire Council is appointed for 6pm on Wednesday, February 25 at the Alexandra chambers. Meetings are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at either Yea or Alexandra

Goulburn Tourism

■ Mitchell Councillors were due to be asked this week to authorise continued membership of Goulburn Region Tourism Incorporated.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, February 18

Allied Tech Consulting Pty Ltd

Ammar, Muhammad Bloomfield, Danielle Leanne Darden, Adrienne Elizabeth Downing, Nathan Doyle, Danielle Catherine Ercan, Salih Garde, Jake Graue, Jacob Haylaz, Hayat Hyder, Stuart Julka, Nitish

O'connor, Colleen Norma Shah, Muhammad Qasim Swanwick, Belinda Tabernaberri, Carlos

Thursday, February 19

Abboud, Mahoud Ali Baxter, Kirby Bennett, Aaron Binks-Brown, Nick Boulton, Nicholas Bourke, Dallas Bouwmeester, Matthew Byrne, Anthony Creighton, Stephen David Crosher, Julie Cunningham, Daniel Shaun Denahy, Jeremy Farage, Lyla Farrell-Bowes, Brooke Felix, Patrick Frost, Aaron Glavocih, Steven Gleeson, Renee Green, Graeme Leslie Haddara, Amir Haddara, Khaled Holmes, Jacqueline Horvat, Igor Houston, Luke Hutchins, Damien King, Johnny Mclean, Luke Meldrum, Christopher Miller, Duncan Miller, O'rion Millin, Aaron Montanna, Dean Moss, Kylie Ogilvie, Jack Oliver, Zachary Rondel, Jurima Scerry, Wayne Singh, Karamjit Smith, Jayden Titley, Trystan Trim, Brandon Tweedie, Steven John Ward, Rory Harrison Watson, Grant Wright, Jayden

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Biddlestone, Jake David Croskell, Robert Ian Ettia, Joseph Manfred Mazza, Pancrazio Miller, Duncan Trimmer, Taylor Walker, Rory

Monday, February 23 Brown, David Ronald Hore, Andrew William Warburton, Jarrod Dale Tuesday, February 24 Ilbury, Nikki 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 Sharma, Sushil Sharpe, Rhys Sparkes, Matthew Luke Sundbloom, Elle

Thursday, March 5 Tatham, Jarrod

Wallan lane closure

■ The Watson St Interchange Upgrade will soon undertake overnight works on Wallara Waters Boulevard in Wallan to complete installation of a speed hump. Mitchell Shire Council requested this traffic calming measure to help slow vehicles on the curve of Wallara Waters Boulevard

Local Briefs

Art Prize at Bundoora Homestead

■ The Darebin Art Prize is a national multimedium acquisitive art award celebrating excellence in contemporary visual art.

This biennial exhibition brings together contemporary artwork across all media, from painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and craft, through to video art and more.

The Darebin Art Prize 2026 presents the work of more than 50 renowned Australian artists and is set to transform the eritagelisted galleries of Bundoora Homestead Art Centre

The winning artwork will be acquired into the Darebin Art Collection

The 2026 finalists are: Abbra Kotlarczyk, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Alice Wormald, Amalia Lindo, Amy Carkeek, Annika Koops, Ara Dolatian, Aylsa McHugh, Benjamin Bannan, Bianca Hester, Britt Salt, Callum McGrath, Carly Fischer, Caroline Walls, Casey Jeffery, Cyrus Tang, Damien Shen, Darcey Bella Arnold, David Rosetzky, Deanna Hitti, Ella Dunn, Elyas Alavi, Ena Grozdanic, Felix Oliver, George Cooley, Grant Nimmo, Guy Grabowsky, HIBALL, Hugo Blomley, Jacqui Shelton, Jessica Long, Joseph Blair, Julien Comer-Kleine, Katie Paine, Kym Maxwell, Mandy Quadrio, Matthew Asling, Nick Devlin, Nikki Lam, Oliver Hull, Pearl Austin, Pia Johnson, Setareh Hosseini, Shannon Lyons, Shoufay Derz, Simon Degroot, Steven Bellosguardo, Tara Denny, Thang Do, Tim Woodward, Virginia Keft, William Versace, Zainab Hikmet

This year’s judging panel brings together three Victorian arts professionals: Amita Kirpalani, Curator, Contemporary Art at National Gallery of Victoria ; Nicholas Mangan, Artist and Associate Professor, Fine Art at Monash University; and Sarah Werkmeister, Curator at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.

The prize pool includes a $10,000 acquisitive award for the winning work, as well as a $1000 People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice winner will be announced in the final weeks of the exhibition.

The Opening Event and Prize Announcement for the Darebin Art Prize will be from 6pm-8pm on Saturday, February 288. The exhibition runs from Wednesday, February 25 until Saturday, June 20.

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is a public art gallery for the City of Darebin. The Queen Ann-style mansion houses contemporary art, ideas, a public garden and café, on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is at 7 Prospect Hill Dr, Bundoora. Open: Wednesday to Friday: 11am–4pm; Saturday: 10am–4pm. Entry is free

Sam at Probus

■ Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea members heard guest presenter Sam White of Sidonia Beef this month.

Mr White is the current manager of the family’s 150-year-old property at Sidonia, a farming area north of Kyneton

“In 1997 the farm was home to 6000 merino sheep, but two of the flock were detected with Ovine Johne’s Disease, an incurable, chronic, and contagious wasting disease in sheep and goats,” said club correspondent Michael Halley.

“As a result all sheep on the property were destroyed and the property destocked for two summers.

“During and after the forced ‘recession Sam became interested in the concept of Regenerative Land Management, and has become a recognised exponent and spokesperson for the innovative farm management.

“Superphosphate spreading and chemical drenching was once the only way to maintain pasture and healthy stock. These are no longer used at Sidonia Beef, substantially reducing outgoings. Neither is the need to cut hay for feeding when pastures are dormant.

“The only expenditure is an annual electronic ear tag for new calves. Twenty years on soil tests note the presence of synthetic fertiliser.”

Skate Park event

■ The Sounds of Summer Skate Park Event will be held at the Olivine Recreation Reserve, Donnybrook, on Saturday (Feb. 21). There will be a special appearance from Olympic skateboarder Hayley Wilson , which will celebrate the new stake park and the newest addition to the Olivine Recreation Reserve

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.

Sport

Seymour District Cricket Round 15

■ A-Grade. One-Day. Seymour 2/107 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A 10/105. At Chittick Park (East)

Alexandra A Grade 10/91 v Pyalong A Grade 10/36. At Alexandra Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers A Grade 3/65 v Avenel Senior Men A 10/64. At Yea Recreation Reserve

Bye: Tallarook A Grade

■ B-Grade. Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B 10/ 109 v Seymour Senior Mixed B 6/144. Pyalong B Grade v Alexandra B Grade. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Avenel Senior Men B 3/215 v Yea Tigers B Grade 8/100. At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Bye: Tallarook B Grade ★

Seymour 2/107 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A 10/105 At Chittick Park (East)

Seymour won the toss and elected to bowl Puckapunyal - Innings

Cody Deegan, lbw Brodey Pointon ............. 0

Charles Davies, c Cameron Evans, b Hugh Smith .............................................. 59

James Voogt, c Khari Sison, b Brodey Pointon ....................................... 7

Jackson Say, b Cameron Evans .................. 3

Joel Baker,. c Brett Gordon, b Cameron Evans ....................................... 7

Thomas loft, c Jason Brown, b Hugh Smith .............................................. 9

Chris Hughes, lbw Lachlan Drummond .... 3

Lachlan Deeble, c&b Khari Sison .............. 7

Christopher Crabbe, st Brett Gordon, b Hugh Smith .............................................. 3 Madison Albers, c Lachlan Drummond, b Khari Sison .............................................. 0

Daniel Borg, not out ...................................... 1

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

Total (33.5 overs) ................................... 10/105

Fall of Wickets: 1-0 Cody Deegan, 2-19 James Voogt, 3-23 Jackson Say, 4-44 Joel Baker, 583 Thomas Loft, 6-91 Charles Davies, 7-99 Chris Hughes, 8-102 Christopher Crabbe, 9102 Lachlan Deeble, 10-105 Madison Albers.

Bowling (O-M-R-W): Brodey pointon 6-0-232, Cameron Evans 9-3-15-2, Braidon Horkings 3-0-21-0, Hugh Smith 8-1-29-3,

Lachlan Drummond 6-0-14-1, Khari Sison 151-1-2.

Seymour - Innings

Jason brown, c Joel Baker, b Christopher Crabbe .............................. 16

Brett Gordon, lbw James Voogt ............... 45

Cameron Evans, not out ............................. 34

Lachlan Drummond, not out ...................... 0

Jared Cram, did not bat

Thomas Eccles, did not bat Braidon Horkings, did not bat Brodey Pointon, did not bat

Khari Sison, did not bat Hugh Smith,. did not bat Luke Woolan, dide not bat

Extras (12WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P) .............. 12

Total (26 overs) ........................................ 2/107

Fall of Wickets: 1-38 Jason Brown, 2-100

Brett Gordon.

Bowling: Christopher Crabbe 7-0-24-1, Lachlan Deeble 2-0-10-0, Madison Albers 61-33-0. Charles Davies 4-0-22-0, James Voogt 5-1-11-1, Daniel Borg 2-0-7-0. ★

Alexandra 10/91 v Pyalomg 10/36 At Alexandra Shwogrounds and Recreation Reserve

Alexandra won the toss and elected to bat Alexandra - Innings

Scott Whitehead, lbw .................................... 0

William Ashton, bowled ................................ 8

Matthew Wal, caught .................................... 3

Vinu Hewage, stumped ............................... 22

Joshua Crane, bowled ................................. 11

Benjamin Wallis, lbw ...................................... 7

Private player, caught .................................. 23

James Fulton, caught .................................... 7

Nathan Waugh, not out ................................ 5

Justin Leary, bowled ...................................... 1

Lucas Crane, bowled ..................................... 0

Extras (2WD, 1NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P) ................. 4

Total (30.5 overs) ..................................... 10/91

Fall of Wickets: 1-0 Scott Whitehead, 2-14

Matthew Wal, 3-14 William Ashton, 4-37

Joshua Crane, 5-48 Benjamin Wallis, 6-63

Vinu Hewage, 7-83 Player, 8-90 James Fulton, 9-91 Justin Leary, 10-91 Lucas Crane. Pyalong - Innings

Total (23.2 overs) .................................... 10/36

Bowling: William Ashton 9-3-15-2, Joshua

Crane 9-5-11-5, Justin Leary 3-1-4-0, Matthew Wal 2.2-0-3-2. ★ Yea Tigers 3/65 v Avenel 10/64 At Yea Recreation Reserve. Yea Tigers won the toss and elected to bowl. Avenel - Innings

Travis Stefanos, c Jake Fish, b Dylan Thompson .................................... 13

Chayse Thompson, c Zayde Macleod, b Jack Christie ............................................. 1

Cam Bassett. lbw Thomas White ............... 4

Harrison Wall, run out Mark Watts, Jake Fish ..................................................... 1

Warrem Dowley, c Cameron Armstrong, b Jack Christie ............................................. 0

Hudson Black, not out ................................ 17

Jamison Block, c Mark Watts, b Zayde Macleod ........................................ 8

Oliver Valladeres, c Cooper Lynch, b Dylan Thompson .................................... 2

Andrew Thomson, c Cameron Armstrong, b Andrew Butterworth ....... 0

Jason harvey, lbw Will Dalton ..................... 0

Private Player, retired out ............................ 0

Extras (12WD, 1NB, 4LB, 1B, 0P) .............. 18

Total (21.3 overs) ..................................... 10/64

Fall of Wickets: 1-10 hayse Thomson, 2-22

Cam Bassett, 3-25 Harrison Wall, 4-28 Warren Dowley, 5-26 Travis Stefanos, 6-37

Jamison Black, 7-50 Oliver Valladartes, 8-62

Andrew Thomson, 9-64 Jason Harvey, 10-64 Player.

Bowling: Jack Christie 6-2-10-2, Thomas White 4-0-15-1, Dylan Thompson 6-1-23-2, Zayde Macleod 2-0-8-1, Andrew Butterworth 3-1-2-1, Will Dalton 0.3-0-1-1. Yea - Innings

Thomas White, b Cam Bassett ................. 23

Zayde Macleod, lbw Travis Stefanos ......... 6

Jack Christie, not out .................................. 32

Jake Fish, b Cam Bassett ............................ 0

James Simpson, not out .............................. 2

Cameron Armstrong, did not bat

Andrew Butterworth, did not bat Will Dalton ,did not bat Cooper Lynch, did not bat Dylan Thompson, did not bat Mark Watts, did not bat

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

Total (13.5 overs) ....................................... 3/65 Fall of Wickets: 1-17 Zayde Macleod, 2-51 Thomas White, 3-51 Jake Fish. Bowling: Oliver Valladares 3-0-10-0, Travis Stefanos 3-0-18-1, Cam Bassett 4-1-19-2, Jamison Black 1-0-7-0, Andrew Thomson 10-3-0, Chayse Thomson 1.5-0-8-0.

Goulburn Valley

Local Bowls

■ GV Weekend Pennant. Division 1. Mooroopna 56, 4 d by Shepparton Golf 74, 14. Euroa 48, 0 d by Tallygaroopna 119, 18. Shepparton Park 100, 18 d Seymour VRI 51, 0. East Shepparton 63, 0 d by Tatura Hill Top 108, 18. Division 2. Mooroopna 60, 2 d by Tatura Hill Top 86, 16. Nagambie 80, 14 d Seymour 70, 4. Shepparton Gold 109, 18 d Avenel 63, 0. Tallygaroopna 58, 2 d by Shepparton Park 10-3, 16. Division 3. Eildon 71, 0 d by East Shepparton 88, 18. Shepparton Park 112, 18 d Shepparton Golf 51, 0. Rushworth 79, 15 d Mooroopna Golf 62, 3. Alexandra 90, 18 d Euroa 53, 0. Division 4. Seymour 76, 16 d Dookie 62, 2. Merrigum 59, 2 d by Tatura Hill Top 73, 16. East Shepparton 86, 14 d Shepparton Park 80, 4. Yea 83, 16 d Tallygaroopna 76, 2. Division 5. Violet Town 52, 2 d by Colbinabbin 57, 14. Bye: Rushworth. Murchison 51, 2 d by Euroa 54, 14. Tatura Hill Top 0,0 d by Shepparton Park 15, 16 (match was forfeited by Tatura Hill Top). Alexandra 47, 2 d by Seymour VRI 59, 14. Nagambie 69, 14 d Seymour 50, 2. Division 6. Mooroopna Golf 15, 14 d by Shepparton golf 0, 0 (match was forfeited by Shepparton Golf). Mooroopna 32, 2 d by Avenel 44, 12. Dookie 36, 1 d by Murchison 43, 13. Merrigum 15, 14 d Shepparton Park 0, 0 (forfeit).

Condolences to Robin

■ Georgie Purcell, Northern Victoria MLC, has sent condolences to I send my condolences to Dr Robin Coy of Tarcombe Wildlife Shelter , which was destroyed in the Longwood fires.

“Robin watched as flames surrounded her animals, and she was forced to leave with only her dog, six joeys and a doe,” Ms Purcell said.

“She took shelter in a dam while she watched her entire property burn with the remaining animals trapped inside.

“This only scratches the surface of what our community has endured this bushfire season.

“With more extreme heat and high fire danger periods on the way through February and March, I want to acknowledge and thank the volunteer CFA crews who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to defend the communities that we all call home.

“Together we grieve for what has been lost. We stand with those in mourning, and we know we must act urgently to prevent these events from continuing in the future,” Ms Purcell told Parliament.

Rodeo on March 28

■ The Alexandra Bushfire Relief Rodeo will be held on Saturday, March 28, starting at 3pm, at the Dame Pattie Menzies Centre.

There will be a music interval, and the emphasis will be on fund raising to assist the recovery.

Reopower The ‘Nongs

■ Repower The Dandenongs is a community group partnering with Yarra Ranges Councils and other groups to organise a 'Repower Festival'

It is described as a family fun day focused on clean energy.

The festival is part of the Melbourne Electrification Roadshow, with multiple events running since October last year.

The local event will take place from 10am4pm on Sunday, March 22 at the shire offices, Anderson St, Lilydale.

$5000 donation

■ The Lions club of Marysville has donated $5000 to the Alexandra Food Bank

The Club’s donation of $10,000 to Need for Feed provides some support for purchase of hay and fuel to keep the trucks rolling, not only to Murrindindi Shire but other communities affected by fire, flood etc.

Reformer Pilates

■ Reformer Pilates is now available at Kilmore Leisure Centre and Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, offering a new low-impact way to build strength, improve mobility and stay active.

Both centres feature new Your Reformer beds, supported by Virtual Reformer Kiosks. Participants can choose short 15–20 minute sessions or longer full-body workouts, depending on their time and preferences.

Beveridge Village

■ Construction is continuing on a new neighbourhood retail centre being delivered by developer Oreana at the corner of Lithgow St and Mallaig Drive in Beveridge

Clean-Up Day

■ Sunday, March 1 is Clean Up Australia Day. This isa chance to get involved with the local community and volunteer some time to support the local environment.

Four Mitchell Shire groups have already signed-up to host events.

From vine to wine

■ The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is launching a multi-state operation across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales focused on heavy vehicles involved in transporting grapes, after previous operations revealed almost 40 percent of vehicles intercepted were non-compliant.

Operation Fortified will see NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers undertake roadside intercepts primarily focused on spillages, permit and fatigue offences over the next several weeks.

Significant spills have already been detected on roads and intersections.

Local Politics

Govt fails to deliver on skills

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence says that the State Government’s continued mismanagement of Victoria’s vocational education and training ector is leaving students, VET teachers, and employers worse off.

Ms Vallence sauid that the number of TAFE provider locations in Victoria has collapsed from 6349 in 2022 to 1823 in 2024 – a 71.3 per cent reduction.

“Real recurrent VET expenditure per annual hour in Victoria has plummeted by 18 per cent from $23.77 per hour in 2020 to $19.44 per hour in 2024, the lowest in the nation.

“Real recurrent VET expenditure per person in Victoria has decreased by 6.7 per cent from $403 in 2017 to $376 in 2024.

“The number of government funded training providers in Victoria has dropped from 456 in 2020 to 423 in 2024, a 7.2 per cent decline.

“The amount of Government VET funding paid to non-TAFE providers has been cut by $37.3 million from 2018 to 2024, with non-TAFE providers only receiving 25.5 per cent of all VET funding.

“Victoria continues to have the lowest rate of students complete VET qualifications per capita in the nation, with the exception of the ACT, with student satisfaction levels at or below national averages,” Ms Vallence said.

Locals praised in Parlt.

■ Two local organisations have been singled out for mention by Northern Metropolitan MLC Sheena Watt.

“What I want to do is highlight two organisations that have particularly struck me this season,” Ms Watt told the Legislative Council.

“One is called Gnarly Neighbours , up in Seymour. You might not have ever heard of them. They are a youth group that provides skateboarding lessons for young people. They decided that they should take a break and focus their efforts on organising to support their community.

“They have been critical in organising and distributing countless donations that they have received to those that need them most.

“The operation up there in Seymour is truly a sight to behold., To Gnarly Neighbours and all those folks up in Seymour that have made that happen, my thanks to you.

“One that was mentioned by Mr Bourman but I think we could do with mentioning again is Sikh Volunteers Australia, who have a dedicated team and a couple of vans.

“They have distributed thousands of free hot meals at relief centres right across the state.

“As Mr Bourman said, they are good people. I would like to also take some time to acknowledge and extend a special thankyou to the elected councillors, council employees and mayors right across the state who have taken the time to meet with me and share their concerns, big and small.

“To Strathbogie Shire Council, Murrindindi Shire Council and Mitchell Shire Council , thanks for sharing your stories from your local communities – the stories of farmers struggling to euthanise their dying livestock, stories of lost treasured homes and properties and livelihoods and the big questions that remain over the future of their communities, the urgent needs both in the short term and the long term.

“But most profoundly you spoke about the people and the urgent need for on-the-ground mental health support.

“It just so happened that later on that afternoon Minister Stitt was popping up to talk about our very generous package to support mental health in the community.

“So I was very happy to report the upcoming visit of Minister Stitt to talk about the vital work of mental health professionals in these communities, ones that we learned so many lessons from after Black Saturday, and I know they are very vital and central to our efforts in recovery.

“I want to say to every bushfire-affected community across the state that we certainly do hear you and we understand it is not just about the loss of buildings, it is not just about the loss of land; it is also about the loss of family memories, livestock, pets, native animals and community, and sometimes it is about the loss of life.

“I reaffirm that members of this place will stand with you every step of the way in the recovery in the weeks, months and years ahead. I commend this motion to the chamber,” Ms Watt said.

Park in Beveridge

■ Mitchell Council is continuing to advocate for the delivery of a park at Minton Place, Beveridge, with construction timing now dependent on the next stage of the Minton Place Estate development.

Under the approved planning permit and development plan, the park is required to be delivered as part of Stage 5C of the Minton Place Estate.

The developer has advised the Council that they are currently planning to commence construction of Stage 5B in April.

Mitchell Council has formally requested that they proceed directly from Stage 5B into Stage 5C, which would trigger construction of the park. At this stage, Council is still waiting for confirmation from the developer on whether this will occur.

“While Council continues to advocate for the park to be delivered as early as possible, the timing of Stage 5C ultimately sits with the developer,” a Shire representative said.

“Importantly, the developer cannot progress any further land development beyond this point without delivering the park.

“Landscape plans for the park have already been approved, meaning the project is ready to move once Stage 5C begins.

“Council understands the community’s frustration and is continuing to push for early delivery as part of ongoing discussions with the developer,” the statement said.

Council Rounds

‘We have been through enough’

■ Twelve months has now passed since Mansfield Shire Council began its advocacy against the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund

Twelve months on, and Mansfield Shire Council remains firmly, and vocally, opposed to the controversial tax.

“While a lot has happened since the ESVF was first announced, a lot remains the same,” a Council representative said.

“In June of 2025, the State Government caved under the pressure of dissent and granted primary producers a 12-month reprieve from the new tax which, at the time, was set to hit them the hardest.”

When the State Government extended the reprieve for primary producers by a further 12 months in December of 2025, Mayor Cr Steve Rabie called the ESVF a debacle.

“It has been a debacle from the beginning,” he said.

“I understand a not-for-profit retailer in our town has been hit by a 100 per cent increase in the figure they pay. A reprieve kicks the can down the road. We need them to scrap the unfair tax altogether.”

A Council statement said that there was an uncomfortable truth amongst Mayor Cr Rabie’s words, made all the more uncomfortable by recent events in north east Victoria.

“While it was the ESVF’s impact on primary producers that dominated the conversation after its announcement and it was primary producers who were granted a reprieve, it is commercial businesses who are now carrying the weight of the tax.”

Mansfield Shire Council says that it was forced to collect $618,568 in ESVF funds from commercial/industrial businesses in 202526. This represents a 64 per cent increase from the $377,001 collected under the Fire Services Levy in 2024-25.

The average commercial property in Mansfield Shire has seen the amount they pay rise from $864 to $1472, a 70 per cent increase.

Cr Rabie has now declared that Mansfield’s small businesses have been through enough.

“Along with our farmers, our small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and the backbone of our local economy,” Cr Rabie said.

“Seventy per cent increases to what they pay is wrong, especially when you consider what they have been through recently.”

As Mansfield Shire closed to tourists to focus on the emergency relief efforts, the shire's small businesses suffered diminished productivity in what is traditionally their busiest time of year.

In a business impact survey undertaken by Mansfield Shire Council in the aftermath of the Longwood fire, 59 per cent of respondents claimed they had suffered a loss of 50 percent or more of their expected revenue due to road closures and lower than normal tourism numbers in Mansfield Shire

“We value our small businesses in Mansfield Shire,” Cr Rabie said.

“They keep life in our little shire moving in the absence of larger companies. Many of them were integral in the emergency relief and recovery efforts following the Longwood fire.

“They need our support and our protection in the same way our primary producers did 12 months ago, we call upon the State Government to rethink the burden they have placed upon commercial and industrial business operators with the ESVF.

“We call upon the state government to scrap the unfair tax,” Cr Rabie said.

Satisfaction survey

■ Yarra Ranges Council is conducting a Community Satisfaction Survey to better understand what matters most to the community.

The anonymous phone survey runs until April 3v with Klein Research and their partners TKW Research managing the survey. Calls will come from a mobile phone number, and the caller will identify themselves at the beginning and end of the call.

The survey will ask residents to share their views on our services and facilities and how they feel about our performance in delivering these important services. Participation is voluntary and your responses confidential. The research helps shape the services and programs that matter most to the community.

57 years. Since 1969.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Police Rounds

Probe into collision

■ Warrnambool Police officers are appealing for public assistance as they investigate the circumstances surrounding a local collision.

Emergency services were called to the Princes Hwy, just before the intersection of Mahoneys Rd, after a man was located with serious injuries about 12.30am on Sunday, 8 February 8.

The 37-year-old Ellerslie man was airlifted to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

At the time of the incident, attending investigators located debris approximately 80 metres from where the man was located, and believe he was struck by a vehicle.

As part of their investigation, police have since identified the driver of a while utility that was found nearby.

Police continue to make enquiries into the incident and are appealing for witnesses or any motorists who may have dashcam and drove past the area at the time.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Ketamine bust

■ A man was scheduled to appear in Court after allegedly attempting to import 60 grams of ketamine into Australia , hidden inside a suitcase. The man, 60, arrived at Adelaide Airport

At 97, Neville is cruising

Across Victoria Maryborough crash

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 19-year-old man following a fatal collision in Maryborough on Saturday night, February 7.

Emergency services responded to reports a grey Commodore collided with a silver Daihatsu sedan on Dunolly-Maryborough Rd, near the intersection of Drive In Court, about 9.30pm.

The driver of the Daihatsu, a 23-year-old woman from Epsom, died at the scene.

The 21-year-old female passenger of the Daihatsu, also from Epsom, was airlifted to hospital where she remains with serious injuries.

The male driver of the Commodore was taken to hospital by road with non-lifethreatening injuries.

The 19-year-old Dunolly man was charged with culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving.

He was bailed to appear in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on July 8.

Hit-run charge

■ A man has been charged following an alleged stabbing and hit-run in Piangil. Police were called to reports of a dispute outside a property on Murray St, where items were allegedly being set on fire and thrown over a fence on February 9.

FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Online sex offences

■ A Fleurieu Peninsula man has been charged after an investigation into child sex offences.

A 33-year-old Encounter Bay man was arrested on Friday (Feb. 13) and charged with making a child amenable to sexual activity and possessing Child Exploitation Material.

Police r efused bail and he was to appear in Christies Beach Magistrates’ Court on Monday (feb. 16).

Detective Acting Chief Inspector Rebecca Hughes , Officer in Charge of the Offender Management Section, said, “Our officers are dedicated to holding offenders accountable for any actions that threaten the safety and well-being of children in the community.”

Adelaide Sun

TASMANIAN EAST COAST

Motorcycle crash

■ Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a single motorcycle rider on a bush track, near the Chain of Lagoons, on Tasmania’s East Coast.

Emergency services were notified of the crash on the Leeaberra Track about 4pm on Friday (Febg. 13), with a 24-yearold man sustaining critical head injuries after coming off a trail bike. The man died at the scene.

Initial investigations indicate the man was riding alone on Friday afternoon when the crash happened near the southern end of the track’s intersection with the Thompsons Marshes track. The man had been camping nearby with a group of people when he went off alone for a ride. He was found a short time later by a member of the group.

Police said the crash site was in difficult-to-access terrain.

Investigations will continue into the crash and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Tasmanian Observer

100KG COCAINE IMPORT: ORGANISED CRIME LINK

■ A New South Wales man, linked to organised crime, who co-ordinated the importation of 100kg of cocaine in the cargo hold of a passenger plane has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

His jail term follows the sentencing of three other men - including two trusted insiders - to a combined maximum of 15 years and nine months’ imprisonment for their role in the same criminal enterprise.

An Australian Federal Police investigation into the importation began in October 2022 following a report from an airline about suspicious activity near the cargo area of a Sydney -bound flight at Johannesburg, South Africa

Two men with access to the restricted zones of Sydney Airport – also known as trusted insiders – were identified and suspected of using their employment to access and remove items from the cargo hold of an inbound aircraft, bypassing regular security screening measures.

Following a 12-month investigation into the report, investigators were able to link the Padstow man to the trusted insiders and confirm his position as co-ordinator of a importation in October 2023.

AFP investigators disrupted the syndicate as they offloaded the cocaine from an aircraft – with an estimated street value of $40 million – and arrested the 44-year-old at Rushcutters Bay

The man, 44, pled guilty to conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of cocaine.

He was sentenced to serve a non-parole period of five years.

One member of the alleged syndicate remains before the courts.

AFP Detective a/Inspector Paul Watt said the AFP and its partners remained committed to preventing organised criminal groups from exploiting Australia’s airports and those who were privileged to hold access to them.

"To anyone who works in an airport environment and may be lured in by the false

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promise a life of crime may offer, let me be very clear – these offences carry the potential of life in jail and Operation Lucian is a testament to that,” Det. a/Insp Watt said.

“You are up against a well-resourced, capable and unrelenting opposition in the AFP and our partners, and we will not allow criminals to make out communities less safe.

“Operation Lucian spared Australians from the violence, addiction and further criminality this shipment of cocaine would have brought to our shores.”

CANBERRA Man extradited

■ A 49-year-old Taylor man has been extradited from Queensland following his alleged involvement in multiple incidents, including an alleged armed robbery, a home invasion, and two vehicle thefts.

Between December 4-5 police responded to multiple incidents believed to be linked, including an aggravated burglary in Macquarie , an attempted ram raid at a Kingston business, a home invasion in Conder where a 72-year-old woman was tied up, a second aggravated burglary in Gordon and an armed robbery at a currency exchange business in Dickson .

Three people were allegedly involved in the incidents. One of the alleged offenders was declared deceased after a collision on an exit ramp off Gungahlin Drive while two co-offenders from these incidents remained outstanding.

Following enquiries by ACT Criminal Investigations officers, the wanted man, a 49year-old from Taylor , was located by Queensland Police Service members in Cooktown on Janaury 26. The man had a large sum of cash in his possession when arrested and police believe this is the proceeds of the alleged armed robbery in Dickson in December 2025.

The man was subsequently extradited to the ACT and was expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court charged with multiple theft, ride/drive stolen motor vehicle, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and forcible confinement offences.

Canberra Observer

PERTH

Indecent dealing

■ Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad charged a 29-year-old man after an alleged incident at an aquatic centre in Embleton.

It will be alleged the man followed a young girl into the toilet area at the complex where he indecently assaulted her.

The 29-year-old man from Landsdale has been charged with ‘Indecent Dealings with Child Under 13 Years’. He appeared before the Perth Magistrates’ Court and is next due to appear in court on March 13.

BRISBANE

Across Australia

SYDNEY

Child abuse offences

■ A Sydney man was expected to appear in Burwood Local Cour, charged with 30 offences, including multiple online child abuse offences.

The Australian Federal Police were to allege the man, 43, uploaded and shared violent child abuse material to an online cloud storage service on numerous occasions for at least two years.

The AFP began an investigation after the AFP -led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation received a report from the United States National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an online user uploading child abuse material on social media platforms.

Inquiries by the ACCCE and AFP Eastern Command Child Protection Operations investigators allegedly linked the man to the online account.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a Canterbury (NSW) home on March 27 last year, and seized multiple electronic devices, including a number of mobile phones and laptops. The devices were subject to forensic examination.

As a result of the examination of the electronic devices and other inquiries, AFP investigators arrested the man in Canterbury on Thursday (Feb. 12), and he was subsequently charged with 30 offences, including:

■ One count of larceny by persons in public service,

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

■ One count of using a carriage service to do/plan harm to person under 16 years of age,

■ Thirteen counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material,

■ Eight counts of causing child abuse material to be transmitted to self using a carriage service,

■ Four counts of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, One count of using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years of age for sexual activity,

■ One count of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.

Sydney Mail

TASMANIA

21 new constables

■ Tasmania Police has elcomed 21 new constables into its ranks.

Acting Commander Brenda Orr congratulated the new police officers, who have successfully completed a rigorous 28-week training program.

“Recruit Training Course 4 of 2025 comprises seven women and 14 men, ranging in age from 18 to 42,” she said.

“They have already shown real commitment and resilience, and I look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to policing in Tasmania .”

“This is the first recruit graduation for 2026, with further courses scheduled to graduate throughout the year as Tasmania Police continues to invest in building a contemporary, well trained and community focused workforce.

Tasmanian Observer

DARWIN

Streamed robbery

■ A 23-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly live-streaming a robbery at a convenience store in Darwin’s CBD on Friday evening (Feb. 13).

Perth Observer

Police band debuts

■ The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums was set to reach a historic milestone as they performed alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Suncorp Stadium.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has travelled from its Scottish homeland to perform in Australia and New Zealand , is recognised globally as one of the most prestigious military and cultural musical showcases. Brisbane Sun

About 6.17pm NT Police received reports that a male was behind the counter of a store on the corner of Smith and Knuckey Sts, threatening staff and demanding money.

It is alleged the offender was live streaming the incident on a social media platform.

General Duties members responded quickly and located and arrested the male a short distance away.

During the arrest the offender advised police that he was in possession of an unloaded, small firearm.

The offender was subsequently found to be in possession of the small firearm as well as a quantity of stolen cash, a quantity of ammunition and the mobile phone he allegedly used to broadcast the incident. Darwin Observer

Vale Wayne Browne

■ Melbourne media man Wayne Browne has died. His colleague Gary Mac paid this tribute:

“Wayne Browne slipped away in the early hours of Saturday morning (Feb. 7) following a short stay in hospital,” Mr Mac said.

“Wayne and I met when we both worked in radio and he and his wife Jan became firm friends of ours.

“Wayne began his radio career in 1959 at age 15, at 7LA Launceston. His first gig was as panel operator for Don Lunn.

“When Wayne turned 17, he moved to 7AD Devonport allowing him to present his own radio music shows.

“A bit later, (Wayne may have been 21), he moved back to Launceston to become, as he put it, 'a hot-shot disc jockey' at 7EX. He would also meet Jan, his wife to be.

“A young Mal Walden, who began his radio vocation in Warrnambool, was also hired by 7EX

“In 1962, Channel TNT 9 opened in Launceston and it wasn't too long before Wayne and Mal were sharing TV news reading stints on weekends.

“Some 12 months later, 3AW came knocking, offering Wayne the position of executive producer to pioneer their brand new format ‘Talk Back Radio’.

“His first producing gig was on the prestigious morning program headed by Ormsby Wilkins. Later he would move on to produce Norman Banks, Martha Gardener, Claudia Wright and many others.

“He then became personal producer for Mary Hardy, producing and guiding Mary as a ratings winner in her 3AW afternoon slot.

“ Wayne described Mary as one of the most wonderful women in his life. He was certainly the doyen of Talk Radio producers.

“Wayne was appointed station manager of 3MP. In 1984, he engineered an incredible 'live' visual marketing promotion for the Melbourne Radio School that Joanie and I created and conducted for 20 years.

“3MP had built a working radio studio at the 1984 Royal Melbourne Show. Wayne asked me to invite current MRS students to run a closed circuit radio program between 9am and 5pm each day of the show. It was a raging success.

“In later years, Wayne became Promotions Manager at the Melbourne Hilton on The Park, at a time when the Hilton chain was presenting cabaret shows of high profile entertainers and musicians.

“In the meantime, Wayne set up his own promotions business which allowed him to freelance his great knowledge and ability to radio including KZ-FM (Gold 104) and to spearhead the promotional launch of 3EE The Breeze 693 in 1993 (which later became the AM frequency for 3AW)

“At his request, there will be no funeral for Wayne. “However, I'd like to think there might be a memorial gathering at an appropriate time in the future.

“For Joanie and me, our thoughts and love are with Wayne's wife Jan, daughter Alison, son Cameron and their grand and great grand children.

“Thank you Wayne for your love and your friendship. Rest In Peace old friend.”

ELTHAM MAN, 32, IN COURT OVER BLACKMAIL

■ Detectives from Taskforce Hawk last Thursday (Feb. 12) charged two men as part of an investigation into blackmail.

A 32-year-old Eltham man was charged with blackmail and fail to comply direction to assist (fail to provide pin code).

The man was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A 32-year-old Watsonia man was charged with fail to comply direction to assist (fail to provide pin code).

He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on April 2.

A 55-year-old Mernda man was released.

The charges relate to allegations of blackmail at a business in Brooklyn on January 19, when a demand was allegedly made for the victim to pay $663,000.

Operation Hawk was established in July 2024 to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and transitioned to Taskforce Hawk in June 2025. This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour.

Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.

It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing.

$10 mil.

pot crop

■ Four men have been charged after police dismantled a sophisticated cannabis crop worth more than $10 million in Victoria’s northwest. Detectives from the Swan Hill Crime Investigation Unit , with assistance from multiple units, executed a search warrant at a rural property in Milnes Bridge, a small town between

Investigation and Response Manager:

Police uncovered 10 large greenhouses with varying quantities of mature plants inside.

Five people allegedly attempted to flee from the 324-acre property, with three allegedly jumping into an irrigation channel in an attempt to get away.

Police arrested four men, aged 39, 41 and two aged 51, shortly after.

The men, who are foreign nationals, have since been charged with cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis and trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis.

They faced Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and were remanded to appear again on May 13.

A fifth man remains outstanding at this stage.

It took three days for investigators and forensic specialists from the Botany Unit to dismantle the illicit crop houses.

Approximately 4700 plants – weighing more than two and a half tonnes - were removed from the property.

They will be destroyed following forensic examination by a botanist.

Police also seized electronic devices, CCTV hardware and items allegedly used to bypass electricity.

Other units that assisted include the Western Region Crime Squad, Mildura Divisional Response Unit and local uniform police.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Acting Inspector Matt Pascoe, Mildura and Swan Hill

ing those in the production of illicit drugs and those involved in this activity should know we have you in our sights.

“This investigation remains ongoing and we implore anyone with information to come forward to police.”

Daniella at the top

■ Scouts Victoria has invested Dan=iella Taglieri as Chief Commissioner, becoming the first woman to lead the organisation in its Victorian history.

Complaint to IBAC

■ The Victorian Liberals and Nationals have referred the largest corruption case in Victoria’s history to the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation.

A media report says the State Government knew of corruption on taxpayer funded major projects estimated at a ‘conservative’ cost to taxpayers of $15 billion, yet did nothing.

“As a direct consequence of Jacinta Allan’s mismanagement as both the Minister responsible for major transport projects and Premier, every Victorian household has paid more than $5000 in corruption tax straight into the pockets of organised criminals,” said a Coalition representative.

“ Victorians deserve answers and accountability. This scandal must be investigated by Victoria’s chief integrity agency.

Shadow Attorney-General, James Newbury, said: “Premier Jacinta Allan has given a green light to organised criminals to corrupt taxpayer-funded major projects.

“This is the worst case of corruption in Victoria’s history and we must not be left reliant on interstate investigations to get to the bottom of what has occurred.”

“Anytime we’re able to remove significant quantities of illicit drugs from the streets is a win for community safety.

“We know the cultivation and trafficking of drugs is what fuels organised crime groups.

“Police remain committed to target-

The appointment marks a significant leadership moment for one of Victoria’s largest youth movements and recognises a leader whose career has been built on decades of service, capability and commitment to young people and volunteers.

A lifelong Scout and Queen’s Scout Award recipient, Daniella has served Scouting at every level, including Deputy Chief Commissioner.

Police numbers fall

■ New data confirms there are now 367.7 fewer full time equivalent Victoria Police officers than when Jacinta Allan became Premier.

New Victoria Police employee numbers by location data has confirmed 15,601.75 FTE officers as of December 2025, down from 15,969.45 in September 2023 – the same month Jacinta Allan became Premier.

Over this same period, independent Crime Statistics Agency data has confirmed the annual number of offences recorded has risen from 510,140 to 640,860, an increase of more than 25 per cent. Nearly half of this total number of offences - 294,639 - remain unsolved.

The number of Victoria Police officers is now at its lowest level since September 2019 as 41 police stations across the state are closed or operating on reduced hours.

ARIES: (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5

Lotto Numbers: 1.2.15.26.36.34

Favourable conditions exist for new business opportunities. Travel is likely in the near future, and some happy reunions are on the horizon. A good time to push forward in career matters.

TAURUS: (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3.6.2.3

Lotto Numbers: 3.12.26.34.40.22

Romance is in the air, and some may be preparing to tie the knot. A busy social schedule could leave you needing time to recharge. Improvements in health are also likely.

GEMINI: (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.6.9.5

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.45

Support you've been hoping for may finally arriv cautious about making promises you may not have the time or energy to keep.

CANCER: (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.33

Pay close attention to your health; a gentle exercise routine could help. A developing situation will show you the true value of old friends and their support.

LEO: (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.16.36.39.8

This is a good time to take calculated risks in business, with fortune likely to favour your ventures. Be mindful not to neglect loved ones, or tension may rise at home.

VIRGO: (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.6.8.9

Lotto Numbers: 9.5.12.26.34.45

You may be in high demand socially, and your skills in organisation will shine. A newcomer could make a significant impression and bring positive change to your life.

LIBRA: (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.8.9

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.8.6.3

Career progress is possible, and some changes may affect your path. A special person may send positive signals, leading to potential romance.

SCORPIO: (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6.5.2.3

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.39.8.44

You may be considering a change of address or moving house. Steer clear of those who drain your energy. Keeping a positive mindset will help maintain emotional balance.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.9.8.7

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.35.4.22

Real estate dealings are favoured and could bring profit. A decision involving family matters may need to be made soon. Trust your instincts when it comes to personal choices.

CAPRICORN: (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.1

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.34.36

Good luck may alter your family or travel plans. This is an excellent time to start a new business venture or commit to a career move with long-term benefits.

AQUARIUS: (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.2.4.5

Lotto Numbers: 4.15.45.40.3.39

If you're careful, this period could bring success in both personal and business matters. Intrigue may arise in your surroundings, but staying level-headed will serve you well.

PISCES: (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Gold

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.8.33

A deceptive influence is in play, so avoid taking things at face value. Double-check all information before committing to anything, and be cautious with finances until all is clear.

EMOTIONAL TOLL ON KIDS AS THEY FIGHT CANCER

Sir,

Blood cancer … the single biggest tragedy impacting Aussie kids and forcing them out of classrooms

As Australian children return to school, hundreds will not.

Their desks sit empty as they fight blood cancer –the single biggest disease threatening the lives of school-aged children in Australia today.

This year alone, around 350 children will be diagnosed with blood cancer.

It now accounts for more than one in three childhood cancers, yet remains a largely hidden national tragedy.

A blood cancer diagnosis is sudden and brutal. Children are forced out of classrooms and into hospital wards, enduring aggressive treatment that can last years.

Many miss 40 to 60 per cent of school in their first year alone, with some absent for up to 18 months.

The impacts on learning, wellbeing and social development are profound and long-lasting.

Over the past two decades, blood cancer incidence among children aged five to 14 has risen by almost 30 per cent.

If this trend continues, more than 400 children a year could face this devastating diagnosis within the next decade.

At the Leukaemia Foundation , we see the toll this takes on children and families every day – emotionally, financially and socially.

While we provide vital accommodation, transport, education and support services, and invest in life-saving research, we cannot do it alone.

As the World’s Greatest Shave launches nationally, I urge Australians to stand with these children and all Australians impacted by blood cancer.

Participating by shaving, cutting or colouring your hair helps ensure no person faces blood cancer without support.

Register to participate in the World’s Greatest Shave at worldsgreatestshave. com or call 1800 500 088.

Chris Tanti , CEO, Leukaemia Foundation

Moneycare: Salvation Army

Sir,

The start of the new year brings with it an array of opportunities.

For us at the Salvos , it is an opportunity to reflect on the Christmas season that has just passed, and more specifically show our gratitude for the generosity shown by the Australian public for our Christmas Appeal

Once again, Aussies came together to support their fellow Australians in need.

If it wasn’t for your support, kids would have gone without presents under the tree, families without a special Christmas meal and many without hope

‘We are here for you, and there is no shame in reaching out for support’

- Kristen Hartnett

and joy during the festive season. For this, we say thank you.

The new year also gives us all an opportunity to set ourselves up for the year ahead.

That is why our financial counselling service, Moneycare , is encouraging all Australians to take a fresh look at their finances this year.

Our recent research found that 44 per cent of Australians are starting this New Year in debt, 45 per cent say they feel pressure to spend more than they can afford and 24 per cent find it difficult to even create a budget.

We know that people are struggling financially right now, but there is hope.

The Salvos Moneycare service offers free and confidential financial counselling to thousands of Aussies each year, helping them to get on top of their finances.

They can help you create a budget, support you to get out of debt, sit with you to create realistic money

plans, and everything in between.

Regardless of your financial situation, there is no better time than the start of a new year to take a fresh look at your finances and get on top of your financial situation.

So don’t start the new year on the wrong foot. Do a financial check up this new year to avoid stress later in the year. And if you are struggling to cope financially, please reach out to The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service.

We are here for you, and there is no shame in reaching out for support.

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare , please visit salvationarmy.org.au/ moneycare or call 1800 722 363.

Kristen Hartnett

Head of Moneycare for The Salvation Army

Stress then heart issues

Sir,

In every community, there are families who have lost someone too soon to heart disease, and others quietly living with its longterm effects. For many of us, it’s not an abstract issue - it’s personal.

Chronic stress has become part of daily life for many of us.

When the body doesn’t get a chance to reset, prolonged stress can quietly damage heart health - often without obvious warning signs until something goes wrong.

This February, Heart Research Australia is inviting Australians to take part in the free REDFEB Bingo Challenge , built around the 4Ms of heart health - Meals, Movement, Measurement and Mental Wellness.

The Bingo card encourages small, everyday actions, like sharing a healthy meal, going for a walk, checking your blood pressure or slowing down to take a breath, to help reduce stress and support heart health.

The Bingo Challenge is part of REDFEB, Heart Research Australia’s heart awareness month, which this year is raising awareness of the link between chronic stress and heart health, while bringing communities together to honour loved ones affected by heart disease.

Funds raised support lifesaving research that helps turn promising ideas into breakthroughs and keeps families together for longer.

Small actions, taken together, can make a real difference.

This REDFEB , I hope our community will join in and help support the research that gives families hope.

To learn more and support Heart Research Australia’s critical research, please visit www.heartresearch.com.au Nicci Dent, CEO, Heart Research Australia

75 Years Ago

● ● The Argus. Feb. 17, 1951.

Defence blueprint

■ The Federal Government will switch manpower from luxury to essential industries in its drive to put Australia on a near-war footing.

Senior Cabinet Ministers who said this tonight said also that the government would use its defence powers to the fullest extent to recruit more men and women for the defence forces.

Holt’s rebuke

■ Mr. Holt, Federal Minister for Labor, today rebuked colliery owners for refusing to attend the conference called yesterday to settle the one-day-a-week coal strikes.

He said their action was an unjustifiable complication of the general strike situation.

The conference was convened by the Joint Coal Board . The proprietors refused to attend because. They said, the men had adopted strike tactics and because the conference was contrary to the Coal Board regulations.

No rain prayers

■ Two Hobart ministers, the Revs. H. L. Dunn , of the Scots Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. J. Mackie, or Davey St. Congreational Church , today refused the request of the Lord Mayor of Hobart, Mr. Park , to offer special Prayers for rain on Sunday.

"Why should God be treated as a water diviner when he asks to be our Saviour, Lord, and King?" asked Mr. Mackie Mr. Dunn , who is president of the Tasmanian World Council of Churches, said he was never impressed by such calls to prayer. Heads of other churches have agreed to the Lord Mayor's request. Less than fifty days' supply of water remains in the Hobart reservoirs, and the position is critical.

A lot of Margaret

■ Princess Margaret during the Royal visit next year will make special tours so that more people, especially young people, can see her. Mr. Sidney G. Holland, New Zealand Prime Minister, said this tonight.

The New Zealand tour by the King and Queen and P rincess Margaret would necessarily be restricted. Mr. Holland said he hoped soon to announce an itinerary for the Royal visitors.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Doctors arrive

■ Bairnsdale Regional Health Service has officially entered a new chapter in medical education, welcoming its inaugural cohort of third-year Monash Rural Health students.

The four aspiring doctors – Max Maccora, Hussain Al-Ibrahim , and Devmith Pathirannehelage from Melbourne , along with Olini Hettiarachchi from Brisbane – arrived on Monday, February 2, to begin their Year 3B clinical placement.

Bairnsdale Advertiser

Agricultural Merit

■ Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador of France to Australia , bestowed the French National Order of Agricultural Merit upon Sandra Ira in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of French agricultural products, producers and savoir-faire in Australia Ms Ira is co-founder of the somerton-based France At Home.

VicGrid Board

■ VicGrid has announced its Board is complete with the appointment of three new members who all have strong track records serving their communities.

Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy and Resources appointed Board Chair Steve Rieniets , Deputy Chair Sarah Clarke and two board members, David Stegehuis and Kane Thornton

VicGrid late last year became a state business corporation reporting to an independent board and formally took up responsibility for planning and delivering Victoria’s shared transmission network and renewable energy zones.

Regional care

■ The Good Friday Appeal, in partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital, has announced $3 million in funding to support regional healthcare in Victoria

Announced at Grampians Health in Ballarat, the funding to more than 30 regional health services, to ensure every child receives the best possible healthcare, no matter their postcode.

As the Good Friday Appeal marks 95 years of community support, sick children and their families in regional Victoria will continue to access worldclass care closer to home.

Grains Conference

■ The future of smart farming technology in the grains sector will be on show at the upcoming VFF Grains Conference to be held in Yarrawonga on February 22-23.

VFF Grains President Ryan Milgate said the event promises interesting insight for growers, industry stakeholders, agribusiness leaders on the next generation on on-farm practices.

Almond farm sold

■ A fertiliser company has bought a Sunraysia almond farm after the collapse of a US investment fund, reports Stock & Land.

“The Robinvale-based Dual Chelate Fertilizer has emerged as the buyer of the Thurla orchards - a 2682 hectare (6627 acre) landholding planted to 565ha of almonds at Red Cliffs,” said the newspaper.

“The company, which says it is a plant nutrient specialist, is believed to have spent just over $20 million on the orchards,” noted Stock & Land.

SHIRE WELCOMES BUSHFIRE INQUIRY

■ Murrindindi Shire Counci l has welcomed the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires.

It has formally calledfor the submission deadline to be extended to allow meaningful participation from the communities most heavily impacted.

Murrindindi Shire experienced almost half of the total statewide impact from the 2026 summer fires, including 193 homes destroyed, making it the hardest-hit municipality in Victoria

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher has written to the Premier and Leader of the Opposition requesting a two-month extension, noting that Murrindindi Shire has experienced a disproportionate share of the impacts of the fires across the municipality.

The Longwood Fire continues to generate ongoing response and relief consequences, and recovery activity is now underway with a long journey ahead.

Cr Gallagher said Council supports the establishment of the Inquiry and its intent, but the current deadline of March 15 does not reflect the realities facing fire-affected communities.

“We welcome the Inquiry and the opportunity for lessons to be learned,” Cr Gallagher said.

“However, our community is still in the early stages of recovery. Many residents remain displaced, households are still stabilising, and families, farmers and businesses are focused on meeting immediate needs and rebuilding their lives.”

Since January 9, local communities across Murrindindi have led relief efforts, including the operation of community-led relief hubs, often in isolated conditions due to road closures, extended loss of power and telecommunication and dangerous access constraints.

Volunteer groups, local CFA brigades and community organisations continue to provide sustained on-the-ground support.

The Council itself remains under significant and sustained operational pressure, supporting ongoing response and relief activities while coordinating the clearance of more than 450 kilometres of fire-impacted local roads to restore safe access for residents, emergency services, utilities and recovery providers.

At the same time, Council is establishing new teams, governance arrangements and systems to support medium and longterm recovery, with many staff directly impacted by the fires and redeployed into emergency-related roles.

Cr Gallagher said expecting those with direct lived experience of the fires to prepare considered submissions at this stage places an unreasonable burden on already traumatised communities.

“The impacts on our residents, businesses and community groups are still very raw,” he said.

“It is unreasonable to expect people who are displaced, rebuilding, managing stock losses or dealing with ongoing trauma to have the time, capacity or emotional bandwidth to engage meaningfully with the Inquiry at this point, and they need their voices to be heard.”

Murrindeindi Council is seeking a twomonth extension to May 15 to ensure submissions from heavily impacted rural communities are informed, reflective and of genuine value to the Inquiry’s outcomes.

“For this Inquiry to be effective, it must hear accurate, comprehensive and evidence-based information that reflects both the immediate response and the full impacts experienced by rural and regional communities,” Cr Gallagher said.

“An extended timeframe would ensure those most affected can participate in a way that is fair, considered and proportionate to the scale of impact experienced in Murrindindi Shire.”

The Council will continue to encourage community members to make a submission when they feel ready and able to do so, recognising that revisiting fire experiences may be difficult for many.

Gas closure for 10 country towns

■ David Davis MLC says that Victorians will have greater transparency over Labor’s decision to close several regional gas networks.

The State Government last August announced it will phase out compressed natural gas delivered by Solstice Energy from 10 regional Victorian towns, including Robinvale, Swan Hill, Kerang, Nathalia, Marong, Maldon, Heathcote, Terang, Lakes Entrance and Orbost

The Government will be required to release documents relating to this matter.

““The communities and businesses in these towns are owed the transparency over why this decision was made and how it will impact them,” Mr Davis said, after the reporting requirements were passed in the Legislative Council.

Whiparound

Cattle outlook

■ Producer confidence across Australia’s grassfed beef sector has surged to its strongest level in recent years, according to the latest Beef Producers Intentions Survey from Meat & Livestock Australia.

Almost 80 per cent of producers report a positive outlook for the year ahead, marking a significant lift in sentiment across every state and both major production systems.

Aquaculture boost

■ An Australian island’s efforts to improve food security and transition into a blue economy will be bolstered by a new project to propagate a nutritious and increasingly popular fish.

The project with Charles Darwin University, Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation and the CSIRO , through the agency’s Industry PhD Program, aims to expand GAAC’s low trophic aquaculture program by developing production methods for the goldlined rabbitfish.

Fast-track battery

■ A 400MW Battery Energy Storage System near Glenrowan has been approved by the State Government under their fast-tracking of renewable energy projects across the state.

Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning, approved the project through the Development Facilitation Program along with a 300MW BESS in Heywood. Wangaratta Chronicle

Harfest returns

■ The Warrnambool Community Garden’s Harfest is back, taking over the quarry amphitheatre on Saturday, March 14 from 3pm to 7pm with music, laughter, good food and plenty of homegrown fun.

Returning for its second year, Harfest has been described as a joyful celebration of the seasonal harvest in one of Warrnambool’s most unique settings.

The once-abandoned quarry will spring to life with a lively mix of local musicians, DJs, workshops and food vendors, all coming together to raise funds for the garden’s ongoing operations.

Warrnambool Weekly

House won’t fall

■ Locals concerned about the historic Ostler’s House in Traralgon have nothing to worry about, reports the Latrobe Valley Express.

“As the Kay St-Grey St multi-level carpark etches closer to completion, some passing the beer garden of Hotel Traralgon (also known as Ryan’s Hotel) worried that the 130-year-old building at its rear could have been in the firing lines of the latest construction.”

Latrobe Valley Express

China cattle blow

■ David Littleproud, Leader of T he Nationals, said China’s decision to restrict the import of beef from Australia is extremely disappointing for the cattle industry.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has announced an added 55 per cent tariff on beef imports that exceed quota levels from several countries, including Australia

Cattle Australia is warning the beef industry stands to potentially lose $1 billion in beef exports, following the announcement.

Melbourne Observer

GUEST EDITORIAL

by Gerard Foley, Principal, Ivanhoe Grammar School

● ● ● ● Gerard Foley

■ Today is a little different. It is an assembly focused on leadership – a key part of an Ivanhoe education in cadets, sport, music, theatre, service learning and through random acts of kindness.

This assembly brings together our students in Years 10 to 12 and a distinguished group of former Ivanhoe Grammar School captains.

That means this room holds both experience and possibility—those leading now, those who have led before, and those who will continue to lead long after they leave this place. The breadth of leadership here is something to recognise and value.

As we begin the year, it’s worth pausing to reflect not just on what we hope to achieve, but on how we choose to lead. Because at Ivanhoe Grammar School, leadership has never been about titles or visibility. It has always been about something deeper.

At its heart, Ivanhoe has a singular purpose: to develop young people of character. From the earliest days of the School, under the vision of our founding Principal, Reverend Sydney Buckley, leadership was understood as service—using education and opportunity for the good of others.

Character, not status, was and continues to be the measure.

That understanding is captured in the Round Square IDEALS, which shape not only who we are, but importantly, how we act. Internationalism reminds us that leadership begins with perspective. Effective leaders listen, seek to understand difference, and engage with the wider world with empathy and humility.

Democracy teaches us that leadership is not about authority, but about trust. It values voice, inclusion, and shared responsibility. At Ivanhoe, leadership means standing up for fairness and ensuring others are heard. Environment calls us to stewardship. Leaders care for what has been entrusted to them—our community, our wellbeing, and our world—and leave things better than they found them.

Adventure reminds us that leadership requires courage: the courage to try, to fail, to grow, and to act when it would be easier not to.

Many of the alumni captains here today will know that their most meaningful leadership moments came when something important was at stake.

At the centre of all of this is leadership lived through service. At Ivanhoe, leadership is not about being the loudest voice, but the most consistent presence. It is about integrity, compassion, and responsibility. It is about asking not, “What do I gain?” but, “What do others need?”

And sometimes, the most powerful examples of leadership are not found on a stage or in a badge, but in the everyday moments that reveal true character.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to witness a true act of leadership—something very Ivanhoe in its spirit. A Year 7 girl noticed someone standing alone at recess—someone she didn’t know—and simply invited her to join the group. There was no announcement, no recognition—just instinctive kindness. That, right there, is leadership at its most powerful. And it goes to the very heart of our purpose as a School: to develop young people of character. Character is not positional or performative; it is revealed in quiet, unprompted moments—small, courageous acts that make others feel seen, valued, and that they belong.

For our current students, leadership is not something you wait for—it is something you practise every day in how you treat others and contribute to this community. In those daily choices, character is formed.

For our alumni captains, your presence reminds us that leadership does not end when school does. It evolves, deepens, and continues to shape lives long after titles fade.

The true measure of leadership is not position or recognition, but impact.

That was Reverend Buckley’s vision. That is our singular purpose—to develop young people of character. That is the spirit of the Round Square IDEALS. And it is this kind of leadership that matters deeply in the world we share.

SIMON OWENS ‘NAME TALES’

■ Congratulations to 3AW presenter

Simon Owens who has created a series of podcasts titled Name Tales. Each episode of Name Tales runs for about five minutes, and 50 episodes are ready to roll out.

During his 30 years on 3AW, Simon has presented The Simon Owens Show and Remember When and worked alongside and learned from industry greats such as Bruce Mansfield and Philip Brady.

Simon explains his new Name Tales project: 'There are thousands of brand names, store names, products, and just ‘things’ that are named after people. So in each episode of my podcast I’ll give you the back story to a recognisable product, shop or thing.'

Some examples are: Who was Calvin Klein? What does Adidas stand for? Simon points out that we know the brands, but where do their names come from?

'The stories are fascinating, and I’ll reveal the name at the end.'

Episodes of the podcast will be released each time a fundraising milestone is met.

In each episode, 15-20 seconds will be used to advertise a business or do shoutouts to people who support the podcast for as little as a dollar.

Donations can be made and ads can be purchased by heading to buymeacoffee.com/nametales

The podcast can be found on shows.acast.com/nametales

Cheryl Threadgold

Murder Village

■ David Massingham presents, as part of the 2026 MelbourneInternationalComedy Festival Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit at Arts Centre Melbourne's Member Lounge from March 26 - April 19.

Audiences will become immersed in the cosy world of a 1950s Agatha Christie-style novel as improvisers craft eccentric characters and perplexing mysteries from their suggestions.

Any of the village’s suspicious denizens could be dispatched at any moment, and any of them could be the murderer! It’s your secret ballot votes that determine who lives, who dies, and who will be unmasked as the culprit.

Now celebrating a decade of wowing audiences across Australia, Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit is a comedic off-the-cuff mystery created in real time by skilled improvisers.

The hilarious format is a chance for lovers of crime fiction to immerse themselves in a world of English villages, red herrings, and delightfully suspicious characters.

In Murder Village, the local police inspector may be woefully incompetent but thankfully there is always an amateur sleuth on hand to sort the red herrings from the tell-tale clues.

Audiences are invited to solve the crime

first … whether seeing one show or all of them, no two chapters of this critically acclaimed show are the same.

Performance Season: March 26 - April 19. Tues. – Sat. 9.15pm, Sun. 8.15pm; Previews: March 26 and 27, 9.15pm; Opening Night: March 31, 9.15pm

Bookings: 9245 3788 and online via www.improvisedwhodunnit.com/upcoming-shows and www.comedyfestival.com. au/browse-shows/murder-village-an-improvised-whodunnit

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne (Member’s Lounge), 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank www.improvisedwhodunnit.com

Duration: 60 minutes no interval

Ages: 13+

Warnings: References to, or simulation of, violence.

Cheryl Threadgold

Mature Skin

■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy presents Mature Skin, a comedy described as 'dark as it is seductive' from March 11 - 22 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre.

Written by Gabrielle Fallen and directed by Justin Nott, Mature Skin takes a razor to the glossy promise of “all-natural” beauty culture, then pushes past the surface into mess, desire, power, and queer embodiment.

The play begins in the charged intimacy of a nightclub bathroom, where two strangers collide. They both work for Australia’s leading all-natural skincare brand, but they’re divided by two decades, workplace status, and a dangerous pull neither of them wants to name out loud.

One of them harbours an obsessive appetite for infected skin, and what starts as a flirtation spirals into something far stranger: intimate, funny, confronting, and impossible to rinse clean.

Performance Dates: March 11 - 22 WedSat 7.30pm; Sun 5pm (90 minutes duration, no interval). Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St., Northcote

Cheryl Threadgold

● David Massingham and Louisa Fitzhardinge. Photo: Mark Gambino.

■ Opera for the Dead is a modern Chinese cyber-opera that delves into the connection between life, death and mourning as an embodied, multi-sensory ritual. It is being presented from February 26 - March 1 at Arts Housethe North Melbourne Town Hall Fresh from acclaimed sold-out seasons at Asia TOPA, OzAsia Festival and Sydney Festival, Opera for the Dead is created by award-winning composer and Guzheng artist Mindy Meng Wang and sound technologist-composer Monica Lim.

Arts House will transform into a dynamic world, where ancient Chinese funerary traditions meet futuristic sonic architecture. This work features the ancient Guzheng , blended with live music, vocals, electronic soundscapes, 3D animation and performance.

Opera for the Dead is like a congregation where audiences can wander freely through the space as the atmosphere transitions between quiet reflection, striking spectacle and shared celebration.

Drawing on traditional Chinese mourning rituals, Opera for the Dead speaks to universal experiences of death, grief and ancestry. It exposes the dissonance between contemporary pressures of digital convenience, materialism and performative grief.

Mindy Meng Wang said: “This work is a celebration of memory and an offering of music and art for the dead. It’s about finding beauty and connection in grief, and the light in the darkness.”

Monica Lim added: “We wanted to create a space to journey between past and present, reality and imagination. Audiences can experience music, movement and technology in a way that mirrors how memory and mourning are layered in our own lives.”

Arts House Head of Programming Naomi Velaphi described the work as rethinking how audiences engage with music and ritual performance.

Wang is a leading figure in contemporary Chinese music, bridging traditional Guzheng performance with Western composition and committed to amplifying voices of young female composers and artists of Chinese heritage.

Lim is a composer and sound artist whose work spans installations, contemporary dance and experimental performance, combining technology with music to create transformative audience experiences.

Opera for the Dead features animations designed by digital artist Rel Pham , whose video installation When Your Number's Up is showing at the Arts House during the season.

The work continues Arts House’s commitment to bold, cross-disciplinary work that challenges audiences while amplifying diverse cultural voices.

Performance Season: February 26March 1; Thu – Fri, 7.30pm, Sat, 2pm and 7.30pm Sun, 5pm; Fri Feb 27: Postshow artist talk

Duration: 50 minutes, no interval

Venue: Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne Bookings: artshouse.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold with Ben Starick

■ Infertility and miscarriage are not usual subjects for a must-read novel.

But author Elisabeth Easther took her own experience and that of three friends as the inspiration for an awardwinning play that is now a novel called Seed.

It’s funny and honest as it follows four women navigating the chaos of modern fertility.

Elisabeth’s own experience of miscarriage and IVF are supplemented by the stories of Lana , who got pregnant with an IUD at 42, a midwife Elisabeth met at a party and eco-warrior, Sunshine , who works doing waste audits.

Viewers of the long-running New Zealand drama Shortland Street would know Elisabeth the actor as the villainous Nurse Carla, but she’s also an experienced journalist, playwright and environmentalist.

Elisabeth’s environmental pursuits range from cycling instead of driving to marine protection and pest-trapping to help native birds thrive, and she writes from an entirely off-grid holiday home on Rakino Island

Elisabeth says that writing about her life, as well as other people’s, is an occupational hazard, as she has been a writer for several decades.

“I often wonder: can I make a story out of this? In the case of Seed, it was a way of working through some stuff, so writing about personal things is a combination of catharsis and seeking to make a living,” Elisabeth explains candidly.

Seed is published by Penguin Random House and available online and wherever good books are sold.

Julie Houghton

Mushroom Lady & Me

■ Comedian and storyteller says - If you didn’t get a front row seat to the trial that gripped the nation, then don't worry - he has you covered.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival show Mushroom Lady and Me arrives in Melbourne from March 25- 29, 31 and April 1 - 19 at the House of Maximon, Level 1/16 Corrs Lane.

As Associate to a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Joseph worked on the trial of Erin Patterson, now infamously known as The Mushroom Lady. After seven murder trials and months of working on the pre-trial for Ms Patterson. Joseph resigned and went to clown school.

As a result, Mushroom Lady and Me is touring Australia in 2026 and coming to the MICF , described as 'a show for anyone fascinated by trials, mushies and how not to cook with them.'

Joseph Green is a comedian and storyteller, and he’s performed stand-up across America, UK, Europe and India. An accomplished actor, Joseph appeared in the Superwog series Son of a Donkey ( Netflix) and trained with the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York. Joseph has also worked as a model in New York and Paris.

Performance Details: March 25 - 29, 31, April 1 - 19

Venue: House of Maximon, Level 1/16 Corrs Lane.

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au Cheryl Threadgold

Anything But the Dyson and Other Excellent Monologues

● Katrina Mathers in Anything But the Dyson and Other Excellent Monologues. Phot: Brent Lukey.

Shows

■ 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

Auditions

■ 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

■ 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

■ 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

■ After a 23-year hiatus, double cancer survivor and previous Moosehead Awardwinner Katrina Mathers returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 26 to April 19 at the Black Box Theatre, 5-6/48 Easey St, Collingwood Premiering her latest work, Anything But The Dyson and Other Excellent Monologues, at Collingwood’s newest and most eclectic arts hub - the Black Box Theatre at Trainscendence - MICF audiences can expect a rollercoaster expose about the joys of sweating, swearing, dating, menopause meltdowns, cold-water triumphs, memory loss... and more.

Created by Katrina Mathers and directed by Roz Hammond , Anything But The Dyson and Other Excellent Monologues features Katrina's own work and that of other local female writers.

A series of clever and self-contained stories, and reflections about midlife mayhem, this new Australian comedy places a spotlight on the complex love-hate relationship of owning a Dyson vacuum cleaner, interwoven with other monologues about slamming into your 50s.

Best known as newsreader spoof Sandra Sultry on Channel 10’s sketch series The Wedge, where she was one of the regular main ensemble writer/performers, Katrina Mathers was last seen on stage in Skating in the Clouds at Theatre Works

She has an extensive career in film and television with credits including Blue Heelers, Wilfred, City Homicide, Economy Class, and ABC’s sketch series Flipsidewhich she co-created.

She was a lead voice artist on the longrunning ABC 774 radio serial, The Breakfast Shift, has won awards for the web series Incoming: Words of War, played a depressed mum in Tones and I’s Never Seen the Rain music video (38million+ views), and was the nurse in the original Saw short film.

Comedy lovers are invited to join Katrina on a fun journey of navigating the wonders of menopause. 'Older, hotter, funnier.'

Performance Details:

Full Season: March 26 - April 19, MonSun at 6pm (no shows Wednesdays) Opening Night: March 30 at 6pm.

Venue: Black Box Theatre at Trainscendence, 5-6/48 Easey St., Collingwood Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Duration: 50 minutes, no interval Ages: 15+ recommended Warnings: Course language Cheryl Threadgold

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

■ PEP Productions: Ride the Cyclone, Until February 21 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Daniel Kim; Musical Director: Isaac Stott; Choreographer: Maya Lee. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DEZRE

■ 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, February 19 – March 14 at The Lowe Auditorium, The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Rob Blowers. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre: Heatstroke (by Eric Chappell) February 19 – 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) February 20 –March 1 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Samsara. Bookings: peridot.sales.ticket search.com/sales/sales

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Bondi Legal (by Tony Laumberg) February 20 –March 7 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Eltham. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: eltham littletheatre.org.au

■ The Mount Players: The Cemetery Club (by Ivan Menchell) February 20 –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.,Sassafras. Tickets: trybooking.com/ DEGSY Also, indoors on March 13, 14 at 8pm and March 14 and 15 at 2pm at The Round - Studio, 379-399 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Robert Ray. Tickets theround.com.au/ TheArcadiansGSOV

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: One More Time, 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: novamusic theatre. com.au/

Rourke’s Reviews 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.

Ovation tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victorian Performance Details: Sun. 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

Pillion

■ (R). 107 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas February 19.

This provocative but poignant comedy/drama, the impressive feature film directorial debut of Harry Lighton , may deal with adult subject matter, but handles it in a manner that is refreshingly made for adults, rather than going for cheap shocks and sensationalism.

Harry Melling, delivering an exceptional performance, plays Colin , a shy, emotionally constrained gay man who is uncertain how to spread his wings, or define what he wants in life (amusingly, he is part of a barbershop quartet).

Colin lives with his parents, Peggy (Lesley Sharp) and Peter (Douglas Hodge) , who always show him unconditional love, even if his mother’s love borders on smothering.

They are dealing with the fact that Peggy has stage four cancer.

One Christmas night while performing at their local pub, Colin meets an enigmatic and very handsome biker named Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), and is immediately drawn to him. Surprisingly, Ray shows interest in Colin , giving him a time to meet.

The two do meet, exchanging more than pleasantries, and this is where Colin discovers that the kind of relationship Ray is seeking is one where he is the dominator, and Colin will be his submissive.

Colin , still undecided in what he wants, dives into this opportunity, as the feelings between them seems strong.

Colin’s looks and behaviour change as this new world is opened up to him, much to his mother’s disdain, but as the relationship continues, Colin’s sense of identity will form, leading him to make some lifechanging decisions.

Pillion could have easily wallowed in its particular content to attract lazy controversy.

But while it does contain graphic scenes, they are never salacious or sleazy, instead introducing most audiences (like its main character) to a very specific kind of love and devotion, one that may seem alien to us, but is presented in a non-judgmental, even tender manner, allowing us to understand what these people are feeling.

Along with Melling, there is also a quietly outstanding turn from Skarsgard , who beautifully alternates Ray between harsh dominator to moments of genuine care and sweetness.

Sharp and Hodge are great, and the biker gang members are all perfectly cast.

Lighton , working strongly as writer (based on the book by Adam Mars-Jones) and director, shows a deft, intelligent and very human hand in bringing this story to the screen, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

Pillion will definitely offend some, while others won’t be able to accept the type of relationship C olin wants, but for those who want to be both challenged and enthralled (mixed with a terrific, off-centre sense of humour), this will offer many rewards.

RATING - ****

Fackham Hall

■ (M). 97 minutes. Opens in cinemas February 19.

A 10-minute skit is painfully stretched to feature length in this forced, obvious and largely unfunny parody of stuffy period British TV shows, but Downton Abbey in-particular.

Five writers (including comedian Jimmy Carr , who also came up with the ‘idea’, and appears onscreen as the local vicar) are unable to successfully skewer its topic, with director Jim O’Hanlon ( 100 Streets) allowing audiences to see each joke coming from a hundred miles away.

Any gag that does amuse, is usually something happening at the edge of frame.

The capable cast tries (Thomasin McKenzie is especially wasted), but all are left floundering from the weak material and clunky direction.

Fackham Hall wants to be the Naked Gun of period parodies, but never comes close to achieving that lofty goal.

RATING - **

Whistle

■ (MA). 100 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. In the wake of the unexpectedly successful Final Destination reboot comes Whistle, but what could have been a fun, throwaway horror entry, just goes through the motions, offering nothing new or entertaining.

A standard group of high school students come across an ancient Aztec whistle, which when used, brings forward a person’s fated death, whatever that may be.

The race to try and reverse the curse begins. Takashi Miike’s One Missed Call comes to mind, as does The Frighteners and Flatliners during the finale.

Corin Hardy (who helmed the awful The Nun and the okay The Hallow) directs things with dull, static mediocrity, never seeming invested at all in the script (the references to other films and filmmakers are extremely laboured).

Two deaths are admittedly well executed and inventive, and Sky Yang is likeable as Rel , but this is by-the-numbers stuff.

RATING - **

GRADUATE EXHIBITION AT BUNJIL PLACE

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

■ Producer 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

■ Many say that February 3, 1959, was the day the music died. Three young popular Rock’n Roll singers were killed in a plane crash that night after having performed at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. Richardson were at the peak of their singing careers at that time.

Jiles Perry Richardson was born in 1930 and had been a successful songwriter. He wrote Running Bear for Johnny Preston and is one of the backing singers on the hit record.

Jiles was working as a disc jockey at radio station KTRM when fellow Texan, Buddy Holly , invited him to join the Winter Dance Party tour.

Jiles was happily married with a young daughter and another child on the way.

He had created ‘ The Big Bopper ’, an outlandish character with phrases such as “Hello Baby” and “You Know What I Like.”

His hit songs included Chantilly Lace, The Big Boppers Wedding and White Lightnin’

Shortly after his death his wife gave birth to Jay P. Richardson Jnr who was to grow up hearing about the fame of his father.

In his later years he was performing onstage and singing his father’s songs. Young Jay would be confronted by people who claimed that they knew what had happened that night.

They would tell him that his father was shot on the plane before it crashed. These storiesandrumoursworriednotonly Jay

Emergent 2025: Graduate Exhibition

Experience the extraordinary talent of emerging artists, designers and filmmakers from the local region at Emergent 2025: Graduate Exhibition.

Presented annually, Emergent celebrates and recognises the creative achievements of VCE and VET design, media and visual art students.

Emergent 2025 creates a platform for emerging artists to present their work in a professional setting, while providing an aspirational goal for students on year 10 ande11.

Immerse yourself in the future of art and design, and witness the next wave of artists, designers, makers and photographers.

Emergent 2025: Graduate Exhibition presents an exciting array of works across a range of mediums, including textiles and fibre, ceramics, wood, sculpture, photomedia, , drawing, graphic design,, printmaking, digital art, animation and short film.

Exhibition opens March 5 and closes March 22

★

The Offbeat Sari

A major exhibition celebrating the contemporary sari. This exhibition unveils its numerous forms, demonstrating the sari to be a metaphor for the layered and complex designs of India today.

It brings together the finest saris if our time from designers, weavers and craftspeople in India. In recent years, the sari has been reinvented.

Designers are experimenting with hybrid forma such as sari gowns and dresses, pre-draped saris and innovative materials such as steel.

People in cities who used to associate the sari with dressing up can now be found wearing saris as an expression of resistance to social norms and activists are embodying it as an object pf protest.

Exhibition opens March 22 and closes August 30.

Bunjil Place

2 Patrick North East Dve, Narre warren

Abbotsford Gallery

Art of the Serene - Chengrong Zhu

Be transported to a serene world of magic and wonder in this beautiful new show by traditional Chinese artist Chengrong Zhu.

The Abbotsford Convent has always been a hotspot for the arts in Melbourne after it rapidly become Australia’s largest arts and cultural precinct.

Since the grand buildings and gardens were converted to the arts complex, in recent years it has also become a hot destination for the local Chinese community and visitors from China. As co-owner of Holy Grail Plants, Mao Xu catered for the finer cultural taste in Tea, Art Plants and. Exhibition closes May 1.

Abbotsford Convent Gallery

1 St. Heliers St, Abbotsford

MAPh

■ Daniel Temesgen’s practice is a meditation on

Whatever Happened to ... The Big Bopper

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

but his entire family. As a result Jay had his father’s casket exhumed in 2007 from Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumon t so a forensic anthropologist could confirm the cause of death. He was reburied in a new casket.

I was always a big fan of The Big Bopper and it is hard to believe that it is now 67 years since we lost those three young entertainers in that light plane crash. Sadly J.P. Richardson Jnr died in 2017 as the result of a heart condition at the age of 58. What a sad story. Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember When - Sundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM. That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

With Peter Kemp

country. Friendship, joy and collective identity anchor the ages, ending the traditions of photographic portraiture to present youth as multifaced. Resilient and deeply connected to place.

Motifs such as ballroom glowing skies and open water extend the portraits into the allegorical, evoking celebration, frequently, freedom, and drift, maintaining the a focus on the singular presence of each person.

Exhibition closes February 22.

★

Lights – Valeerly Taouk

‘Lights’ brings together reprinting graph iced drawings made by Taluk’s brothers, sequenced through a mechanised slide projector and projected onto a dark wall.

As the two video frames drift in and out of sync, light appears to physical weight and at perceptible speed.

Featuring recurring motifs such as return capsules, [parachutes, schoolhouses and animals, the work navigates between turmoil and safety, helplessness and hope.

Exhibition closes February 22.

MAPh 860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill Peter Kemp

African Film Fest

■ Africa Film Fest Australia is making its Melbourne debut this March, bringing a threeday program of acclaimed African cinema to Cinema Nova from March 27–29. The Festival arrives in Melbourne with award-winning films, Melbourne premieres and post-screening Q&As, spotlighting contemporary stories from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, Algeria and Guinea-Bissau

The Opening Night film officially selected for Venice International Film Festival.

Potter Museum of Art

■ Until June 6, the University of Melbourne’s Potter Museum of Art will present an ambitious exhibition curated by Chus Martínez titled A velvet ant, a flower and a bird.

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.

Neighbours alumni gather at Flinders

■ A new Australian play starring Neighbours alumni premieres at Flinders Fringe Festival 2026.

Soapboxed is a new Australian play written by Megan Herbert (Neighbours, EastEnders, 2024 Australian Political Cartoonist of the Year), developed from an idea by Lucinda Cowden ( Neighbours).

It premieres as a rehearsed reading at the Flinders Fringe Festival on the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday, February 28.

Performed by a cast of Australian television legends and local Mornington Peninsula artists, Soapboxed examines the state of the arts, artists and audiences as they navigate an increasingly fractured media and technology landscape in 2026.

Featuring a cast of Australian acting legends (including Lucinda Cowden, Ryan Moloney and Takaya Honda from Neighbours, Sally-Anne Upton from Neighbours, Wentworth, and AACTA Award-winning Best Film BringHerBack, English/Australian comedian and actor John Voce from Goolagong and Downton Abbey, and Mornington Peninsula’s Queen of song, Martine Halliday , this play oTers laughter, tears, romance, a race against the clock, and plenty of emotional twists and turns (just like a good soap).

This production marks the first public reunion of the

Neighbours alumni since the iconic soap opera ended its record-breaking 40-year run.

There are plans to tour the UK later in the year in response to fan demand.

“It’s about the future of the arts, and all of the different things artists are dealing with at the moment,” Lucinda Cowden said.

“So, it’s very relevant, and very topical.”

Megan and Lucinda , former Neighbours colleagues, began developing Soapboxed during the show’s turbulent final years.

Having worked in the UK and Europe , they observed that soap opera skills were more highly valued overseas than in Australia

As Neighbours ended amid growing pressures on the arts, from chronic underfunding to shrinking screen quotas and the rise of AI, Soapboxed emerged as a response, asking audiences to consider what is lost when the arts and artists are pushed to the margins.

“We wanted to honour all the best elements of soap storytelling while also tapping into a bigger conversation about the Arts and how we value them, or not, with everyone’s attention so fractured as it is now,” Herbert said.

The Flinders Fringe Festival, now in its fourth year, was established in 2023 by Melissa Jackson and Claire Thorn Kim Taylor

Local Cricket Weekend Results

Premier

■ Firsts. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Richmond 1st XI 9/293 v St Kilda 1st XI 10/305. Carlton 1st XI 9-d/350 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/200. Ringwood 1st XI 10/ 199 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 5/217. Dandenong 1st XI 10/203 v Melbourne 1st XI 6/308. Prahran 1st XI 10/226 v Northcote 1st XI 10/317. Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/293 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/186. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 10/169 & 0/91 v Melbourne University 1st XI 9-d/409. Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/340 v Geelong 1st XI 10/235. Essendon 1st XI 10/ 172 v Footscray 1st XI 6/174.

■ Seconds. St Kilda 2nd XI 7-d/331 vRichmond 2nd XI 10/166. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 10/210 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/183 & 1/21. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/199 vRingwood 2nd XI 10/191. Melbourne 2nd XI 5/315 vDandenong 2nd XI 10/314. Northcote 2nd XI 10/210 v Prahran 2nd XI 10/208. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/161. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 7/167. Melbourne University 2nd XI 1/ 231 vGreenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/228. Geelong 2nd XI 10/335 v Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9-d/360. Footscray 2nd XI 7-d/408 v Essendon 2nd XI 10/279.

■ Thirds. St Kilda 2nd XI 7-d/331 v Richmond 2nd XI 10/166. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 10/210 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/183 & 1/21. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/199 v Ringwood 2nd XI 10/191. Melbourne 2nd XI 5/315 v Dandenong 2nd XI 10/314. Northcote 2nd XI 10/210 v Prahran 2nd XI 10/208. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/161 v Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 7/167. Melbourne University 2nd XI 1/231 v Greenvale Kan v Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9-d/360. Footscray 2nd XI 7-d/408 v Essendon 2nd XI 10/279.

■ Fourths. St Kilda 4th XI 10/102 v Richmond 4th XI 10/143 & 4/210. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 7/226 v Carlton 4th XI 9-d/350. Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/197 v Ringwood 4th XI 7/285. Melbourne 4th XI 4-d/220 & 0/44 v Dandenong 4th XI 10/94 & 9/169. Northcote 4th XI 10/187 v Prahran 4th XI 10/149. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 5-d/127 & 5/109. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/124 & 10/111. Melbourne University 4th XI 6-d/189 & 0/4. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/88 & 10/101. Geelong 4th XI 10/159 v Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 10/ 256 & 5/66. Footscray 4th XI 7-d/307 v Essendon 4th XI 10/252.

Sub-District

■ East West 1st XI. Two Days. Feb. 14-15. Saturday, Feb. 14. Balwyn 1st XI 3/30 v Bayswater 1st XI 10/155. Donvale 1st XI 1/ 26 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 3-d/258. Endeavour Hills 1st XI v Box Hill 1st XI 9/231. Noble Park 1st XI 1/19 v Croydon 1st XI 10/210. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI v Altona 1st XI 10/221. Spotswood 1st XI 8/285 v Taylors Lakes 1st XI. Williamstown 1st XI 1/33 v Melton 1st XI 10/141. Yarraville 1st XI v Werribee 1st XI 10/308.

■ East West 2nd XI. Bayswater 2nd XI 6/278 v Balwyn 2nd XI. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 9/275 v Donvale 2nd XI. Box Hill 2nd XI 7/154 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 7/153. Croydon 2nd XI 0/ 21 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/160. Altona 2nd XI 10/94 v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 1/25. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 0/69 v Spotswood 2nd XI 10/184. Melton 2nd XI 10/215 v Williamstown 2nd XI. Werribee 2nd XI 7/219 v Yarraville 2nd XI

■ North South 1st XI. Coburg 1st XI v Strathmore 1st XI 10/219. vanhoe 1st XI 10/ 112 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI 3/258. Kew 1st XI v Brunswick 1st XI 10/223. Plenty Valley 1st XI 9/148 v Preston 1st XI 4/53. Brighton 1st XI v Caulfield 1st XI 10/207. Elsternwick 1st XI 0/ 23 v Oakleigh 1st XI 10/176. Malvern 1st XI 1/ 109 v Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/122. Ormond 1st XI 9/279 v Moorabbin 1st XI

■ North South 2nd XI. Strathmore 2nd XI 4/ 58 v Coburg 2nd XI 10/96. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 8/232 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI. Brunswick 2nd XI 8/284 v Kew 2nd XI. Preston 2nd XI 3/197 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/50. Caulfield 2nd XI 10/198 v Brighton 2nd XI 0/13. Oakleigh 2nd XI 10/175 v Elsternwick 2nd XI 1/22. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/162 v Malvern 2nd XI 0/ 32. Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/133 v Ormond 2nd XI 4/147.

■ North West 3rd XI Division 1. Brunswick 3rd XI 8/244 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/243. Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/124 v Preston 3rd XI 3/126. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 9/203 v Melton 3rd XI 9/ 198. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 7/157 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 7/160.

■ North West 3rd XI Division 2. Coburg 3rd XI 3/263 v Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/213. Kew 3rd XI 9/109 v Altona 3rd XI 8/214. Strathmore 3rd XI 3/140 v Williamstown 3rd XI 8/136. Yarraville 3rd XI 10/124 v Spotswood 3rd XI 5/129

■ North West 4th XI Division 1. Werribee 4th XI 10/104 v Brunswick 4th XI 5/243. Preston 4th XI 5/97 v Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/94. Melton 4th XI 9/149 v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/127. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 6/190 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/186

■ North West 4th XI Division 2. Altona 4th XI 10/102 v Kew 4th XI 6/110. Williamstown 4th XI 6/193 v Strathmore 4th XI 6/194. Spotswood 4th XI 5/149 v Yarraville 4th XI 5/212. Ivanhoe 4th XI 9/215 v Coburg 4th XI 9/164

■ South East 3rd XI Division 1. Caulfield 3rd XI 10/127 v Croydon 3rd XI 10/216. Elsternwick 3rd XI 1/86 v Bayswater 3rd XI 10/85. Mt Waverley 3rd XI 10/173 v Malvern 3rd XI 9/176. Oakleigh 3rd XI 7/ 207 v Balwyn 3rd XI 8/164.

■ South East 3rd XI Division 2. Moorabbin 3rd XI 8/224 v Box Hill 3rd XI 4/225. Brighton 3rd XI 3/201 v Donvale 3rd XI 8/ 200. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 2/85 v Noble Park 3rd XI 10/82. Ormond 3rd XI 10/246 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 10/224

■ South East 4th XI Division 1. Croydon 4th XI 9/184 v Caulfield 4th XI 6/190. Malvern 4th XI 10/172 v Mt Waverley 4th XI 6/213. Balwyn 4th XI 10/109 v Oakleigh 4th XI 8/152. Bayswater 4th XI 5/78 v Elsternwick 4th XI 7/247.

■ South East 4th XI Division 2. Box Hill 4th XI 4/192 v Moorabbin 4th XI 8/188. Donvale 4th XI 8/173 v Brighton 4th XI 3/ 177. Noble Park 4th XI 4/163 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 9/158. Port Melbourne 4th XI 7/173 v Ormond 4th XI 7/187

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two Days. Sats,., Feb. 14 and 21. Bundoora 1st XI v Diamond Creek 1st XI 10/243. Heidelberg 1st XI 10/165 v Riverside 1st XI. Epping 1st XI 10/141 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI

0/0. Bundoora United 1st XI v Macleod 1st XI 9/246. Rosebank 1st XI 10/117 v Rosanna 1st XI 0/5

■ Money Shield. Banyule 1st XI v Eltham 1st XI 9/248. Greensborough 1st XI 10/133

v Plenty 1st XI 0/26. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 1/15 v Lower Plenty 1st XI 10/162. Bundoora Park 1st XI 2/30 v Mernda 1st XI 10/160. Montmorency 1st XI 10/170 v Lalor Stars 1st XI 0/9.

■ Mash Shield. Dennis 1st XI 4/296 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI. Mill Park 1st XI 10/173 v Thomastown United 1st XI 0/3. South Morang 1st XI 4/34 v Panton Hill 1st XI 10/141. Thomastown 1st XI 10/158 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 5/46. Rivergum 1st XI 10/139 v Laurimar 1st XI 3/27. Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/99 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 9/33 & 3/21

■ B-Grade. Plenty 2nd XI 9/239 v Heidelberg 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 2nd XI 0/5 v Banyule 2nd XI 10/141. Mernda 2nd XI v Riverside 2nd XI 9/158. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 1/63 v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 10/135. Rosanna 2nd XI 10/ 128 v Montmorency 2nd XI 2/67

■ C-Grade. Bundoora United 2nd XI 1/34 v Greensborough 2nd XI 10/179. Eltham 2nd XI 1/28 v Bundoora 2nd XI 10/177. Macleod 2nd XI 0/2 v Riverside 3rd XI 10/ 199. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 2/56 v South Morang 2nd XI 10/203. Lalor Stars 2nd XI 9/248 v Rivergum 2nd XI

■ D-Grade. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 5/339 v Keon Park CC 2nd XI. Laurimar 2nd XI v Rosebank 2nd XI 8/330. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 10/221 v Bundoora Park 2nd XI 0/23. Panton Hill 2nd XI 4/154 v Montmorency 3rd XI 10/138. Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/ 241 v Mill Park 2nd XI 5/55. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/128 v North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 3/90

■ E-Grade. Thomastown United 2nd XI 10/210 v South Morang 3rd XI 0/12. Riverside 4th XI 1/38 v Greensborough 3rd XI 10/161. Banyule 3rd XI 10/111 v Mernda 3rd XI 0/71. Lower Eltham 2nd XI 0/9 v Thomastown 2nd XI 10/Bye: Dennis 2nd XI

■ F1-Grade. Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 1/34 v Banyule 4th XI 10/178. Whittlesea 1st XI v Eltham 3rd XI 9/199. Macleod 3rd XI v Rivergum 3rd XI 6/314. Greensborough 4th XI 7/217 v Bundoora United 3rd XI. Dennis 3rd XI 4/170 v Laurimar 3rd XI.

■ F2-Grade. Greensborough 5th XI v Lower Plenty 4th XI 8/325. Montmorency 4th XI 8/334 v South Morang 4th XI. Riverside 5th XI 9/270 v Hurstbridge 3rd XI. Mernda 4th XI 2/77 v Banyule 5th XI 10/ 103. Bye: Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/ 171 & 5/176 v Glen Iris 1st XI 4-d/174. East Doncaster 1st XI 10/251 v Mont Albert 1st XI 6/339. Old Carey 1st XI 10/121 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/109. Bulleen 1st XI 10/ 107 & 10/161 v North Balwyn 1st XI 4-d/ 135 & 6/134

■ Wright Shield. Richmond City 1st XI 10/ 138 v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 9/309. Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/145 & 1/44 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/285. Mulgrave 1st XI 10/166 v Canterbury 1st XI 10/173. Surrey Hills 1st XI 2/125 v Heathmont 1st XI 10/114

■ A Turf. Burwood 1st XI 10/304 v Old Carey 2nd XI 10/172. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 5/154 v Boronia 1st XI 10/152. Ashwood 1st XI 8/276 v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 10/306. Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/83 & 6/155 v Mazenod OC 1st XI 8-d/ 192

■ B Turf. North Balwyn 2nd XI 5-d/194 v Bulleen 2nd XI 10/97 & 4/113. Heathmont 2nd XI 5-d/269 & 1/16 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 9/53 & 10/231. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/87 & 1/81 v East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/ 352. Richmond Union 1st XI 10/245 v Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 10/59 & 10/97

■ C Turf. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/117 & 10/171 v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 5-d/198 & 3/96. Edinburgh 2nd XI 6/171 v Burwood 2nd XI 10/170. La Trobe University 1st XI 8/47 & 7/46. Mulgrave 2nd XI 10/209. Boronia 2nd XI 10/198 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/282

■ D Turf. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/355 v Surrey Hills 2nd XI 10/154 & 3/63. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 10/121 v Ashwood 2nd XI 10/ 128. Mazenod OC 2nd XI 8/141 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 5-d/253. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 8-d/213 v Richmond City 2nd XI 10/ 159 & 2/85

■ E Turf. Heathmont 3rd XI 7-d/277 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/106 & 3/115. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI v La Trobe University 2nd XI, Forfeit. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/. Edinburgh 3rd XI 7-d/359 v Surrey Hills 3rd XI 10/181. Marcellin OC 3rd XI 10/99 & 1/59 v Richmond Union 2nd XI 7-d/185

■ F Turf. One Day. Surrey Hills 4th XI 10/ 70 v Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI 3/71. East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 7/163 v Heathmont 4th XI 7/217. East Doncaster 3rd XI 6/196 v Bulleen 3rd XI 6/192. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 9/189 v Richmond City 3rd XI 6/193. Bye: Mont Albert 4th XI

■ MacGibbon Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 10/ 187 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 6/188. Glen Waverley 1st XI 8/291 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI 8/292. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 2/314 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 7/312. Clifton Hill 1st XI 3/248 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 10/247

■ Burt Shield. Toorak Prahran 1st XI 0-d/ 60 & 3/105 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/58 & 10/106. St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 9/273 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/123. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 8-d/277 v North Alphington 1st XI 10/169 & 7/117. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 2-d/236 & 0/6 v Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/136 & 10/104.

Mornington Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Days. Sats., feb 7 and 14. Mornington 1sts 7/171 v Langwarrin 1sts 9/170. Dromana 1sts 10/149 v Baden Powell 1sts 6/151. Red Hill 1sts 10/271 v Heatherhill 1sts 10/141. Sorrento 1sts 10/129 v Pines 1sts 10/116

■ Peninsula Firsts. Balnarring 1sts 7/276 v Long Island 1sts 10/189. Somerville 1sts 7/288 v Mt Eliza 1sts 10/204. Moorooduc 1sts 10/207 v Old Peninsula 1sts 1/214. Seaford CC 1sts 10/218 v Rosebud 1sts 10/156

■ District Firsts. Rye 1sts 10/185 v Carrum Downs 1sts 9/189. Crib Point 1sts 6/297 v Main Ridge 1sts 10/108. Flinders 1sts 6/292 v Carrum CC 1sts 9/291. Boneo 1sts 10/227 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 9/225

■ Sub-District Firsts. Skye 1sts 6/270 v Frankston YCW 1st 10/44. Delacombe Park 1sts 4-d/249 v Ballam Park 1sts 10/93 & 10/75

Baxter 1sts 2-d/258 & 0/7 v Pearcedale 1sts 10/ 75 & 10/188. Mt Martha 1sts 9-d/141 & 0/81 v Tootgarook 1sts 10/115 & 10/104. Bye: Tyabb 1sts.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 5-d/194 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/192 & 9/223. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 10/166 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/320. Donath CC 1st XI 10/125 v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 10/165

■ Jack Quick Shield. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 10/92 v Cameron CC 1st XI 10/164. Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 7-d/211 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/111 & 2/120. West Preston CC 1st XI 10/212 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 5/215

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/123 & 10/113 v Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 10/170 & 2/69. Preston YCW District 1st XI 7-d/250 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 10/139. Fairfield CC 1st XI 10/168 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 10/157

■ B-Grade. ollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 7/208 v Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 10/128. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 10/139 & 4/79 v Fairfield CC 2nd XI 10/190 & 6-d/143. Northern Socials CC 2s XI v West Preston CC 3rd XI Forfeit

■ C-Grade. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 9/308 v Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI 9/156. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 8/250 v Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 10/108. Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 9/375 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI 10/171. Bye: Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Norwood 1XI 9-d/288 v Ainslie Park 1XI 10/149. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/53 & 10/91. St Andrews 1XI 8-d/134 & 0/13. South Croydon 1XI 10/214 v Lilydale 1XI 10/116. Montrose 1XI 4-d/215 v North Ringwood 1XI 8/209

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Wantirna South 1XI 10/120 & 4/110. East Ringwood 1XI 9-d/213. Vermont 1XI 10/161 v Mooroolbark 1XI 10/ 198. Wonga Park 1XI 6-d/189 & 3/31. Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/105 & 10/113. Bayswater Park 1XI 7-d/283 v Kilsyth 1XI 10/163 & 7/144

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Templeton 1XI 10/ 165 v South Warrandyte 1XI 10/185. Warrandyte 1XI 9/337 v Healesville 1XI 10/ 115 & 1/44. Chirnside Park 1XI 10/216 v Seville Burras 1XI 10/91 & 2/53. Yarra Junction 1XI 10/147 v Heathwood 1XI 10/114

■ Steve Pascoe Shield. Croydon North 1XI 6/164 v Warrandyte 2XI 10/162. Ainslie Park 2XI 10/207 v Norwood 2XI 7/209. North Ringwood 2XI 10/102 v Montrose 2XI 10/ 179. East Ringwood 2XI 9-d/177 v South Croydon 2XI 10/106 & 4/96

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 14 and 21. East Sandringham 1 0/0 v Bentleigh ANA 1 10/184. Bentleigh Uniting 1 8/307. Kingston Heath 1 3/24 v West Bentleigh 1 5-d/252. Le Page Park 1 v Brighton Union 1 9/160 ■ Woolnough Shield. Mackie 1 9/231 v Omega 1. Cheltenham Park 1 6/83 v Hampton Central 1 10/119. Carnegie South 1 v Elwood 1 10/279. Cluden 1 v CHAG 1 10/ 183

■ Quiney Shield. Omega 2 5/101 v East Sandringham 2 10/187. Washington Park 2 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 10/228. CUCC Kings 3 7-d/310 v Highett West 1 0/124. Hampton United 1 0/2 v Le Page Park 2 10/286

■ Pullen Shield. East Bentleigh Central 1 v Mackie 2 10/325. Melbourne Wanderers 1 10/156 v Diamond 1. Elwood 2 10/338 v Kingston Heath 2. Brighton Union 2 10/225 v Cluden 2 ■ E-Grade. Southside East Caulfield 1 3d/150 v East Bentleigh Central 2 10/110. Hampton Central 2 10/121 v South East Oakleigh 1 2/33. Melbourne Districts United 1 6/373 v Mackie 3. CHAG 2 9/189 v Le Page Park 3. Washington Park 3 10/96 v CUCC Kings 4 5/213

■ A-Grade. Two Days. Sats., Feb. 14 and 21. Tarneit Central 4th XI Forfeit v Altona Sports 1st

CAULFIELD ANNIVERSARY TRIPLE TREAT

■ Three Group 1 contests are the highlights on a stellar day of thoroughbred racing at Caulfield this Saturday (Feb. 21).

The Melbourne Racing Club, previously known as the Victoria Amateur Turf Club, commenced racing at Caulfield in 1876.

This year, the 150th anniversary of that milestone, the Club will once again host many long-standing feature races introduced along the way.

The Futurity Stakes run over 1400 metres at weight-for-age, though not the oldest of Saturday’s showpiece events, is generally held in the highest regard.

First run in 1898, the list of past winners includes some of our greatest racehorses.

Phar Lap became Australia’s highest stake winner at the time, lumping a huge weight to a narrow victory, when it was a handicap race in 1931.

Ajax was also burdened with big imposts when posting a hat-trick of wins from 1938 to 1940.

Manikato competed in five consecutive Futurity Stakes from 1979 to 1983, winning all bar the 1982 edition, when second to Galleon

There are too many more champions from yesteryear to mention who also triumphed in this race.

The Oakleigh Plate was won by Malua when first run in 1884.

Malua also achieved success in the 1884 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, forever linking these sought-after sprinting crowns.

Both are handicap events, with the Oakleigh Plate over 1100 metres, and the Newmarket Handicap at 1200 metres.

Remarkably, Malua went on to win the Melbourne Cup over two miles (approximately 3200 metres) in November of that year and his achievements on the racetrack are well worth further investigation.

The Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria’s richest race for two-year-olds, only began in 1971.

However, there has been no shortage of stars unearthed in that time.

Victorious at the end of the 1200 metres scamper have been Manikato (1978), Bounding Away (1986), and Alinghi (2004) to name just a few.

Can any of the following horses add their name to one of the three honour boards?

Futurity Stakes

TreasuretheMoment

Last season’s Champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

Top class mare who has won twice previously when first-up over 1400 metres at Caulfield

This is a suitable assignment, which could see her return to the winners list.

Tom Kitten

Has well and truly earned his place competing at the top level.

Launched his current campaign securing a win at this track and trip, coming from well back and wide.

That edge in race fitness may work in his favour.

Feroce

Resumed from a spell in the same race as Tom Kitten

Came from back in the field, hitting the

Rod Basto

front at the 200 metres mark, only to be nailed on the line.

He is a Group 1 winner and has a good second-up record.

Oakleigh Plate

Point Barrow

Lightly raced three-year-old filly primed for a first-up assault on this Group 1 handicap.

She gets in with very little weight on her back.

Recorded an impressive win here last time in when came from near last on the home turn.

Tropicus

Has returned from a spell to win at this track and trip on a previous occasion.

Will be attempting to repeat that effort in stronger company here.

Expected to race on the pace.

Hedged No luck last time when held up for the length of the home straight, finishing third to Oak Hill. That was also over 1100 metres at Caulfield. Ready to win again.

Blue Diamond Stakes

Big Sky Has won both starts over 1000 metres impressively, including one at Caulfield. Steps up to the 1200 metres and stronger opposition here. There doesn’t appear to be much between a handful of these two-yearolds.

Closer To Free

Caused a reshuffle of pre-post betting markets after winning a Blue Diamond Prelude on debut. That was a faultless performance. Returns to Caulfield and this is only 100 metres further. Improvement from the race day experience can also be expected.

Guest House

Beaten just over one length as favourite when runner-up to Closer To Free at his second start. The run had plenty of merit, as he did things wrong and was caught wide the whole way. Prior to that, this colt had been spruiked as being better than stablemate Big Sky.

Horses To Follow

■ Guest House, Observer, Hedged, Celerity, She’s An Artist, Curse It

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, February 18: Caulfield

Heath ■ Thursday, February 19: Pakenham

■ Friday, February 20: Seymour, Terang, Cranbourne

■ Saturday, February 21: Caulfield, Yarra Valley, Dederang

■ Sunday, February 22: Ballarat, Moe

■ Tuesday, February 24: Horsham

Swayze back to back in the Hunter Cup

■ Eight year old Rock N Roll HeavenLettucereason gelding Swayze trained at Menangle (NSW) by Jason Grimson and driven by Cameron Hart emulated last years victory in Victoria’s Premier Race –the $250,000 A.G. Hunter Cup over 2760 metres at Melton Entertainment Park last Saturday February 14.

Settling one/one from gate two after War Dan Buddy from gate four showed exceptional speed to make an unsuccessful bid for the front running into the first turn as polemarker Republican Party retained the lead.

Swayze moved around him to take over reaching the post on the first occasion, with favourite Leap To Fame (7Y0 half brother by Bettor’s Delight) trapped wide working forward to occupy the spot outside the leader, a position which is not foreign to him.

Unfortunately for backers of the Shepparton Cup victor Kingman (gate three second line), he was badly checked when Oliver Dan (gate three) galloped shortly after the start resulting in him settling a long way back.

With no changes, the tempo hotted up for the final circuit as Kingman was sent forward three wide to give chase to the leaders which was almost an impossible task if he was to figure in the finish although still there on the final bend.

In a stirling battle all the way up the running, it appeared that Leap To Fame had him covered with Republican Party using the sprint lane to put in his claim.

Refusing to surrender, Swayze had a half neck to spare on the wire over a game Leap To Fame as he always is denying him of a $1,000,000 bonus should he have won. Republican Party was a nose away third in a most exciting finale. Miki To Success (gate five – one/two) was fourth 2.5 metres back off a one/two passage.

In quarters of 29.3, 28.6, 27.2 and 28.1 after a lead time of 81.2 seconds, Swayze returned a mile rate of 1-53.1 – 1.2 seconds outside his 1-51.9 track record set last year.

There was drama following the race when connections of Republican Party queried the margin between second and third which took a considerable time before a decision was made by stewards to keep the placings as is.

■ The other highlight of the night was the $250,000 Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star Final for trotters over 1720 metres when outstanding 5Y0 Volstead-Keayang Yankee mare Keayang Zahara after winning her heat held earlier in the night coasted to a untouched 8.7 metre margin by leading most of the way from gate three in a sizzling 1-54.1 from stablemates Jilliby Ballerini which trailed after leading out from gate two, with Jilliby Dreamlover 8.1 metres away third after trailing the pair giving the stable not only the trifecta, but also a $500,000 bonus for going undefeated through the Summer Carnival Series.

Trained at Ecklin South by Marg and Paddy Lee and driven by Jason Lee, Keayang Zahara is raced by the family’s Levarg Racing Group managed by John Craven and has the world at her feet

Stawell

■ Stawell, gateway to the Grampians, commenced the week on Monday February nine with a seven event card and most winners well supported.

Anyone who backs Horsham trainer/ driver Aaron Dunn’s runners always get a run for their money and such was the case when first starter Bigbashash scored on debut in the Stan and Lorna Anyon Memorial Maiden Pace over 1785 metres. Backed into a short priced $1.40 favourite, Bigbasgash wasn’t pushed out as the start was effected before being sent forward three wide only to be trapped on a limb until joining the leader Allgood Vinnie (gate six) with James Herbertson in the sulky prior to the bell. Looking vulnerable at the straight entrance, Bigbashash gained the upper hand over the concluding stages to record a tough 4.2 metre margin over the leader which fought on bravely. Loan Sailor (one/one from outside the front line) was third 2.7 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.2.

■ Junortoun trainer John Tormey’s Bendigo stable provided 7Y0 Betterthancheddar-Georgia’s Belle mare Chogi to notch up her eleventh success at start 105

when landing The McLeod Family Tribute Pace over 1785 metres.

Driven by daughter Ellen, Chogi settled three back in the moving line as Starzinhereyes exploded away from outside the front line to lead, before surrendering to the favourite Fair Chance (gate two) hitting the back straight on the first occasion with Chogi moving a position forward.

Going forward three wide in the last lap, Chogi was too strong over the final stages, defeating a death-seating James Garner (gate three) by a metre, with Fair Chance 1.9 metres away third. The mile rate 1-56.8.

■ Mount Gambier (Mingbool) trainer/ driver David Drury is no stranger to Stawell meetings and was successful with the well backed 6Y0 GuaranteedHarbhahay gelding Roblen Ranger in the 2180 metre Ecycle Solutions Pace.

Raced by a very large syndicate headed by Lara’s Paul and James Warnock, Roblen Ranger (gate three) went forward at the start only to be trapped outside the pacemaker Little Blabbermouth (gate two) for the entire journey.

Showing plenty of tenacity in the straight, Roblen Ranger dug in deep to gain the day by a half neck over Little Blabbermouth in a 1-59 mile rate. Huxam Chubb (gate two second line – one/one) was third 7.4 metres back.

■ Swan Marsh trainer Paul Castle combined with Reagan Clarke aboard 6Y0 Sweet Lou-Sunday Rose mare Quick Decision to snare the Thomas Foods Pace over 1785 metres.

Settling at the tail of the field from inside the second line, Quick Decision was suited by the slick tempo being set by Smokin Strepo (gate two), My Darling Devine (gate three) and Miss Malachite (three wide) from outside the front line through the early stages which eventually crossed to lead after spending plenty of petrol.

Going forward three wide in the last lap, Quick Decision raced to the front on the final bend to reach the judge by 9.2 metres from Alookto Like (one/one – three wide last lap from gate four, with Missmalachite a courageous third 3.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-57.9.

Shepparton

■ The regular Shepparton meeting was held on Tuesday on a nine race card.

Kilmore trainer/driver Corey Bell was victorious with 8Y0 Western Terror-Sunday Rose gelding Northern Terror in the 2190 metres SHRC Tennis Is Ace Pace over 2190 metres.

Given an easy time on the back of the poleline leader Archaa after beginning fast from gate six, Northern Terror extricated away from the markers approaching the final bend to follow Glenn Bull’s Favouritehighlight (one/one from gate two on the second line) which had vacated the prime spot to join Archaa in the last lap.

Angling wide on turning, Northern Terror ran home strongly to easily account for Favouritehighlight by an 11.3 metre margin returning a mile rate of 1-59.6.

Mynameisruby (one/five) off a three wide trail last lap was third 4.2 metres away.

■ Narrandera trainer/driver Jaxon Painting has been taking Victorian stake money home on a regular basis in recent weeks and 3Y0 Downbytheseaside-Yourockanna gelding landed the Country Tennis Week

Pace over 2190 metres to keep his record intact. Going forward from outside the front line to take the lead away from Hezaflashone (gate four), Mister Seaside rated well defied all challengers to record a 7.1 metre margin over Hezaflashone and poleliner Little Whippet (four pegs) which never left the marker line to finish 6.2 metres back in third place. The mile rate 2-00.2.

■ Four year old Guaranteed-Ideal Eagle gelding Calivil trained by Mark Thompson at Junortoun was at double figures in the 1690 metre Fara Lot 176 For A Cause Pace but won like an odds-on chance.

Driven by Nathan Jack, Calivil starting from the extreme draw received a dream passage one/one throughout following the well supported Home And Dry (gate four) and after easing three wide into the straight, finished full of running to blouse a game Home And Dry by 4.1 metres in a 1-57.4 mile rate. Highview Hammer (four pegs from inside the second line) used the sprint lane for third 5.3 metres away.

■ Avenel’s Juanita Breen trained and reined Little Miss Morgan, a 4Y0 daughter of Skyvalley and Golden Spurs to a big victory in the 1260AM Sen Vicbred Voucher 4Y0 and older Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

First up since October last year, Little Miss Morgan (extreme draw) settled midfield from the extreme draw as Island Ruby led from gate three.

Sprinting like a gazelle in the last lap to join the pacemaker on the home turn, Little Miss Morgan careered away to greet the judge by 17.2 metres from Bet Bet Hotshot (gate two) which had trailed the leader. Cresco Cashflow (gate five) after racing parked held third a half head away. The mile rate 2-02.6.

Maryborough

■ Everybody’s favourite venue Maryborough raced on Wednesday with a small six event program.

Recently located Shepparton resident Luke Tabone (owner/trainer) of 6Y0 Always B Miki-Affairs Are Better gelding Sea fury combined with local Bec Bartley to land the 1690 metre McPhersons Printing Group Pace.

With the lead changing several times in the early stages, Sea Fury trapped wide from outside the front line after going forward racing for the bell to race parked outside Highlandheartbreaka (gate five) Ninedolla Toastie which had crossed polemarker Woodlea Diego.

Doing best in the shadows of the post, Sea Fury scored by 1.5 metres over Highlandheartbreaka, with Rosberg (gate three) third from one/one 6.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.8.

■ The Aldebaran Park Mares Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres was hectic in the early part as The Chook (gate four) led from Giggle Water (gate five), with Fremarks Peggy (gate two) and James Herbertson trapped in the open before gaining cover from Manda Kyvalley outside the front line. Angling wide in the straight, Fremarks Peggy did best to record a 3.6 metre margin over Manda Kyvalley and The Chook which weakened for third 2.6 metres back third. The mile rate 2-05.7.

■ Charlton trainer John Tormey’s handy 7Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Always Treasure mare Dona Amalia chalked up her 10th victory in 50 outings when taking the Redpath Tyre & Battery Service Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres giving ‘Herbie’ his third winner for the afternoon.

Settling a long way off the pacemaker old timer Fling It Rainbow (gate three), Dona Amalia commenced a forward move wide in the final lap and with full steam up joined the leaders on turning to gain the day by 1.7 metres in a rate of 2-00.6 from polemarker Louieville Lass along the sprint lane off the back of Fling It Rainbow, with Ataboy Charlie 3.7 metres back third after going forward to race exposed.

Kilmore

■ It was Kilmore again on Thursday and It was great to see Little River owner/cotrainers Danny and Gill Norris in the winners stall following the victory of 7Y0 Creatine-Desert Spur gelding Desert Assassin in the 1690 metre O’Briens Electrical Trotters Mobile.

This Week

■ Wednesday – Mildura, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Bendigo, Saturday –Melton, Sunday - Cranbourne, Monday – Hamilton, Tuesday – Shepparton.

Driven by James Herbertson, Desert Assassin began very fast from gate five to lead and rated to perfection, never looked like losing to greet the judge by 10.1 metres from Buslin Brody which trailed from the pole using the sprint lane to no avail. Noble Count after going forward three wide from the extreme draw battled on gamely for third 3.6 metres away. It was Desert Assassin’s 4th success (17 placings) in 45 outings. The mile rate 1-57.9.

■ There was a long shot result to the MC Labour Trotters Mobile when 6Y0 Kvintet Avenger-Our Little Lil gelding Patnwill bred and raced by Heathcote’s Mannix family, trained by Michael Mannix and driven by Ashley Manton led throughout from gate six at odds of $151. Bowling along at his leisure, Patnwill couldn’t be caught, scoring by 1.5 metres from Gunsen Rosie (gate two – one/one –three wide home turn) and polemarker Playa Del Carmen which trailed the winner finishing a head back. The mile rate 203.

■ There was another rough result in the C&M Build Group Trotters Discretionary Handicap over 2660 metres after Teesdale trainer/driver Paul Warnock’s 7Y0 Lawman-Packed Up Early gelding Im Above The Law raced by the Warnock family and friends scored in identical fashion paying odds of 20.90 leaving punters in disbelief following the last two races on the card. Jumping straight to the front from the pole as the tapes released, Im Above The Law was rated a treat and gave plenty on turning to defeat Tripod (barrier three) which trailed moving off the inside to challenge on the final bend by 2.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-05.1. Thirty metre backmarker Johns Boy (four pegs – one/ one bell – wide home turn) was third 4.4 metres back.

Terang

■ A small six event card was held at Terang on Friday and Ross Creek trainer Jennifer Douglas snared the quinella in the 1680 metre Terang Co-Op Rural Store Pace when 11Y0 Modern Art-Shenfields Lane gelding Too The Max was too good for stablemate Muselet in a 1-56.3 mile rate. Beginning best from gate five to lead, Muselet was restrained to allow Too The Max (gate five with Jordie Leedham in the sulky) to cross and allowed to dictate terms, just lasted by a nose from Muselet in a tricky finish. Polemarker Quick Decision after being restrained from the pole to be four pegs was extricated wide on turning and ran home with a wet sail for third a half neck back.

■ Ellimynyt part-owner/trainer Julie Brimacombe’s 5Y0 Rock N Roll HeavenGarden Gate Tina gelding Havadash Joe was victorious in the Terang Co-Op IGA Plus Liquor Pace over 2180 metres. Driven by James Herbertson, Havadash Joh was victorious in the Terang Co-Op IGA Plus Liquor Pace over 2180 metres after being taken back to the tail from outside the front line before being sent forward racing for the bell to race exposed outside the long odds-on favourite Jilliby Eclipse (gate three) which after racing roughly and galloping shortly after the start was sooled to the front mid-race. Racing clear entering the back straight on the final occasion after Jilliby Eclipse galloped again losing all chance, Havadash Joh held on to score by a neck from Pretty Basic (gate six - four pegs) and Jacosas Dream (one/two from gate five who was 1.4 metre away. The mile rate 2-00.4. Len Baker

‘Contractors left high and dry by Govt’

■ Contractors supporting this summer’s bushfire effort haven’tbeen paid, says nationals Leader Danny O’Brien.

“It's understood multiple contractors providing heavy machinery to support bushfire suppression haven’t been paid, despite some starting work on fires in December,” Mr O’Brien said.

“In many cases, the outstanding amounts tally into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for individual contractors, with an estimated $15 million in total.”

Mr O’Brien put this to the State Government during Parliamentary Question Time, but he described the Government’s response as oblivious.

Mr O’Brien said contractors have been told Forest Fire Management Victoria hadn’t paid them because they don’t have the staff to process timesheets.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos is reported to have said FFMV was not focussed on “bookkeeping”.

Mr O’Brien said Labor’s payment tardiness was unacceptable and was placing enormous pressure on small businesses with very large overheads.

“Some of the work undertaken by these contractors started before Christmas That’s six weeks ago, and they still haven’t been paid,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These are highly skilled contractors with very expensive machinery and large costs, from maintenance, to fuel, to paying their workers. To not have been paid for their work is understandably causing them a lot of anxiety.

“These contractors are doing incredible work in dangerous conditions to support the fire effort and to have to wait for payment is threatening their businesses.”

Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath, said the Allan Labor Government’s inability to pay the contractors was yet another example of how it simply cannot manage money.

“A core duty of the Allan Government is the rightful payment of those who play a pivotal role in the bushfire response this summer,” Ms Bath said.

“Contractors are an integral part of fire suppression, removing dangerous trees, installing containment lines, and opening roads.

“It’s shameful that Labor cannot find the decency to prioritise these small businesses who themselves have wages and costs to pay.”

“The non-payment of contractors follows significant job cuts in the past two years within FFMV and DEECA’s bushfire and forest services division,” Ms Bath said.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

INQUIRY LAUNCHED INTO SUMMER FIRES

■ Victorians affected by the 2026 summer fires can share their lived experiences as part of a new Parliamentary Inquiry. The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is accepting submissions from the public as part of its probe.

“The fires across Victoria this summer have had a profound impact on the people affected,” Committee Chair Ryan Batchelor said.

One person died, over 500 structures were destroyed and more than 400,000 hectares burned throughout January.

People are encouraged to make a public submission by the closing date of March 15.

“This inquiry will look at the preparation and planning by government, emergency services and the community ahead of the fire season, including management of public and private land,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The inquiry will also examine the causes and circumstances of the bushfire, including climate change.”

Other matters to be considered include:

■ Emergency responses to the fires

■ Resilience of critical services and infrastructure

■ Resourcing of fire agencies, and support for volunteers

■ Recovery efforts in affected communities

■ Impact on the environment

■ Lessons from previous inquiries and Royal Commissions

The full Terms of Reference are published on the Committee’s website.

A report to Parliament is due by June 1.

VOLUNTEERS LAUDED BY MP

■ Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes has praised the volunteers of the Country Fire Authority:

“Of course we know that CFA people are amazing volunteers, and I want to thank them immensely for their efforts,” Ms Symes told Parliament.

“I am deeply grateful for their continued hard work and dedicated service. I particularly want to acknowledge that many CFA volunteers actually lost their own homes whilst fighting the fires as well.

“I also want to acknowledge, encourage and really appreciate those that are considering joining the CFA

“Following the Get Fire Ready campaign in October, and this is when the messages were starting to come through that the experts knew that this season was going to be one of the worst since Black Saturday, over 600 people put in expressions of interest in joining the CFA

“We know that these events often generate more and more interest. In a time when people are time-poor and have difficulty in being able to volunteer, seeing these numbers come through, seeing the interest in joining the CFA,

“I am just so pleased and thank those people for considering putting their hand up to offer their time to protect their community.

“I thank all of those that have stepped up, I thank all of those that will continue to step up and my efforts and the government’s efforts will be there in the long days, months and years of recovery.’

Ms Symes thanked Jason Heffernan, Tim Wiebusch, Chris Hardman, Gavin Freeman and Alistair Drayton and their teams across the state in control centres.

Nearing completion of road repairs

■ Mitchell Shire Council’s roads team is nearing completion of urgent clean-up works in fire-impacted areas, with crews preparing to transition back to normal road maintenance works.

“Since the fires, Council crews have been focused on restoring safe access across affected roads, responding to damage caused by fire activity and heavy emergency response traffic.

“Works to date have included:

■ Clearing fallen branches loose debris and hazardous material

■ Removing sediment and build-up along road edges

■ Reopening drains and table drains to reduce water build-up and road deterioration

■ Grading and reshaping damaged unsealed roads

■ Inspecting road networks for ongoing safety risks

“With most priority locations now addressed, Council’s roads team will progressively return to scheduled works across the Shire,” a Mitchell representative said.

“Some follow-up inspections and minor clean-up may still occur in impacted areas as crews finalise road recovery activities.

“Council thanks residents for their patience while this essential work was carried out during the recovery phase.”

■ The State Government says that it is strengthening support for Victorian ratepayers by providing councils with new, fair and clear guidance for people experiencing financial or other forms of hardship.

Nick Staikos, Minister for Local Government, announced new Ministerial Guidelines on the Payment of Rates and Charges, designed to better support vulnerable and at-risk ratepayers experiencing financial hardship, family violence, and economic abuse – are now in effect.

The guidelines, developed in consultation with ratepayers, stakeholders and councils, set clear expectations on how councils recognise and respond to hardship in a fair, compassionate and proportionate way.

This includes flexible rate payment options designed to ease financial pressures on local ratepayers, such as deferrals, waivers, or payment plans.

The new guidelines also clarify councils’ responsibility to provide easy online and in-person access to their hardship policies and application processes.

“The guidelines support councils to refer ratepayers to a financial counsellor for assistance, reducing barriers to ratepayers submitting hardship or financial hardship applications,” said a Government representative.

“Councils collect rates and charges annually to fund critical community services, as well as manage community facilities and open spaces, such as parks, libraries, community centres, roads and footpaths, and sporting facilities.

“Rate increases have been capped at 2.75 per cent for the upcoming 2026-27 financial year to ease cost of living pressures on Victorians and to meet the forecasted Consumer Price Index

Mr Staikos said: "These hardship guidelines will ensure councils treat ratepayers who are dealing with difficult financial or personal circumstances with compassion, fairness and understanding.”

“By providing clear guidance, we’re giving councils the tools they need to support vulnerable Victorians facing prolonged hardship or unforeseen hurdles such as job loss, illness, or other changes to family circumstances.”

‘No accident’

■ Greens politician Sarah Mansfield has told State Parliament that the January bushfires were “no accident”.

“We cannot acknowledge the immense losses of the fires without also acknowledging the role of climate change,” said Ms Mansfield, who is MLC for the Western Victoria province.

“We are now living with the consequences of unmitigated burning of fossil fuels – consequences we have long been warned about.

“Fires have always been a feature of Australia, but these fires were different.

“The scale of these fires was immense and on par with some of the most devastating bushfires we have seen, with many first responders characterising the speed and ferocity of these fires as unlike anything they had ever experienced.

“They came off the back of a prolonged dry spell, and in many areas drought, and were preceded by one of the worst heatwaves ever,” Ms Mansfield told the Legislative Council.

SYMES ADMIRES LOCAL HEROES

■ Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes has spoken in State Parliament about the Longwood fires.

“I begin my contribution by expressing our collective thanks and deepest gratitude to everyone that has been involved in the response to the devastating fires that have impacted so many corners of our state.

“We also acknowledge and grieve for those who have lost homes, sheds, businesses and stock, cattle, pets and wildlife.

“I would also like to deeply acknowledge farmer Mr Maxwell Hobson of Terip Terip, who lost his life in the Longwood bushfire, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew him.

“There is widespread devastation across northern Victoria, in my electorate and those that share it in this place.

“There are so many heartbreaking stories of loss, but alongside there are inspiring examples of towns and properties that were saved.

“One of the first people that I spoke to in early January was Matt Fowles. His retelling the story of the fierce, fast and ferocious fires that led to the heartbreaking loss of his family home, livestock and treasured vineyard was extraordinary.

“He came so very, very close to saving his house, but cruelly, this was a fire that was persistent. It was ongoing, and ember attacks ultimately took his home too.

Monster

“To hear him talk of how grateful he was that his family were safe and that the winery facility had successfully been protected by the CFA was wonderful, and he has reflected on the enormous generosity of hundreds if not thousands of people that have reached out to him to help.

“There was similar sentiment in Alexandra about the humble CFA volunteers. They shared with me how they saved their town.

“They were so very disappointed that they could not save all the houses in the area, but this was not a fire where this was possible. But what they did for the township was truly incredible.

“To captain Chris Lynch, deputy Haydn Simpson and surrounding brigades and strike teams, you should be so proud.

“Executing the plan of sector commander Jay Williams, they held their line and they faced the monster.

“It is an incredibly difficult time for so many local communities. I know many have been out there visiting, and it is just so heartening because in the face of disaster you see the very best of people.

Anchor

“The enormous community activation has of course been unsurprising. We expect this from our communities, but it is also phenomenal.

“Members from impacted communities were joined by neighbouring communities and supported by local councils and endless agencies, fuelled by volunteer power and an unwavering pursuit of helping those in need.

“I have seen people rolling up their sleeves to tackle the challenges at hand, whether preparing meals for our incredible volunteers, repairing fences or helping neighbours to get back on their feet.

“I want to acknowledge the wonderful Longwood Football Netball Club president Rick Shiner, committee members, team members and the locals.

“The club there has always been an anchor for support and advice, but in this time of need it really got going. It was a hub of activation, the point of donations.

“They were coming right across the state, with big representation from large centres, particularly Shepparton

Exhausted

“A shout-out to Azem Elmaz, well-known humanitarian and tireless community champion, who is now known in Longwood as ‘our chef’.

Can I personally thank Bec and Myra from the Kilmore Hospital, who filled my car with items in response to a community call for specific supplies.

“To those who worked day and night from Jean’s kitchen, ‘Thank you’ does not feel enough.

“I have seen so many tired and exhausted faces, yet everyone tells you it is just what you do.

“The Ruffy community has come together

during this incredibly difficult time as one of the most impacted communities.

“The community hall overflowed with supplies for those that have lost everything.

“Special thanks to remarkable individuals like Anne Douglas, Colleen Furlanetto and Felicity Sloman, all of whom have shown outstanding leadership, among others.

“In Ruffy I spoke to Captain George Noye He told an incredible story about how he fought that night to save his own house and others in Ruffy whilst he drove across multiple properties to get to another CFA volunteer who was stuck.

Safety

“This was local knowledge – going through back paddocks in the safest way to get to those in need. His actions ensured that people were brought back to safety.

“And then they went back out again on their trucks – just such dedication to their role in the CFA

“From the earliest days there were those at relief centres, so many council reps, volunteers from near and far and those prepared to drop everything to help with the rawest of loss, comfort those experiencing trauma and uncertainty and step in to assist with some of the individual needs of every person who came through the doors, even those with pet dingoes, as I saw in Seymour

“Thank you to Sam Hicks, the Fawcett Hall president, and her team. They are the champions of community-led recovery, ensuring those impacted areas in Murrindindi are heard, connected and supported based on what people say they actually need, not what it is assumed they need.

“The mantra at Fawcett Hall is ‘Small community, big heart, strong as ever’ – wonderful humans looking out for one another.

“There are countless communities and stories such as this from Corryong to Yea, from Harcourt to Streatham

Dedicated

“As the relief transitions to recovery, we have dedicated hubs and recovery centres to ensure people can get the tailored assistance that they need – housing options, mental health services, financial support, insurance help.

“These are the best places, alongside the helpline, to get the latest advice on the support measures that have been announced by the government.

“That is providing $370 million of funding –costs shared with the Commonwealth Government, and I thank them for their assistance.

“This ensures that people can clean up, that they can get temporary accommodation and that their mental health and financial needs are met. This cannot remove the trauma.

“It cannot immediately rebuild burnt homes, but it can offer valuable support to people at their greatest time of need.

“I am also pleased that the government has been able to step in for the Harcourt coolstore.

Rebuild

“Those of you that have been to Harcourt know you cannot miss this facility. It is an amazing facility, and they will rebuild.

“There is a $500,000 allocation to assist with the co-op. The destruction of that facility has impacted so many small producers and so many people that I have met in my time, particularly as agriculture minister, including

winemakers and just amazing produce producers.

“And of course, if you are able to, make sure you support some of the impacted businesses through purchases of stock online or other avenues; they would surely appreciate it.

“I will take the opportunity to acknowledge that so many local members have been out and about.

“Ministers have been to every impacted area, and I make a particular acknowledgement of our Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward

“As someone who has previously been in the role, I know the demands of the role.

Did not stop

“What she faced is significantly more than I did in my time, and she did not stop, so I thank her for that. I know, and I know many of you who have experienced natural disasters in your electorates know, one of the best things you can do is turn up.

“You learn way more on the ground when you are talking to impacted people about what they need and how they are feeling and making sure that you are directing them to the right places to navigate the services that are available.

“Listening and understanding is just integral for these communities.

“For those whose electorates were directly impacted, we saw their MPs stand up next to the unpaid community members, using their connections and platforms to help agitate to get things moving quicker.

Lost so much

“I particularly point to Euroa MP Annabelle Cleeland, who has lost so much herself but was there every day with her community.

“Kim O’Keeffe used her years of community service to work with the Shepparton mayor and locals to mobilise an enormous food drive.

“Maree Edwards has so many impacted friends, those that she has known for many years in Harcourt, and I know her support will continue.

“And I know there are many other MPs that have been ensuring that they are there for their communities.

“I found the contribution today incredibly difficult to write. I put down a pen last night about midnight when I could have kept going because there are so many stories and there are so many people to acknowledge.

“I give a commitment that I will not stop talking about this event. Recovery has a long tail, and there will be many opportunities to acknowledge people long after the last donation is made.

Every step

“We will stand there with communities. We will keep talking about them. This is a journey that government understands is lengthy, and we will continue to be with those in their recovery every step of the way.

“On that note, there are a couple of further individuals I will note. I have definitely missed people, which is why I have committed to come back, but I do want to particularly acknowledge Greg Murphy

“He is known to many. I met him in his role as Emergency Management Victoria’s manager of aviation and logistics.

“He was the man that would meet me at the airport and point out the aircraft that were secured each year to assist with our firefighting efforts.

“He is a long-time Kilmore CFA volunteer, so he is local to me as well. But in January this year he became known for his work in the incident control centre.

Saved lives

“His actions and his words undoubtedly saved lives. As the catastrophic conditions were bearing down on the communities in the area, he used his voice and people listened.

“They appreciated his direct and honest communication. He stood in the Seymour relief centre speaking to hundreds of people in person and online to deliver what people needed to hear.

“I will read a direct quote from what he said: ‘Despite our best efforts today, we were not able to control this fire. Tomorrow, we’ve got no chance. Our job is to help people. Tomorrow, we might not be able to.’

“His words and warning were heeded –people left. He is undoubtedly the reason that we did not lose more lives,” Ms Symes said.

Bushfire Briefs

Farmers affected

■ The effect of the fires on the farming community has been mentioned in State Parliament by South-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Rachel Payne:

“I too would like to rise and pause to reflect on the devastating bushfires in our state,” Ms Payne said.

“The impact of these fires on our local communities, on wildlife, on farmers and on businesses is beyond comprehension.

“We are especially thinking of the loved ones of farmer Max Hobson, who lost his life in these devastating fires.

“Bushfires are destructive and fierce, and this January we saw blazes tear through over 400,000 hectares across this state.

“I too have seen some of my dear friends lose everything in the Longwood fire, including their property, which has been in their family for generations – six generations, I believe – and the devastation that they are experiencing they cannot even speak to right now. It was a property that has been not only part of their generations but part of their make-up in their community for a very long time,” Ms Payne said.

‘Nightmare’

■ Northern Victloria MLC Gaelle Broad described the “nightmare” endured by people in the bushfire region.

“ The nightmare continued. I was speaking with residents without drinking water – their tanks had melted and were full of holes,” Ms Broad said.

“Livestock were in desperate need of water and feed. These needs on a local level were multiplied across the state.

“I spoke with Aksal, a young man who was out fighting fires in Yarck, who spoke of the devastation surrounding Alexandra.

“I particularly want to acknowledge my colleagues, especially Annabelle, who has been dedicated to serving the local community despite facing her own challenges as fires destroyed their farm and damaged their home.

“A farmer in the highlands told me about the challenges of road barriers and feeling cut off from support and the challenge he faced alongside neighbours dealing with hundreds of dead livestock.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who lost their life, including cattle farmer Max Hobson, who passed away near Seymour,” Ms Broad said.

Lovell counts cost

■ A tally of some of the bushfire losses has been presented to State Parliament by Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell

“In Strathbogie we lost 110 houses, 272 structures have been destroyed and 144,000 hectares have been burnt. 36,000 is the statewide livestock losses that have been reported to date, but the majority of those are in Strathbogie

“Eighteen culverts and 14 bridges have been damaged and more than 200 kilometres of road remain unsafe or closed.

“In Murrindindi 190 houses have been destroyed, 519 sheds, 5112 livestock have been lost, 389 beehives lost, 14,000 hectares of farmland burnt, 2000 kilometres of fencing damaged or destroyed, 6341 tonnes of hay or silage have been lost and 7399 hectares of grazing pasture lost.

“Murrindindi Shire advises that their losses represent 45 per cent of the total number of structures destroyed across the state.

“Mitchell Shire lost three houses, four sheds, 4203 hectares of farmland was fire affected, 2000 hectares of hardwood plantation has been lost, 1647 hectares of grazing pasture has been lost, 100 kilometres of fencing damaged or destroyed and 4759 sheep were impacted.

“In Mansfield they lost five homes, seven sheds or outbuildings were lost, 1000 livestock have been lost, 52 tonnes of hay and silage, 100 hectares of crops lost, 2000 hectares of grazing pasture lost.

“A survey of over 100 businesses in midJanuary also reported an average loss of 70 per cent in income for businesses.

“ Something we have not seen any support for yet is business or tourism.

“These fires have had an enormous impact on businesses and tourism, as well as on those people who have directly lost homes and on our farming community,” ms Lovell told the Legislative Council.

126,600ha affected

■ The Victorian Farmer's Federation is reporting over 126,600 hectares of farm affected and over 44,700 livestock lost from the January bushfires.

The VFF Disaster Relief Fund is supporting over 220 fire-impacted farmers.

Affected sheep farmer Matthew Plunkett said the Longwood fires tore through his property, claiming around 8000 sheep, along with essential pastures and fencing.

"The road to recovery will be a long one and we anticipate it will take at least 2½ years to restore our pastures and stock to what it was," Mr Plunkett said.

"We're trying to stay positive amid the devastation, and we are incredibly grateful to the unbelievable community support we've been shown, with people sacrificing their own time and income to help us begin recovering.

"The support shown by the VFF through its Emergency Fodder Support Program and Disaster Relief Fund has been lifechanging - the flexible nature of the fund allows us to spend the money on what we need now, which at the moment is predominantly fencing."

VFF President Brett Hosking said that hile visiting affected farmers across the region, the devastation he saw was confronting, but he was also encouraged by the immediate impact of the fund on the ground.

“Affected farmers don’t have the option to wait weeks or months for funds – they need help now,” Mr Hosking said.

“For many, the immediate grants delivered through our Disaster Relief Fund have gone towards essential recovery needspurchasing generators to restore power, repairing damaged fencing and feeding surviving livestock.

“While the fires may have eased for now, the recovery is far from over. The threat of further fires remains, and many farmers face months - if not years - before they can rebuild feed supplies and regain-self-sufficiency.

“That’s why continued community support is so important. Every contribution helps us deliver practical, immediate assistance where it’s needed most - and ensures farmers aren’t facing this recovery alone.”

‘Disregard for First Nations’

■ Anti duck-hunting activist Laurie Levy has inserted the subject of the January bushfires into his opposition to the State Government’s announcement of an upcoming season.

“Premier Jacinta Allan is commended for initiating the First Nations Treaty, but calling a 2026 recreational duck shooting season shows a profound disregard for Victoria’s First Nations peoples and their waterbirds by allowing a small number of thrill-seeking duck shooters (only 0.2 per cent of the Victorian population) to blast their birds out of the sky for fun,” Mr Levy said.

“Victoria is in debt to the tune of around $188 billion yet this Premier prefers to waste $11 million of our taxes on propping up a dying duck shooting activity rather than investing in a First Nations cultural, nature-based wetlands tourism industry.

“In New South Wales (where duck shooting is banned) 3.2 billion in cultural tourism is generated and overseas birdwatchers across Australia, spend $2.6 billion annually.

“Yet in Victoria we destroy our native bird assets. Hundreds of thousands of sentient native waterbirds (including threatened and protected species) are shot during recreational duck shooting seasons.

“More than 25 per cent suffer after being wounded rather than killed outright and shooters routinely pollute our wetlands, leaving behind bird remains, rubbish, unburied toilets and spent plastic cartridges.

“The handling and consumption of native waterbirds poses risks of PFAS and/or lead exposure, as well as viral infections (bird flu).

“Today EPA signs on several wetlands around Sale advise the shooters not to consume birds due to PFAS contamination. How then can shooting be allowed on those wetlands?

“Prof. Richard Kingsford’s latest aerial survey of waterbird numbers across eastern Australia was undertaken last October, prior to the Victorian bushfires and scorching hot weather.

“He recorded that total waterbird abundance, number of species breeding and wet-

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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).

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land areas continued to show significant declines and that five out of the eight game species also continued to show significant longterm declines.”

Mr Levy, Today Campaign Director, said:

“Last year Premier Jacinta Allan, a long-time supporter of duck shooting, was responsible for the suffering and killing of around half a million of our native waterbirds just so 9950 active duck shooters (Game Management Authority figure) could enjoy themselves.

“The same will happen this year. How does this show respect for First Nations peoples by first introducing a treaty and then allowing half a million birds to be slaughtered by duck shooters, especially after Labor’s 2003 Parliamentary Inquiry called for duck shooting to be banned,” Mr Levy said.

Mental health worry

■ Politoician Gayle Tierney is concerned about the effects of the fires on people’s mental health.

“While we talk about land being impacted and homes being impacted, the impact on mental health is incredibly significant.

“For those that have not been in fires but have seen it on your TV screens, you see the flames and you see what the fire has left, but in terms of actually being in a fire, no-one can underestimate a number of things.

“Firstly, there is just the unknown – not knowing which way the wind is going to turn, the force of that wind and what the repercussions are going to be.

“You cannot plan for too much, but you can prepare a hell of a lot to try and deal with the situation that is potentially heading your way. The other thing is just knowing that fires are different at any given time.

“It could be a very, very, very fast grassfire that takes your breath away in so many ways that you cannot count. Also there is that thundering roar of a fire that scares the bejesus out of you as you know it is coming towards you but you cannot necessarily see it because it is tucked in a valley from behind.

“These are the things. It is not just the property loss and the monetary loss,” Ms Tierney said.

UP TO $1760 FREE ADVERTISING FOR EACH LOCAL BUSINESS

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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.

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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

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