The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Feb. 11, 2026

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

UPGRADE FOR NORTHERN HWY

■ An upgrade to the intersection of Northern Hwy (High St) and Watson St in Wallan has been abbounced.

The Northern Hwy Intersection Upgrade will see additional lanes built on the Northern Hwy in both directions at the intersection, and a second right-turn lane from Watson St into the Wallan township, making it easier for drivers to move through the area.

This project is part of the Watson St nterchange Upgrade, which will deliver new entry and exit ramps to create a full diamond interchange where Watson St meets the Hume Freeway.

Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the upgrade, with the existing shared-use path along Watson St upgraded, and new street lighting and signage to be installed.

Early works on the Northern Highway Intersection will be delivered by Ace Infrastructure and are scheduled to begin next month, with major construction expected to start by April.

The $175 million Watson Street Interchange Upgrade and Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade works are funded with a $90 million commitment from the Federal Government and an $85 million commitment from the State Government.

Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said: “Whether you’re passing through Wallan, or picking up the kids from school, the completion of these major upgrades will mean less time in the car and a safer journey.”

MITCHELL CHOSEN FOR DIGITAL CERTIFICATES

Strathbogie Shire thanks residents for their patience

■ Strathbogie Council has thanked local residents for their patience over delays to the delivery of municipal services.

“It’s been a very busy few weeks for Council as we have supported the bushfire response and recovery efforts while also striving to deliver business as usual,” said a Council representative.

“The increased workload means that, at times, we have been unable to meet our usual response timeframes.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to support those most affected by the Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire while also continuing to deliver regular services.”

‘We Are Beveridge’

■ Mitchell Council has launched the ‘We Are Beveridge’ public artwork at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre.

This project was shaped by conversations with more than 100 locals from community groups.

■ Mitchell Shire has been chosen as one of three Victorian municipalities to trial the introduction of digital birth certificates.

The initiative is said to give parents fast and secure access to their child’s birth certificate on their phone for the first time.

The trial of the new certificate will take place in Wyndham City Council, the City of Casey and Mitchell Shire Council

As an alternative to paper certificates, participating parents across the three councils can now use the new digital birth certificate to make enrolling their children in kindergarten programs easier, by quickly and securely adding their child’s digital birth certificate to the wallet feature on the Service Victoria app.

Government Services Minister Danny Pearson said digital birth certificates are another step forward in making more digital services available to support Victorians to more easily engage with the services they need like school, kinder and hospitals.

The use of the digital birth certificate will be optional for those eligible, and physical copies will continue to be issued to all Victorians.

The Service Victoria digital wallet now features a range of available documents, such as the veterans card, seniors card, digital driver’s licence, and many more.

The trial is now officially live, meaning parents in the three Local Government Areas participating in the trial can log in to the Services Victoria app to add their child’s birth certificate today.

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

Places To Go

OUR DIRECTORY TO THE BEST DESTINATIONS

The ‘Places To Go’ section has the latest news on travel – in Victoria, interstate and internationally. By road, by rail, by air, by water – Places To Go covers it all. Starts February 18 issue.

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 11, 2026

Local Briefs

Council cancels

■ The Community Questions and Hearings Meeting due to be held on Monday last week (Feb. 2) at Broadford was cancelled by Mitchell Shire Council.

The next Council meeting is due to be held at 7pm On Monday (Feb. 16) at the Shire chambers.

Library update

■ All Murrindindi Shire libraries are open during regular operating hours.

“To help us support the community during this emergency period, most library programs are temporarily postponed,” said a Council representative.

“This is expected to be for the next couple of weeks while library spaces are prioritised for connection, support and recovery.

“Libraries remain a safe, welcoming place for the community, with the following services continuing to operate as normal:

■ Walk-up technical help for personal phones and devices.

■ Group Tech Talk sessions held each week.

Local people can continue to access:

■ Technical support for personal devices

■ Public-use computers to access online services

■ Books, eBooks, audiobooks and magazines from the full Yarra Plenty Regional Library network

■ Digital library services, including movie streaming, eBooks and audiobooks

■ Phone, laptop and tablet charging

■ Printing and scanning

■ Water, tea and coffee

■ Air-conditioned spaces, including during power outages

■ A comfortable place for people of all ages to relax, read or work

■ Indoor children’s spaces for reading and play

■ Desk space for study or work (quiet space, not guaranteed silence)

■ Board games and puzzles

Powlett St works

■ Mitchell Council will soon begin preliminary kerb works on Powlett St in Broadford as part of preparations for a wider road reseal later this month.

The kerb works started last Friday (Feb. 6) and are expected to take around four days to complete, weather permitting. These works will support the upcoming reseal of Powlett St between Gavan St and High St, scheduled to begin in late February.

‘IT’S BETTER WITH YOU HERE’ CAMPAIGN STARTS

■ Mansfield Shire Council, in a bid to entice tourists back to the High Country , has launched a ‘It’s Better With You Here’ a marketing campaign.

The marketing thrust highlights the region’s unrivalled opportunities for tourists.

Mansfield Council’s Tourism and Economic Development Team moved quickly into recovery mode following the recent bushfire impacts, developing a short, targeted campaign to support local businesses and help stimulate the local economy after the fire.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie feels the campaign will provide a timely reminder of what a special place Mansfield Shire is.

“Mansfield Shire is open to tourists,” he said.

“And our towns and villages, rivers, lakes and mountains, fields and forests, remain special places to visit.

“Our local businesses are ready to welcome you back and show you a great time.

“We’re delighted to have been able to work with some of the top-class business operators in our region to remind everybody just how special our little shire is.”

The campaign features an array of businesses, from the breweries and pubs that serve quality beers and wine to restaurants and cafes whose delicious meals will have tourists coming back for more.

The businesses operators have kindly agreed to front the campaign. Familiar local faces from Jamieson, Goughs Bay and Howqua will be the ones who welcome tourists to the area upon their arrival.

The campaign was developed in direct response to feedback received through the business impact survey conducted during the first week of the fires in Mansfield Shire

First instalment of the campaign features Mansfield Shire institutions such as the Jamieson General Store, the Courthouse Hotel and Lake Eildon.

Additional instalments are planned, featuring operators from across the wider shire, including Bonnie Doon and Merton, Mansfield township, Merrijig and Tolmie

This staged rollout is designed to ensure a fair and balanced representation of the entire shire as part of the broader recovery effort, a Council representative said.

Move for Inquiry

■ The Victorian Liberals and Nationals lastweek pushed for an extensive parliamentary inquiry into the January bushfires that impacted communities across Victoria.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, said the Liberals and Nationals would move a motion in parliament that calls on the Environment and Planning Standing Committee to inquire into, and report on the bushfires by June 1.

“There needs to be a full investigation by the Parliament into every aspect of this summer’s bushfires,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There’s a lot of concern out there from volunteers, firefighters, emergency management personnel and from the communities directly impacted by the fires, which of course in some areas are still ongoing.

“We need to learn from these fires, just as we did from the Bushfire Royal Commission, so that Victorians are better protected going forward,” Mr O’Brien said.

Local Briefs

Fatality at Barjarg

■ Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Barjarg, south of Benalla, on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 7).

Emergency services were called to Lake Nillahcootie about 1.45pm following reports a man had been pulled out of the water unresponsive.

CPR was performed on the man but he could not be revived.

Female driver dead

■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Wallan

Emergency services responded to reports a car collided with a truck near the intersection of Hume Fwy and Wallan-Whittlesea Rd about 3.20am.

The car rolled following the collision. The female driver died at the scene.

The male truck driver was not injured.

Police are working to establish the circumstances of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.

Ag. Minister visits

■ Agriculture Minister Ros Spence has spoken of her visit to the bushfire area: “I visited some of the communities most impacted by the fires in the north-east of the state.

“In Ruffy and Yarck I met with courageous farmers and community members who are now facing the long and difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding their lives.

“I thank the member for Euroa, who was affected by the fires, for joining me in Ruffy and sharing her insights.

“Despite the devastation that surrounded us, we saw strong and supportive communities looking out for one another, people lending a hand and offering support wherever they could,” Ms Spence said.

At Badger Creek

■ Multi-instrumentalist Rennie Pearson will brings his Traditional Celtic Music show back to Badger Creek, He will be accompanied by John Sorrentino on keys, guitar and percussion.

Performing on wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice, Rennie draws audiences into the rich musical traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada

mThe event will be at Badger Creek Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 5.

Tickets: Available via Humanitix

Gender challenge at Yea

■ Yea Golf Club held Round 7 of its Gender Challenge.

Wednesday (Feb. 4) saw 43 players compete in the seventh round of the Gender Challenge, with a twoperson Ambrose format played. The field consisted of 12 men’s teams and 9 ladies’ teams.

Winners on the day:

■ 1st – Phil Armstrong / Gavin Houldcroft – Nett 62 (Gross 75)

■ 2nd – Mick Spagnolo / Gary Pollard –Nett 64 (Gross 69)

■ 3rd – Rob Gill / Mick Sheather – Nett 67 (Gross 81)

■ 4th – Brian Priestley / Allan Coates –Nett 68.75 CB (Gross 77)

■ 5th – Neil Peterson / Rob O’Halloran –Nett 69 (Gross 78)

Nearest the Pin on the 2nd: Alan Pell and Di Holdsworth.

The best ladies team was Vicki Clements, Miranda Gill and Marg Britain with a fine nett 69.5 in their three-person team.

The men were well behind at the start of the day but now have a glimmer of hope after taking the full 85 points from the event.

Gender points awarded:

■ M. Spagnolo / G. Pollard – 25

■ Rob Gill / Mick Sheather – 20

■ Brian Priestley / Allan Coates – 15

■ Neil Peterson / Rob O’Halloran – 10

■ Tony Rule / John Phillips – 5 Team average (Men) – 10

(Averages: Men 68.9, Ladies 74.8) Due to the men having five more players, the top result was not counted in the Gender Challenge scoring.

Total score after

seven rounds (with two to play): Ladies – 375 Men – 220

The final round will feature extra points, with each individual match worth 10 points.

After golf lunch with over 50 people was held with the major attraction being to thank Neil and Mary-Ann Peterson for their contributions to Yea Golf Club.

Mary-Ann was treasurer for three years and catered for club workers events for many years. Neil Peterson was always a keen volounteer and player for the club as well. They have moved to Lilydale for health reasons.

Saturday (Feb. 7) saw the first Monthly Medal of 2026 and an exceptional round of golf from Steve Rumney (23), who returned a superb nett 65. Steve has been putting in plenty of practice lately and it is clearly paying off. Second place went to Paul Heyen (24) with an excellent nett 66, followed by Rob Gill (33) with 67 on a countback from Alan Pell (13) also on 67, and Jim Redmond (24) with 68.

Nearest the Pin on the 2nd was Martin Lowe, who also shared the putting prize with Anthony Coleman , both recording 26 putts.

Nicola Rule produced a fine round to win with nett 65, ahead of Cindy Armstrong and Penny Britton who both finished with nett 73. This was Nicola’s first win at the club and we were all delighted to see her take out the Monthly Medal.

Friday night social event for February saw 53 people at the club for a meal and get together.

This is the February 11 issue of The Local Paper (including the Melbourne Observer) for 2026. Digital issues are produced weekly, and print issues are published fortnightly.

Local Briefs

‘Life gets easier’

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage says there are four ways in which the State Government is making life easier for busy families.

“Number one, more trains at peak time from Wandong, Wallan and Donnybrook,” Ms Kathage said.

“So if your daughter cannot find her hat before school, you have got options. You have got more trains to catch and more seats. I caught the train this morning.

“Two, a dedicated school bus from Donnybrook to our new college, Ngayuk College, from different estates. There are multiple buses.

“Three, we are improving the flow of traffic on Watson St. When I get stuck in the traffic in the morning on Watson St, I feel just as frustrated as everyone else, so I am so glad we have got extra works coming to upgrade the intersection with the Northern Highway.

“And number four, we are building or funding kindergartens on school sites at Muyan Primary School, Our Lady of the Way and Mernda Hills Christian College,” Ms Kathage said.

‘Fair go needed’

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has called for a “fair go” in regard to payments to bushfire victims.

“The action I seek is to extend financial assistance to the individuals who stayed and fought the Longwood bushfire and to other communities across Victoria facing the same situation,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Right now the very people who protected our towns are being locked out of support. They are literally being told that because they did not evacuate they are ineligible for state and federal payments.

“You almost have to say it twice to understand and believe it: the people who stayed to save homes, stock and lives are the ones being penalised.

“We should have learned by now that this is how to respond to a bushfire emergency. When this fire tore through our region, locals did not wait to be told what to do. They did not turn away from smoke.

“They turned towards it. Farmers with slip-ons, utes, fire pumps, speed tillers, disc ploughs and earthmovers cut firebreaks through the night.

“These were private appliances and local people using their own machinery, their own fuel and their own time to build containment lines that stopped this disaster from becoming a catastrophe.

“Without them we would have lost far more homes, far more livestock and, frankly, more lives.

“Here is the part that does not make sense to me: those same people are now being told they do not qualify for emergency payments because they did not evacuate, because they stayed and because they defended. That cannot be the test. As farmers you are not just thinking about yourself. You are responsible for animals, neighbours and entire properties.”

M’dindi ‘under the radar’

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell says that none could possibly have imagined just how bad the victorian bushfires would be.

“Fires during the summer are not something I am unfamiliar with. During my 24 years in this place, fires have been a constant summer threat and a way-too-frequent occurrence,” Ms Lovell said.

“My career started with fires up around Mitta Mitta in the summer of 2002–03. We then had the great alpine fires in 2006.

“There were fires in the Macedon Ranges in October 2015 and January 2016 and fires in the Indigo Shire in 2016.

“The Black Summer fires entered the northeast of Victoria on December 30, 201,9 and burned throughout January 2020. These are, of course, only the major fires, and there have been plenty of other incidents over the years.

“And now, in January 2026, my electorate has once again been ablaze with not one but four major fires: the Longwood, Walwa, Harcourt and Yarroweyah fires.

Heart goes out

“My heart goes out to all Victorians affected by the fires – those who have lost homes, properties, pets and livestock – and of course, most of all, to the family and friends of Max Hobson, who lost his life when fire engulfed his property at Terip Terip, which is part of the fireground more commonly known as the Longwood fire.

“In particular I extend my condolences to Max’s wife Julie Ann , his sons Miles and Campbell, their wives Catherine and Saskia, his five grandsons, his sister Jill and his brother Ian.

“No words can express the depth of my sorrow for what they are going through. I would also like to acknowledge that we had one other death during the fire that, although not directly fire related, was in the fire-ravaged community of Harcourt

“I know that had a huge impact on the family and the entire community. I extend my deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and the community.

True heroes

“I want to put on record my sincere thanks to the volunteers of the CFA, who once again risked their own lives and left their own properties to fight these fires.

“They did so without thought for themselves or their properties, and several volunteers actually lost their own homes and properties while they fought to protect someone else’s property.

“ Our CFA volunteers are true heroes, and I cannot thank them enough. I also want to thank all other volunteers, including the SES, the search and rescue squads, the Red Cross, the Sikh community, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, BlazeAid, football and netball clubs and so many other organisations as well as individuals who gave their time to assist those in need.

“It is always dangerous to name one person or one organisation, as you cannot name everyone, but I want those who helped to know that their assistance is valued, and I am grateful even if I have not named them.

“The volunteer efforts in all shires have been outstanding, and we saw locals stand up to immediately feed, clothe and house people, to organise feed for livestock and also, unfortunately, to euthanise livestock.

Amazing

“It is in times like these that we see communities at their best. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our local governments: the mayors, councillors, CEOs and officers at the Shire of Strathbogie, Murrindindi Shire, Mitchell Shire, Mansfield Shire, Towong Shire, Mount Alexander Shire and the administrators at the Moira Shire

“You have all been amazing with the leadership that you have shown in your communities.

“I want to read out some of the stats for the fires to give some context to the extent and the size of these fires and the extent of the devastation.

These are just initial stats; I expect they will increase as we gain further information. The Longwood fire, which burned across the Strathbogie, Murrindindi, Mansfield and Mitchell shires, claimed quite a lot of property.

“It was the fire that got the most publicity during the couple of weeks that we had the major fires. Strathbogie seemed to be the face of that – Longwood is obviously in Strathbogie and they were very, very severely impacted. But I think Murrindindi shire is equally impacted, and that has gone under the radar a little bit.”

Yarrambat day

■ The volunteers of Yarrambat Fire Brigade are inviting the public to a barbecue, station tours and a chance to meet firefighters and see the fire trucks up close.

The event will be held from 12 Noon to 2pm on Sunday, February 22.

The brigade will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Yarrambat’s modern fire station, and commission thenew turnout room, at 446 Ironbark Rd, Yarrambat.

Yarrambat Fire Brigade has been protecting our community since 1944 and already this yearhas responded to local incidents and sent crews to fight bushfires at 10 locations around the state.

● ● ● ● Lodge a free classified ad by using the form in this newspaper, or going to www.AdvertiseFree.com.au Paid ads hotline: 9489 2222.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, February 12

Alvarez, Maria Andersen, Andrew Arnold, Marisha Ann M Arnold, Michael Douglas Baines, Dylan Ballard, Coen Bartelson, Briony Binks-Brown, Nick Brooks, Duane Chancellor, Daniel Chapman, Mitchell Peter Cleveland, Trevor Diamantopoulos, Matthew Ghost Media Group Gibson, Lex Goodwin, Andrew Gray, Courtney Grech, Daniel Christopher Hall, Bryce William Hall, Jake Douglas Hart, Benjamin Hatfield, Chase Mark Hatton, Kaitlyn Hawke, Jonah Humphries, Simon Hunt, Cheyenne Karimi, Dost Kent, Joshua Mason, Melissa Mcqueen, Courtney Nelson, Adrian Thomas Nesbitt, Anthony Peter Newey, Shae Melanie North, Shelly Patterson, Marcel Gerard Pearce, Samuel Phan, Oscar Reid, Darren Richards, Matt Smith, Michael Spencer, Jacqueline Maree Tennant, Steven Termine, Sebastian Thiwat, Hanan Trimboli, Mario Wright, Jayden Yoannides, Elana Zhang, Haoran Friday, February 13 Bult, Daniel Lloyd, Steele Peacock-White, Jayden Phillips, Craig Anthony Wood, Alan Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 18 Bedggood, David John Bolden, Allan Burgess, Luella Ann Chalmers, Robyn Crawford, Benjamin Dickinson, Raelene Hardt, Dakota Brigitte Heard, David Jin, Xin Lim Ka Lan, Jimmy Macdougall, Max Mcauliffe, Christopher James Mclennan, Joshua Dylan Meadows, Daniel Marc Meyers, Natasha Maree Murray, Gavin Stuart Nicol, Shane Francis Pilcher, Aaron Polaka, Jagannatha Reddy Shakes, Olivia Matilda Singh, Dilpreet Sproul, Kenneth Stillman, Aaron Strongman, Matthew Venturin, Matthew Thursday, February 19 Strongman, Matthew

Community Fund

■ Nillumbik Council is holding an information session at 10am on Tuesday (Feb. 17), which will be followed by morning tea and a chat with grant program staff at the Diamond Valley Library in Civic Drive, Greensborough There is a grant writing workshop on AT 10.30AM Tuesday, February 24.

Every year, the Nillumbik Community Fund offers grants of up to $5000 for initiatives that benefit the local community. Applications for this year’s grant round have opened and close on Sunday, March22. The Council invites community groups, not-for-profit organisations, clubs and artists to apply for grants to support projects, activities and events taking place in Nillumbik between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner encouraged local groups to benefit from the fund that was created especially for them.

Chinese New Year

■ Whittlesea Chinese Association’s Chinese New Year celebrations will take place on Saturday, February 28.

Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the event will be held at the Epping Memorial Hall and will feature a range of wonderful cultural performances to bring in the new year.

These events are supported by the City of Whittlesea through the Community Grants Program

Rural workshops

■ The City of Whittlesea is launching a new six-part regenerative agriculture workshop series to support rural landholders improve land management, strengthen environmental outcomes and build community connection.

The Regenerative Agriculture for Rural Landholders workshop series will run fortnightly from Wednesday March 4 to Wednesday May 134, from 6pm to 8pm in Whittlesea. The City of Whittlesea is delivering the program in collaboration with the Whittlesea Landcare Group, providing local landholders with access to expertise in the industry and practical, region-specific advice to support sustainable farming and land management.

The series will officially launch on Wednesday March 4 with Stephen Murphy, author of RecreatingtheCountry, whose work has influenced regenerative agriculture practices across Australia

Across the six workshops, participants will explore topics including soil health and pasture management, revegetation for biodiversity and farm income, whole-farm planning, farm infrastructure, drought and climate resilience, rabbit control and how to successfully apply for environmental and community grants.

Each session will include expert presentations, opportunities for discussion and problem-solving, and time to connect with other local rural landholders. Supper will be provided.

The workshops are free to attend, and rural landholders are encouraged to book a spot early.

Events will be at Whittlesea Playgroup building, 76 Laurel St, Whittlesea Whittlesea Mayor Cr Lawrie Cox said: “We know many of our rural landholders are facing a range of challenges, such as drought, changing weather conditions and pest pressures.

“By bringing the community together, the regenerative agriculture workshop series will support the City of Whittlesea in building local skills and knowledge.”

“The workshops provide landholders the opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences, and strengthen the connections that help make rural communities resilient.”

Community awards

■ Nillumbik Community Awards categories include:

■ Nillumbik Volunteer

■ Nillumbik Community Group

■ Nillumbik Young Citizen

■ Contribution to Arts, Culture and Heritage

■ Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

■ Contribution to Environment and Sustainability

■ Contribution to Reconciliation

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said that with such a strong local community of champions, it can be hard to choose who to nominate, but taking the time to do so can make a real difference.

“Across Nillumbik there are many people giving their time, energy and care to support others,” Cr Joiner said.

“Nominating is a meaningful way to say thank you to the volunteers, groups and local legends who go above and beyond for our community.”

Some of the 2025 Community Awards recipients include David Kerrigan, a passionate volunteer, historian and Reconciliation advocate bringing local history to life through community storytelling; Nillumbik SES, a dedicated team of 55 local volunteers responding to nearly 700 emergency incidents last year; and Aashini Rastogi, an inspiring young leader recognised for her leadership, community advocacy and commitment to innovation, equality and service.

PASSING OF ELIZABETH CYNTHIA GOSS

State Minister visits Station precinct

■ Cr Mandy Treasure of Mansfoield Council welcomed Local Government Minister Nick Staikos to discuss the impacts of the Longwood fire, what the fire has taught and how to prepare ourselves in the face of further emergencies and natural disasters.

Mr Staikos has visited several impacted communities since the bushfires began burning around the state. He has expressed his pride at the role councils play in responding to such emergencies, always being on the ground to support the communities they represent, said a Council representative.

“During his stop in Mansfield, the Minister held talks with Cr Treasure and Council staff, visited the team at the Mansfield Shire Recovery Hub and toured the Mansfield Station Precinct.”

Alexandra

Golf Ball Drop at Rebels footy

A grand prize of $5000 is on offer for the Alexandra Football Netball Club golf ball drop

■ The half-time break of the Alexandra v Emerald seniors football match at Rebel Park on Saturday, April 18, will feature a golf ball drop from a helicopter, weather permitting.

Hundreds of balls will drop from the sky, and a grand prize of $5000 has been organised. Tickets, at $50 each, are available online at a Trybooking site.

Health checks at Saleyards

■ Free health checks were provided for farmers at the Yea Saleyards last Friday (Feb. 6). Skin Checks – Check, Freeze, Incisions and a pathology service were available on a walk up basis from 9am. There was also resources and support for Bushfire Relief and Recovery Assistance, and Mental Health Support.

Fire Recovery Region

Agronomy advice session

■ Pasture agronomy advice to support fire-affected farms was offered at a session hel;d by Valley Seeds at Alexandra Bowls Club at 5pm-8pm last Wednesday (Feb. 4). Agriculture Victoria provided support with animal nutrition, feed and water budgeting, land management and general fire recovery.

● ● Elizabeth Goss

■ The 98-year-old life of Elizabeth Cynthia Goss was celebrated with a service held at the Alexandra Golf Club on Tuesday ,last week (Feb. 3). She was born on August 17, 1927.

Mrs Goss died on January 14 at Kellock Lodge,. Alexandra. She was mother of Douglas, Marion, Tony, Gossy (Ray) and Ian; motherin-law to leah, Sandice, Andrea and David (dec.).

Tributes described her as a loving grandmother and great grandmother.

What Local People Are Doing

Town

Jeanette Neaves

■ Floyd Funerals were in charge of arrangements for a service held to honour the memory of Jeanette Violet Neaves, who died at Violet Town Nursing Home on January 11, at age 87.

She was wife of William (dec.), and described as a cherished aunt and great aunt.

The service was held at St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, Violet Town on Friday, January 30.

Hurstbridge Fire safety planning

■ A workshop on fire safety planning will be held by Hurstbridge Fire Brigade, at the station, 1011 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd, from 10am-2pm on Sunday, March 1, by trained Country Fire Authority personnel.

Eildon

Serenade cancelled

■ The Eildon Serenade planned for Saturday (Feb. 14) has been cancelled. The event was to have featured James Eggledstone, Phoebe Briggs, Kathryn Radcliffe and Stephen Marsh.

Alexandra

Shamrock on the market

■ Real estate agent Belinda Hocking on Nurtrien, Alexandra, has advertised ‘The Shamrock Hotel Renovation Project’ for sale at $645,000.

There are 15 accommodation rooms, dining, hospitality or event spaces.

Panton Hill

Punching above weight

■ The 40 members of Panton Hill CFA reckon the unit has been “punching above its weight” in recent weeks, with about half of its members deployed to strike teams at Longwood, Alexandra, Harcourt, Seymour and The Otways, representing 73 man/ woman days.

They have also helped to man vehicles for St Andrews, Kangaroo Ground and Christmas Hills brigades, also helping at Kalkallo.

Eltham

Mick moves on

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has congratulated Mick Geary , CEO of Holstep Health (formerly Banyule Community Health) who is is leaving to head Anglicare, “who are incredibly lucky to have him”.

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● Malcolm Bett

■ The summer publishing break delayed our printing of a tribute to the life of Malcolm Bett of Yea (although there was an online report).

‘Bettsy’ was born on June 8, 1995, and died on November 30, 2025.

He was the son of Jack and Ilma Bett , brother of Peter and Faye , and father to his daughter Adele

His passing at age 70 was marked with a service at Scots Presbyterian Church, led by elder Colin Whiteway, with orgabnist Margaret Kil-martin.

Eulogies were delivered by Russell Cook, Robert Freeman and Mitch Watson.

Coffin vearers were Sean Sier, Kevin Coghlin, Robert Freeman, Mitch Wilson, Josh Quinlan and John Franklin.

Family and friends gathered after the service at the Royal Mail Hotel, Yea.

of food rescued ●

Patrick Natoli

■ Patrick Natoli is winner of the Environmental Achiever of the Year Award. As President and co-founder of the Montrose Community Cupboard Inc, Patrick has helped create a powerful movement that supports people and protects the planet. In 2025 alone, the group rescued and redistributed more than 200 tonnes of food that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Through community cupboards, local markets and shared meals, Patric k and his team of volunteers provide accessible food without stigma, across Yarra Ranges

Kevin William Dixon, 98

■ Howard Squires Funerals was in charge of funeral service arrangements for Kevin William Dixon, held at Kilmore Trackside, East St, Kilmore on Thursday January 29. Mr Dixon was aged 98. A Private Cremation took place.

Sport

Seymour District Cricket Round 14

■ A-Grade. One-Day. Pyalong A Grade 8/111

v Tallarook A Grade 1/112. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Avenel Senior Men A 10/140 v Seymour 5/ 245. At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers A Grade 1/55 v Alexandra A Grade 10/51. At Yea Recreation Reserve

Bye: Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A.

■ B-Grade. One-Day. Tallarook B Grade 6/ 140 v Pyalong B Grade 7/138. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Seymour Senior Mixed B 10/131 v Avenel Senior Men B 10/138. At Chittick Park (East)

Alexandra B Grade 10/182 v Yea Tigers B Grade 9/13. At Leckie Park

Bye: Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B ★

Pyalong 8/111 v Tallarook 1/112 At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Pyalong A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat Pyalong - Innings

Dermott Clancy, c Joshua Rudge, b Ben Trezise .............................................. 5

Matthew Wikins, run out .............................. 0

James Hadjiloukas, b Ben Trezise .............. 1

Daniel Sowden, c Joshua Rudge, b Ben Trezise ............................................. 12

Joseph Ryan, b Ben Trezise ......................... 0

Matthew Pratt, c Kalon Winnell, b Matthew Archibald ................................. 0

Mitchell Ryan, c Andrew Dundon, b Tarkyn Dundon ...................................... 18

Steven Mitchell, c Mitch Itter, b Andrew Dundon .................................... 17

Alexander Ryan, not out ............................. 20

James Wilkins, not out ................................. 9

Tyler Caddie, did not bast

Extras (19WD, 1NB, 4LB, 5B, 0P) ............ 29

Total (45 overs) ....................................... 8/111

Bowling (O-M-W-R): Blake Munari-O’Dwyer

4-2-12-0, Ben Trezise 9-1-19-4, Matthew Archibald 9-2-17-1, Tarkyn Dundon 9-1-201, Kalon Winnell 9-3-18-0, Andrew Dundon 5-0-16-1.

Tallarook - Innings

Joshua Rudge, not out ................................ 45

Mitch Itter, c James Hadjiloukas, b Steven Mitchell ........................................ 1

Leigh Irving, not out ..................................... 58

Andrew Dundon

Hamish Melville

Matthew Archibald

Kalon Winnell

Tarkyn Dundon

Ben Trezise

Blake Munari-O’Dwyer

Fill-In

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

Total (22.2 overs) ..................................... 1/112

Bowling: Steve Mitchell 5-1-12-0, Matthew Pratt 4-1-26-1, Alexander Ryan 6.2-0-30-0, James Wilkins 4-0-21-0, Tyler Caddie 3-0-190.

★

Avenel 10/140 v Seymour 5/245

At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Seymour won the toss and elected to bat Seymour - Innings

Jason Brown, lbw Travis Stefanos ............ 74

Luke Woolan, c Chayse Thomson, b Cam Bassett ............................................. 1

Cameron Evans, not out ........................... 104

Lachlan Drummond, b Travis Stefanos ....................................... 0

Jack Hesse, lbw Travis stefanos ................. 1

Brodey Pointon, run out .............................. 28

Daniel Bergowicz, not out .......................... 14

Brett Gordon, did not bat

Braidon Horkings, did not bat

Kharl Siswon, did not bat

Hugh Smith, did not bat

Extras (12WD, 4NB, 3LB, 4B, 0P) .............. 23

Total (45 overs) ........................................ 5/245

Fall of Wickets: 1-12 Luke Woolan, 2-139 Jason Brown, 3-138 Lachlan Drummond, 4-141

Jack Hesse, 5-208 Brodey Pointon.

Bowling: Cam Bassett 8-0-36-1, Jamison

Black 8-0-61-0, Oliver Valladares 6-0-46-0, Private Player 5-0-13-0, Chayse Thomson 40-15-0, Andrew Thomson 5-0-25-0, Travis Setfanos 9-1-42-3. Seymour - Innings

Travis Stefanos, blw Lachlan Drummond ................................................. 10

Chayse Thomson, b Daniel Bergowicz .... 40

Jamison Black, c?, b Hugh Smith ............... 5

Cam Bassett, c Brett Gordon, b Hugh Smith ............................................. 4

Warren Dowley, c hugh Smith, b Lachlan Drummond .............................. 5

Private player, b Lachlan Drummond ........ 2

Oliver Valladares, c Kharl Sison, b Braidon Horkings .................................. 15

Fill-in, c Hugh Smith, b Braidon Horkings ................................. 27

Hudson Black, lbw Daniel Bergowicz ........ 6

Andrew Thomson, not out ........................... 3

Bradley Farrell, c Rodney Pointon, b Braidon Horkings ................................... 1

Extras (6WD, 5NB, 4LB, 7B, 0P) ............... 22 total (42.1 overs) ..................................... 10/140

Fall of Wickets: 21-31 Travis Stefanos, 2-55

Jamison Black, 3-65 Chayse Thomson, 4-69

Cam Basett, 5-72 Player, 6-80 Warren Dowley, 7-112 Oliver Valladares, 8-128 Player, 9-132

Hudson Black, 10-140 Bradley Farrell. Bowling: Brodey Pointon 3-0-17-0, Kharl Sison 9-0-31-0, Lachlan Drummond 9-0-343, Hugh Smith 9-0-26-2, Daniel Bergowicz 72-10-2, Braidon Horkings 5.1-1-11-3. ★

Yea Tigers 1/55 v Alexandra 10.51 At Yea Recreation Reserve

Yea Togers A-Grade won the toss and elected to bowl Alexandra - innings

William Ashton, c?, b Jack Christie ........... 0

Scott Whitehead, lbw Biron Hardinge ...... 2

Matthew Wal, b Jack Christie ...................... 1

Vinu Hewage, c Zayde Macleod, b Dylan Thompson ................................... 21

James Fulton, c? b Biron Hardinge ........... 0

Nathan Waugh, c&b Zayde Macleod ......... 2

Benjamin Wallis, lbw Zayde Macleod ........ 0

Joshua Crane , b Zayde Macleod ................ 0

Justin Leary, Dylan Thompson ................... 0

Private player, not out .................................. 8

Lucas Crane, b Dylan Thompson ............... 0

Extras (14WD, 0NB, 3LB, 0B, 0P) .............. 17

Total (21.5 overs) ..................................... 10/51

Fall of Wickets: 1-5 Scott Whitehead, 2-6

William Ashton, 3-19 Matthew Wal, 4-26

James Fulton, 5-29 Nathan Waugh,. 6-31

Banjamin Wallis, 7-31 Joshua Crane, 8-37

Justin Leary, 9-43 Vinu Hewage, 10-51 Lucas Crane.

Bowling: jack Christie 5-2-15-2, Biron Har-

dinge 6-1-13-2, Zayde Macleod 5-1-9-3, Dylan Thompson 4.5-2-3-3, Thomas White 1-0-8-0. Yea - Innings

James Lincoln, lbw Joshua Crane .............. 4 Zayde Macleod, not out ............................... 31

Thomas White, not out ............................... 10

Cameron Armstrong ,did not bat

Andrew Butterworth, did not bat

Jack Christie, did not bat

Will Dalton, did not bat

Jake Fish, did not bat Biron Hardinge, did not bat

Dylan Thompson, did not bat

Mark Watts, did not bat

Extras (9WD, 1NBm 0LB, 0B, 09P) ........... 10

Total (9.2 overs) ........................................ 1/55 Fall of Wickets: 1-15 James Lincoln.

Bowling: Joshua Crane 4-0-14-1, private Player -0-6-0, William Ashton 3-0-20-0, Justin Leary 1-0-9-0, Lucas Crane 0.2-0-5-0.

Local Bowls

■ GV Weekend Pennant. Divsiion 1.

Tallygaroopna 86, 18 d Mooroopna 62, 09. Shepparton Golf 113, 18 d Euroa 66, 0. Seymour VRI 67, 2 d by East Shepp-arton 90, 16. Tatura Hill Top 67, 2 d by Shepparton Park 95, 16.

Division 2. Tatura Hill Top 90, 16 d Nagambie 64, 0. Seymour 82, 14 d Mooroopna 76, 4. avenel 71, 3 d by Tallygaroopna 79, 15. Shepparton Park 71, 4 d by Shepparton Golf 74, 14.

Division 3. East Shepparton 67,2 d by Shepparton Park 87, 16. Sheppaqrton Golf 84, 16 d Eildon 69, 2. Alexandra 100, 16 d Mooroopna golf 56, 2. Euroa 66, 2 d by Rushworth 70, 16.

Division 4. Dookie 78, 16 d Merrigum 55, 2. Tatura GHill Top 78, 14 d Seymoiur 76, 4. Shepparton Park 104, 18 d Yea 49, 0. Tallygaroopna 87, 16 d East Shepparton 77, 2.

Division 5. Tatura Hill Top 31, 0 d by Murchison 78, 16. Euroa 59, 14 d Violet Town 58, 2. Golbinabbin 78, 16 d Seymour VRI 45, 0. Seymour 0, 8 v Alexabdra 0, 8, unplayed. Nagambie 88, 16 d Rushworth 53, 0.

Council Rounds

Reforms petition

■ The Mansfield Shire petition against planning reforms was discussed on Spring St during the first sitting of the Victorian Legislative Council for 2026.

Though there was support for the petition from MPs Gaelle Broad, David Davis, and Wendy Lovell, the legislated bill will not be sent to an inquiry at this time.

“While Mayor Cr Steve Rabie is grateful the petition found support on Spring St, he is disappointed the Victorian Legislative Council has failed to send BetterDecisionsMadeFasterBillto an inquiry,” a Counc il representative said.

“This outcome is a missed opportunity for the state of Victoria,” he said.

“The bill was introduced and legislated without any consultation with the councils or communities it impacts.”

“We understand Victoria has a housing shortage. We’re realistic about development and we stand firmly behind responsible, sustainable growth. These planning reforms aren’t the solution to deliver it.”

“Regional Victoria has spoken in vocal opposition to these planning reforms. They impose a Melbourne centric model on rural communities with no consideration for protecting country identity.”

“The State Government has declined to listen to Regional Victoria, they’ve declined to represent us on this matter. Their mission to turn Victoria into ‘the townhouse capital’ seems to begin with bringing Melbourne thinking to Mansfield Shire and communities just like ours across the state.”

“Sending the bill to an inquiry would have ensured there was some level of consultation and scrutiny over a bill that clearly isn’t right for regional Victoria.”

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie headed a Mansfield Shire Council campaign to gather the 2000 signatures required to ensure Mansfield Shire’s petition was heard on Spring St

In a few short weeks, the petition reached 2414 signatures with Council’s calls to sign the petition reaching hundreds of thousands of people through social media.

“I’m very proud our community stepped up and signed the petition,” Mayor Cr Rabie said.

“It has been months since the petition closed and we are still being flooded with requests from passionate Victorians who want to add their signature to the petition and their voice to the argument to keep it country in rural Victoria.”

A Council representative said: “The Better Decisions Made Faster Bill was legislated by the State Government in December of 2025. This was despite the fact it was introduced without consultation and was met by widespread criticism for placing unnecessary pressure on councils by forcing rushed approvals of inappropriate developments in as little as 10 days.”

Satisfaction survey

■ Yarra Ranges Council is conducting a Community Satisfaction Survey to better understand what matters most to the community and how the Council can continue to improve its services.

The anonymous phone survey runs until April 3 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 responses are confidential.

“If contacted, we encourage you to take part. The research helps shape the services and programs that matter most to the community,” said a Council representative.

Playgrounds boost

■ Several local suburban playgrounds in Nillumbik have been refreshed with new equipment.

■ Irene Court Reserve, Diamond Creek now features a playground for children aged two to 12, with a mega cube climbing unit, slides, swings and a much-loved basket swing.

■ Kangaroo Ground Emergency Operations Centre Playground

■ James Cook Drive Reserve, Diamond Creek

■ Alistair Knox Park, Eltham has enhanced its existing play space with a basket swing, log pile, teepee and hammock.

Local News PATHS OF DEVASTATION

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish spoke in detail last week, telling State Parliament of the impact of the Longwood fires.

“As we have heard, the fire at Longwood moved quickly and tore through the areas of the northern part of my electorate, doubling in size and eventually burning 140,000 hectares,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly.

“Unusual because it did not have a particular fire front, it burnt in 360 degrees and left multiple paths of devastation: loss of homes, sheds, tools, machinery, stock, hay, silage, pasture, water troughs, tanks and livelihoods.

“And as we have heard, we lost the life of Max Hobson, cattle farmer at Terip.

“Seventy per cent of the Longwood fires tore through my electorate, predominantly in Murrindindi and also through Mansfield

“The impact assessment shows that 45 per cent of the total number of structures destroyed across Victoria were in the Murrindindi Shire

Cash-poor

“Murrindindi Shire is a small, cash-poor shire at the best of times and will very much struggle to make ends meet here and will need considerable government support.

“They have behaved exceptionally through these fires. 193 homes were lost in Murrindindi across 21 localities. Highlands lost 38 homes, Yarck 33, Gobur 23, Terip Terip 19, Caveat 18, Fawcett 11, Molesworth 10, Alexandra seven, Dropmore seven, Kanumbra six, Ghin Ghin five and Koriella four.

“Across Cathkin, Maintongoon, Whanregarwen, Limestone, Devils River, Gooram, Merton and Ruffy there were a handful. Merton also lost five, in the Mansfield Shire

“These are exceptional numbers of losses on top of 519 sheds, 2000 kilometres of damaged or destroyed fencing, 14,000 hectares of farmland, which is different from the areas burned, and over 5500 livestock.

“What people might not expect was that 389 beehives were lost there, and this could have particular impacts on the agricultural sector going ahead. 3222 people sought drought disaster relief payments.

“These losses were extensive. But for many in my electorate, this was not their first rodeo. Murrindindi is used to devastation.

Exceptional

“We had the October 2022 floods. We have had storms, cyclones and the tragic circumstances over Black Saturday. I acknowledge that it will have been 17 years since that event.

“Our emergency services performed exceptionally, backed up by locals – the farmers with their own units, the private vehicles – but also the staff from Forest Fire Management Victoria, who are seen very positively.

“We saw the spirit of mateship through all of this. As I said, for many it was not their first rodeo. I was talking to young Kellan Fiske of Gruyere Fire Brigade. Kellan was 20 on the back of a truck in Marysville, where his family hails from, on Black Saturday. He had been there before.

“John Drysdale, who lost his grandfather’s house in Yarck, had been through Ash Wednesday, Black Saturday and these fires. He stayed to defend but said, ‘I knew when to leave.’

“It was evident that so many people did have plans, whether they were staying to fight or leaving early or choosing the time to leave.

“The roads were burnt, so they were cut off. Our communities were cut off. People could not get there to give them support.

Remarkable

“What was remarkable was the growth from within. At the Yea Community House Carlie Underhill got into action really quickly.

“At Fawcett we had Sam Hicks, Andrea Bauer in Highlands and Lyn Burleigh at Terip

“In Yarck the pub initially was the community meeting place, followed by the hall, and it was a community effort with everybody playing to their strengths.

“People came together locally to determine what they needed, and it was just amazing what could be achieved and brought together from the ground up. Community-led recovery absolutely worked so well here.

“They were overwhelmed with the support of donations and food. The hay supplies had a lot of trouble getting in.

“We had so many donations of hay, and it was slow to come in. When farmers lost fences, pasture and hay, they needed hay. They needed to get stock out and taken elsewhere.

“There were some delays there but it even-

● ● ● ● ● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA tually got through, and we had some incredible convoys going through.

“Andrew Embling from Alexandra and Dame Pattie Menzies really got this going. We had the Need for Feed through the Lions Club.

“My gratitude goes to so many of the volunteers, whether they were the CFA, private vehicles, those providing food, those helping sort through the donations, of which there were many, or those that helped euthanase as well, because they do not want farmers to put down their own stock.

Distressing

“There is nothing more distressing than to put down your livelihood, and people came to help them with that – community members who rallied.

“The council staff at Murrindindi were amazing, led by the Mayor Damien Gallagher, who started on the back of a truck before ending up taking on more of his mayoral role.

“There was the collaboration – and this is so important – between Murrindindi, Mansfield and Strathbogie Shires and then the support given to them by the Yarra Ranges Shire and Whittlesea and most recently by Melbourne City Council, because they have skills that they can help Murrindindi with at the moment.

“We had the unbreakable farmers. The stock agents were fabulous getting into gear to help the farmers.

“Agriculture Victoria, as mentioned before, were on the ground trying to help people.

“I spoke to somebody from Leongatha, Colac and Horsham in Yarck, which is where they had come from.

Not first rodeo

“My support has been unwavering, and this is not my first rodeo either. I will continue to support those impacted.

“I have got to thank Jack Buksh from the Premier’s office, who on some days I felt like I spoke to 40 times, and I still continue to do so.

“I did appreciate him being available and getting back to me. My messages now are here: fencing, fencing, fencing.

“People have said we have got to get systems in place. Well, systems are in place. The communities are doing this. They cannot wait for government to make decisions and move.

“They need support in coordination. They need local support in getting that fencing done.

“The majority of people who were impacted are farmers and the difficult period is coming now, after that adrenaline wears off over the next few weeks. I pledge that I will be there for them.

“Things were not perfect; they are not perfect. There are still challenges, and we need to get through those so that our communities continue to thrive again in the future,” Ms McLeish said.

Colour Carnival

■ Mission Smile’s 10th annual Whittlesea Colour Carnival will be held on Saturday, February 28.

Celebrating the traditional Hindu festival of colour, Holi, the event will be held on the lawns of the Civic Centre in South Morang, and will feature colour play, foam fun, rain dance, henna tattoos, face painting, multicultural performances, market stalls and the traditional Holika Dahan, celebrating the true spirit of Holi

Bushfire Recovery

Major share of fire losses

■ Initial assessments indicate the Murrindindi Shire community experienced nearly half of the total damage from the January 9 fires across Victoria

Four weeks on and many community members are now confronting the long and often overwhelming path to recovery.

“With fire activity reduced, Council is focused on supporting the community by providing clear information, practical help and a steady path forward through recovery and rebuilding,” said a Murrindindi Shire representative.

“Council teams have supported the State-led response efforts throughout the emergency and will continue to keep the community informed.

“While conditions have stabilised, safety risks remain. Active fire remains in parts of the landscape and flare-ups may still occur. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official advice via the Emergency Victoria app.

“With community recovery underway, the next stage is about gaining a detailed understanding of the full extent of the fire’s impact, so support can be targeted and community-led recovery efforts are based on real needs. This work is detailed and will take time.

“It includes:

■ Driving, walking and inspecting around 450km of roads, trees and infrastructureon both sides - around 900km of detailed assessment.

■ Visiting every impacted property, including homes, sheds, outbuildings, stock fencing, water tanks, septic systems and other infrastructure.

■ Conducting environmental health checks, including septic tank advice.

■ Assessing building safety and structural integrity.

■ Documenting infrastructure damage, including areas not yet visible or accessible.

“These inspections are essential to support a safe return, guide rebuilding and ensure that recovery funding goes where it is genuinely needed.

“Fatigue, grief, frustration and uncertainty are natural and understandable responses at this stage.

“Across the Shire, communities have shown extraordinary care - checking in on neighbours, sharing supplies and information, and supporting one another emotionally and practically.

“Council is working to facilitate these community-led efforts by providing supplies, information and support wherever it’s needed.

“Council officers will stay in close contact with the community throughout this process, providing updates, listening to concerns and connecting people with the right support.

“Information and support are available at Council’s Bushfire Information Hubs located at Yea Library and Customer Service Centre and Alexandra Library

“These hubs offer face-to-face support, help access disaster relief payments and State and Commonwealth services, referrals for clean-up and wellbeing supports, and clear, up-to-date information.

“A key role for Council is to advocate to State and Federal Governments throughout the long journey ahead to ensure the needs of Murrindindi communities remain central in all relief and recovery decisions.

Further advocacy is focused on:

■ State-led clean-up of impacted properties

■ Waiving fees associated with rebuilding

■ Support for impacted businesses and agricultural ventures

■ Funding to support rebuilding resilient community facilities and infrastructure

■ Support for community-led recovery plans

This work will continue throughout the months ahead.

Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the community’s needs must remain at the centre of all response and recovery efforts.

“Our community has experienced profound loss, and people are beginning to feel the weight of what lies ahead. Fatigue, frustration and uncertainty are completely understandable,” Cr Gallagher said.

“At the same time, we continue to witness remarkable care, generosity and resilience. Council is committed to supporting every impacted resident, business and town. Your recovery is our priority,” Cr Gallagher said.

Freemasons Victoria: Whittlesea Lodge Cheque Presentations

Freemasons Victoria: Whittlesea Lodge Cheque Presentations

57 years. Since 1969.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Local People Racing identities

■ Th e State Government has appointing Peita Duncan and Jonathan Hardwick as new Directors to the Racing Victoria Board

Ms Duncan was a former Administrator on the City of Whittlesea, and then a Monitor.

Anthony Carbines , Racing Minister, congratulated Ms Duncan and Mr Hardwick on their appointments.

“Ms Duncan brings significant experience in racing administration, governance and regulatory reform,” said a State Government representative.

“During her 10 years on the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria, including serving as Chair, she played a central role in delivering major animal welfare and integrity reforms.

“ Mr Hardwick brings more than 25 years of experience across law, agri-business, manufacturing and the automotive sector.

“He is the owner and Group Managing Director of the HFH Auto Group , bringing a strong focus on innovation and commercial relationships, alongside his long-standing involvement in Victorian thoroughbred racing and breeding.”

Ms Duncan and Mr Hardwick have been appointed as Directors until June 14, 2028.

Cyrano de Bergerac Cyrano de Bergerac

Local People

Barbara’s sculpture

■ Bendigo local and women’s cricket trailblazer Barbara Rae has been immortalised in bronze, with a new sculpture in her honour revealed as part of the State Government’s Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards joined sculptor Lis Johnson and members of Barbara Rae’s family to unveil the new artwork at its permanent home at Queen Elizabeth Oval

The sculpture’s location is significant, with the oval home to the first women’s cricket match held in Australia in 1874 between the ‘ Blues ’ and ‘ Reds’ at the Easter Fair.

At just 19 years of age, she captained the winning team and was the top scorer on the ‘ Blues team’ – breaking ground in the sport at a time when women required permission to play what was considered a ‘male only’ game. Barbara was pivotal in staging the historic match, recruiting other women to play and holding coaching sessions. Now, 152 years since that first match, her leadership and legacy lives on as women’s cricket in Australia thrives –with record-breaking crowds and participation levels.

57 years. Since 1969.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Local People Racing identities

■ Th e State Government has appointing Peita Duncan and Jonathan Hardwick as new Directors to the Racing Victoria Board

Ms Duncan was a former Administrator on the City of Whittlesea, and then a Monitor.

Anthony Carbines , Racing Minister, congratulated Ms Duncan and Mr Hardwick on their appointments.

“Ms Duncan brings significant experience in racing administration, governance and regulatory reform,” said a State Government representative.

“During her 10 years on the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria, including serving as Chair, she played a central role in delivering major animal welfare and integrity reforms.

“ Mr Hardwick brings more than 25 years of experience across law, agri-business, manufacturing and the automotive sector.

“He is the owner and Group Managing Director of the HFH Auto Group , bringing a strong focus on innovation and commercial relationships, alongside his long-standing involvement in Victorian thoroughbred racing and breeding.”

Ms Duncan and Mr Hardwick have been appointed as Directors until June 14, 2028.

Cyrano de Bergerac Cyrano de Bergerac

Local People

Barbara’s sculpture

■ Bendigo local and women’s cricket trailblazer Barbara Rae has been immortalised in bronze, with a new sculpture in her honour revealed as part of the State Government’s Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards joined sculptor Lis Johnson and members of Barbara Rae’s family to unveil the new artwork at its permanent home at Queen Elizabeth Oval

The sculpture’s location is significant, with the oval home to the first women’s cricket match held in Australia in 1874 between the ‘ Blues ’ and ‘ Reds’ at the Easter Fair.

At just 19 years of age, she captained the winning team and was the top scorer on the ‘ Blues team’ – breaking ground in the sport at a time when women required permission to play what was considered a ‘male only’ game. Barbara was pivotal in staging the historic match, recruiting other women to play and holding coaching sessions. Now, 152 years since that first match, her leadership and legacy lives on as women’s cricket in Australia thrives –with record-breaking crowds and participation levels.

Old Friends: Rotary Club of Yea

ARIES: (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5

Lotto Numbers: 3.12.26.24.40.44

Avoid taking anything or anyone at face value your judgement may be off. Your love life may become a key focus, with progress on the horizon. Social events will pick up pace, and a minor setback may arise in your financial plans.

TAURUS: (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.5

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.36.39.8

A pleasant time is ahead, so make the most of any invitations that come your way. Many will feel the pull of travel, whether for financial opportunity or career growth. A very favourable time to explore new directions.

GEMINI: (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.5.44

Try to avoid conflict with authority figures. Frustration may be high, so extra care is needed when driving or travelling. Changes in relationships and career direction could come suddenly—stay flexible.

CANCER: (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.5.19.7.22

Relationships with family and friends take centre stage. It’s a good time for gatherings and celebrations. Allow yourself to enjoy the moment instead of shouldering all responsibilities. New business ventures may arise.

LEO: (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.24.40.11

A more relaxed period is coming, and many may benefit from luck in investments, inheritance, or games of chance. Career opportunities may surprise you, and someone from your past could return. Your current relationship may bring happiness.

VIRGO: (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers:

2.3.2.1

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.34.40

Thoughts of moving house or interstate may take hold. Social interactions could lead to lasting relationships. Romance is favoured, with some becoming engaged or rekindling past connections.

LIBRA: (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.22

Health should be a priority now look after yourself both physically and emotionally. You’re also focused on improving career performance, and your efforts are likely to be noticed.

SCORPIO: (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.6.20

An excellent time for romance, especially for those who remain young at heart. Social engagements could become overwhelming if not managed wisely. Professionally, your achievements will stand out on their own.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.8

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.37.44

Someone from your past may reappear unexpectedly. Be cautious about offering help or shelter during this time, as it may lead to complications. Tread carefully in personal matters.

CAPRICORN: (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.26.34.44

A venture you once doubted may now yield success. Travel plans your own or someone close to you are in focus. This could be a significant period for shifting perspectives.

AQUARIUS: (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.22

Relationships may require more of your time. Loved ones could feel neglected if you're too focused elsewhere. Don’t let small irritations ruin what could be a joyful time.

PISCES: (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.3

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.11

This is a strong period for career progress, especially if you're ready to speak up. Your ideas will be well received. A happy reunion with someone from the past may brighten your week.

SINGLE BIGGEST TRAGEDY FACING AUSSIE KIDS

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

From Our Files ● 1951

● ● The Argus. Sat., Feb. 10, 1951.

Lightning kills girl

■ A Young woman was killed by lightning on a St Kilda jetty during the thunder-storm which swept across Melbourne when the heat wave broke late yesterday afternoon.

She was Joan Scott , 19, of Hesket , via Woodend, a nurse at the Avonhurst Hospital, Queens rd., Melbourne

Heavy hail which accompanied the storm smashed windows and roof tiles in the suburbs, and a hailstorm at Castlemaine ruined several orchards.

Another violent storm snapped four telephone poles at Mangalore , 10 miles north of Seymour , cutting telephone lines to Melbourne from Sydney , Canberra and Brisbane , and disrupting broadcasting services.

But the storms have temporarily put an end to the acute danger of bush fires throughout Victoria

The Weather Bureau said last night that the heat wave had ended for at least three days.

A lightning flash, which struck Brooks jetty, St Kilda, shortly before 6.30 last night, hurled Joan Scott and a companion 15 yards into the sea.

Both were hauled ashore, but the girl died soon after wards in the Alfred Hospital without regaining consciousness.

Her companion, Leopold Brunskoli, Fitzroy st., St Kilda, was admitted to the Alfred Hospital with burns.

Immediately after the blinding flash, two men raced to the rescue of the couple in the water.

Mr. Leslie Lane , of Wolseley pde., Kensington, dived in fully clothed and held both of them up until assistance arrived.

Brunskoli , who was conscious, was helped on to the jetty.

Bob Baird , 22, a member of the St Kilda Life-saving Club , who had run round the jetty and dived to assist Lane, attempted to tow Miss Scott to the beach, but was forced by the rough seas to abandon the attempt.

With the assistance of Ron Bryan , another life-saver, Miss Scott was brought to the jetty, where artificial respiration was begun.

This was continued later in the lifesavers' clubhouse, for an hour, before the girl was taken to the Alfred Hospital . Last night, in a storm at Castlemaine, big, jagged hail- stones smashed hundreds of windows and caused other damage. Fruit was stripped from thousands of orchard trees.

Local Theatre

Sisters In Crime

■ Sisters in Crime present 'Feuding and Fatal Families' on Friday February 20 at 8.00pm at The Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne.

Families may be related by blood –but they can also involve blood-letting, sometimes with fatal consequences. It’s no coincidence that Christmas Day and Boxing Day see huge spikes in family violence.

Three Victorian authors – Tanya Scott, Fiona Lowe, and Kirstyn McDermott – dissect the institution of the family and its criminal complexity in different ways. They will reveal all to fellow author Lyn Yeowart.

Event Details: Friday, February 20 at 8pm

Venue: The Rising Sun Hotel, cnr Raglan and Eastern Rds., South Melbourne

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/ Entry and dinner combined charge: $65 non-members; $60 concession; $57 Sisters in Crime and Writers Victoria members; $55 under 19. Please book by 12 noon Thursday, February 19. No show-only tix.

Tickets not sold prior to the event will be available at the door for $70/$65/$62/ $50. Dinner orders need to be placed by 7:00 pm. Note: the panel starts at 8:00 pm.

Lunar New Year

■ From February 16-March 1, QV Melbourne celebrates Lunar New Year (LNY) with the Happy Horse Noodle Bar , special menu items across the precinct’s restaurants, as well as lion dances and cultural displays.

The Happy Horse Noodle Bar invites visitors to step inside a fictional noodle bar, capture the moment in a TikTok worthy giant noodle box, and journey through a classic Chinese takeaway menu inspired story of QV’s traditional LNY dishes and their symbolic meanings.

Immersive photo walls, complete with AR animation: just scan the QR code, download the EyeJack app, and watch the dishes come to life. Open 10am - 10pm daily in QV Square to explore special LNY dishes from the precinct’s range of buzzing Asian restaurants.

Traditional LNY performances will be hosted in QV Square at 5.30pm on Monday February 16 (LNY Eve ) and Tuesday February 17 ( LNY Day ) and at 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday February 21 and 22 (LNY weekend in the city). See lion dances, dragon dances and martial arts performances from the Chinese Masonic Society . There will also be lion heads on display for kids to discover and explore.

“We have had an array of exciting new openings at QV Melbourne over the last year, and the precinct has even more to offer for Lunar New Year celebrations,” says QV Melbourne Centr e General Manager Kate Rooney.

“At LNY, QV Melbourne comes alive with lion dances, dinners, events and all kinds of fun for festive outings with families and friends. Visitors come for the Lunar New Year experiences, the authentic and diverse range of Asian restaurants and eateries, and a unique and wide variety of entertainment options. It’s the ultimate way to create memories to celebrate the Year of the Horse .”

atAlley opened in August 2025 and features dishes from 10 of Malaysia’s most famous hawker stalls dating as far back as the 1940s. With lines out the door into QV Square, the new restaurant is a Good Food Guide Critic’s Pick Melbourne Chinese dining institution

Old Beijing will host a Lunar New Year banquet, featuring many traditional LNY dishes such as the rainbow salad Prosperity Yee Sang, tossed at the table by the entire group of diners, chopsticks in hand. Their banquet dish featured in Happy Horse Noodle Bar is New Year Abundance of Fish : a whole steamed coral trout. Old Beijing will also stage their own lion dances starting in QV Square to their restaurant on Artemis Lane.

QV is accessible through its network of laneways, corner Lonsdale and Swanston Sts, Melbourne. Cheryl Threadgold

AFTERGLOW OPENS AT CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL

■ A Midsumma Festival offering of Midnight Theatricals production of Afterglow has had its premiere Australian season at Chapel off Chapel

This follows its many highly praised seasons in New York, Los Angeles and London since being written and directed by S. Asher Gelman in 2017,

It brings a refreshing look at the relationship of two men, a married couple who have invited another to share their bed, a threesome something they have done often.

There are not many plays, especially queer ones, that on stage explore deep and intimately those having multiple sexual partners simultaneously.

Josh played by Matthew Mitcham (the first openly gay Olympic champion) is married to Alex played by Julian Curtis and have been sharing a loving and open relationship so much so they are planning to have a baby.

But things change when Darius played by Matthew Predny arrives and becomes a sexual partner to Josh , things get complicated.

To provide the intimacy the play required, well credentialled NYC based Set Designer Ann Beyersdorfer created a masterful and dynamic set that was easily transformed into various scene locations.

The opening sequence was a centrally raised ‘bed’, initially with a surround scrim that silhouetted two embracing bodies, and when removed we were introduced to three naked bodies entangled in a wellchoreographed lascivious and physical encounter.

Encased with mirror walls the set was often converted by the cast, again to choreographed movement to other apartments, a dining room, a party room and a surprising shower placed stage central that the naked bodies often shared.

While there were many nude scenes and erotic sexual cavorting, all discreetly performed under the guidance of Chloe Dallimore, Intimacy and Movement Director, the work essentially is about Josh lying to husband Alex , fracturing the marriage while falling in love with Darius , who in the end declares “I don’t love you” leading Josh to a breakdown in the final scene.

Matthew Mitcham played a pivotal role and showed his considerable talent, as an actor and even when nude. Mood swings by Matthew Predny were well captured, while Julian Curtis played the loyal and faithful husband throughout.

A play for all, no matter your sexual preference.

Until February 21 at Chapel off Chapel.

Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/ afterglow/ Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Review by Elizabeth Semmel

■ There are various facets to consider when contemplating Midnight Theatrical's production of Afterglow

The story, the staging, the acting, the music, the transitions, the costumes - or lack of, the provocations. This is definitely a play to remember.

All three members of this ensemble can act. Julian Curtis, Matthew Mitcham, Matthew Predny - although having slight glitches with the American accents as far as I could hear, for the most part played believable characters who showed genuine emotion.

This is a talented cast whose chemistry was clear, important in a show of this kind.

The transitions from various scenes were cleverly choreographed with fluid movement, the actors interacting with one another as they moved the set around.

The set had some stunning features, particularly the shower- worth seeing for this alone. Its emergence was unexpected. It was

Cameron Grant Parenthesy simple yet effective, being complemented by beautiful lighting. For a one-act play there were too many set changes though they were executed well.

One can’t review a show like this without asking the question of the necessity of nudity on stage.

It was no secret this show was about sex. It is a love story with the physical attraction at the centre, yet It is also a show about relationships where not every interaction has to be physical, sexual or naked.

I think for Afterglow less could have been more. The nudity at times was a distraction, leading to a lot of dressing/ undressing. It made me wonder if these characters could have an interaction without being physical or could be physical without being naked, this for me made the play a bit ‘two dimensional.’

Written, directed, choreographed by the talented S. Asher Gelman, Afterglow does what it set out to do, compels the audience to think.

Whether that be thinking about relationships or how warm the water is there is a lot to contemplate after the show.

Performance Details: Until February 21 Venue: Chapel off Chapel Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/ afterglow/

Review by Elizabeth Semmel

Facing Modernity

■ Shepparton Art Museum invites art lovers to step into the bold, beautiful and revolutionary world of Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki , a landmark exhibition from Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent art gallery.

It features esteemed works never before shown in Australia tracing the evolution of modern art through some of its most celebrated masters.

From May 23 to September 20, visitors to SAM will encounter works by Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Paul Cezanne, Salvador Dalí, André Derain, Paul Gauguin, Barbara Hepworth, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso

Spanning nearly a century of artistic innovation, Facing Modernity brings together 37 exceptional paintings and sculptures that capture the radical shifts in art from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

Audiences will encounter the icons of the modern art movements, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism and post-war abstraction.

This important collection of works includes a major philanthropic gift from New York -based collectors Julian Robertson (1932-2022) and Josie Robertson (19432010) to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki in 2023.

Contributed

What’s On

Twelfth Night

■ There’s fun and there’s theatre and - then there’s theatre fun; never more evident than in Glen Elston’s Twelfth Night in the Royal Botanic Gardens In Twelfth Night, the complex absurdities of love and society are explored and brilliantly handled by Australian Shakespeare Compan y cast and crew, and we fully requited their work with our energetic, appreciative applause. From the opening parody of the Twelve Days of Christmas, wherein we learn the story of a shipwreck, leading to love chaos, when surviving identical twins not realising each other is alive, are drawn into a household tied in knots of obsessive love, shallow love, expediency of love, until true love is realised –a hilarious romp, with the usual audience involvement and plenty of easy fun songs.

Household Steward Malvolio’s obsequious adoration of Countess Olivia is pitted against persistent requests from a pining lovelorn Duke of Illyria . The raucous lower order household Uncle Toby, Servant Maria, Clown Feste and the divine, imbecilic Sir Andrew , the Countess’ ridiculous expedient suitor, offer us circus standard trickery until Sir Andrew ends up seen literally tossing in a washing machine!

And if that doesn’t excite your interest, think identical twins popping up everywhere, disguise cross dressings, rain breakouts! and you’re in for a chaotic night.

But panic not! Out come free ponchos!

Added fun to a brilliant night of sublime trickery with Olympic standard comedy timing from Peter Haughton, Hugh Sexton, Nicole Nabout, Jackson McGovern, Maddie Somers and Tony Rive with Alex Cooper and guitar. And then enter indistinguishable Elizabeth Brennan and Scott Middleton , even confusing themselves briefly. Let theatre fun reign – even in the rain.

The set was compositively clever - see through walls and secret hidden lookouts. Complementary music, sounds and wonderfully lit trees added to our delight. And costuming was delectable.

Grab your picnic set (or book a chair) and truly experience theatre fun in the blissful iconic Royal Botanic Gardens until February 28.

Bookings: shakespeareaustralia. com.au/

Review by Maggie Morrison

Observations

■ One of Melbourne’s finest orchestras, Australasian Orchestra, has a blockbuster concert coming up on March 1.

Conducted by AO artistic director Robert Dora, the opening concert of 2026 features Rachmaninov’s romantic Symphony No2, and a work entitled Cascades, in a new orchestration by Melbourne’s Jess-amie Kaitler.

This follows the AO tradition of mixing traditional classical works with new works that showcase Australian composers, much to the delight of its audiences.

And audiences are in for a real treat with the rest of the program, which features fine soprano Piera Dennerstein, performing operatic and classical vocal highlights with the orchestra.

Piera will sing Leoncavallo's Qual fiamma avea nel guardo … Stridono lassu from his opera Pagliacci, Claude Debussy's exquisite Lia’sAria, from L’enfant Prodigue,andtheever popular Habanera from Carmen by Bizet

Since graduating with a music degree from Monash University, Piera has sung roles in opera and oratorio, and has also developed a successful career as a cabaret artist.

She recently toured the show she created, Pursuing Pleasure, to audience acclaim around Australia. She is a superb artist who always communicates her love of music and her expertise as a soloist with the audience.

The concert begins at 2pm on Sunday March 1 at James Tatoulis Auditorium, MLC, Barkers Rd, Kew. Bookings are advised, and you can secure your tickets by visiting www.trybooking.com/DICWO or you can try your luck at the door on the day of the concert.

Julie Houghton

Cyrano de Bergerac

■ Artefact Theatre Company presents Cyrano de Bergerac from February 1128 at fortyfivedownstairs

Under the direction of Matthew Cox, Martin Crimp’s radical adaptation of the classic Edmond Rostand tale questions what violence comes from never being vulnerable.

This Cyrano is said to be stripped back, sharp-edged, and painfully current. Crimp’s modern-verse adaptation dives beneath the surface of the familiar love triangle into a world where language is performance, masculinity is armour, and beauty is weaponised.

“In the original play, Cyrano’s actions are lionised, held up as a kind of masculine ideal without much consequence,' says director Matthew Cox . “But Crimp’s version is extremely interested in consequence. It doesn’t just show toxic masculinity. It asks where it comes from.'

The script ditches period frills in favour of rapid-fire verse and minimalist staging — placing full focus on the emotional brutality of unspoken desire and unacknowledged shame.

Performance Details:

Dates: February 11–28

Times: Tuesday–Saturday 7.30pm, Sunday 5.00pm

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs – 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/ event/cyrano-de-bergerac/ Cheryl Threadgold

SONGS OF THE BULBUL

Auditions

■ The Mount Players: Mr Bailey’s Minder (by Debra Oswald) February 1 at 10.00am; February 4 at 7pm at The Mountview Theatre, Smith St., Mt Macedon. Director: Sonja Prater. Audition bookings: 0439 554 237 or ssprater@bigpond.com.au

■ Hills Act Theatre Company: The Monkey Kings Defiance (Written and directed by Josh Young), February 7 and 8 12pm-2pm at the Lions Hall, 9 Lilydale Rd., Healesville. Audition bookings and further details: hatcjosh@gmail.com

■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Full Monty (by Simon Beaufoy) February 7 at 10am and February 11 at 7pm The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Audition bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1521106 or contact juliehowdramatic@gmail.com

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

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

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Other Place (by Sharr White) February 15 at 1.00pm; Callbacks if required: February 16 from 7.00pm at Unit 8, 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham: Director: Barry O’Neill. Audition enquiries/scripts/character profiles: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditionsthe-other-place/

■ The 1812 Theatre: Treasure Island, February 22 from 6pm; February 23 from 7pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Erin O’Hare. Audition bookings/details: 1812theatre.com. au/auditions/audition-notice-treasureplanet/

■ 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

■ 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. Directors: L.B. Bradley and Michaela Smith. Audition bookings and enquiries: aurachaela@gmail.com

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

■ The Basin Theatre: 84 Charing Cross Road, March 14, 15 at 2pm, March 19 at 7.30pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Di Hoskins. Audition enquiries and bookings: 0430 495 105 or email events@thebasintheatre.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Truth (by Florian Zeller) March 15, 2.00pm5.00pm; March 16, 7.00pm – 10.00pm at Unit 8, 417 – 419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: George Werther. Full audition details, script: mordialloctheatre.com.au

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

Jamnation damnation

■ Melbourne radio station gold insists on piping in Jonesy and Amanda in the ‘Drive’ slot. They won’t win many Victorian listeners talking about Marrickville like they did last week. And why use the second program name, Jamnation?

● ● Aakash Odedra in Songs of the Bulbul. Photo: Kuldeep Goswami

■ Songs of The Bulbul is a masterclass in Kathak Dance woven with Sufi story telling.

The hour-long solo performance of Aakash Odedra at the Playhouse Theatre fascinates from the outset.

He performs the dynamic choreography of R ani Khanam with expertise and exacting precision.

The story of the Bulbul or Nightingale is brilliantly portrayed and cleverly interwoven with a combination of contemporary and folk dance moves.

Enthralling music composed by Rushil Ranjan using vocals by Sarthak Kalyani and Abi Sampa , is performed by Manchester Camerata.

The set is an intricate part of the story.

The set design by Emanuele Salamanca features a wall of candles, suspended poles and thousands of red petals.

The petals swirled as Aakash twirled endlessly, creating a subterfuge of movement as if the petals had a life of their own.

This was a mesmerising dance performance featuring defined lighting effects by designer, Fabiana Piccioli and special effects of silk cloth, finger-lights and smoke.

The dress worn by Aakash added movement and life to his nightingale persona and was designed by Kanika Thakur.

Opening night was well attended and a must-see for dance lovers the next time Aakash Odedra and his company tour to Australia

Review by Lyn Hurst

Chinese New Year

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's annual Chinese New Year concert comes to life with renowned conductor Li Biao and cellist Zlatomir Fung on Saturday, February 21 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Celebrating the Year of the Horse will be soloist Mindy Meng Wang. Known for her theatrical live performances, this Melbournebased musician plays the guzheng, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument.

Originally composed for violin and orchestra, Chen Gang and He Zhanhao's Butterfly Lover's Concerto will be performed with the solo role taken by Mindy Meng Wang on the guzheng.

There will also be a performance of Jasmine, an original arrangement of a Chinese folksong from Australian composer Julian Yu

Making his debut with the MSO, cellist Zlatomir Fung will soar through Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No.1

Chinese percussionist-turned-conductor Li Biao will wave in the year from his place atop the podium, leading the orchestra through an abundant concert program also featuring Beethoven’s rousing Symphony No.7.

Performance Date: Saturday, February 21 at 7.30pm

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Bookings: mso.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Shows

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays (by Ken Ludwig) February 12 – 28 at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Lucia Morris. Bookings: 9735 1777 lilydaleatc.com

■ PEP Productions: Ride the Cyclone, February 13 – 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) February 11 – 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.) February 13 – 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) February 13 – 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) February 13 –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.ticketsearch.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: elthamlittletheatre.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., Nunawading. Director: Robert Ray. Tickets: theround.com.au/TheArcadians GSOV

■ 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.try booking.com/DHUKF

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Vagina Monologues by V. (Eve Ensler), March 13 – 28 at the Mechanics Hall, 80 Yarra Street, Warrandyte. Director: Caroline Shaw. Bookings: trybooking.com/DGYKH

■ Nova Music Theatre: The Sound of Music, March 20 – 29 at The Round, Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre. com.au/

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

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

Cheryl Threadgold

Bush Telegraph

Magpies to fold?

■ Maryborough’s 153-year-old footy club is on the verge of extinction, reports Danny Russell of the Herald Sun. Club President Glen Bardsley said if the Magpies’ coming bid to join the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League was rejected, they would be forced to foldm, the report said.

Policing forum

■ The Victoria Police Neighbourhood Polciing Forum wants to hear from people on what issues are important to the commun9ity.

A Forum will be held from 6.30pm8.30pm on Wednesday, february 25, at the The Great Hall, City of Whittlesea, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang.

Topics include current crime trens and crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing, and drugs.

Skipton fatalities

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal crash in Skipton where two people died. It is understood that a utility rolled just off Banongil Rd, near the intersection of Glenelg Hwy, about 11.40pm on Thursday (Feb. 5).

Emergency services worked on two of the male occupants, but they died at the scene.

The male driver of the utility sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

Police are working to establish the circumstances of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

$1 million aim

■ The Devenish, Dookie and District Good Friday Appeal has built a strong reputation for creative, communitydriven fundraising, and this year is aiming to drive its 10-year fundraising total past the $1 million mark.

“Growing from strength to strength, the DDGFA has put both Devenish and Dookie firmly on the map, consistently taking a place on the podium for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal,” reported the Shepparton News.

‘Totally dumb idea’

■ “ Horsham Rural City Council has distanced itself from a consultant’s report identifying a preferred Horsham alternative truck route,” reports Lauren henry of the Weekly Advertiser.

“The preferred route turns off the Western Hwy at Camerons Rd, travelling across the Wimmera River, the rail line and the Henty Hwy, before turning west into Gatehouse Rd and rejoining the Western Hwy, north-west of Horsham Councillors noted a consultant’s report on the Horsham Alternative Truck Route Feasibility Study would soon be finalised and released, but reiterated Council had not yet established a position on the findings.

Ian Campbell, a retired Horsham surgeon who owns land in Camerons Rd, labelled the recommended route as “a totally dumb idea”.

Outages outrage

■ Victoria’s Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio is being pressed to urgently address the ongoing and increasingly frequent power outages affecting Yarrawonga and surrounding communities.

Yarrawonga Chronicle

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

COUNTRY LOT SIZES THREATENED: MP

■ Planning provisions that threaten country lot sizes are quietly introduced by Labor, says David Southwick, Shadow Planning Minister.

Sonya Killey, Minister for Planning, has signed off on planning amendment VC271, which states: “The amendment enables a permit to be granted to create lots smaller than the minimum lot size where the subdivision is to create a lot for a utility installation used to transmit, distribute or store electricity if the installed capacity is 1 megawatt or greater (and is not by a public authority or utility service provider).”

Mr Southwick says that the new planning amendment has been made without any public exhibition and allows for the creation of undersized and tiny lots for electricity purposes across the state.

“This decision follows Labor stripping regional communities of their right to have a say in local planning decisions and introducing massive penalties for landowners who oppose transmission projects.

“This is yet another example of Labor cutting local communities out of the planning system.”

“Victorians deserve a fair opportunity to have a say in decisions that impact the future of their local area and the Minister for Planning must explain why Labor has sidelined Victorians from this latest planning amendment.”

David Davis, Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, said: “Labor have botched the energy transition and are now seeking to steamroll communities and councils rather than work with them. “Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the energy transition and Victorians are paying the price.”

RIDDLED WITH POTHOLES: VFF

● ● ● ● One country driver suffered four flat tyres in one week.

■ Regional Victoria continues to be riddled by new potholes, with new statistics highlighting a staggering increase in reported potholes of up to 178 per cent in the west of the State.

Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking said the findings reported by the Herald Sun paint a worrying reality that many drivers and regional Victorians face every day.

“The tragic reality is you are much more likely to lose your life when driving on country roads when compared to driving in the city,”

Mr Hosking said.

“When you’ve got pothole reports in the west of Victoria surging by 178 per cent, you’ve got an enormous and dangerous issue.

“Drivers are expected to maintain road worthy cars. It’s time for cars to drive car worthy roads to ensure drivers aren’t playing a daily game of roads roulette.

“There can be no doubting that the continued underfunding and total neglect of our regional roads is costing lives. We will never accept this and the buck must stop with the government,” Mr Hosking said.

Ahead of this year’s State Budget, the VFF is calling for a sustained and future thinking plan to fix crumbling road and transport infrastructure, including $250 million to be provided to local councils to repair and upgrade local roads.

New system for freight permits

■ There is a new automated permit system for heavy vehicles.

The new Heavy Vehicle Structural Assessment Permit System uses advanced digital technology to automate up to 85 per cent of structural assessments for Class 1 and Performance-Based Standards vehicles – eliminating the need for most manual bridge and culvert assessments.

The technology will dramatically reduce wait times for freight operators – cutting approval times from up to six months to days – while slashing costs that can reach up to $20,000 for manual assessments.

“Removing these fees, which applies to all heavy vehicle combinations except superloads, will benefit a wide range of freight vehicles that previously faced longer assessment times due to their size variations,” said a State Government representative.

The Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30: Victoria Delivers, supports modernising processes like HVSAPS and making use of smart technologies to support and manage heavy vehicle operations.

With the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator assisting with the processing of relevant permits, transport operators can use HVSAPS for Victorian state roads through Australia’s heavy vehicle portal, NHVR Go.

This new system is an initiative of the Labor Government’s Business Acceleration Fund and recognises the importance of freight and logistics, which contributes $36 billion to Victoria’s economy and employs more than 240,000 Victorians

Whiparound

Glenys’s priority

■ Glenys Phillpot is ending 25 years of service on the Warrnambool Regional and Drug Alcohol Centre Health committee of management but is vowing to continue fighting one battle.

Mrs Phillpot will remain chair of The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Committee and said securing the facility remains a top priority for the region.

Mrs Phillpot has been a major part of the evolution of WRAD Health , watching it grow from a base in a residential property opposite the Warrnambool Base Hospital with only a few staff, to expanded offices in Fairy St and now a purpose-built centre in Merri St with 35 staff.

Warrnambool Weekly

CWA Hall sold

■ Wangaratta CWA has been sold to commercial investors. The CWA plans to continue operating in the rural city, and is looking forward to being able to focus more on supporting the community without the need to fundraising to maintain the 70-year-old building.

Wangaratta Chronicle

Roof repairs

■ Parts of the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be temporarily closed over the coming weeks as the centre begins Stage 1 of a major roof upgrade.

The works will focus on the plant room, gym, part of the reception area, and wet change rooms which have all been identified as urgent priorities due to heavy usage and the need for repairs. Stage 2, which will address the stadium roof, is in the planning stage.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall acknowledged the disruption to the community but emphasises the importance of the project.

“We understand this will be inconvenient for members and the community; however, these repairs are essential to ensure the BARC remains a safe, modern and reliable facility,” Ms Weigall said.

Bairnsdale Advertiser

Lost Trades Fair

■ The Lost Trades Fair will move back to the region where it all started in 2014, relocating back to the Macedon Ranges

The event will be held at Hanging Rock Reserve on March 28-29.

The Lost Trades Fair supports, promotes and showcases artisans and makers practising heritage trades and traditional skills.

“ Hanging Rock is one of the most iconic sites in the state and it is very exciting to be able to bring our artisans – the rock stars of traditional and heritage trades – together at such a magical site to share their skills, trades, talent, stories, culture, knowledge and celebrate the enduring pursuit of handmade with the very finest levels of human craftsmanship on display,” the organisers said.

Times News Group

Lara pulls teams

■ One of the Geelong region’s oldest football clubs will not field senior teams in the Geelong Football League this year. Lara Football Club announced on Tuesday (Feb. 3) that its senior and reserves men’s football teams would be withdrawn for the 2026 season due to a shortage of players.

Geelong Independent

Terminator Two

Rourke’s Reviews Cicero

★Pamela Anderson will visit Melbourne on April 17 for an exclusive live in conversation event as part of Wanderlust's True North series. The events will focus on Anderson's personal journey of reinvention, following her successful 2023 memoir and Netflix documentary, and ritically acclaimed film roles.

★Bell Shakespeare has announced the cast for the upcoming premiere of Mackenzie, a new play by visionary creator Yve Blake, including five original songs. The production will tour to Arts Centre Melbourne from July 23–August 9. Cast: Kimberley Hodgson Mackenzie, Nikki Britton Ruth, Ryan Gonzalez Beau, Billie Palin Gayle, Anusha Thomas Dahlia, Jane Watt Producer, Genevieve Goldman Understudy, Tom Rodgers Understudy.

★State Library Victoria with Melbourne International Comedy Festival, are presenting tales of dates that didn’t go quite according to plan. Hosted by creator of Bad Dates of Melbourne, Alita Brydo n, comedians Diana Nguyen, Peter Josip and Urvi Majumdar relive their most disastrous dating stories. This IsWhyI'mSingle will be at the Conversation Quarter from March 26, 7pm–8.30pm.

★ The latest season of Mamma Mia at the National Theatre, St Kilda, has been extended until March 8.

★Flying Fruit Fly Circus’ on going circus residency program Under Construction, has received a significant boost, thanks to a major grant from Creative Australia , growing the total package of support in 2026 to over $100,000 in cash and in-kind assistance.

★The 60-year creative part nership between Eirene Mort and Nora Kate Weston is explored in intricate detail in a new biography, NewWomen, from NLA Publishing

★The Galleries of Remem brance at the Shrine will be closed for a planned maintenance day on Tuesday (Feb. 17). The Crypt, Sanctuary and Balcony will remain open.

★Victorian clubs, associa tions, schools, and local government entities are encouraged to apply for the 202526 Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund , which provides funding for community cricket facility projects, supporting the development of quality, inclusive facilities that enable more people to play, watch and enjoy cricket.

★Heide Museum of Modern Art has announced Always Modern: Radical Nurture, an exhibition exploring the early decades of Heide, when art and life were deeply intertwined.

Guest curated by Lily Mora, granddaughter of Heide Circle artist Mirka Mora, the exhibition is on view until August 9 in the Heide Cottage

★Pilot is comedy by young people, for young people at the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Pilot is bringing together six of Australia's up-and-comers to headline their first ever MICF shows. They are Sabrina Bonollo, Jollee HacadurianSacco, Sammy Omran, Rhea Dowden, Yarno Rohling and Anka Strauss Kosanovic

★Melbourne Soul and Gos pel Choir will be performing with blues artist Ash Grunwald at Melbourne Recital Centre on October 2.

★Abbotsford Convent has announced a new partnership with She Shapes History, the award-winning feminist history collective dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of women who have shaped the country, cities and culture.

★Entries for The Australian Audio Awards are due by Friday, March 6.

★As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, Emma Donovan x MSO will present Take MeToTheRiver, conducted by Aaron Wyatt , with arrangements by Alex Turley, on Friday July 10 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.

★Fiona Menzies has commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Rock Art Australia

★The Australian Toy, Hobby and Licensing Fair will be presented from March 1-4 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre , says publicist Julie Cavanagh.

★The 49th Historic Winton aims to see 40 anniversaries celebrated with displays at Winton Motor Raceway alongside its iconic historic motorsport races on May 3031. Event Manager John Kessner said that the call was out for marques with anniversaries celebrating 120 years all the way through to 50 years.

★Oz Tea Fest is launching a new series of tea festivals across Australia in 2026, beginning with its inaugural event at Abbotsford Convent’s historic Magdalen Laundry from 9am4pm on Saturday, March 28.

★Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s-1950s is now on display at the City Library Gallery in Melbourne until February 22. As a collaboration between the EU and the City of Melbourne and as part of LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival, Midsumma Festival, Loving presents a collection of photographs documenting a century of same-sex love across continents, cultures, and classes.

★Monash University Museum of Art | MUMA, one of Australia's leading university art museums, has opened its 2026 program until April 2 with Knowing Otherwise, a group exhibition exploring how artists are enacting ancestral, spiritual and embodied forms of knowledge amid eroding trust in government and dominant Western frameworks.

★The stage is set for another summer night of live music at Packer Park, Caerngie, from 6pm, Saturday, February 21.

Australian music star Mitch Tambo, a proud Gamilaraay man, blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats, creating music that cuts across cultures.

■ Due to popular demand, a new show has been added to the epic reimagining of James Cameron’s sci-fi classic Terminator 2: JudgementDay at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall from February 25 – 28 February.

To celebrate T2’s 35th anniversary, the film will receive the live score treatment for the first time, transforming one of the world’s most acclaimed film sequels into a fully immersive experience where film, sound and light collide.

Australia’s live cinema collective Hear My Eyes, electronic music producer Peter Van Hoesen (Belgium) and Melbourne-based laser maestro Robin Fox have joined forces to push the boundaries of the cinematic concert experience.

Not seeking to replace Brad Fiedel’s iconic score but rather offer a contemporary lens through which to experience this prophetic film.

Released in 1991, Terminator 2: Judgment Day remains a cultural milestone that redefined the boundaries of science fiction, visual effects and blockbuster storytelling.

James Cameron’s meditation on man, machine and destiny continues to resonate deeply in an era defined by artificial intelligence and technological transformation making it ripe for re-staging by the Hear My Eyes team.

“This is our 21st original production set to a feature film, and Terminator2:JudgmentDay will mark our 52nd screening since the inception of Hear My Eyes in 2015.

“Audiences resonate with this concept of recontextualising a film with a new score because we curate thought-provoking and powerful cinema that demands your attention,” said Haydn Green, Artistic Director of Hear My Eyes

The vision for the re-working of Terminator 2: Judgment Day’s soundtrack is to heighten Cameron’s revolutionary meditation on consciousness and technology through Peter Van Hoesen’s dynamic electronic landscape.

His orchestration of seismic rhythms, otherworldly textures and cybernetic soundscapes echoes the film’s delicate balance of human vulnerability and machine efficiency.

Van Hoesen is a Belgian electronic music producer, live performer, sound designer and mastering engineer whose approach to creating the new score is very personal.

A master of cerebral, bass-heavy electronic music, Van Hoesen's hardware-driven live performances create immersive sonic landscapes that blur the boundaries between human intuition and machine precision.

His approach, rooted in deep psychedelic textures and evolving rhythmic patterns, captures the essence of the human/machine dialogue at the heart of Terminator2:Judgment Day.

“My score will be completely electronic, so veering away from a standard orchestral approach which we hear in most movie scores. Everything starts with aligning the musical storytelling with whatever is happening on screen. From there I can start exploring the different ways in which to enhance the entire experience,” said Van Hoesen

For this special performance, Van Hoesen will be joined by the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio Synthesiser Ensemble, transforming his typically solo live set into an expansive ensemble piece.

Mat Watson, Kat Stathis, Rachael Kim, Madeleine Davey and Gus Franklin from the MESS Ensemble will work closely with Van Hoesen drawing from MESS’s collection of rare vintage synthesizers and modular systems.

Together creating a unique fusion where Van Hoesen’s precision sonics meets the raw, unpredictable character of analogue machinery.

“MESS provides an amazing collection of synths. I have a certain tonality in mind for the score, so the selected instruments will reflect that.

“I also look forward to working with the MESS musicians in a live setting. As the score will be completely electronic, without any classical orchestral elements, I think it will be a real treat to present this in a live setting,” said Van Hoesen

Robin Fox’s laser choreography creates a living digital architecture around the narrative, dissolving the boundary between audience and artificial intelligence.

His trademark laser art will transform the iconic Hamer Hall into an immersive sensory environment, creating a visual bridge between the film’s world and our own.

Dates: February 25 - 28

Send Help

■ (MA). 113 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

Sam Raimi is back. After helming the forgettable Oz

The Great And Powerful (2013), he disappeared from the big screen for almost 10 years, returning, unfortunately, with an entry in the never-ending Marvel franchise, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022).

But, four years later, Raimi makes a very welcome return to form with Send Help, an energetic, hilariously gory, surprisingly smart dark comedy that is geared towards horror fans.

Rachel McAdams (who is fantastic) plays Linda Liddle, a dedicated employee at Preston Strategic Solutions , tirelessly crunching the numbers in Planning and Strategy.

An important cog in the company for seven years, Linda has been promised a promotion to vice-president by the CEO, but after he dies, and his son Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) is put in charge, things take a turn for the worse for Linda.

Bradley is a blatant sexist who loves the good life, and sees Linda’s appearance (she cleverly looks like one of those contestants from her favourite TV show, Survivor) and personality a personal stain on the cash-cow business gifted to him.

Linda is overlooked for the role, which is instead given to one of Bradley’s old fraternity brothers.

Feeling he has to give the impression of fairness before cutting her free, Bradley offers Linda a seat on a plane headed for Thailand , where the company are trying to close a major deal.

A sudden storm sees the plane crash into the ocean, with Linda and Bradley the only survivors, washed up on a deserted island.

Once both get over the shock of their current plight, the two need to work together to survive.

But right from the start, it is clear that Linda handles everything better, with Bradley needing to rely on her to live.

As Linda blooms in this new environment, Bradley knows who is in charge now, and it is a situation he wants to redress.

Send Help allocates enough time to create its various character dynamics, allowing McAdams and O’Brien the chance to give their characters a foundation to build on.

McAdams in-particular preve nts Linda from becoming a one-joke caricature, and the connection between the way her character is treated at work to the subject she submerges herself in is funny but rather poignant, and once the story changes to the wilder desert setting, that office and gender warfare becomes not only funnier, but even more pertinent.

The supporting cast are all on the same wavelength.

The script by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (Freddy vs Jason) surprisingly delves a bit deeper into its themes, offering ideas that do develop.

Raimi is an expert at mixing gore and guffaws, and he brings his trademark energy to the material, but never

overlooks what the script is trying to say. There are overthe-top moments that are incredibly funny (some are reminiscent of his Evil Dead films), with CGI effects that seem deliberately cartoonish.

The film is also boosted by the work of veteran composer Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice, Batman, Hellboy 2)and cinematographer Bill Pope (Darkman, Army Of Darkness, The Matrix)

Those who aren’t familiar with Raimi’s particular brand of humour may find much of what they see rather disturbing, but fans should find Send Help incredibly entertaining, seeing a director wonderfully firing on all cylinders. And yes, there are cameos.

RATING - ****

Shelter

■ (MA). 107 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

Another month, and another Jason Statham action movie, and while everything which transpires is predictable, there is enough of a human element to proceedings to keep audiences mildly interested between the usual carnage and high body count.

Statham plays Mason , a mysterious recluse who resides on a remote Scottish island.

Receiving supplies (mostly alcohol) by boat, Mason’s only connection to the outside world are Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) and her uncle (Michael Schaeffer).

When a storm sinks the trawler, Mason is only able to save Jessie

Of course, we know that Mason will turn out to be an ex-special forces soldier/agent of some kind, and his secret past will catch up with him (in the form of the calmly villainous Bill Nighy ), and the two will have to take it on the lam.

But the relationship between Mason and Jessie is handled competently, and the whole thing is executed in surprisingly low-key fashion by Ric Roman Waugh (the Greenland films), making this one of the more acceptable Statham vehicles.

RATING - *** Aaron Rourke

‘Never walk alone’

■ Premier Jacinta Allan says Victorian are recovering from the bushfires, and she has singled out farmers for praise.

“We are all doing this together to support families who have lost homes. In particularly acknowledging the livelihoods that have been impacted, I want to pause for a moment and acknowledge farmers, because it has been our primary producers who have also been so badly impacted as a result of these fires,” Ms Allan told Parliament.

“They have lost stock, fencing and income. We also know that there are many local businesses that are working to reopen.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Victorian Farmers Federation to coordinate the fodder relief and to get that fodder out as quickly as possible into local communities.

“There are many weeks ahead of us. There is so much work ahead of us. As I said, there are many more weeks of summer still to come with fires continuing and those fires that are continuing to flare up.

“Those of us who have our VicEmergency app close by, the alerts are going constantly about ongoing fire risk in the landscape.

“The work ahead is steady, it is practical and it will always be focused on the people who need it the most, because I understand and my government understands that the road ahead will be long.

“I commit to this: no family, no business, no community will walk it alone. We will rebuild together.

“We will recover together. We will look after each other in that way that Victorians always do in the aftermath of difficult natural disasters and come back stronger,” Ms Allan said.

Local Briefs

Arterial roads open

■ All state-managed roads affected by the January bushfires are now open. Work to re-open a significant number of local roads managed by councils is continuing.

“Our crews have been busy travelling every kilometre of our arterial road network to carry out vital inspections and working alongside emergency services and independent arborists to make sure they're safe to use,” said a Department of Transport and Planning representative.

$600,000 to be paid

■ “Victoria’s renewable energy giants will contribute just $600,000 to emergency services funding while households and businesses pay over $1.5 billion this year,” reports Peter Hunt of TheWeeklyTimes.

Relief payments

■ Helen Haines, Indi MHR, says that people who have been directly affected by the bushfires may be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

This is a one off, non-means tested lump sum payment of $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, was available from January 14.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026

‘THE MIGHTY FIRE DID NOT BREAK US’

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland told State Parliament last week that the Longwood fire

“did not break us”.

“Condolence motions are often about the loss of life – I am already struggling; it is going to be a long five minutes, sorry,” Ms Cleeland told the Legislative Assembly.

“Today we mourn the life we lost in the Longwood bushfire, Max Hobson. My heart goes out to Julie and Max’s family and friends during what is an unimaginably difficult time.

● Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa MLA: spoke in State Parliament last week. your children to grab what you love most –important documents, photo albums, the pets, your wedding dress – and then trying to explain why the bike cannot come because it cannot fit, or why the chickens and the cubby house have to stay, why the dream you spent your life building with your partner cannot be packed in the back seat, and why dad has decided to stay and defend.

“He is known as a great person far and wide, with significant impact in the Hereford industry.

“Today I also want to speak about something our community is carrying: its grief, fear and the heartbreak of losing so much, so fast.

“On the Friday of the catastrophic fire day, I received a call from our neighbour. His wife is my best friend, and we are raising children together.

“He screamed into the phone, ‘I’m alive, I’m alive. Tell her I’m alive.’

“For our families throughout our region –Longwood, Ruffy, Euroa, Highlands and right across the state – this summer did not just take homes and livestock, paddocks and fences.

“A devastating fire tore through our region, and it shook something deeper. It shook people’s sense of safety.

“It is the fear of driving down a road you have known your whole life and suddenly checking the tree line.

“It is the fear of hot winds. It is the fear of a text message, a siren, or that relentless bloody ‘beep-beep-beep’ of the VicEmergency app. Your heart rate will never stop rising when you hear it.

“It is packing the car in a hurry and telling

“You drive away praying that there will be something to come home to.

“But at that exact moment, others are driving as well. The pager goes off, the boots go on, and the truck goes out the gate, driving towards flames while their own families sit at home waiting.

“More than 400 local volunteers fought our fire – farmers, mums and dads, tradies and neighbours.

“People who had every reason to stay and fight and protect their own property chose to protect everyone else.

“Some stayed on the truck for three days straight, some for several weeks – weeks of smoke and heat, weeks without proper sleep and weeks of seeing things that no-one should have to see, and they will carry the toll of those memories forever.

“They were led by local captains who carried enormous responsibility for their crews and their communities: Will Fenech of Hilldene; Kylie Comte, Seymour; Michel Becks of Whiteheads Creek; Chris Baker, Creightons Creek; Shaun Hearmon, Longwood; Steve Brook, Locksley; Damon Rieusset, Euroa; Jeff Jennings, Violet Town; David Hamilton, Strathbogie; and many, many, many more.

“They stepped up without hesitation, and when they finally came home exhausted, there was another army waiting.”

Wild dogs threat

■ Victorian livestock producers are reporting more wild dog attacks, leaving farm animals more vulnerable to attacks.

VFF Vice-President and north-east livestock farmer Peter Star warned without urgent investment in predator management and farm infrastructure, livestock losses would continue to rise.

“These bushfires wiped out much of the infrastructure that was in place to help keep wild dogs away from livestock and we’re now seeing more and more wild dog attacks on livestock as a result,” Mr Star said.

“Wild dogs are coming out the scorched hills seeking food and without this separation infrastructure, they’ve got a free run at the vulnerable livestock on farms.

“We urgently need help to repair the damage. Without it, these attacks place additional financial and emotional strain on farmers already recovering from fire damage,” Mr Star said.

Community Picnic

■ The Yarck Community Picnic and Colour Run will be held at the Yarck Recreation Reserve from 3pm-6pm this Saturday (Feb. 14). The Colour Run will take place at 5pm.

There will be a barbecue, kids’ activities, and face painting.

Gold coin entry applies. All proceeds will be donated to the Yarck CFA.

Attendees are encourage to bring their own picnic, and to weart bathers or clothes that can get wet and colourful. ‘Bring-yourown water colours’ is the instruction.

Enquiries should be directed towards Finn, 0407 340 036, or Sam, 0427 877 214.

$2m for schools

■ Some local schools will be eligible to share in $2 million being provided by the State Government in the bushfire recovery area: Schools eligible for extra support under the Mental Health program are:

■ Alexandra Primary School

■ Alexandra Secondary College

■ Buxton Primary School

■ Eildon Primary School

■ Euroa Primary School

■ Euroa Secondary College

■ Longwood Primary School

■ Mansfield Primary School

■ Mansfield Secondary College

■ Yea High School

■ Yea Primary School

New uniforms, books and other educational items can also be replaced through State Schools’ Relief. Schools can also apply for additional support through the School Breakfast Club Program

Unbreakable Farmer

■ A webinar with Warren Davies, ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ will be held by Zoom at 7.30pm on Thursday (Feb. 12).

The webinar is being presented by the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association, for farmers, producers, market managers and communties impacted by the fires.

“Resilience isn’t the first step,” says Mr Davies. “We need safety, connection and support first. From that foundation, resilience can grow.”

The event will offer practical tools for managing stress and overwhelm, supporting one another, and strengthening community wellbeing.”

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4a7ZQQ9

Local People

Recovery to take years

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage has extended extend condolences and sympathy of her community for all those who have been impacted by bushfires in Victoria

“In my communities, protected by CFA and SES volunteers, the annual Santa run means our kids do not think of Santa arriving on a sleigh – he comes on a fire truck. Santa comes on a fire truck,” Ms Kathage said.

“So towards the end of December families get out their maps and they check the route of the CFA Santa so they can be there on the side of the road welcoming their heroes – the kids waving so hard you think their arms are going to fly off with the excitement of it all.

“That promise, the promise of summer, gave way to feelings of tension and worry as the catastrophic fire day warnings came through.

“Representing a community that was impacted by Black Saturday, that feeling is deep – and it is not just something that is imagined, it is a memory, so it has extra weight and extra fear.

“And of course it came to pass, not for us so much but for our neighbours – the fire and devastation, the loss of livelihoods, the loss of a life, the loss of homes, the impact on families that we know will be there for such a long time.

“Farmers, salt of the earth people that we know take such good care of their livestock, having to deal with putting them down. It was devastating.

“At the same time, day after day the brigades from my community, the men and women, jumped in the trucks and headed north and they headed west, leaving behind their families and their friends, heading to another community where maybe they did not know anyone – day after day.

“The stories that came back from the fireground were harrowing, and talking to girlfriends, they were worried about their partners who were out on the night shift with different strike teams.

“Our brigades have made our communities so proud, and that community pride has expressed itself through community members, almost like they took offerings to the CFA brigade stations.

“Wandong CFA spoke of the cars lined up in their driveway to bring pizzas, crackers, Gatorade, anything – a gift – to these men and women who jumped on the trucks and headed off.

“We sent the best from our community to people who were having the worst day in other communities.

“I am so proud to represent them. And of course when fires came closer to home, to our community, the favour was returned.

“We had Craigieburn there, we had Wollert there, we had Darraweit , we had Bolinda , we had Kilmore – all of them in their trucks coming to us in our time of need. This is who we are.

“Visiting the emergency centre in Whittlesea with Minister D’Ambrosio, meeting people who did not know if their home up north was still there, who were worried for their families, their livelihoods, and did not know what they would return to, I was struck by the fact that the people caring for them there in Whittlesea were those who had been impacted themselves in Black Saturday.

“Time had come around full circle, and they were there with the knowledge and skills ready to support those who needed them. This is who we are.

“Thank you to the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, who opened the show-grounds so that farmers could bring livestock down to us if it was needed.

“The recovery will take years. We know that where I am from because we are still recovering in our hearts, in our minds, from Black Saturday. We know how long it will take, and we know that all levels of government working together makes a difference.

“Working together with organisations like BlazeAid, who have 11 base camps around Victoria – and they are calling out especially for volunteers in Walwa but also for all BlazeAid camps. All people working together is how we get through this. This is who we are,” Ms Kathage said.

Emergency care

● Ambulance Victoria staff with boxes of sorted donations. (From left) Katherine Allan, Jessica Shepherd, Emily Wexler, Max Booth, Laura Houghton. ■ Ambulance Victoria staff and volunteers have banded together over the past few weeks to provide emergency care to fire-affected communities across Victoria, with latest efforts going towards supporting the recovery of injured wildlife.

AV has donated medical supplies that are no longer used for patient care, but are still safe and appropriate for animal treatment, to Nigel’s Animal Rescue to assist with caring for animals affected by the fires.

Working on the frontline, AV Regional Improvement Lead Jo Algie saw firsthand the devastation caused by the recent bushfires and wanted to do all she could to help those in need.

"It's a difficult time for so many people across our state who have lost so much, and my heart goes out to all of them," she said. "After hearing about wildlife shelters and organisations who were overrun with animals in need, I thought it would be a great way to keep the products we can no longer use out of landfill.”

‘NEED TO STAND WITH THEM’

● ● ● ●

From previous page

“Neighbours cooking meals, dropping off supplies, checking in and making sure they could rest before heading straight back out again.

“Friends and colleagues, like the member for Kew, dropped in undies for me, a clean shirt and clothes and nappies for the children because we could not get home – and beer and socks for our community because we had nothing.

“I spoke to George Noye, the Ruffy captain, on Thursday night in the midst of it all. For 30 hours he had been on the truck; he had no sleep, and homes had been lost in Ruffy

“The town was lost within hours, and he felt like he did not do enough. He called me with a shock in his heart, and I want to say he did do enough. They all did enough. They protected lives, homes and people’s dreams, and when the flames passed they stepped straight into helping their neighbours organise fodder, water, feed and supplies, because that is what our community does.

“We do not wait; we just get on with it. Alongside the loss we have seen the very best of who we are as a community and who we are as Victorians

“Within hours the Tubb family called me and said, ‘What do we need?’ Within 30 minutes we announced a fodder drive on the radio.

“The Tubb family opened their property and turned it into the heart of the response, moving $2.5 million worth of fodder in two weeks.

“We wanted to keep stock alive, and we wanted to keep farmers farming.

“We saw Don and Felicity Sloman, Colleen Furlanetto, Anne Douglas and Katie Hill making sure families who had lost everything still had clothes, food and water.

“We saw hay runners cross state lines through the night; truck drivers refusing to fill up their tanks so more could go to someone else; bakeries, cafes and the IGA feeding volunteers while their own businesses were hurting – they still are; Rotary, Lions and the RSL showing up without being asked; and people stopping work, putting their own income aside and simply saying, ‘What do you need?’ and then just doing it.

“I remember sitting that Friday night with my sister Clementine, our six children and our pets and working dogs and a small zoo army.

“We were watching the fire zooming in, wondering if we still had a home. That is a helpless feeling, and there were so many people who lived that nightmare.

“You just feel lost – decades of work, livelihoods, livestock and memories gone in a minute.

“But the hardest job of all was for young people walking burnt paddocks euthanising stock because help could not get there fast enough.

“I personally thank Ash Rowling and Onion. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate for the job that they had to do. If there is one thing that we need to change, it is that no farmer should ever have to put down their own livestock,

or pets because the system is too slow

because that is not resilience, that is actually failure.

“We lost one life, but we also need to care for the living and for those with trauma and exhaustion, the firefighters who cannot sleep, the parents holding it together for their families – some falling apart on camera – and the families wondering whether they have the energy to start again.

“Our responsibility in this place is not just to mourn, it is to stand with them, to make sure recovery is real, to make sure support actually turns up and to make sure no regional family ever feels forgotten.

“A mighty fire tore through our region, but it did not break us. What I have seen is courage, generosity and decency, and that is the value of Victorians – ordinary people doing extraordinary things for each other.

“Yesterday, walking off our burnt property, I saw green shoots pushing through blackened ground. I see them and the first shoots of trees everywhere. It is emotional. There is no rain. This is resilience.

“Our land is tough and so are our people. Today, when we honour the life we lost, Max Hobson, I want to also honour those who ran towards the flames and the communities who were courageous enough to protect each other.

“We make the promise that we will not let them rebuild on their own.

“I also need to do a shout-out to Jack. Sorry, that sounds terrible – I have just got him as Jack on Siri. Do not call him, Siri

“We moved mountains together. We reconnected water. We got shipping containers delivered. We changed the limit on the freeway within an hour, I think.

“We put up signs so that this community response was safe and supported. I am so proud.

“We got Tones and I. Jack, you promised me Zach Bush, so it is on the record, mate. There are too many legends to name in five minutes – I apologise. But I just want to say I am so proud of my community,” Ms Cleeland said.

Phoenix Paragraphs

Ward says thanks

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward, who also serves as Emergency Services Minister, has expressed thanks to many firefighting and rescue volunteers.

“Fires cause heartbreak, and last month was no exception. A life has been lost, that of Max, a cattle farmer from Terip Terip,” Ms Ward said.

“Locals in Ruffy and Alexandra shared with me their sadness at the loss of Max, and I offer my sincere condolences to Max’s wife Julie, his family and friends and his community.

“With pain in the hearts of all Victorians, we continue to see the best of people. The emergency services workers, the volunteers, incident control centres, councils, community organisations – to those I have met and to those I have not yet met, I say thank you.

“To Chris, the captain of Alexandra CFA, and Steve from Fire Rescue Victoria, who planned so extensively with their teams to defend their communities, thank you.

“To Felicity, Ruffy CFA’s community safety officer, for helping support and rebuild the community you love so much and for speaking so clearly on the ABC about the importance of leaving early, I say thank you.

“I say thank you to George, Ruffy’s CFA captain. And to all captains, I say thank you for your leadership.

“To those at Seymour relief centre, where I went with the Treasurer; to Yvonne and the volunteers at Longwood Football Netball Club ... and to the couple from my community of Research delivering donations to Ruffy: thank you.

“To those council workers who kept working through, supporting their community, not knowing the status of their own homes and family, Isay thank you. And to our State Control Centre: you are amazing. I say thank you,” Ms Ward said.

‘Like a horror movie’

■ State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described seeing a video of the Longwood fire.

“I will never forget sitting with Kylie Comte, the captain of the Seymour CFA. I sat with her at her station while she showed me footage of their trucks moving through the fire front on her phone,” Ms Wilson said.

“It was truly like watching a horror movie, and yet the calm, unflappable Kylie spoke about how they navigated the impossibly dangerous conditions to keep each other safe.

“These firefighters are not just from the community, they are of the community. This disaster revealed the intangible strength of the community spirit that defines our state of Victoria

“Neighbours helped neighbours, local fundraisers sprang up, volunteers delivered feed and water to farmers and community groups rallied to support displaced residents and struggling small towns,” Ms Wilson said.

‘Shame’ at Alex.

■ Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has criticised those who protested against Premier Jacinta Allan at Alexandra Hospital.

“At Alexandra we had the opportunity to speak with Luke and Simone, two fabulous nurses who, as the Premier has already indicated, were there delivering the care that was needed when the hospital ended up being a refuge,” Ms Thomas said.

“More than 50 people from the community slept there that night. And do you know what, we had the media in attendance to hear Luke and Simone’s story.

“What a pity that that story was hijacked by a bunch of disaffected people who want to drive down trust in government and drive down trust in government workers.

“A small number of disaffected conspiracy theorists who made it all about themselves on that day took away the spotlight from our healthcare workers. How shameful is that?

“I want to thank the Strathbogie Shire Mayor Scott Jeffery for calling them out and being at pains to let the Premier and me know that this was not the people of Strathbogie and Alexandra and that instead they stood there alongside our healthcare workers.

“So right across the state we have seen our healthcare workers deliver 24/7 healthcare no matter what they have been faced with during this dreadful time,” Ms Thomas said.

Jacinta Allan visits

Seymour Relief Centre

Premier praises volunteers

■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan last week moved in State Parliament that the House house:

■ extends its condolences and deepest sympathy to the Victorian communities affected by the ongoing 2026 bushfires;

■ praises the work of emergency services personnel for their courage and sacrifice in fighting fires and protecting our communities;

■ expresses its deep gratitude to the many volunteers and community members who have supported friends, neighbours and anyone else in need; and

■ pledges to continue to work with communities and all levels of government to support and rebuild fireaffected communities.

MP queries decisions

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has raised concerning examples of CFA crews being ordered by commanding officers away from fire scenes, leaving residents to fight fires by themselves, using their own equipment.

“In the face of catastrophic bushfires, affected communities joined together to help save each other’s homes and livelihoods with great courage and resilience,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“Once again our brave CFA members came to the rescue, continuously fighting fires for days on end to save properties and lives.

“In the wake of the fires however I have been told stories by my constituents of CFA crews being ordered from fires by commanding officers, leaving property owners to battle the fires alone with their own equipment,” Ms Tyrrell said.

●

●

●

● Premier Jacinta Allan visited the Seymour Relief Centre.

■ “On the Saturday, at the Seymour Relief Centre, the Sikh volunteers were there. Of course they were there doing what they always do, often without being asked – just turning up and feeding so many people quietly, compassionately, knowing that they needed to be there because the community needed them,” Premier Jacinta Allan told Parliament last week.

“This is what the community looks like. This is Victoria at its best. I think it is important to acknowledge, as proud as that made me as Premier , as a local member and as a community member, that it also needs to sit alongside a harder truth that we cannot ignore: our climate is changing.

“Our state is getting hotter, and for communities like mine this is not a debate anymore; indeed it has not been a debate for a very, very long time.

“This is our life. This is what we live with: more warnings; more smoke days; more dry, restless, windy, unpredictable weather; more emergency alert messages; more evacuations; and more moments when families stand at their front door deciding whether today is the day they leave.

“So many of us have the bag packed every day during summer sitting by the front door, because we do not know if today is the day we need to grab it and go.

“I know there are some that do not want to admit this. There are some also here in the Parliament who refuse to accept what communities around the state already know.

“It is true: the seasons are harsher, the land dries out faster and the high-risk days come more and more often. That is the reality we are living with.

“These fires show that we also must prepare for a future where the risks are greater and the pressure on our emergency services will continue to grow.

“It is alongside this that we also must confront something else that is challenging communities, and that is misinformation.

“We have seen how it is in moments like this that misinformation tries to take hold. It spreads quickly. It plays on fear and it exploits uncertainty.

“What I abhor is that it targets people precisely at the moment when they are most vulnerable. I say this in the context of going back to my contribution earlier, when I referred to the importance of those emergency alert messages.

“Trusted information saves lives. Clear warnings save lives. Taking the advice has saved lives. All of us have a responsibility to deal in facts, not fear, and to support our emergency services – the fire services and also across the entire emergency services ecosystem, because it is integrated and each component works together to save lives, held together by information and technology and fact and resources.

“And it is all with that single focus: to give communities clarity when they need it the most, because it can be a matter of life or death.

“Communities deserve that honesty, and they deserve all of us to stand behind them and support them.

“On that matter of support, I want to say to all bushfire-affected communities that my government has and will continue to stand with you on the long and difficult journey ahead,” Ms Allan said.

“As we rise to join in this motion today we also do need to recognise that firefighters and emergency crews continue to be out there right now fighting difficult and dangerous fires in different parts of the state and also, as a consequence of that, that there are many Victorian communities that are still living with the risk of fire in the landscape and the uncertainty and the anxiety that comes with knowing that these fires are not yet under control,” Ms Alland said.

“But also we know what has been lost: homes have been lost, stock and machinery have been destroyed and businesses have been lost and damaged.

Changed forever

“Places, homes and communities that have held generational memories are now changed forever. So we rise today together in this house to acknowledge that loss, but also we acknowledge the strength and resilience these country communities have shown in the face of these natural disasters.

“At the outset I want to start by acknowledging the tragedy that occurred in the Longwood fire: the loss of a much-loved member of that community, local farmer Max Hobson

“I know his family are grieving, and the entire Gobur community, along with the wider region, are carrying that loss with them today. To his loved ones, to his friends and community I offer and we offer our heartfelt condolences, and the Parliament stands with them.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of just how fast these fires move in those extreme catastrophic conditions and how dangerous and deadly they become.

“It is also a reminder of the difficult, dangerous and confronting work our firefighters, police and emergency services perform every single day.

“These fires in January were brutal, with hot winds, dry fuels and fire behaviour that shifted and intensified without warning. I heard time and again how the flames moved with a speed that left very little time to act.

Tragedy

“It was a day those with decades of CFA service compared to Black Saturday. We know the impact could have been far worse. As bad as it has been, it could have been far worse.

“The fact that the loss of life was not greater than the tragedy of one life lost is a credit to every firefighter and every emergency services personnel on the frontline.

“So I say this to the CFA volunteers and career crews, to Forest Fire Management Victoria and to our SES, our police and our paramedics: it is a credit to the team, including those in the State Control Centre, who are working around the clock, every hour of every day and every night.

“It is a credit to the technology and intelligence systems that have been built that help track the fire as it moves.

“But also it is a credit to the Victorian community, to the people who left early, to the families who had their fire plan in place, who listened to the warnings, who checked in on neighbours and families and who understood the risk that fire in the landscape presented to them and acted quickly.

“Those decisions saved lives, and they supported that difficult and dangerous work of our emergency services.

173 died

“We think back to February 7, 2009 Black Saturday fires, where 173 people lost their lives and thousands and thousands more were displaced.

“I know that the trauma of that disaster still sits with families and communities today and that trauma is reignited every time there is a fire anywhere in the state.

“What we also know is from that tragedy so

● ● ● ● Jacinta Allan

much has been learned. We changed how we prepare. We changed how we warn. We changed how our emergency services co-ordinate together to save and protect lives.

“We have invested in the technology and equipment our state needed. We have strengthened the integrated response across agencies. We have also demanded that landowners in high fire risk areas have their fire plan and be ready long before the fire season begins.

“Those lessons, learned in the hardest possible way, are part of why more people are alive today.

“I know personally just how important it is to follow the advice, and I know the member for Euroa knows that as well.

Sickening

“On January 9 we were not at home, but I will never forget that sickening feeling when the emergency alert came through. To be told to leave – to be told that it is not safe to stay in your home, in your neighbourhood and in your community – was sickening.

“But also I understood the impact that sending those messages and being part of that integrated response has on our emergency services.

“A few days later when I was visiting the fireground in Harcourt I met a young woman from the CFA who came up to me and told me, ‘I sent that message to your neighbourhood on that Friday evening’.

“She said, ‘Every time I press the button to send those messages, I feel sick, and I just hope and pray that people take the advice.’ It is understanding this integrated response that I give thanks to today, also acknowledging the impact that the fires have had on so many communities.

“In our personal community, our neighbourhood, we were fortunate. There were a huge number of brigades that rushed to Harcourt and supported that community.

“At this juncture I want to acknowledge the Werribee CFA, who travelled some distance with the member for Werribee on board. He messaged me very late on that Friday evening to give an update from the fireground, an update about how difficult those conditions were.

Lost everything

“In the days after the fire I also met, hugged and cried with so many who had lost their homes. As I said, we were fortunate, but it was gut wrenching to sit with the woman at the Seymour Relief Centre who showed me the photo of her home that had been lost in Natimuk

“The couple had lost their home and pretty much everything they owned. The clothes on their back were all they had.

“They had also been injured, and they showed me the burns on their arms from when they had to leave as the fire came through, and it was one of many emotional conversations that I will never forget.

“But even in that moment and also in the Harcourt community – and this was just a mere day or two after these fires – the conversation immediately to turn to rebuilding and connecting back into community, checking in on their neighbours and helping one another.”

In one instance a constituent told Ms Tyrrell their family was battling fire on their property outside of Yarck when a CFA tanker arrived, drove into the paddock and immediately left, the crew ordered to return to the command centre where they sat unused. The family saved their home but sadly not their herd.

Ms Tyrrell said similar incidents were experienced by residents at Koetong in the northeast and at Mt Tenneriffe near Locksley

“No-one is questioning the commitment of CFA personnel to keep Victorians safe but reports of decisions by commanding officers to stand down units on the frontline, leaving residents alone are extremely concerning,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“I have asked Minister Ward to enquire into the circumstances surrounding these decisions because my constituents affected deserve answers.”

Doing it together

■ “February has been about recovery, resilience and the quiet strength of our community,” says Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland.

“Many families are still cleaning up after the fires and heat, and I see neighbours helping neighbours every single day.

“Volunteers and emergency services continue to show up, getting people home and restoring what’s been lost.

“Recovery isn’t easy, but we’re doing it together,” said Ms Cleeland.

Delayed payments

■ Strathbogie Shire Council has pushed back the due date for the third 2025-26 rates instalment, with payment now due in March. Rates notices were due to be sent out last week but they will now be sent at the end of February.

This instalment notice won’t be sent to properties impacted by the Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire, to allow damage assessments to be completed and rating values to be reassessed.

Strathbogie Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery said ongoing rate relief for all those impacted by the bushfires was a priority for the Council , but financial support from the State Government was needed to deliver it.

“Rate relief is an issue we’ve advocated for with our local members of Parliament, the Treasurer and all the Ministers who have visited the Shire over recent weeks,” Cr Jeffery said.

“We look forward to making an announcement on this in the coming weeks.

“As we all know it’s been a really tough start to the year for so many in our community, and February can be a big month for household bills with back-to-school expenses. Council hopes the later rate payment date will make things a little easier.”

Strathbogie Council has a hardship policy for anyone experiencing difficulties paying their rates.

“Please reach out to our Customer Service team to discuss your individual circumstances. Phone 1800 065 993,” the Shire representative said.

Insurance voided

■

“There are still 410 km of roads to assess. To date, 40 km has been opened,” Murrindindi Shire Council says.

“Travelling on closed roads places you and others at risk. If you travel on a closed road for reasons other than commuting to your residence or business, including farms, you may void your vehicle insurance if an incident occurs,” a representative said.

Applications open

■ Applications for funding from the Rabo Community Fund for 2026 are now open to rural and regional community organisations and initiatives that are making a significant contribution to supporting country communities.

Launched by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank in 2021, the fund has to date invested more than $4 million into initiatives designed to rural communities.

The Rabo Community Fund is calling for applications from organisations that aim to develop and implement meaningful national or local grassroots initiatives in their communities.

Funded by an annual contribution from Rabobank Australia and New Zealand and guided by the Rabo Client Councils (comprising more than 50 of the bank’s farming clients who are passionate about contributing to their local communities), the fund is focused on helping address key agricultural industry and community challenges.

These relate to six key themes – longterm industry capacity and agricultural education, environmental sustainability, rural/ urban connection, natural disaster resilience, rural wellbeing and adaptation/disruption.

Help for wildlife

■ Zoos Victoria's veterinary and keeping staff have been deployed across the state to assist in recovery efforts alongside colleagues in the Wildlife Emergency Support Network. Onsite, they are also treating animals in the wildlife hospitals.

‘In harm’s way’

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation has slammed the State Government's continued underfunding of the Country Fire Authority, with today's release of the CFA's 2024-25 Annual Report confirming a funding crisis that is placing regional communities at unacceptable risk. VFF President, Brett Hosking said: "The gap between funding and the demands on volunteers is continuing to widen. It’s at a point where we’re putting people in harm’s way.”

Supply drive from Greensborough

Matt and Blair Elder at Battery

■ Battery World franchise partners banded together to organise a two-day supply drive to assist the families, firefighters and emergency services in the Longwood area.

In partnership with fellow local business AllStar Life and Shift, Battery World Greensborough, Dandenong and Mornington, supplied more than a truck load of hay bales and nine pallets of essential goods including water, pantry items, toiletries, long life milk and hygiene items to communities affected by the devastating Longwood bushfires.

Over the course of two days, Battery World Greensborough franchise partners Blair and

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Opp. Leader visits

■ State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has spoken of visiting Longwood, Avenel and Yarck in the bushfire recovery region.

“In Longwood I met the most incredible CFA volunteer called Liza , who had lost her own property in the blaze, but that did not stop her from devoting every waking moment to fighting fires and protecting the homes and livelihoods of her community,” Ms Wilson said.

“Meeting Liza was one of the most moving moments of my parliamentary career. Liza had been on the fire front for almost two days and had not slept.

“She knew that her home had been reduced to ash. She knew there was no hot shower or comfy bed waiting for her to return to.

“When I visited the region I had taken advice on some small items I could bring up that could assist our CFA volunteers.

“When I handed over a pair of socks to Liza she was so pleased and told me she had been wearing the same clothes since the blaze began days ago.

“It was a humbling moment in the truest sense of that word. I met John from Yarck , who had lost everything – and I mean everything.

“His family home had stood there in the High Country for 140 years, but there was nothing left now.

“The devastation is simply unimaginable, and yet through the devastation came incredible stories of Victorians banding together to support each other.

Bethany Elder turned their store into a key drop-off location for bushfire relief supplies.

Mr Elder said that the response from the customers and the wider community has been overwhelming.

“We are incredibly proud of our team and wider community who stepped up for our fellow Victorians who need our help,” Mr Elder said. “It is amazing to see what can be done when the community works together, and we were proud to help coordinate and support a supply drive that can make a real difference for the people facing this incredibly challenging time.”

“In Longwood, Neil and Kerrie Tubb set up a fodder depot to support fire-affected farmers. They received donations of feed, fencing and farm supplies that totalled over $2 million in value. We know that those who live on the land have been the hardest hit.

“I also want to note the work of many local councillors in the affected regions, many of whom have worked diligently to offer whatever support is possible for their communities. Councillors such as Scott Jeffery, Mayor of Strathbogie Shire and a volunteer at the Avenel CFA, have truly exemplified the best of what local government can do in a time of crisis to support their community,” Ms Wilson said.

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Old Friends: Rotary Club of Yea

Across Across

1. Pony competition

6. Meddler

11. Large NZ city

15. Drinking glasses

20. Moose

21. Drizzles

22. Married title

23. Nudism

24. Armed conflict within nation (5,3)

25. Family favouritism

27. Segregated

28. Roman robe

29. Hungry

31. Slightly open

32. Skin eruptions

36. Staining

37. Room

38. Painter of The Queen's latest portrait, Rolf ...

41. Length unit

44. Hair dye

45. Touchy

48. Metal extraction plant

49. Cupboard

52. Banked (on)

56. Gets

57. Form of prayer

58. Futile

61. More affluent

62. Bring honour to

63. Gladden, ... up

64. Japan's capital

65. Shillyshallies

66. Greed

67. Withdraws from position (5,4)

71. Fertile desert spot

73. TV personality, ... McGuire

75. Aid financially

80. Pistols

82. Intervening time

83. Jog

85. Definitions

86. Old Spanish money unit

88. Split in church

90. Slays (5,3)

91. Biting insects

93. Wise biblical king

94. Tossing

95. Fragile & airy

96. Suit-makers

97. Jot

99. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...

100. Concludes

104. Of kidneys

105. Taco sauce

106. Sing monotonously

107. Revolved

111. Deserve

113. Fah, soh, ...

114. Inflatable vest, ... west

115. Serving platters

117. Irrational fear

118. Kitchen strainer

121. Saturate (with colour)

122. The Hunchback Of ... Dame

125. Harpoon hunter

126. Formerly Persia

127. Garden of Creation

129. In place, in ...

131. Actress, ... Thompson

132. Stellar

135. Kuwaiti ruler

136. Eternal

139. Siamese

140. Up-to-date

144. Physicist, ... Newton

145. Excel

146. Castle water barriers

147. Elaborately

148. Cattle-farmers

149. Mad (dog)

150. Tied (shoes)

152. Surprise victory

154. Labelled

157. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit

158. Of the side

162. Grieg opera, Peer ...

163. SOS

166. Wig material

167. Speaks

169. Kind

171. Door frame post

172. Resistant to disease

173. Start (of ailment)

175. Primp

176. Encouraged

179. Tutsi country

180. Ranted

182. Hawaiian garland

183. Belonging to us

184. Spindly

186. Took in (child)

189. Last Greek letter

190. Wallabies or Springboks sport

191. Synagogue scholar

192. Stimulating

196. Disable

197. Canadian province, ... Scotia

198. Kenya's capital

199. Exhilarating

201. Caught

202. Ridicule

203. Departing

204. Fibre-spinning rods

205. Writer, ... Hemingway

208. Journalist's credit (2-4)

210. Cheap ship fare

211. Fertiliser ingredient

212. Redder

213. Bobs head

215. Firebugs

219. Signalling flame

221. Cruel men

223. Searches out scandal

227. From Brussels

228. Mummifies (corpse)

230. Judge's hammer

231. Democratic Republic of Congo

232. Threatened

233. Slip by 234. Gist

238. Tennis ace, ... Edberg

239. Indianapolis state

240. Splatter

243. Arrival

246. Annulled

247. Dressy

250. Woodwind instruments

251. Fools

253. Paltry

256. Helicopter's landing place

257. More hefty

258. Grills

262. Labyrinth

263. Reverie

266. Honey liquor

268. Peacemaker

269. Central Asian republic

270. Lovely women

271. Miniature toy, ... car

272. Banned pesticide (1,1,1)

273. Downy duck

274. Naval exercises

275. Makes stable

276. Perceived wrongly

277. Aerobics outfits

278. Abbreviates

Down Down

1. Doomed person

2. Legends

3. Equine

4. Cosy home

5. Nearly

7. A few

8. Persecutes

9. Checkers game

10. Thread

11. Henry VIII's ... Boleyn

12. Second-hand vehicles (4,4)

13. Smart aleck (4-3)

14. Friendly

15. Tests

16. Former Soviet region (1,1,1,1)

17. Lightweight timber

18. Go in

19. Mixer drinks

24. Appeared

26. Trading centre

30. Last-minute

33. Pungent cleaning fluid

34. Small hill

35. Sniffed

38. Cross-breeds

39. Made contact with

40. Takes no notice of

42. Canadian lake

43. Bringing up

46. Stud (with jewels)

47. Conformed, ... the line

49. Hurricane

50. Follows orders

51. Europe/Asia

53. Regards highly

54. Riled

55. Aussie sheep herders

59. Very demanding

60. Settle overseas

67. Bewildered

68. Moved on hands & knees

69. Of earthquakes

70. Run (event)

72. Aplomb

74. Travelling worker

76. Gusty

77. Leave impression

78. Smooth over (4,3)

79. Gushed

81. Brash newcomers

84. Egg dish

87. Dried with cloth

89. Moon shape

91. Grinding (teeth)

92. British royal court, ... Palace (2,5'1)

98. Worldwide

101. Group value system

102. Shade of brown

103. Sends via Internet

108. Alleged assassin, Lee Harvey ...

109. Stop! (nautical)

110. Odds or ...

112. Emerging again from sleep

116. Protective shielding (6,5)

119. Act of dunking

120. Say

123. Canoe with attached float

124. Set out differently

128. Enthusiastically

130. From Tel Aviv

132. Allow inside

133. Banjo sound

134. Gangway

137. Cleopatra's land

138. Famous Swiss mountain

141. Main artery

142. Flowed away

143. Yesterday, ..., tomorrow

151. Cling (to)

153. Early fetus

155. Directed

156. Surly person

159. Hoping (to)

160. Vitality

161. Irritating

164. 365-day periods

165. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...

168. Legendary Atlantic continent

170. Money

173. Car distance clock

174. Mideast waterway (4,5)

177. Raincoat fabric

178. Gradually diminished

181. Devotees

185. Thrilling

186. Loss of memory

187. Beginnings

188. Trampled

193. Obscure

194. Sports injury remedy (3,4)

195. Hot springs

200. Venetian boats

201. Conceive of

206. Havens

207. Increases threefold

208. Sun-tanned

209. Most inquisitive

211. Coup organiser

214. Cigarette users

216. Affair of the heart

217. Giving green light to 218. Huge

220. Blacksmith's block

222. German wine, ... Riesling

224. Most avid

225. US cotton state

226. Giant Himalayan peak

229. Criticise harshly

232. Lion's neck hair

235. Poorer quality

236. Wear down

237. Soft goat wool

241. Fence planks

242. Authorise

244. Bridge over gorge

245. Louder

248. Trophies

249. Those ones

251. Weaponry

252. Bogs

253. Office circulars

254. Grand Slam winner, ... Agassi

255. Writer, ... Dahl

259. Happen

260. Prized fur

261. Genders

262. Method

264. Sudden attack

265. Son of Adam & Eve

267. Sprint

Legends Festival

■ Seaworks Williamstown will rock from 9am to 9pm on Saturday,March 14, with a stellar line up of some of Australia’s finest artists.

Along with a number of tribute and covers acts the bill includes Mike Brady, Normie Rowe, Mader Lake and Spectrum with special guest and MC Gavin Wood also listed to appear.

Bend release

■ Melbourn e-based singer-songwriter Suzie So Blue is set to release her latest track, Bend, a meditation on resilience, perseverance, and adaptability, symbolising the complexities of love and life.

The song features Suzie’s distinctive emotive vocals, accompanied by her tenor guitar and Dobro banjo, creating a rich intimate sound.

Bend is a beautifully layered composition that captures the essence of Suzie’s musical journey, says her media release.

Retro Stars

■ Melbourne band The Retro Stars will bring their upbeat 60’s Show to the Croydon Concert Lounge on February 27. Featuring timeless hits from the British Invasion, classic pop, rock ’n’ roll and soul, their energetic live performance celebrates the songs that shaped a generation.

Tickets at trybooking.com

Rob Foenander

WALKING TOURS AT ABBOTSFORD

■ A new walking tour of the Abbotsford Convent will reveal the untold stories of the women and girls who lived and worked at the Convent from 1863 until 1975 - nuns, orphans, students and boarders.

The Abbotsford Convent Foundation, the not-for-profit custodians of the Convent precinct, has partnered with feminist history collective, She Shapes History , to launch the new weekend tours.

Justine Hyde , CEO of Abbotsford Convent Foundation, says: “The Convent’s story is, in many ways, a story of women's courage, ingenuity and quiet acts of care.”

The She Shapes History walking tour provides a window into Victoria and Australia’s complex history of social welfare, and how places like the Abbotsford Convent shaped lives, communities, and the country far beyond its gates.

At its peak the Convent included a boarding school for country girls, an orphanage, a primary school, a finishing school and an asylum for women who were serving penance for often petty offences.

“There have been dark moments in the Convent’s history, but also moments of great humanity and the tours invite people to view the Convent through a richer, more nuanced lens.

Ms Hyde emphasised that women continue to play a significant role in the Convent’s living history.

"From the women who spearheaded the campaign to save the Convent to the female artists and creators who occupy the studios, there is a throughline of labour, care and creativity.”

Sita Sargeant , founder of She Shapes History, says: “The Abbotsford Convent is arguably one of Victoria’s most significant women’s history sites, and it was a great honour to be invited to bring these stories to life.

“For too long, the women who shaped Australia have been left out of the story. Their contributions have been overlooked, untold, or erased.”

“The Convent tour highlights stories of friendships and resilience, hardship and humanity,” said Ms Sargeant.

While few of the women profiled in the tour are household names, their stories are powerful, and reflective of society of the time. Some of the stories include the four Irish nuns who voyaged to Australia in 1863 to establish a Convent to support disadvantaged women and girls for whom there was safety net (no social security, no government support, no refuges) Cecelia Ryan , the mother of Ronald Ryan , the last man to be executed in Australia. Cecelia’s daughters were sent to the Convent orphanage after being removed from her care, and Cecelia later lived at the Convent while her son was on death row.

Contributed

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MEADOW HEIGHTS

Fire in garage

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 5.14pm on Wednesday (Feb. 4) to multiple calls to a garage fire in Pinaroo Circuit, Meadow Heights

Crews arrived on-scene in seven minutes and found a garage attached to house well alight. The alarm was escalated due to size of blaze.

Both occupants were evacuated to front of house safely.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus contained the fire to the garage.

The incident was deemed ‘Under Control’ at 5.37pm.

Nine appliances and 29 firefighters were committed to the firefight.

The Council Building Surveyor was advised to attend to check the structural integrity of the building. Power and gas companies isolated services.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were on-scene to assist FRV operations.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and will be investigated by the FRV Fire Investigation Unit

Ram raid on shop

■ Police are appealing for information following a ram raid at a gift shop in Mooroopna last Tuesday morning (Feb. 3).

Emergency services were called to reports a car had reversed into the front of the McLennan St store shortly after 4.30am.

The store was then set alight by offenders causing significant damage.

Two cars are believed to have fled from the scene.

A grey Ford Ranger Wildtrak truck was dumped on Watt Rd while a dark coloured SUV was last seen driving south on Watt Rd

The two offenders are described as tall with slim builds and both were wearing black pants, one with a red hoody, face mask and gloves and the other with a white hoody.

Investigators have released CCTV of the incident.

MELBOURNE

3D print firearms

■ Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man with nearly a dozen firearms offences after 3D-printed guns and ammunition were located in North Melbourne on Thursday (Feb. 4).

Detectives executed a search warrant at a property on Melrose St, arresting a 28year-old man allegedly manufacturing and storing firearms at the residence.

During the search, officers seized:

■ two 3D-printed handguns

■ 3D-printed ammunition

■ an imitation revolver gun

■ an imitation long-armed rifle

■ a gel blaster assault rifle

■ various firearms parts including barrels, stocks, handle and magazine

■ two gravity knives

■ a laptop allegedly containing blueprints to manufacture firearms

■ a 3D printer

The North Melbourne man has been charged with possess imitation firearm (x9) and possess prohibited weapon (x2).

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 3. GLENROY

Third arson hit

■ Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating after a Glenroy tobacco store was targeted for the third time. Emergency services responded to the blaze at the tobacconist on Wheatsheaf Rd about 5.40am. Two men were captured on CCTV breaking the steel shutter of the store, before dousing the premises in liquid and setting it alight.

CHARGED OVER NAZI SALUTE TO AIRPORT SCHOOL KIDS

■ A Melbourne man has been summonsed to appear before court charged by the Australian Federal Police National Security Investigations team with allegedly performing a Nazi salute at Melbourne Airport. The Greenvale man, 23, allegedly performed a Nazi salute directed towards a group of Jewish school-aged children in a terminal at the airport on Monday last week (Feb. 2).

The AFP will allege the man left the terminal shortly after the incident, with the matter reported to the AFP.

AFP members reviewed CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses to identify the alleged offender, and attended a Greenvale home the same day.

The alleged offender was identified as an airport employee and ASIC card holder.

The man was summonsed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 3, charged with one count of public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute, contrary to the CriminalCode, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and is subject to mandatory minimum sentencing provisions.

The AFP set up the teams last September, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including the targeting of the Jewish community.

MELBOURNE

Monitor device offence

■ A Somalia-born man was set to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (Feb. 2) charged with failing to comply with his visa-mandated curfew conditions and not ensuring his monitoring device remained in good working order.

The AFP charged the man, 32, after he was located in Melbourne. It will be alleged he breached the conditions of his Commonwealth visa between January 15-21.

He has been charged with:

■ Three counts of failing to comply with visa curfew conditions, and

■ Seven counts of failing to maintain electronic monitoring device.

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

NORTH-WEST

3 males charged

■ Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have charged a teenage boy and two men following a series of warrants linked to organised crime.

With the assistance of Viper Taskforce and Melton Crime Investigation Unit, detectives executed four search warrants at properties in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs, including:

■ Moreland area

■ Lahinch St, Broadmeadows

■ Watersedge Way, Roxburgh Park

■ Synergy Court, Taylors Hill

MELBOURNE

Visa breaches

■ An Afghanistan-born man was set to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, charged for allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated conditions.

Across

The warrants relate to seven targeted home invaAcross

sions, arson, attempted arson and firearms incidents since January 7, where detectives will allege offenders have relentlessly targeted the victims, their property and family members.

Those incidents are alleged to be:

■ An aggravated home invasion at a home in Flinders Place, Caroline Springs on January 7

■ An attempted arson at a property on Lucas Terrace, Taylors Hill on January 9

■ A firearms incident where a number of shots were fired into a property on Flinders Place in Caroline Springs on January 9

■ An arson incident at a property on Luca Terrace, Taylors Hill on January 10

■ An aggravated home invasion at a home on Carfin Circuit, Thornhill Park on January 10

■ A firearms incident where a male sustained a non-fatal gunshot wound outside a property on Connor Rd, Burnside Heights, on January 12.

■ A firearms incident where a number of shots were fired into the front of a property on Penshurst Court, Hillside on February 2.

Investigators believe these incidents have been directed by an offshore crime figure.

Detectives arrested a 17year-old boy from the Moreland area, an 18-year-old Broadmeadows man and an 18-year-old Roxburgh Park man.

They were each charged with aggravated home invasion with firearm, criminal damage (arson), possess unregistered general category handgun, theft of motor vehicle and attempted arson.

The 17-year-old boy was to appear before a children’s court. The two men was to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Detectives also arrested two 19-year-old men from Taylors Hill.

They were interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

NARRE WARREN

Shotgun seized

■ Southern Metro Crime Squad Detectives have charged two men after an alleged home invasion in Narre Warren South on Wednesday (Feb. 4).

It is alleged the offenders forced entry into a property in Narre Warren South, armed with a loaded sawn-off shotgun and an edged weapon just before 2am.

The AFP charged the man, 32, after he was located in Melbourne It will be alleged the man breached one of the conditions of his Commonwealth visa by failing to report to the Department of Home Affairs, as directed.

The man has been charged with two counts of failing to comply with a requirement of his monitoring condition.

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

TARNEIT

House blaze

A 30-year-old male victim was home at the time.

They allegedly stole a Mercedes SUV wagon from the property and fled the scene.

The vehicle was tracked and followed through multiple suburbs including Berwick, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren

Stop sticks were deployed and the car came to a stop on Narre Warren North Rd in Narre Warren

Police along with Airwing, Operation Trinity units, the dog squad and Critical Incident Response Team officers were deployed to assist with an arrest.

Two male offenders ran from the scene and were arrested nearby at approximately 3.50am.

One of the males was transported to hospital for observation before being released into police custody.

The 20-year-old Doveton man has been charged with home invasion with firearm, theft of motor vehicle, theft, prohibited person carry firearm, dangerous driving whilst pursued by police, possess prohibited weapon and unlicensed driving.

A 23-year-old Berwick man has been charged with home invasion with firearm, theft, firearms and bail related offences.

Both men were to be be directly presented to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

GOLDFIELDS

Arson charges

■ Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a series of fires in the Goldfields area last year.

Emergency services were called to two suspicious fires in McIntyre and Cochranes Creek on December 12 and 20.

Police will allege a further two fires were deliberately lit near O’Briens Dam and Rheola-Bealiba roads, Wehla, about 7.30pm on January 4.

At the time, the four fires were quickly extinguished, and no one was injured.

Detectives executed a search warrant at an address in the Moliagul area, where they arrested a 28-year-old male at the property.

He has since been charged with four counts of recklessly lighting a wildfire and one count of conduct endanger life.

The man was remanded to appear before Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Feb. 6).

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident in Trinity Place, Tarneit at 6.33pm Sunday (Feb. 1) after multiple callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Crews arrived on scene within six minutes to find the two-storey brick home and attached garage fully involved in fire.

The family evacuated with one male member sustaining burns to his face and hands. Firefighters provided first aid until the arrival of Ambulance Victoria who then transported him to hospital.

Properties immediately surrounding the house fire were evacuated.

Crews, assisted by CFA, escalated the response and worked hard to control the blaze and protect neighbouring properties.

The incident was deemed ‘Under Control’ at 7.13pm, 40 mins after FRV arrived on the scene.

The fire has caused extensive damage to the property and contents.

A Community Advice was issued for smoke in the area. Victoria Police was on scene for traffic management.

FRV firefighters remained on scene throughout the night continuing to extinguish hot spots and undertake fire duties. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

BENDIGO

Robberies, assaults

■ Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following multiple unprovoked robberies and assaults in the Bendigo area.

Police will allege that between January 29-February 1, the 36-year-old man:

■ assaulted a 60-year-old man inside a licensed venue on High St in Kangaroo Flat

■ made demands for cash and threatened a 67-year-old man while he was at an ATM on High St in Kangaroo Flat

■ assaulted and stole a necklace from a 32year-old man inside a service station on High St in Golden Square, before making demands for his vehicle

■ assaulted and stole the wallet of a 76year-old man while he was walking along Hargreaves St in Bendigo, and

■ assaulted a 66-year-old man in Junortoun

Detectives arrested the man on Sunday following reports of an assault in Junortoun

The 36-year-old Junortoun man has been charged with (2x) common law assault, theft of motor vehicle, (5x) theft, attempt obtain property by deception, obtain property by deception, attempt robbery, threat to inflict serious injury, robbery, criminal damage, possess methylamphetamine, robbery, intentionally cause injury, threat to inflict serious injury and unlawful assault.

He was remanded to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb. 5).

COLLINGWOOD

Sexual assault

■ Sexual Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following a sexual assault in Collingwood in January.

Detectives will allege the victim entered a ride share vehicle on Peel St about 5am on January 25.

It is alleged the woman was sexually assaulted by the driver of the vehicle before she was dropped at an address in South Yarra. The victim attended a police station and reported the matter to police.

Detectives arrested a 44-year-old Thornbury man. He has been charged with one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault. He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Feb. 6).

■ 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 stories and rumours worried not only Jay

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 Beaumont 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

BENALLA ART GALLERY SHOWCASE EXHIBITION

Theatre Extra

Playfully scrambled signals

■ Curated by Liquid Architecture, music group Worlds Only and artists and technologists Junior Major present Stable Confusion at Arts House this February.

Smashing sound and live visuals into an electrifying experience, Stable Confusion pushes perception to its limits, where human intuition clashes with machine logic.

As Worlds Only performs, Junior Major generates real-time visuals through improvised AI confounding code. Human input disrupts the machine’s attempts to interpret, classify and predict what it sees and hears.

Together, Worlds Only and Junior Major craft unruly art that turns uncertainty into possibility.

Supported by Nick Klein and Liam Keenan , Stable Confusion is a unique and playful showcase of experimental sound and art.

Liquid Architecture Co-Director Rohan Rebeiro says: “These artists occupy a lively corner of creative music and visual practice. Their work is variable and at times counterpoint, offering the audience a panoramic lens to outsider music communities in Australia and abroad.”

Worlds Only – named after Megan Alice Clune’s short-lived yet seminal zine, Worlds Only is Alister Hill (guitar), Darren Lesaguis (vocals), Jenny Trinh AKA Wytchings (electronics/vocals), Justin Tam (saxophone), Mara Schwerdtfeger (viola), Reginald Harris (bass) and Thomas William Smith AKA T. Morimoto (electronics).

Alongside acclaimed releases, Worlds Only undertook a performance and recording residency at Dark Mofo and MONA , were commissioned by Soft Centre Festival and performed a live score for the cult experimental film Limité curated by the Art Gallery NSW Junior Major – a collective of artists and technologists who create work that merges digital and physical worlds. Founded in 2022 by Shunji Davies, Claire Evans and Tom Siddall, Junior Major’s practice sits at the intersection of art and technology, creating experiences that challenge perception and invite reflection.

Nick Klein – an artist working in sound and art and sometimes (begrudgingly) sound art with a lean towards the social potential in those modalities as they interact. Klein has recorded music for tape, CD, digital file and vinyl editions for music labels around the world.

Liam Keenan – performs guitar music deeply grounded with melodic phrases that unravel into improvisations shaped by lineage, listening and a quiet, but insistent, sense of place.

Worlds Only & Junior Major present Stable Confusion. Curated by Liquid Architecture. February 13

7pm: Doors

7.30pm: Liam Keenan

8.20pm: Nick Klein

9.20pm: Worlds Only & Junior Major

Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall

521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne

Tickets plus small transaction fee: $40 Standard, $25 Reduced, $15 BLAKTIX

Ben Starick

Roy Orbison Tribute Show

■ The Roy Orbison Tribute will be presented at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club at 8.30pm on Saturday, February 21.

Showcase 2025 Art and Design student exhibition

Showcase celebrates the artistic talents of Benalla and North East Victoria senior art and design students across a range of media and themes.

It offers 2025 students valuable public recognition while highlighting creatively and diverse talents of our young and emerging artists. Exhibition closes March 8.

Threads of Kelly – Dezmonde Downing

The exhibition features watercolour illustrations by Desmonde Downing, a distinguished set and costume designer, actor, and singer who contributed to Australian theatre in the 1850s and 1860s. The works form part of the Benalla Art Gallery Collection.

Exhibition closes March 22.

Benalla Art Gallery 75 Bridge Street Eas, Benalla

Maroondah

Skybox – Rel Pham

Is a powerful immersive video installation in saturated colour created by art01st Rel Pham especially for ArtSpace at Realm examining what it means to observe and exist in a deluge of data.

The work investigates the way data informs and shapes our experience of the world through near constant observation of natural and built environments, harvested through diverse data collection points and mapping techniques.

Maps of Ringwood and 3D scans of the Realm building are layered into the work as the artist explores our relationship to place and the invisible force that shape our sense of belonging.

Beyond the Known –Collective Curiosities

Students from Ringwood Heights Primary School and the University of Melbourne Is an innovative collaboration between more than 100 Ringwood heights Primary School and University of Melbourne tertiary students.

This animated collage project managers the 95 per cent of the world’s creatures, habitats and wonders still unknown to science.

Projected onto the Realm Artwall, the work is presented alongside the Skybox installation in ArtSpace with accompanying Realm Library Storytimes, children’s at workshops and a book display.

Exhibition closes March 15.

Arts in Maroondah 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood

Bunjil Place

Spiders of Paradise – Maria Fernanda Cardoso Is an exhibition developed and toured by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia , its arts funded and advisory body.

This project os supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

Exhibition closes Sunday February 22.

The Arts

Opera Australia

celebrates 70 years with One-Night - Only Gala at Melbourne’s Regent Theare.

A spectacular one-night-only concert at the Regent Theatre which will celebrate its extraordinary contribution to Australia’s cultural landscape over the past decades.

Starring some of the company’s most superb singers the milestone concert will bring to life a program of thrilling operatic highlights from the company’s diverse performing history.

Season: Sunday May 17.

Bunjil Place

2 Patrick North East Dv, Narre Warren Peter Kemp

Artbank Prize

■ The Artbank Prize is a national, open call to Australian artists who are not currently represented in the Artbank collection.

One entry will be selected from each state and territory as a finalist to be exhibited at Artbank Sydney

One artwork will be awarded the Artbank Prize, which will be acquired into the Artbank collection, up to the value of $20,000. The prize has been established to recognise and support outstanding contemporary art practices, and to promote access for all Australian artists to present their work for consideration for the Artbank collection. It aims to champion new voices and help grow the breadth of contemporary Australian art.

As a national program, Artbank encourages entries from across the country. An exhibition featuring the eight finalists will be held at Artbank’s Sydney premises alongside a series of public programs that celebrate the artists and their works.

Artbank has announced the judging panel for the inaugural 2026 Artbank Prize is artist Tony Albert, curator Ellie Buttrose and arts journalist Elizabeth Fortescue

Submissions will be assessed by the Artbank curatorial team, Oliver Watts and Paul Adair , and the panel of three judges, chaired by Artbank Director, Zoë Rodriguez Entries close 5pm Friday, March 13.

Local Cricket Weekend Results

Premier

■ Firsts. Two Days: Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Richmond 1st XI v St Kilda 1st XI 8/264. Carlton 1st XI 9/350 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI. Ringwood 1st XI 10/199 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 2/48. Dandenong 1st XI 10/203 v Melbourne 1st XI 4/76. Prahran 1st XI v Northcote 1st XI 10/317. Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 2/80 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/186. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 0/39 v Melbourne University 1st XI 9-d/409. Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/340 v Geelong 1st XI. Essendon 1st XI 10/172 v Footscray 1st XI 0/7.

■ Seconds. St Kilda 2nd XI 7/331 v Richmond 2nd XI. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 2/70 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/183. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/199 v Ringwood 2nd XI 0/25. Melbourne 2nd XI v Dandenong 2nd XI 7/259. Northcote 2nd XI 2/59 v Prahran 2nd XI 10/ 208. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/161 v Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 0/28. Melbourne University 2nd XI v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 9/227. Geelong 2nd XI v Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 9/360. Footscray 2nd XI 7/408 v Essendon 2nd XI.

■ Thirds. Richmond 3rd XI 10/283 v St Kilda 3rd XI 0/18. Carlton 3rd XI v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 9/233. Ringwood 3rd XI 9/425 v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI. Dandenong 3rd XI 10/108 v Melbourne 3rd XI 6/135. Prahran 3rd XI 6/359 v Northcote 3rd XI. Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 1/14 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 10/337. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 10/173 v Melbourne University 3rd XI. Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI v Geelong 3rd XI 9/181. Essendon 3rd XI v Footscray 3rd XI 10/ 241.

■ Fourths. St Kilda 4th XI 10/102 v Richmond 4th XI 10/143. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI v Carlton 4th XI 8/325. Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/197 v Ringwood 4th XI 4/44. Melbourne 4th XI 4/220 v Dandenong 4th XI 10/94. Northcote 4th XI 10/187 v Prahran 4th XI 1/15. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 2/100 v Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/124. Melbourne University 4th XI 6/105 v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/88. Geelong 4th XI 0/4 v Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 10/256. Footscray 4th XI 7/307 v Essendon 4th XI.

Sub-District

■ East West 1st XI. Two Days: Sats., Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Bayswater 1st XI 7/235 v Box Hill 1st XI 9/234. Croydon 1st XI 10/161 v Balwyn 1st XI 10/206. Mt Waverley 1st XI 3/228 v Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/226. Noble Park 1st XI 5-d/220 v Donvale 1st XI 10/98 & 5/137. Melton 1st XI 10/140 v Altona 1st XI 10/160. Spotswood 1st XI 10/220 v Yarraville 1st XI 7/221. Taylors Lakes 1st XI 10/151 v Williamstown 1st XI 10/228. Werribee 1st XI 4/209 v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/205. ■ East West 2nd XI. Box Hill 2nd XI 10/70 & 6-d/233 v Bayswater 2nd XI 10/123 & 1/122. Balwyn 2nd XI 4/251 v Croydon 2nd XI 7/250. Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/209 v Mt Waverley 2nd XI 8/212. Donvale 2nd XI 8/371 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/220. Altona 2nd XI 10/155 & 3/30. Melton 2nd XI 10/73 & 10/111. Yarraville 2nd XI 10/245 v Spotswood 2nd XI 10/76 & 3/ 194. Williamstown 2nd XI 10/195 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/194. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 10/133 v Werribee 2nd XI 4/135.

■ North South 1st XI. Brunswick 1st XI 7d/284 v Coburg 1st XI 10/215 & 2/78. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/229 v Preston 1st XI 9/ 310. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 7-d/126 & 0/9 v Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/44 & 10/90. Strathmore 1st XI 10/152 & 0/23 v Kew 1st XI 4/308. Brighton 1st XI 9-d/261 v Ormond 1st XI 10/177. Caulfield 1st XI 10/188 v Malvern 1st XI 8-d/189. Moorabbin 1st XI 10/200 v Oakleigh 1st XI 8/202. Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/94 & 4/66 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/149 & 6-d/113.

■ North South 2nd XI. Coburg 2nd XI 10/ 78 v Brunswick 2nd XI 6/381. Preston 2nd XI 9/253 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 10/173. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/182 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 7/356. Kew 2nd XI 10/156 v Strathmore 2nd XI 7/157. Ormond 2nd XI 10/165 v Brighton 2nd XI 2/180. Malvern 2nd XI 10/ 117 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/146. Oakleigh 2nd XI 10/223 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/167. Elsternwick 2nd XI 10/184 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/151

■ North West 3rd XI Division 1. Coburg 2nd XI 10/78 v Brunswick 2nd XI 6/381. Preston 2nd XI 9/253 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 10/ 173. Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/182 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 7/356. Kew 2nd XI 10/ 156 v Strathmore 2nd XI 7/157. Ormond

2nd XI 10/165 v Brighton 2nd XI 2/180. Malvern 2nd XI 10/117 v Caulfield 2nd XI 10/146. Oakleigh 2nd XI 10/223 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/167. Elsternwick 2nd XI 10/184 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/151.

■ North West 3rd XI Division 2. Altona 3rd XI 3/126 v Yarraville 3rd XI 10/118. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/294 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/78 & 5/49. Kew 3rd XI 10/134 v Strathmore 3rd XI 10/252. Spotswood 3rd XI 10/186 v Coburg 3rd XI 10/208

■ North West 4th XI Division 1. Altona 3rd XI 3/126 v Yarraville 3rd XI 10/118. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/294 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/78 & 5/49. Kew 3rd XI 10/134 v Strathmore 3rd XI 10/252. Spotswood 3rd XI 10/186 v Coburg 3rd XI 10/208.

■ North West 4th XI Division 2. Yarraville 4th XI 10/105 & 3/61 v Altona 4th XI 10/85 & 10/79.Williamstown 4th XI 10/114 & 5/75. v Ivanhoe 4th XI 8-d/172. Strathmore 4th XI 5/77 v Kew 4th XI 10/74. Coburg 4th XI 10/232 v Spotswood 4th XI 5/231.

■ South East 3rd XI Division 1. Balwyn 3rd XI 7/271 v Mt Waverley 3rd XI 8/270. Caulfield 3rd XI 10/106 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 10/258. Croydon 3rd XI 9/246 v Malvern 3rd XI 10/242. Oakleigh 3rd XI 4-d/225 v Bayswater 3rd XI 10/142 & 7/80.

■ South East 3rd XI Division 2. Noble Park 3rd XI 10/187 v Box Hill 3rd XI 10/297. Port Melbourne 3rd XI 7/145 v Brighton 3rd XI 10/144. Donvale 3rd XI 9/198 v Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/254. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/ 130 v Ormond 3rd XI 10/145.

■ South East 4th XI Division 1. Mt Waverley 4th XI 5/259 v Balwyn 4th XI 10/ 126. Elsternwick 4th XI 3/215 v Caulfield 4th XI 8/213. Malvern 4th XI 10/217 v Croydon 4th XI 9/169. Bayswater 4th XI v Oakleigh 4th XI 8/304.

■ South East 4th XI Division 2. Box Hill 4th XI 9/31 & 6/89 v Noble Park 4th XI 10/ 94 & 6-d/186. Brighton 4th XI 10/175 v Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/208. Moorabbin 4th XI 10/234 v Donvale 4th XI 9/264. Ormond 4th XI 10/268 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/ 127.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two Days: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Bundoora United 1st XI 9/130 v Riverside 1st XI 10/128. Diamond Creek 1st XI 6/293 v Rosebank 1st XI 10/189. Macleod 1st XI 10/131 v Epping 1st XI 10/176. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 4/238 v Bundoora 1st XI 10/232. Rosanna 1st XI 10/116 v Heidelberg 1st XI 10/194

■ Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI 10/181 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 10/118. Eltham 1st XI 10/202 v Montmorency 1st XI 7/257. Mernda 1st XI 10/128 v Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 9/129. Lower Plenty 1st XI 10/273 v Banyule 1st XI 10/168. Lalor Stars 1st XI 10/118 v Greensborough 1st XI 10/124

■ Mash Shield. Hurstbridge 1st XI 3-d/169 v Mill Park 1st XI 10/121 & 3/101. Laurimar 1st XI 3/266 v Dennis 1st XI 10/201. Lower Eltham 1st XI 8/272 v Keon Park CC 1st XI 5/275. Panton Hill 1st XI 10/74 v Rivergum 1st XI 10/125.

■ B-Grade. Banyule 2nd XI v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI. Heidelberg 2nd XI v Rosanna 2nd XI. Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI v Mernda 2nd XI. Riverside 2nd XI v Plenty 2nd XI. Montmorency 2nd XI v Diamond Creek 2nd XI

■ C-Grade. Bundoora 2nd XI 10/78 & 8/136 v Lower Plenty 2nd XI 2-d/81. Greensborough 2nd XI 10/113 v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 10/201. South Morang 2nd XI 6/392 v Macleod 2nd XI 9/84 & 3/58. Riverside 3rd XI 10/239 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/240. Rivergum 2nd XI 8/179 v Eltham 2nd XI 10/177.

■ D-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 4/186 v Laurimar 2nd XI 10/184. Mill Park 2nd XI 9/116 & 7/48 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 7-d/195. Montmorency 3rd XI 10/181 & 10/ 168 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 9-d/264. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 6/211 v Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/210. Rosebank 2nd XI 10/65 v Panton Hill 2nd XI. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 10/126 & 7/117 v Lower Plenty 3rd XI 9-d/190

■ E-Grade. Mernda 3rd XI 0-d/241 v Thomastown United 2nd XI 10/114 & 10/ 79. Dennis 2nd XI 10/85 & 8/29 v Riverside 4th XI 2-d/183. Greensborough 3rd XI 10/ 219 v Lower Eltham 2nd XI 8/220. Thomastown 2nd XI 10/203 v Banyule 3rd XI 9/279. Bye: South Morang 3rd XI

■ F1-Grade. Banyule 4th XI 10/102 & 5/248 v Rivergum 3rd XI 5-d/265. Eltham 3rd XI

9/271 v Macleod 3rd XI 4/274. Bundoora United 3rd XI 10/125 & 10/55 v Dennis 3rd XI 4-d/129 & 2/53. Laurimar 3rd XI 10/183 v Whittlesea 1st XI 8/187. Research Eltham Collegians 3rd XI 4/130 v Greensborough 4th XI 10/126

■ F2-Grade. Riverside 5th XI 8/258 v South Morang 4th XI 9/237. Lower Plenty 4th XI 10/226 v Research Eltham Collegians 4th XI 9/227. Banyule 5th XI 6/265 v Greens[borough 5th XI 7/266. Hurstbridge 3rd XI 10/288 v Mernda 4th XI 7/237. Bye: Montmorency 4th XI.

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Days: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/ 171 v Glen Iris 1st XI 3/155. East Doncaster 1st XI v Mont Albert 1st XI 6/339. Old Carey 1st XI 10/121 v Edinburgh 1st XI 5/56. Bulleen 1st XI 10/107 & 1/23 v North Balwyn 1st XI 4-d/135

■ Wright Shield. Richmond City 1st XI v Ashburton Willows 1st XI 9/309. Deepdene Bears 1st XI v Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/285. Mulgrave 1st XI 2/21 v Canterbury 1st XI 10/173. Surrey Hills 1st XI 1/73 v Heathmont 1st XI 10/114.

■ A Turf. Burwood 1st XI 10/304 v Old Carey 2nd XI 2/16. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 2/48 v Boronia 1st XI 10/152. Ashwood 1st XI v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 10/ 306. Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/83 v Mazenod OC 1st XI 4/115.

■ B Turf. North Balwyn 2nd XI v Bulleen 2nd XI 5/58. Heathmont 2nd XI 5-d/269 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 9/53 & 0/1. Canterbury 2nd XI v East Doncaster 2nd XI 10/352. Richmond Union 1st XI 10/245 v Deepdene Bears 2nd XI.

■ C Turf. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/117 v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 4/150. Edinburgh 2nd XI 1/13 v Burwood 2nd XI 10/170. La Trobe University 1st XI 7/41 v Mulgrave 2nd XI 10/209. Boronia 2nd XI 0/0 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/282.

■ D Turf. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/355 v Surrey Hills 2nd XI 0/2. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 6/86 v Ashwood 2nd XI 10/128. Mazenod OC 2nd XI 0/27 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 5-d/253. Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 4/74 v Richmond City 2nd XI 10/159.

■ E Turf. Heathmont 3rd XI 3/144 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/106. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI v La Trobe University 2nd XI Forfeit. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/225 v East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 0/ 55. Edinburgh 3rd XI 7-d/359 v Surrey Hills 3rd XI 0/11. Sunday, February 8: Marcellin OC 3rd XI v Richmond Union 2nd XI.

■ F Turf. East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 6/ 115 v Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI 3/117. East Doncaster 3rd XI 10/124 v Heathmont 4th XI 3/128. Surrey Hills 4th XI 6/163 v Richmond City 3rd XI 6/221. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 5/253 v Mont Albert 4th XI 10/ 176. Bye: Bulleen 3rd XI.

■ MacGibbon Shield. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 10/187 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 1/11. Glen Waverley 1st XI 8/291 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 7/ 312. Clifton Hill 1st XI 1/14 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 10/247

■ Burt Shield. Toorak Prahran 1st XI 0-d/ 60 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/58 & 8/98. St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 9/273 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 3/136 v North Alphington 1st XI 10/169. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 1/149 v Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/136.

Mornington Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Days: Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Mornington 1sts v Langwarrin 1sts 9/170. Dromana 1sts 10/149 v Baden Powell 1sts. Red Hill 1sts 10/271 v Heatherhill 1sts. Sorrento 1sts 10/129 v Pines 1sts 3/57

■ Peninsula Firsts. Balnarring 1sts 7/276 v Long Island 1sts. Somerville 1sts 7/288 v Mt Eliza 1sts. Moorooduc 1sts 10/207 v Old Peninsula 1sts 0/20. Seaford CC 1sts 10/218 v Rosebud 1sts

■ District Firsts. Rye 1sts 10/185 v Carrum Downs 1sts 0/4. Crib Point 1sts 6/297 v Main Ridge 1sts. Flinders 1sts v Carrum CC 1sts 9/291. Boneo 1sts 10/227 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 1/5.

■ Sub-District Firsts. Skye 1sts 6/270 v Frankston YCW 1st. Delacombe Park 1sts 3/174 v Ballam Park 1sts 10/93. Baxter 1sts 2-d/258 v Pearcedale 1sts 10/75. Mt Martha 1sts 4/77 v Tootgarook 1sts 10/115. Bye: Tyabb 1sts

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Two Days: Feb. 7 and 14. Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 2/153 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/192. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 0/0 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/320. Donath CC 1st XI 2/52 v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 10/165.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 0/9 v Cameron CC 1st XI 10/164. Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 3/84 v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/111. West Preston CC 1st XI 10/212 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/123 v Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 5/150. Preston YCW District 1st XI 7-d/250 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 1/5. Fairfield CC 1st XI 10/168 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI.

■ B-Grade. Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 2/133 v Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 10/128. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 3/47 v Fairfield CC 2nd XI 10/190. 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. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 2/170 v Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI. Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 9/ 375 v Royal Park Reds 4th XI. Bye: Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI ■ Robert Young DODC. Kinglake CC OD 8/154 v Donath CC OD 10/107. Cameron CC OD 2/69 v Camrea Stingrays

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Days: Sats., Feb. 7 and 14. Norwood 1XI 9-d/288 v Ainslie Park 1XI 1/4. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/56 & 0/9 v St Andrews 1XI 8-d/134. South Croydon 1XI 10/214 v Lilydale 1XI 0/10. Montrose 1XI v North Ringwood 1XI 8/209 ■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Wantirna South 1XI 10/ 120 v East Ringwood 1XI 3/110. Vermont 1XI 1/27 v Mooroolbark 1XI 10/198. Wonga Park 1XI 6-d/189 v Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/105 & 0/22. Bayswater Park 1XI 2/66 v Kilsyth 1XI 10/163. Heatherdale 1XI 7/339 v Warranwood 1XI

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Templeton 1XI 1/ 91 v South Warrandyte 1XI 10/185. Warrandyte 1XI 9/337 v Healesville 1XI. Chirnside Park 1XI 3/32 v Seville Burras 1XI 10/91. Yarra Junction 1XI 10/147 v Heathwood 1XI 5/43

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two Days: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. East Sandringham 1 6-d/357 v Brighton Union 1 8/309. Bentleigh Uniting 1 10/232 v West Bentleigh 1 10/124. Kingston Heath 1 9/280 v Washington Park 1 5/308. Le Page Park 1 9/296 v Bentleigh ANA 1 10/ 255.

■ Woolnough Shield. Mackie 1 10/269 v CHAG 1 10/127. Cheltenham Park 1 10/164 v Elwood 1 5/174. Carnegie South 1 10/324 v Hampton Central 1 10/160. Cluden 1 10/ 130 & 6/168 v Omega 1 9-d/243 ■ Quiney Shield. Omega 2 10/188 v Le Page Park 2 10/95. Washington Park 2 9/230 v Highett West 1 10/226. CUCC Kings 3 10/ 269 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 5/307. Hampton United 1 5/127 v East Sandringham 2 10/ 125

■ Pullen Shield. East Bentleigh Central 1 10/176 v Cluden 2 7/177. Melbourne Wanderers 1 10/200 v Kingston Heath 2 5/204. Elwood 2 10/174 & 4/176 v Diamond 1 10/95 & 10/252. Brighton Union 2 10/101 & 9/73 v Mackie 2 5/102 & 2/75

■ E-Grade. Southside East Caulfield 1 9d/214 v CUCC Kings 4 10/91 & 0/51. Hampton Central 2 9/164 v Mackie 3 10/265. CHAG 2 4/153 v South East Oakleigh 1 10/ 128. Washington Park 3 9/180 v Le Page Park 3 9/278. Melbourne Districts United 1 9/246 v East Bentleigh Central 2 10/204.

Western

■ A-Grade. Two Days: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7. Altona Sports 1st XI 10/118 v Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 10/144. Williams Landing SC 1st XI 10/317 v Tarneit Central 4th XI 10/176. West Point Titans 2nd XI 8-d/364 v Manor Lakes 2nd XI 10/281 & 2/83.

■ B-Grade. Glen Orden Thunder 6th XI 6d/267 v AA Tarneit 1st XI 10/100 & 5/181. Vic Bangladeshi SC 2nd XI 10/133 & 3/132 v Wyndham Vale 3rd XI 10/256. Western Lions 1st XI 7-d/303 v Point Cook 5th XI 8/89 & 1/164. Point Cook Centrals 3rd XI 10/229 v Altona Sports 2nd XI 10/69 & 6/144.

TEST OF SPEED AT FLEMINGTON

■ There is a very special event scheduled on Saturday (Feb. 14).

A true test of speed along the iconic Flemington straight track, this race has been run over approximately the same distance of 1000 metres (five furlongs prior to 1973) since its inception in 1955.

Many great gallopers names appear on the list of past winners, but none greater than Black Caviar

This invincible mare made such an impact, that her name was added to the title of the race before she even won it for a third time in 2013.

The Lightning Stakes became the Black Caviar Lightning.

Competing just twice more, Black Caviar retired having won at all 25 starts.

There is no such thing as a certainty in racing, so it was an amazing feeling watching Black Caviar , evidently knowing the result beforehand.

Key Contenders

Tentyris. Quality colt resuming from a spell. Flemington suits but would prefer over 1200 metres with a run under his belt. Bookmakers are likely to take him on.

Giga Kick . Races best when kept fresh. Returns to the track following two wins from two starts in his previous campaign. These included the Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint here over 1200 metres last time out.

Caballus. Didn’t handle the heavy conditions when well beaten by Giga Kick. Has won since. Can’t be left out of calculations.

Baraqiel. Fair to say he runs his best races at Moonee Valley, where he shows a terrific turn of foot from the home turn. Despite that, he is two from two first-up and two from two over 1000 metres, so must be included given those factors are in play here.

Marhoona . Golden Slipper winning filly who could give some cheek. Capable of being more forward in the run than some of the more favoured runners.

My Gladiola. Grey filly who beat all bar Tentyris in the Coolmore Stud Stakes last November. Trialled well recently just defeating Giga Kick who was equally impressive. Goes well down the straight, so ought to be thereabouts.

Leading trainers

■ Victoria’s leading racehorse trainers have big operations with bases spread across Greater Melbourne and Country Victoria

In some cases, trainers have facilities in more than one location, but with a main stable complex.

The Local Paper/Melbourne Observer services the communities of the current top seven trainers in the state.

Thoroughbreds trained by these horsemen and horsewomen can be backed with confidence, as they are always presented in superb condition.

Cranbourne trainers Ciaron Maher (1st) and Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr (3rd) hold two of the top three positions in the 2025-26 Victoria Trainer Premiership.

Splitting those sitting second and calling Flemington home are Ben, Will and JD Hayes.

Tony and Calvin McEvoy , also based at

Rod Basto

headquarters, fill sixth spot. Mornington has Anthony and Sam Freedman , as well as Matt Laurie in fourth and seventh place respectively.

Another successful partnership is that of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman , who are fifth on the leaderboard and train out of Pakenham

Horses To Follow

■ Educated

■ Exit ■ Fly By Light

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, February 11: Sale

■ Thursday, February 12: Pakenham

■ Friday, February 13: Kilmore, Cranbourne

Saturday, February 14: Flemington, Ballarat, Buchan

Sunday, February 15: Stony Creek

Tuesday, February 17: Werribee

Rod Basto

Latest News Freeway blitz

■ Police caught 64 drink and drug drivers during a major road policing operation on CityLink

Operation Locust , which was conducted over Friday and Saturday night, saw police conducting high-volume alcohol and drug testing on CityLink , targeting impaired drivers.

Police conducted 5208 preliminary breath tests, with 61 caught exceeding the alcohol limit.

The highest drink driving reading detected over the weekend was 0.144.

Officers also detected 3 alleged drug drivers from the 41 drivers tested.

Three people were caught exceeding the speed limit and nine penalty notices were issued for other traffic offences including failing to wear their seat belt.

Officers impounded 14 vehicles and detected and recovered a pair of stolen registration plates from a vehicle.

Victoria Police is warning motorists there is a zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those blatantly disregarding the rules.

The operation was conducted by Fawkner Highway Patrol, with support from Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Transurban It forms part of the ongoing efforts by police who are out in force to drive down road trauma. Victoria Police will continue to conduct several major road policing operations targeting impaired drivers over the coming months. Motorists should expect to be tested – anywhere, anytime.

ELIGIBLE FOR $100,000 BONUS

■ Champion Queensland pacer Leap To Fame came a step closer to collecting a huge payout should he win this Saturday night’s $250,000 (Group 1) Sportsbet A. G. Hunter Cup after a successful victory in last week’s $150,000 (Group 1) Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup over the short trip of 2180 on Saturday February 7 metres making him eligible for a $1,000,000 bonus for winning four of the revampt ‘Summer Of Glory’ bonus qualifying events after taking the Ballarat (2710 metre), Cranbourne (2555 metre) and now Kilmore Cup in recent weeks. To collect the bonus, he MUST win the Hunter Cup.

Starting solo on the second line, trainer/ driver Grant Dixon quickly had Leap To Fame away from the markers to be three back in the moving line as War Dan Buddy one of three Emma Stewart stablemates showed brilliant speed from gate five to cross Republican Party (gate two) which momentarily led out.

When Republican Party angled away from the inside at the post on the first occasion checking Oliver Dan (gate three) slightly and Miki To Success (gate four) to a lesser extent, Grant Dixon was well aware what was happening taking Leap To Fame four wide to avoid any trouble and pressing on to challenge Republican Party for the front running which had taken over in the back straight which he succeeded in doing so prior to the bell, with Miki To Success now racing exposed.

To the cheers of the large crowd in attendance, Leap To Fame had the race in his possession baring accidents and led for the remainder of the journey to record an unextended 3 metre margin in advance of Republican Party along the sprint lane which safely held second. War Dan Buddy (three pegs) was third a metre away after also using the sprint lane.

In quarters of 29.3, 31.4, 27.8 and 27.1 after a lead time of 40.5 seconds, Leap To Fame returned a mile rate of 1.55.2, one second outside the 1-54.2 set by Outlaw Man in 2023 in a none feature event.

It’s no secret that Leap To Fame has given owners Kevin and Kay Seymour many great and exciting moments in the sport and they will (hopefully) be present at Melton Entertainment Park next Saturday for one of the biggest pay days ever.

False start

■ Supplementing the program was the $75,000 (Group 2) MC Labour Kilmore Trotters Cup over 2180 metres taken out by Ecklin South co-trainers Marg & Paddy Lee’s 5Y0 Majestic Son-Shesasundom mare Jilliby Ballerini driven by Jason Lee who gave her backers a scare after breaking in the score up causing a false start.

Three were no such worries at the second attempt when Jilliby Ballerini starting from the pole led throughout to account for stablemate Jilliby Dreamlover (gate three) which trailed by 5 metres with rank outsider El Resamo (mid-field from gate two second line) third 3.5 metres back.

Rated to perfection in quarters of 30.5, 30.6, 28.2 and 29.3 after a lead time of 41.5 seconds, Jilliby Ballerini returned a track record mile rate of 1-57.8, one second inside Aldebaron Tess’ 1-58.8.

Jilliby Ballerini is the second string to the stable’s brilliant mare Keayang Zahara who is poised to take out a $500,000 bonus should she be successful in winning next week’s $250,000 Great Southern Star when heats will be held earlier in the night.

Never underestimate

■ One should never under estimate a champion and two of the stars of harness racing were shining bright at Cranbourne on Saturday (January 31) with champion 7Y0 Bettors Delight-Lettucereason entire Leap To Fame trained and driven by Queenslander Grant Dixon scoring an outstanding victory in the $150,000 Decron Cranbourne Pacing Cup and 5Y0 VolsteadKeayang Yankee mare Keayang Zahara (Marg & Paddy Lee – Jason Lee) coasting to the wire in the $75,000 Ladbrokes Trotters Cup, both races carrying Group 1 status.

There are not enough accolades to describe Leap To Fame’s performance to outstay his rivals after racing exposed from gate four as the well supported Shepparton

Gold Cup victor Kingman (Luke McCarthy) led from the pole.

Kicking clear at the straight entrance, Kingman looked ‘home and hosed’ however Leap To Fame showing his outstanding fighting spirit rallied in the final stages to record a neck margin over Kingman, with local hope Bulletproof Boy 4.5 metres away third after trailing the runner up and easing off the markers in the straight.

In quarters of 28.2, 30.3, 26.3 and 28.2 after a lead time of 69.7 seconds Leap To Fame returned a 1-55.1 mile rate, five tenths of a second off his 2024 success in the same race.

Raced by Millionaire Queensland developer Kevin Seymour and wife Kay, Leap To Fame bred by Redbank Lodge Standardbreds chalked up his 63rd victory in 81 outings which include 16 placings and in excess of five and a half million dollars in stakes being the richest horse ever to race in the Southern Hemisphere.

Keayang Zahara (gate four) raced by the family’s Levarg Racing Group made it 23 from 24 with an effortless 9.3 metres victory in advance of Rockinwithattitude (gate two) which led out before taking a trail running into the first turn and safely holding that spot. Im Bobby (gate five) four pegs – death seating last lap was third 12.6 metres back.

In quarters of 30.9, 31.5, 28 and 27.8 following a lead time of 34.5 seconds, Keayang Zahara recorded a 1-58.2 mile rate, four tenths of a second outside stablemate Jilliby Ballerini’s record of 1-57.8 set last year.

Based on course

■ The week’s racing commenced at Charlton on Monday February 2 and revitalised 8Y0 Hes Watching-Desiring Bella gelding Lester now based on course at the training centre by Tori Hutchins and Luke Dunne was victorious in the GMG Financial Group Pace over 2100 metres.

Driven by Luke, Lester settled mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second line as The Democrat led from gate four.

Gaining a beaut three wide trail home when Line Up Jacquie ahead of him eased three wide in the back straight on the final occasion, Lester after angling four wide on the final bend ran home best to prevail by 1.1 metres over Line Up Jacquie, with Optical after following the winner home third 5.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.2.

Shane Sanderson’s Murchison North Willowood Farm provided two winners on the program with son Ryan doing the driving.

Three year old Americal Ideal-Intrusive colt Dallascowboy taking the Vale Greg Norman Vicbred Voucher Maiden Pace on debut and Poster Boy-Single Tree Road filly Secrets Kept the Community Bank Charlton and District Charlton Cup Day March 15th Pace with both races over the 1609 metre journey.

Dallascowboy (gate two) enjoyed a one/ one passage on the back of Major Roy (gate six) which had gone forward to race exposed with Tryx Vixen (gate two) leading. Easing three wide into the final bend, Dallas Cowboy quickly put pay to the leader on turning to record an impressive untouched 3-5 metre victory over Tryx Vixen, with Major Roy holding third 13.9 metres back after galloping on the home turn. The mile rate 1-57.9.

Derrinal’s Glenn Bull trained and reined 6Y0 Gotta Go Cullect-Destiny Choice mare Fake Cullection to land the 1609 metre Become A Charlton Member Today Pace giving him his 200th winner.

Beginning fast from gate six to cross the leader El Awoman (gate three), Fake Cullection just lasted by a neck from 13Y0 gelding Salsboy (one/one from gate two second line) with El Awoman third 2.2 metres back third. The mile rate 1-59.2.

Shepparton

■ Shepparton raced on Tuesday with a six event card – the most impressive winner of the night being ex Bathurst 5Y0 American Ideal-Kept In Play gelding Reno Ace for Tatura duo Craig Turnbull and daughter Abbey. First up since April last year and first up in Victoria, Reno Ace despite racing fierce led from the pole with Narrandera visitor Mister Seaside trailing from inside the second line, the rest of the field 60 metres away.

With Abbey not perturbed at any stage, Reno Ace reached the wire 3.6 metres clear of Mister Seaside which tried hard in a 155.8 mile rate. Stylistik one/two from gate four was third 47.3 metres back.

Ardmona trainer/driver Donna Castles’ 5Y0 For A Reason-Ceee Goddess mare With In Reason was victorious in the Eddie Tappe Pace over 2190 metres. Settling four back in the running line from the extreme draw after Flip A Coin (gate two) crossed polemarker Hezaflashone.

Going forward three wide mid race to join the pacemaker, giving Madam Reactor (gate five) one/one cover. Dashing away on straightening, With In Reason scored easily by 6.8 metres from Karuma Kev (three wide last lap from tail), with polemarker Hezaflashone 2.9 metres away third after using the sprint lane. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Kyabram trainer Mark Watson snared the Courtney Laker 2190 metre 3Y0 Maiden Pace with the heavily supported Bettors Wish-Capoeira filly Like No Other on debut Using the services of Ellen Torney, Like No Other (gate two) was beaten for speed by Mighty Minnie (gate four) which showed an abundance of speed to lead before Like No Other was able to cross her quite easily.

Rated a treat, Like No Other defied all challengers, accounting for Bill which raced uncovered from a solo second line draw before dropping to the back of the winner in the last lap and using the sprint lane to go down narrowly by a nose. Glengange Miss (gate three ) one/one –outside the winner home turn was third 12.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-00.9.

Double day

■ Wednesday was double day with Maryborough racing in the afternoon and Mildura at night. At Maryborough, Ballan part-owner/trainer /driver Shane Taylor scored a well deserved victory with 5Y0 Lawman-Star In Sight mare Magic Law in the Redpath Tyreand Battery Service Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Going forward from gate six at the start to head off Charlie Walker (gate five), Magic Law was given an easy time, giving plenty on turning to defeat Charlie Walker along the sprint lane by a neck in a 2-00.7 mile rate. Montana Muscle (one/one from gate four) ran her usual honest race for third 2.1 metres away.

Percydale owner/trainer John Hurrell has 8Y0 Dejarmbro-Skye Rocket gelding Off Your Faceski airborne since joining the stable, chalking up his fifth win in succession by taking the Bartlett Manufacturing Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres. Driven by regular reinswoman Ewa Justice, Off Your Faceski was trapped four and five wide from outside the front line as the start was effected as Jackofalltrades led before galloping and allowing polemarker Night Flight to stride clear after trailing. Given full rein approaching the first turn, Off Your Faceski had little trouble crossing to lead and was never headed, recording a half neck margin of Mielicki (one/three from gate five) which flashed late. Courages Law (one/two from the extreme draw) was third 2.7 metres away after having every chance. The mile rate 1-59.2.

At Mildura, Woorinen trainer David Wills’ 9Y0 Somebeachsomwhere-Lombo Sleek

This Week

■ Wednesday – Maryborough/Mildura, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Terang, Saturday – Melton (A.G. Hunter Cup), Monday – Charlton, Tuesday –Shepparton.

Streak gelding Santa Casa Beach chalked up his 12th victory in 38 outings when victorious in the Eddie Cotching Service To Mildura Trots Award Pace over 2190 metres.

With Connor Clarke in the sulky, Santa Casa Beach three wide from gate five crossed to lead and in a thrilling finish, lasted by a neck margin from Jaxon Beach (one/one from the extreme draw – three wide home turn), with Hot Deal (one/two from inside the second line – three wide last lap) switching back to trail the winner on turning a nose away third after being held up. The pole line favourite Tough Aint Enough (three pegs – outside leader) seemed to jump in the air as the start was effected losing all chance. The mile rate 157.1.

Merbein part-owner/trainer Danny Weinert snared the Jill McGinty Service To Mildura Trots Award Maiden Pace over 2190 metres with 3Y0 Ultimate SniperSassy Indiana gelding Bazzas Legacy in a 2-00.7 mile rate.

In what was the ‘drive of the night’ by South Australian Cory Johnson, Bazzas Legacy bred locally by Barry and Lorraine Bottams was eased from gate three at the start to possie one/one as The Ninja inside him led.

Shuffled back mid-race when Alby Ashwood sent the favourite Red Robber (gate four) with a rush from the rear to join the pacemaker, Bazzas Legacy was inconvenienced when Itsallgee (one/one) dropped out sharply taking him back to the tail.

Switching to the inside hitting the back straight on the final occasion, Bazzaz Legacy never went round a runner obtaining inside runs to hit the front on turning and score by 8 metres from Brieisbetter which had eased off The Ninja’s back approaching the final bend. The Ninja held third a half head back.

Ballarat

■ Ballarat raced on Thursday and Heathcote reinsman Sean O’Sullivan back from a whirlwind trip to Paris was in the winners circle after steering Melton trainer Danny Mullen’s 9Y0 Terror To Love gelding Hittheroadjack to victory in the 2200 metre Harwood Grains Pace.

Going forward from outside the front line to cross Just As Well (gate two) entering the back straight on the first occasion, Hittheroadjack was allowed to bowl along at his leisure travelling strongly and defied all challengers to defeat Just As Well which had every chance to run him down, scoring by 3.8 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.8.

The Steel Dragon after being restrained to the rear from gate six, held third 2.9 metres back after circling the field to race parked from the bell.

Daylesford duo Mick Barby (trainer) and wife Anne-Maree Conroy were successful in the ballarattrottingclub.com.au Pace over 2200 metres with honest 5Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Peaceful Dreams gelding Where Is Woody. Settling four pegs from inside the second line as polemarker Imagination Oro led before being crossed by Im Wesley, Im Woody was eased into the clear on the final bend and finished full of running to record a 1.2 metre margin in a mile rate of 1-58.1 from Im Wesley and Imagination Oro who was 2.1 metres away third.

■ Bendigo raced on Friday and Moama trainer Mal Whiteford landed his first winner since 2023. Len Baker

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Form 2

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

The application reference number is: P25/1533

The Land affected by the application is located at: 5 THE HEADS MOUNT MARTHA LOT 337 PS 401619 VOL 10673 FOL 591

The application is for a permit to: DEVELOPMENT OF A DOUBLE STOREY DWELLING AND VARIATION OF COVENANT AC677651P ON LOT 337 ON PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 401619S, VOLUME 10673 FOLIO 591 BY AMENDING RESTRICTIONS 1, 5, 6, 8 AND 16 AS FOLLOWS (UNDERLINED = ADDITIONAL WORDING TO BE ADDED; STRIKETHROUGH = DELETION OF WORDS):

1. ERECT OR BUILD OR SUFFER TO BE ERECTED OR BUILT ON ANY LOT OR ANY PART OR PARTS THEREOF MORE THAN ONE PRIVATE DWELLING (TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED OUTBUILDINGS) UNLESS COPIES OF BUILDING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS SHOWING ELEVATION, SITING, SET BACKS, COLOURS, MATERIALS, LANDSCAPING DESIGN, AND FENCING HAVE FIRST BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSFEROR OR TO THE HEADLAND WATERS REVIEW PANEL AND THE TRANSFEROR OR THE HEADLAND WATERS REVIEW PANEL HAVE GIVEN THEIR APPROVAL TO THE PLANS PRIOR TO THE ISSUE OF BUILDING PERMITS. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SINGLE DWELLING AND ASSOCIATED WORKS DETAILED IN THE ENDORSED PLAN OF PLANNING PERMIT P25/1533.

5. ALLOW ANY DWELLING OR OTHER BUILDING TO BE BUILT OUTSIDE THE NOMINATED BUILDING ENVELOPE, UNLESS IT IS A BELOW GROUND STRUCTURE. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DWELLING AND ASSOCIATED WORKS DETAILED IN THE ENDORSED PLAN OF PLANNING PERMIT P25/1533.

6. CONSTRUCT OR ERECT A DWELLING OR OTHER TYPE OF BUILDING, UNLESS IT IS WITHIN THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL BUILDING ENVELOPE ON TITLE, AS DESCRIBED IN ATTACHMENT “A” TO BE TRANSFERRED WITH TITLE. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DWELLING AND ASSOCIATED WORKS DETAILED IN THE ENDORSED PLAN OF PLANNING PERMIT P25/1533.

8. ALLOW THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF ANY STRUCTURE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT CONTROL AS DETAILED IN THE THREE DIMENSIONAL BUILDING ENVELOPE ON TITLE. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE DWELLING AND ASSOCIATED WORKS DETAILED IN THE ENDORSED PLAN OF PLANNING PERMIT P25/1533.

16. PERMIT ANY SWIMMING POOL, OUTDOOR SPA OR WADING POOL TO BE CONSTRUCTED WHERE IT WOULD BE VISIBLE FROM A ROAD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SWIMMING POOL LOCATION NOTED IN THE ENDORSED PLAN OF PLANNING PERMIT P25/1533 AND IS NOT SEPARATELY FENCED RESTRICTING MINORS.

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSEMATTERS FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

CLAUSE 52.02

CLAUSE 43.02-2 (DDO 3)

VARY A RESTRICTION

CONSTRUCT A BUILDING OR CONSTRUCT OR CARRY OUT WORKS (DWELLING)

The applicant for the permit is: TIMBERDALE PTY LTD

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

PUBLIC NOTICES

Packaged liquor licence application

Midas Food Industry Pty Ltd (Trade name: Fresh Central Fruits) applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 6 January 2026 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at 209 High Street, Ashburton VIC 3147. Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that: it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated; and/or it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection.

All objections are treated as public documents.

Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria GPO Box 4356 Melbourne VIC 3001

Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice.

Advertise in The Local Paper Classifieds

It Buy It Sell It Swap It Rent It

Buying and selling, promoting a business, advertising a job vacancy, or publishing a Public Notice, you can do it all in The Local Paper Classifieds

You can reach people in every Melbourne suburb, across the Mornington Peninsula, and in selected Victorian country areas. In print AND online.

It’s economical too. Line ads start at just $20 for 20 words, then $1 per word. Or create impact with a display ad. Speak with an Ad-visor by phoning 9489 2222.

We Luca & Amy Pty Ltd applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 13/08/2025 for the variation of a packaged liquor licence for Foodworks Wantirna South-Knoxgate of 1324 High St Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152 to vary the trading hours to:

• Sunday Between 10am and 11pm

• Anzac Day Between 12 noon and 11pm

• On any other day Between 9am and 11pm

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:

• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or

• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection.

All objections are treated as public documents.

Objections must be made in writing to:

Liquor Control Victoria GPO Box 4356, Melbourne VIC 3001

Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice.

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON THE EXISTING MONOPOLE AT MICKLEHAM VIC 3064

1. Telstra is proposing to install a mobile phone base station on the existing 40m Monopole at 2238 MICKLEHAM ROAD, MICKLEHAM, VIC 3064

2. In summary, this upgrade will comprise of:

• Installing (9) 4G/5G Panel Antennas on a new headframe on the monopole

• Installing ancillary equipment

• There will be no increase in height to the facility

3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, PO BOX 586, Elsternwick VIC 3185, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au. We will accept submissions until 5pm on Thursday 19th of February 2026.

4. For more information, please visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3064026

Telstra Limited A.C.N 086 174 781 Acquirecomm Pty Ltd A.C.N: 603 876 240

Local government in Victoria has been in operation for over 180 years, with its foundations dating back to the early 1840s.

From the very start, the best local Councils have used local press to keep residents informed about their activities.

Public notices, employment ads, pages with news of Council activities.

Does your local Council publish ads in The Local Paper? Does your local Council practice what it preaches about transparency and clarity?

Does your local Council advertise locally? Does it hide its ads in the daily newspapers - at unnecessary expense?

Smart Councils use The Local Paper to best serve local people.

Shooting at Cobden

■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following a shooting in Cobden.

The 26-year-old was arrested with the assistance of the Special Operations Group outside an address in Terang Detectives seized ammunition and a taser following the execution of a warrant and subsequent search of the Swanston St property.

The Cobden man has been charged with intentionally and recklessly cause injury, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, use firearm contrary to firearm prohibition order, prohibited person possess firearm, possess ammunition and prohibited weapon, commit indicatable offence whilst on bail and drive whilst disqualified.

He was remanded to appear at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on May 15.

The charges follow an investigation into an incident on Tuesday, January 20, where a woman was found injured at a Mitchell St home in Cobden about 6pm.

The 33-year-old woman was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot injury.

Those involved are known to one another, Police said.

Blitz on Peninsula

■ Police on the Mornington Peninsula have fined 94 jet ski riders and boaties during a dedicated operation over the past two months.

Officers on boats, jet skis and at the controls of drones identified riders engaging in acts such as operating too close to shore, speeding in restricted zones close to swimmers, and riding unlicensed or unsupervised.

Some 17 fines were issued for operating a vessel exceeding 5knots within 200m of the water’s edge, while one was caught too close to a structure in inland waters.

Three people were fined for speeding within 50 metres of swimmers.

Among those caught were:

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT UPPER PLENTY

1. Telstra is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station tower at 1480 Wallan-Whittlesea Road, Upper Plenty VIC 3756.

2. The proposed upgrade will consist of the removal of (3) three existing panel antennas with the installation of (6) six new 4G/5G panel antennas (2533 x 350 x 208mm) 30m above ground level. This upgrade also includes the Installation of associated auxiliary

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 18 February 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3756001

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369 870 Telstra Ltd A.C.N. 086 174 781

$400,000 robbery

■ Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after more than $400,000 of paintings and jewellery were stolen from a woman’s home in Kew.

The victim’s brother attended the property on December 28 and noticed the front door off its hinges and a number of items missing. It is believed unknown offender/s attended the Stevenson St property several times and stolen paintings, jewellery and other property worth in excess of $400,000.

The items are believed to have been stolen between December 24, 2024, and December 28, 2025 while the victim was away from the residence for an extended period.

Items stolen include:

■ a John Percivil ‘Sunflowers’ painting worth more than $75,000

■ three Criss Canning paintings worth between $30,000 and $50,000 each

■ two antique Chinese paintings worth more than $10,000 each

■ a pearl strand worth more than $50,000

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area or recognises any of the items stolen to come forward.

‘P’ driver blows .213

■ A P2 probationary licenced driver has lost his licence and had his car impounded after blowing more than four times the legal limit in Maddingley on Friday, January 23.

Police were called to reports of a silver MG hatch driving erratically on the Western Fwy in Melton South about 9.40pm. Officers intercepted the vehicle a short time later and spoke with the driver on Stonehill Drive in Maddingley.

The 23-year-old driver returned a positive preliminary breath test and was taken to a police station where he returned an alleged evidentiary reading of .213.

■ A 23-year-old man from Jacana was allegedly caught speeding on a jet ski too close to swimmers, whilst unlicensed. He was issued an infringement notice for operating a vessel without a marine licence, operating a vessel at a speed exceeding 5 knots within 50 metres of a person, and operating a vessel without compulsory safety equipment. He was fined $1679.

■ A 16-year-old boy from the northern suburbs was intercepted by police after alleged dangerous behaviour on a jet ski at Safety Beach. Checks revealed the boy was operating a hired vessel and allegedly failed to provide police with information on the owner of the jet ski. He was fined $1113 for exceeding 5 knots within 50 metres of a person and 200m of the shore.

These riders are among almost 90 fined, with other issues identified including not carrying the correct safety equipment and being onboard the watercraft while being towed on land.

The man’s licence was immediately suspended for a period of 12 months and he is expected to be charged on summons with several traffic offences.

His vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at a cost $1175.

The impound forms part of Operation Amity , a statewide road policing operation.

Athlone fatality

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash at Athlone on the afternoon of Australia Day (Mon., Jan. 26). A vehicle was travelling along Invermay Rd when it struck a tree about 5.20pm.

The female driver, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. Officers will prepare a report for the coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au