The Local Paper. Northern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Aug. 27, 2025
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■ Darebin Council’s application for an interim and permanent heritage overlay for the Furlan Club has been refused by State Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.
“While the Department recognised the importance of the Furlan Club to the community, the reasons cite uncertainties over the continuation of the Club’s activities on the land and the impact of the 2024 building fire on its heritage significance,” said a statement by a Darebin Council representative.
“The demolition application for the Furlan Club is now able to move forward, as Council no longer has grounds to withhold approval.
“Council recognises the long history of the Furlan Club and the cultural significance it has for many in our community,” the City of Darebin statement said.
Founded in 1957, The Furlan Club was a meeting place for families and friends, and was located at 1 Matisi St, Thornbury
In February last year, a devasting fire damaged the club premises.
A petition was coillectded by Furlan supporters that called on Darebin Council to enforce a heritage overlay.
■ The State Government’s fixed site pill testing service at Fitzroy has openecd its doors.
Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt last week announced the Victorian Pill Testing Service was to begin operating from its new home at 95 Brunswick St , Fitzroy on Thursday (Aug. 21).
It offers ree, confidential, and non-judgmental harm reduction advice from health professionals.
The fixed site will operate three days a week – Thursdays (12 Noon–4pm), Fridays (3pm–7pm) and Saturdays (1pm–7pm).
The site is located in the heart of one of Melbourne’s busiest nightlife hubs, the service is close to public transport, community health and social services.
“Like the mobile service, the fixed site will reduce drug harm and save lives by testing most pills, capsules, powders, crystals and liquids, while detecting highly dangerous synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and Nitazenes,” said a Government representative.
These substances are increasingly present in the drug market and can cause overdose and death.
The service will continue to be delivered by the consortium of Youth Support and Advocacy Service, The Loop Australia and Harm Reduction Victoria , with support from Melbourne Health, Youth Projects and Metabolomics Australia (University of Melbourne).
“The evidence is clear – pill testing works and that’s why we’ve delivered both a fixed site and mobile services to reach as many Victorians as possible,” said Ms Stitt.
“With Victoria’s first fixed pill testing service now open, we’re giving people more opportunities to have honest, health-focused conversations and get the information they need to make safer choices.”
Ingrid Stitt, State Minister
● ● ● ● Furlan Club, Thornbury.
16 Days of Activism
■ Nillumbik Council is once again supporting the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, with community grants of up to $750 available for local projects focused on promoting gender equality and respectful relationships.
The campaign runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, the International Human Rights Day, and aims to address the drivers of gender-based violence through awareness, education and community action.
Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said Council encourages Nillumbik-based community groups, organisations and individuals to apply and deliver projects that tackle the underlying social conditions that lead to violence.
“These grants can support a wide range of initiatives,” Cr Dumaresq said, “including community programs, events, arts and cultural activities, public space activation, Indigenous cultural activities, and the development of resources or virtual events.” Projects must align with relevant cause days such as:
■ 16 Days of Activism (Nov. 25 – Dec. 10, 2025)
■ International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Feb. 11, 2026)
■ International Women’s Day (Mar. 8, 2026) Projects must be delivered within the 2025–26 financial year.
Applications close September 7.
Thanks Darebin Council, Labor
ROBBERIES: 5 TEENS CHARGED Local News
■ Mill Park Divisional Response Unit officers have charged five teenagers following a series of alleged armed robberies across metropolitan Melbourne
The alleged linked incidents include:
■ Five males, allegedly armed with machetes, entered a supermarket on Golden Banksia Drive in Officer and stole cash and cigarettes about 12.20pm. They fled in a silver Subaru Forester.
■ The group entered a supermarket on the corner of Pink Bill and Timbertop Boulevards in Officer, where they allegedly threatened a staff member, then stole cigarettes and cash about 12.30pm.
■ A group of teens allegedly threatened staff at a supermarket on Gilbert Rd in Preston about 1.25pm. They left empty handed.
■ The teenagers allegedly entered another supermarket on McDonalds Rd in Epping and threatened staff about 1.50pm. Nothing was stolen.
■ Officers spotted the Subaru Forester, used in the alleged offending, on Edgars Rd in Wollert a short time later.
The car was pursued by police through multiple suburbs including Epping, Thomastown, Rosanna and Heidelberg
The Subaru collided with two vehicles at the intersection of Manningham and Bulleen Rds in Bulleen
There were no physical injuries during the incidents.
The five occupants allegedly fled on foot and were all arrested nearby.
A 16-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).
A 17-year-old boy from the Casey area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3), attempted armed robbery (x2), negligent driving while pursued by Police and unlicenced driving.
A 16-year-old from the Cardinia area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).
A 16-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).
They were remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
A 14-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).
He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.
The Subaru was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wheelers Hill on August 7.
Can student be fined for littering?
■ A question about littering has found all its way from Reservoir Views Primary School to State Parliament Addie, a student at Reservoir Views Primary School, raised the query through Preston MLA Nathan Lambert.
“Our question is: can a Grade 3 or a Grade 4 student be fined for littering?” Mr Lambert told the Legislative Assembly.
“Addie asked this question during a fantastic discussion with the Grade 3s and the Grade 4s about social and environmental responsibility.
“I would like to commend Grade 3/4 teachers Connie Amoruso and Chay Baker for organising that discussion and recognise the very thoughtful and engaged way that all the students approached both state and local issues.
“While I am here, I also commend Hayriye Ali and Steve Stafford , the great leaders of Reservoir Views Primary School.
“I took this particular question on notice because, as the AttorneyGeneral knows, we have made some recent changes to the arrangements for fines for children.
“We would be grateful if the Attorney could clarify whether the EPA or local councils could issue a littering fine to a child of that age and how such a fine would be enforced under the relevant acts,” Mr Lambert asked.
Connection Group
■ A not-for-profit organization called Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities is runing a Social Connection Support Group for the local City of Banyule community.
There are fortnightly sessions on a Wednesday and the sessions are held at Greenhills Neighbourhood House between 10am-1pm.
Kerry Maher-Musarra, Capacity Building Team Leader at ADEC, says: “The sessions are to support community feeling isolated or disconnected from their community, where they can engage in meaningful activities.
“We have guest presenters come out and talk about local supports for families, carers and children and have a pathway of referral for In-home services, community health services, meal services and linkage to additional supports that may be identified, pending eligibility.
“The social group is open to all men and women between the ages of 18 years and 65 years. We do art activities, play games, enjoy a snack together and more. Its completely free for community to attend.”
Phone 0490 059 026.
■ Fitzroy residents and their four legged friends can now enjoy freshly completed upgrades to the popular Smith Reserve offleash park. The park now features an improved fenced dog off-leash area, along with new picnic tables, shelter, paths and lighting. Located next to the iconic Fitzroy Pool, Smith Reserve was Fitzroy’s most visited open space, based on feedback by Fitzroy residents and consultation on park design which revealed that fencing for dog off-lead use and better path access were high priorities for the local community. City of Yarra was awarded $300,000 to deliver the Smith Reserve Dog Park Upgrade through the State Government’s $13.4 million New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program
Claire Hooper will be the special guest at the Banyule Best Biz Awards to be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 7 at the Streeton Room of The Centre Ivanhoe, 276 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe.
● ● ● ● Cr John Dumaresq, Mayor
Pith and Point
●
● Nathan Lambert MLA
127 more charges
■ Detectives from Mernda Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team have laid 127 further charges following the alleged discovery of an illegal recording device at Melbourne hospitals.
Police laid the additional charges against the 27-year-old man on Wednesday (Aug. 20).
They relate to alleged offending at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
The charges relate to stalking, produce intimate image and install optical surveillance device.
The Croydon man was to appear at the Supreme Court
The 127 charges are in addition to six charges laid last month relating to alleged offending initially identified at the Austin Hospital
It is alleged a mobile phone was used as a recording device in staff toilets at all three hospitals named so far.
The investigation is continuing with further medical facilities where the man worked between 2020 and 2025 still of interest.
Police expect to identify further alleged victims however working through this process is expected to take some time.
PRAHRAN
3 charged
■ Three more men have been arrested following an alleged affray outside a nightclub in Prahran earlier this month.
A 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a group of males outside the venue at the intersection of Little Chapel St and Malvern Rd, just after 11pm on Friday, August 8.
Security guards intervened and assisted the victim inside the nightclub, where he was allegedly further assaulted by the group before they fled along Malvern Road.
The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Police arrested a 28-year-old Narre Warren man on Flinders Lane
Statewide
HILLSIDE
000 calls about fire
■ Fire Rescue Victoria alongside Country Fire Authority crews responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls for a house fire on Bedingham Drive, Hillside , shortly after 11pm on Thursday (Aug. 21).
Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a residential garage well alight, with the fire quickly spreading to the attached single storey house and escalated their response.
Crews got to work quickly using multiple hose lines with an external attack due to the intensity of the fire.
Ambulance Victoria were requested to attend for two occupants of the home who had evacuated but were suffering from smoke inhalation.
The fire was declared ‘Under Control’ at 11.46pm, 25 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.
The house has sustained significant damage in the fire.
A local council building surveyor wass to attend the scene to assess the safety of the structure.
Cause of the fire was to be determined but will be investigated by FRV State Fire Investigation Unit
Firefighters remained on scene overnight overhauling the scene.
COBRAM
Murder alleged
■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following the death of a woman in Cobram on Tuesday (Aug. 19).
A 45-year-old Dandenong man was charged with murder, and was to face Shepparton Magistrates’ Court.
The charge follows an incident in Cobram on Tuesday here a 32-year-old Cobram woman was killed.
Emergency services were initially called to a Christie St address about 5am and located the woman.
Two young children inside the address were not physically injured during the incident.
SHOTS FIRED AT GLENROY, RAID AT EAST KEILOR
■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged two men following an incident where shots were fired in Glenroy in the early hours of Wednesday morning, August 20.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group, a 42-year-old Roxburgh Park man was arrested at a Keilor East residential property.
A 43-year-old Keilor East man also present at the property was taken into custody.
Both were interviewed by investigators, and the 42-yearold man has since been charged with:
■ discharge firearm at vehicle
■ reckless conduct endanger life
■ common law assault
■ (2) prohibited person possess firearm
■ possess firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order
■ use firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order
■ drive at a speed dangerous
■ (x2) drive whilst disqualified
■ possess methyl amphetamine
■ possess firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order
■ possess ammunition
A second search warrant was executed at a Hadfield address, where a 31-year-old man was arrested with the assistance of the Dog Squad. The Hadfield man has since been charged with a number of offences.
Statewide
$700,000 THEFT SYNDICATE DISMANTLED BY POLICE
■ Police have busted an alleged syndicate responsible for dozens of commercial burglaries across Melbourne , stealing up to $700,000 worth of items.
The syndicate has allegedly committed 19 burglaries since July 29, targeting electronic stores across Melbourne
It is alleged the group has been using stolen cars and trucks concealed with cloned numberplates to load up stolen items.
Two offenders were arrested on Wednesday evening after they allegedly stole a Toyota RAV4 from a Mont Albert address in the early hours of the morning using a key reprogramming device.
The vehicle was then allegedly used to steal items from an electronic store on Maroondah Hwy in Chirnside Park
The RAV4 was later tracked to a Bundoora address, when the driver allegedly collided with an unmarked police vehicle before being arrested.
Another man inside the property was also arrested.
Searches of the vehicle uncovered approximately 80 items believed to be allegedly stolen from the electronic store earlier that day, as well as $5000 in cash.
A 36-year-old Whittlesea man was charged with twelve counts of burglary, three counts of attempted burglary, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, deal with proceeds in
Ring Road episode
■ Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 20, a 29-year-old Fawkner man was travelling westbound on the Western Ring Road entrance ramp in a white Lexus, when it will be alleged the driver of a white Honda CRV stopped the vehicle in front of him.
A second vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, then pulled up behind him on the right. The driver of the first vehicle exited the car, before approaching the victim’s vehicle.
The man accelerated, and he continued driving westbound on the Western Ring Road
Shortly after, the two vehicles caught up to the man, before firing a number of shots in the direction of his vehicle.
A number of bullets struck the car, but the man was not physically injured during the incident.
The two offending vehicles then allegedly fled the scene, travelling southbound on the Tullamarine Freeway
The victim continued northbound on the Tullamarine Freeway before stopping at a petrol station, where he called Triple-Zero.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Across Victoria
RIPPONLEA
Temple attack
■ The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has charged a second man over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in December.
The Meadow Heights man, 20, has been charged with criminal damage by fire (Arson), conduct endangering life and theft of motor vehicle.
The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while the offence of theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Meadow Heights man was charged by investigators, after executing a search warrant at a Meadow Heights home on Thursday (Aug. 14). Police seized a number of items, including electronic devices, which are undergoing forensic examination. He remains remanded in custody and is expected to appear on August 27.
crime, false imprisonment, threat to inflict serious injury, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, aggravated intentional exposure of a police officer to risk by driving a stolen car, damage to emergency service vehicle by reckless driving.
A 32-year-old Bundoora man was charged with seven counts of burglary, three counts of attempted burglary, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, possess methyl amphetamine, possess cocaine, possess prescription drugs and possess explosive substances.
The 36-year-old Whittlesea man was remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
The 32-year-old Bundoora man was remanded over
night before being bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
Detectives are continuing to investigate.
North West Metro Regional Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Haydn Beale said: “Organised criminal syndicates are purely profit driven, with no regard for the frustration or cost they cause to their victims.
“We have a specialised team of detectives who are working hard day and night to hold these offenders to account.
“These arrests are a timely reminder for organised syndicates that while you might get away with large thefts in the moment, it won’t be long until police are knocking on your door.”
■ Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives are continuing to appeal for public assistance following two robberies in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Investigators have been told a 26-yearold woman from East Melbourne was walking through Birrarung Marr about 10pm on October 2 last year.
Two women approached the victim from behind who threw her to the ground.
She was assaulted and her bag, which contained credit cards and cash, was stolen.
The two offenders left the area and investigators believe they caught a train to Auburn Railway Station
A 35-year-old Hawthorn woman exited the train and was followed by the same pair to Queens Avenue, Hawthorn. They grabbed her from behind and assaulted her before stealing the victim’s phone.
The pair then left the area and returned to the train station where they boarded an outbound train.
Investigators have images and CCTV of two women they believe may be able to assist with their enquire.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
MELBOURNE, HAWTHORN
● ● Image released by Police.
LAW CHANGES FOR GRAND PRIX
Steve Dimopoulos, Minister
■ State Minister Steve Dimopoulos has proposed legislation changes regarding theAustralian Grands Prix.
“The bill proposes to extend the race period for up to 21 days, with options for public and tenant access to Albert Park during this time.
“The current provisions are that the race gets established and the infrastructure gets established over 17 weeks.
“Within that 17 weeks there is a sevenday period which is for the exclusive use of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation
“This bill seeks to increase the period of that exclusivity for up to 21 days but also give the AGPC the authority to designate public access areas, which is a way to balance public access use both by the tenant sporting clubs and the businesses there but also by casual users of the park, because there are over seven million users of that park. It is a good fix for that.”
What’s On
Cop shop arson
■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a suspicious fire at Portarlington Police Station
It is understood unknown offenders poured an accelerant on the front entrance of the station on Newcombe St sometime between 4pm on Thursday (Aug. 21) and 8am on Friday (Aug. 22).
No one was inside the station at the time, and the offenders did not gain entry.
The fire self-extinguished overnight, and the damage was located by officers arriving to start their shifts.
The outside of the station, as well as the inside of the foyer sustained minor damage.
An arson chemist was to attend the scene, and a crime scene remained in place. The investigation remains ongoing.
Carjacking bid
■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a carjacking in Norlane
It is understood a group of unknown offenders approached a silver Hyundai Elantra which was parked in Seagull Park about 10.15pm.
Police were told one of the offenders smashed the car window with a baseball bat, before the group dragged the male driver out of the vehicle and assaulted him. They stole the Hyundai and fled the scene.
The 24-year-old Norlane man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
The Hyundai Elantra, with the registration 2CR9OK, also remained outstanding. Detectives are working to understand the circumstances of the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.
$7M ORGANISED CRIME OPERATION BUSTED
■ Two men have been arrested and over $7.2M worth of illicit tobacco, high end watches and cash have been seized as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.
Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad and Taskforce Lunar, with support from the Australian Border Force , executed warrants last Thursday (Aug. 21) at two residential premises in Dallas and a business address in Epping
A 40-year-old Dallas man was arrested and was expected to be charged on summons with possession of commercial quantity illicit tobacco and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Police seized over $1.9M worth of illicit tobacco – including over 475,400 cigarettes and 624kgs of loose leaf tobacco – approximately $80,000 cash, six high-end watches worth over $119,000 and a range of electronic devices.
The watches included a Breitling, Franck Mueller and four Rolex
The investigation by the Criminal Proceeds Squad commenced in January this year after police became aware an organised crime syndicate was conducting a number of cash drops and collects at a Somerton food business.
Detectives also identified that further transactions were taking place at a factory in Epping
It will be alleged those transactions were for the purpose of laundering money obtained through the sale of illicit goods including tobacco and that the business owner received a commission on each transaction.
It’s believed over $83M cash has been allegedly laundered during transactions since May 2021.
Victoria Police also worked closely with AUSTRAC and the ABF during this investigation.
As part of a separate investigation, detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad executed a warrant at a Campbellfield address.
A 34-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested and was expected to be charged on summons with possession of commercial quantity illicit tobacco and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.
Police will allege the man was intercepted driving a truck in Laverton North which contained in excess of four million cigarettes worth an estimated $5M.
Cash totalling $100,000 was seized from his Campbellfield address.
Investigators identified that the man attended the same Somerton business linked to the Criminal Proceeds Squad’s money laundering investigation and believe he has links to the organised crime syndicate involved in that matter.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar, said: “These investigations highlight the significant broader criminality that these serious and organised crime groups are engaged in.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
NEW HOSPITAL OPENS AT CRAIGIEBURN
■ Craigieburn Community Hospital has been officially opened. Run by Northern Health, dialysis and public dental services have already been operating, with care now set to expand to include paediatric development and feeding clinics, as well as antenatal and pre-term birth care.
A staged rollout of services is underway and will see more services become available such as a lung cancer screening and a specialised insulin pump clinic in the coming months.
The hospital will provide a local option for some routine appointments, helping ease some of the demand on major hospitals so they can focus on patients with more complex or emergency care needs.
The community can access services at the hospital through referrals from their GPs or other healthcare providers.,
Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health said: “The opening of Craigieburn Community Hospital is another example of how we’re delivering health care that is local, accessible, and tailored to the needs of our growing communities.”
Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence said: “ The Craigieburn Community Hospital is putting locals first, making it easier for them to access specialist services such as dialysis or important public dental care, closer to home.”
Latest News
QV Market fires
■ Police have charged a man after fires were allegedly lit at Queen Victoria Market Emergency services were called to reports of four small fires at food stalls near the Peel St end of the market about 11.10pm on Friday (Aug. 22).
The man allegedly threatened a member of the public who attempted to put the fires out before emergency services arrived.
He was not physically injured.
None of the stores were open at the time of the incident.
The 38-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested at the scene and has been charged with criminal damage by fire and unlawful assault.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Police are working with security at the market to notify stall owners of the damage.
West closures
■ As the West Gate Tunnel nears completion, all outbound lanes and ramps between Williamstown Rd and Millers Rd will be closed after 11.30pm on Friday (Aug. 29) to 5am Monday (Sep. 1) so crews can undertake asphalting, drainage and kerbing works.
Major delays of up to 90 minutes are expected for both disruptions, with drivers strongly encouraged to seek an alternative route and plan ahead.
Freeway shuts
■ Crews will replace two key pedestrian bridges over the Eastern Freeway at North Balwyn and Doncaster
In order to safely lift the new Heyington Ave bridge, the Freeway will close in both directions between Doncaster and Tram Rds from 10 pm Friday, September 5 to 5am Monday, September 8.
So good, so good
■ Smash-hit Broadway musical ABeautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, celebrating his legendary life and music, is coming to Melbourne for fans to see live.
The show will make its Australian premiere at the Princess Theatre on a hot August night in 2026.
ABeautifulNoiseis the true story of how the Brooklyn-born Diamond became a music icon who has sold 120 million albums worldwide.
The musical will take audiences on a jukebox journey through Diamond classics like SweetCaroline,SongSungBlue,Foreverin BlueJeans and Cracklin’Rosie. Diamond has performed seven major concert tours across Australia, with his iconic live album HotAugustNight spending 29 weeks at number one and 65 weeks on the Australian charts.
The Australian premiere of the musical in Melbourne adds to other major theatre productions to debut such as MoulinRouge! TheMusical,&Juliet,HarryPotterandthe CursedChildand GroundhogDayTheMusical.
ABeautifulNoiseadds to a blockbuster calendar of cultural events across the city including BeetlejuiceTheMusical,Lego StarWars:TheExhibition, and Melbourne WinterMasterpieces:FrenchImpressionismexhibition at the NGV
“The good times never seemed so good for our calendar of major events – this musical is yet another reason Melbourne is the cultural and major events capital of the nation giving locals and visitors alike exclusive experiences,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
“We know fans will turn out in their thousands to see the life and work of the legendary Neil Diamond celebrated in this musical which will also provide a boost for local jobs and businesses.”
Ros Spence, Kalkallo MLA
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Ash on Wednesday
New crossing at Greenhill Rd
■ Banyule Council says it is pleased to see progress on construction of a pedestrian crossing on Diamond Creek Rd in Greensborough, with Transport Victoria workers having been on site to finalise design of the new crossing.
Minor works will begin soon, with a signalised crossing south of Greenhill Rd to be installed early 2026.
Funding for the crossing was announced in the 2024 Victorian Budget, following pressure from Banyule Council and local residents after two accidents involving school students in 2023.
Banyule Mayor, Cr Elizabeth Nealy, said the crossing would improve safety on the busy road, which has high pedestrian traffic to and from bus stops and schools.
Council worked with local MPs and community members to secure the funding.
“This shows that when we all work together we can achieve great outcomes for our community,” Cr Nealy said.
“It is great to see the Victorian Government investing in Banyule and we hope we can work together for more important road safety improvements in Greensborough.”
Banyule Council is advocating for further improvements in the area:
■ Signals including a pedestrian-operated crossing over Diamond Creek Rd at Plenty River Drive
■ Extending the night-time truck curfew to 24 hours, limiting the number of trucks and heavy vehicles on local roads.
way and a major upgrade of the roundabout at Civic Drive, Greensborough , which will see huge growth in use when North East Link opens.
Construction of the crossing near Greenhill Rd will include: ■ relocation of the northbound bus stop at Greenhill Rd/Diamond Creek Rd approximately 100m
■ removal of the existing pedestrian refuge north of Greenhill Rd
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Local News
Beveridge OK
■ The City of Whittlesea has welcomed the approval of new planning controls as a significant step forward in delivering the first stage of the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct Sonya Kilkenny, Minister for Planning, has signed off on changes to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme that will support the delivery of the transformative infrastructure project. The Precinct will be a major freight and logistics hub adjoining the existing Melbourne-Albury-Sydney rail corridor.
The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au
The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
Mernda homes
■ The City of Whittlesea has moved to deliver a high-quality residential neighbourhood with 37 new homes, providing a muchneeded increase to housing supply in Mernda.
Located on the former Mernda Primary School site in Johnsons Rd, the new neighbourhood will deliver diverse housing types, including town houses and detached homes, set in a network of open spaces, mature trees and landscaping.
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BANYULE
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Heidelberger (Est. Nov. 12, 1958) and Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). The Heidelberger area comprises Bellfield, Darebin, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia, Viewbank and Yallambie. Banyule is home to more than 121,865 people, living in approximately 50,223 homes.
NORTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Preston Post (Est. 1888) and the Reservoir Times (Est. 1955) Preston Post-Reservoir Times area comprises Keon Park, Kingsbury, Northland, Preston, Preston East, Preston West, Regent, Reservoir, Reservoir East, Reservoir West. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
SOUTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Northcote Budget (Est. 1888) Northcote Budget area comprises Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Croxton, Dennis, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Merri, Northcote, Thornbury and Westgarth. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
NILLUMBIK
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959) Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873), and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser The Diamond Valley News area comprises Briar Hill, Eltham, Greensborough, Lower Plenty, Montmorency and St Helena. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.
WHITTLESEA
Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Whittlesea Chronicle, Whittlesea Advertiser, and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873).
Whittlesea Post area comprises Bundoora, Epping, Epping North, Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, South Morang, Wollert. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.
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DAREBIN
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Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
Rourke, Film
Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
Matt Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist Peter Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music
Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Dark Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 5, 9
Lotto Numbers: 3, 18, 23, 28, 32, 33
Focus on completing your immediate tasks and delegate when possible. Accepting help will free up time for rest and relaxation. This is a productive period for those who prioritise their workload wisely.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Brown
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 1, 9, 7, 3
Lotto Numbers: 3, 11, 13, 24, 31, 33
Pleasant surprises and thoughtful gifts may come your way. Your love life will bring joy, though travel plans might require adjustments. Financial prospects are set to improve soon.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 7, 2, 3, 5
Lotto Numbers: 12, 23, 25, 30, 38, 44
This is not a favourable time for bargains, so avoid unnecessary purchases. Focus on action rather than overthinking to advance in your career and business.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 13, 20, 26, 31, 32, 40
Take health matters seriously and address any issues. Avoid keeping secrets as they may unintentionally slip out. Discretion is essential this week.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Gold
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 9, 18, 29, 36, 37
Positive thinking will help you succeed during this period. Be open to opportunities—something good and unexpected may come your way. Others will appreciate your efforts.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Plum
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 5, 1, 2, 8
Lotto Numbers: 8, 19, 24, 30, 31, 42
Most of your plans will succeed, and time spent with loved ones will enhance your happiness. Mixing business with pleasure is not advisable this week.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Purple
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 7, 3, 6, 9
Lotto Numbers: 7, 12, 15, 23, 30, 38
Managing household expenses will be your priority. Good news will help you tie up loose ends and resolve lingering issues. Real estate transactions can yield positive outcomes.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8, 2, 4, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 17, 19, 27, 39, 44
Now is an excellent time to learn new skills or refine your expertise. Accepting limitations can sometimes open doors to better opportunities. Gatherings with family or friends will bring joy.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Aqua
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7, 2, 4, 3
Lotto Numbers: 10, 18, 21, 32, 33, 41
Decisions may feel challenging, so allow events to unfold naturally. Avoid paying in advance for items you have not yet received, and exercise patience.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5, 1, 8, 3
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 18, 26, 30, 32
Romance might be expensive, so consider budgetfriendly options. A trusted advisor could assist in making significant career decisions. Stay calm in any conflicts that arise.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Aqua
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 7
Lotto Numbers: 5, 15, 22, 26, 30, 43
Avoid overindulgence for your health. There are better times to take risks in business. Romantic relationships are improving, but caution is advised with irritable individuals.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 8, 1, 6
Lotto Numbers: 2, 17, 23, 26, 35, 36
This is a highly romantic and loving period. Loved ones will appreciate your ideas, but clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings
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Roundtable stunt
Sir,
The Labor Government’s touted productivity roundtable seemed like a stunt to create an impression that one of the critical challenges faced by Australia – our falling productivity – was in fact being addressed.
Many of us gave it the benefit of the doubt, because you have to discuss these issues, and having business leaders in a dialogue with our leaders.
It was good that Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien was there and able to intervene in a Jim Chalmers bout of selfcongratulations on the economy that bore little resemblance to reality.
But here is the problem –Labor under Albanese and Chalmers is fundamentally an anti-productivity government.
It is obsessed with wealth redistribution, crony capitalism and the welfare state.
It is dictated to by unions, and these dictations have found their way into legislation that makes us less competitive and less productive.
Energy policy was barely discussed at the roundtable, as though everyone accepts that the transition is going swimmingly, and that cheap and affordable power will just continue as we move from the 24/7 generation of coal and gas to the intermittent nature of renewables.
Anyone seriously looking at the grid and assessing the successes and failures of other nations in their energy transition would see the flaws in this.
This particular energy transition is one of the biggest economic gambles Australia has ever embarked on, and the probability and consequence of getting it wrong is too horrific to contemplate.
Government ministers seem to put the viability and competitiveness of business (particularly small business) last on their list of priorities when drafting legislation.
This is evident in the regrettable changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and in the new industrial relations laws, which have hit small businesses hard with a mountain of regulation.
In addition, Labor is on a spending spree, with diminishing economic activity to pay back the debt in the future.
According to research published by the Centre for Independent Studies in July 2025, more than half of Australian voters rely on the government for their main income, through public-sector wages, welfare payments, or subsidies.
The Institute of Public Affairs found that between August 2022 and August 2024, 82.1 per cent of new persons employed were in the public sector.
It’s not to say that people who work in the public service (in many cases) don’t provide a valuable service, but an economy based on taxpayer-funded jobs is a house of cards.
Tax was discussed, but there seems to be little appetite for real reform – and efforts by the previous coalition government to address the productivity-killing phenomenon of bracket creep were reversed by Labor. They have no plans that I
Observer Mailbag
Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers.
Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au
Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.
can see to reform tax in a meaningful way – just crazy grabs for money like the unrealised superannuation capital gain fiasco.
What does it all mean? Well, on this pathway we are in managed decline as a nation, and that means a decline in our living standards and opportunities for our next generations.
A bold government with vision and understanding of what drives the economy needs to come in and fix this trajectory, and Albanese and Chalmers’ incarnation of Labor is clearly, by its own rhetoric and actions, not that.
Sam Birrell MHR for Nicholls
NDIS reform
Sir,
While Minister Butler’s announcement to establish a dedicated focus on children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism is welcome, there is a critical area of urgent reform in the NDIS that remains overlooked.
The Summer Foundation remains concerned for the very people the NDIS was designed to support who are still stuck in group homes and have not been able to benefit from the transformational intent of the Scheme.
There are more than 43,500 people with high support needs currently supported by the NDIS . The cost of supporting this group is more than $15 billion a year.
The cost of Supported In-
dependent Living, a key support for this cohort, has surged by 28 per cent over five years.
Despite the investment, people with disability with high support needs continue to face limited choice and poor outcomes from their housing and living supports.
They are often relegated to group homes where incidents of abuse and neglect are frequent, despite warnings and recommendations for action from the Disability Royal Commission.
The Government needs to urgently back a greater variety of housing and living supports for this group of people, including drop-in and on-call supports, and more individualised approaches such as host and homeshare arrangements.
The NDIS was built to support people with significant and permanent disability to live with dignity and independence.
Without urgent reform to how we deliver support to people with high support needs, we are failing the very people the scheme was created for.
Jessica Walker Summer Foundation
Speak Up
Sir, Australia must be diligent and committed to strengthening productivity and food security if it is to underwrite the needs of a population projected to reach 45 million within two decades.
The question is whether the Economic Reform Roundtable will meaningfully address that challenge, or become yet another politically motivated talkfest.
In a nation defined by droughts and flooding rains, a coherent national water policy must sit at the heart of long-term planning.
Yet, the Albanese Government’s vision remains tethered to the existing Murray–Darling Basin Plan, a framework that is, at its core, an environmental policy. It is not a plan for national resilience, food security, food afford-ability, or regional productivity.
The current investment thesis is fundamentally upside down. Billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to buy back productive water licenses, displacing food production and increasing reliance on imported foods. This directly conflicts with the government’s stated ambitions: to reduce national debt, advance net zero goals, lower the cost of living, and grow regional economies.
At the pinnacle of the Roundtable’s agenda, and the wider agriculture policy agenda, should be water.
Current water policy is crucifying productivity in our nation’s food bowl, placing Australia at serious social risk when the next drought arrives. Without urgent reform, the outcome will be inflated food prices, lost regional jobs, and reduced national resilience.
Water policy and management have never been at a lower point in Australia. That must change if this country is serious about prosperity, productivity, and food security for future generations.
David Narrandera,Farley NSW
Farmers trapped
■ Four Wodonga farmers last night sent out an urgent S O S to police as roaring Murray River flood waters tore at a crumbling sandbag levee protecting their homes and dairy herds.
The farmers and their families were knee deep in water as they faced the district's worst flood since 1917.
Wodonga police called for volunteers. An Army emergency squad from Bandiana camp will fight to hold the levee at first light today.
The farmers, Frank, Jack, Harry, and Ron McFarlane, with 160 head of valuable dairy cattle, are in a bend, of the swollen river three miles west of Wodonga
The Murray is well above the level of their paddocks on the other side of the levee.
A mile west, Mr. C. J. Sheather and his family have been marooned with 100 head of cattle for nearly a week.
What goes on
■ I dunno what you think,but I reckon he is a cad. He was driving along Wellington pde. in his new Zephyr yesterday at noon, with blue ond white ribbons fluttering from his front aerial. And red and black ribbons fluttering from his rear aerial.
Semi: out in force
■ Strong squads of mounted and foot police will stand by to control the record crowd expected at the M.C.G. today for the first semi-final.
All available traffic police will fan out along approaches to the ground to untangle traffic jams and watch for road hogs.
Mobile patrolmen will keep a tight watch on Geelong road to control bumper to bumper traffic to and from the ground.
Last night's Weather Bureau forecast was cheerful: "Fine weather for the kick-off," it said.
A bureau spokesman said the sun would shine on sports fans all day. But a light change should bring a few scattered showers through the city, and southern districts tomorrow.
Teams ready
"No worries," reported officials of both teams."Teams will go out as selected."
Tall Essendon follower John Gill last night denied a rumor that he has a serious back injury. .
"Don't worry vabout me. I'll be in there battling with Essendon tomorrow," said John Gill.
"There's nothing wrong with me. I don't know where this rumor started, but it is definitely not true."
Ordindary Days
■ The ordinary takes flight in Adam Gwon’s chamber musical OrdinaryDays Set in New York, Jason (Bobby Fox) and Claire (Sarah Morrison) are moving in together.
Meanwhile, Warren (Joel Granger) has found Deb’s (Melanie Bird) misplaced notes for the thesis she is writing. Their lives intersect in a form of poetic symmetry where the simplest dots of a Monet painting or a cascade of multicoloured leaflets resonate and provide hope in their respective quest for direction, friendship and purpose.
This production begs for a grander stage.
The exuberance of Granger’s character counterpoints with the taciturn nature of the graduate student played by Bird
They achieve a chemistry of opposites full of humour and vitality. Morrison and Fox are equally as convincing as characters but their couple don’t necessarily achieve the loving friction to match the others.
Director Tyran Parke has worked the fortyfivedownstairs space compromised as it is by the length and the pillars that need to be negotiated.
There is a conventional proscenium arrangement and a minimalist set of tables to imply different locations (Richard Roberts). The lighting (Gavan Swift) helps differentiate time and place as well.
Musically, the proficiency and expertise of the performers is remarkable. The musical direction with Vicky Jacobs on the single piano to the side of the stage speaks to an understanding and aptitude from all concerned that enable the nuances of each song to be delivered as if they were second nature.
For all the constraints of the venue, this production is a delight. There is a resonance in the nature of the characters allowing audiences to identify with the ordinary.
Parke has brought out the joy and pathos of the characters’ lives in this uplifting production. You could feel the work wanting to break the shackles of the building and vault into a more expansive arena.
Clovelly Fox Productions
Fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane
Until August 31
Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/ ordinary-days/ Review by David McLean
Boost for Library
■ Ascot Vale Library is the latest to benefit from major upgrades delivered through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos joined Essendon MLA Danny Pearson and Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage at the newly re-opened Ascot Vale Library to announce the completion of the library’s redevelopment.
The Ascot Vale Library redevelopment has delivered a modern and fit-for-purpose space for the community, with an expanded children’s area, additional public computers and study spaces, a community meeting room, and a rooftop reading garden.
The first floor of the library is open to the community for the first time, extending the footprint of the library to almost 600 square metres, almost three times larger than the previous floor plan. The upgrade also includes a new accessible lift to ensure all members of the community can enjoy the library space, and has reopened to the public just as the 80th Children’s Book Week celebrations are underway.
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
OTHER DESERT CITIES Confidential Melbourne
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the drama OtherDesertCitiesfrom September 520 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna Written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by Gaetano Santo, Other Desert Cities is set in Palm Springs, California.
The story follows well-to-do, aging Republicans Lyman and Polly Wyeth as their daughter, Brooke, a liberal-leaning writer, threatens to expose a disturbing family secret through a tell-all memoir. This family’s crisis mirrors the American nation’s politics.
Awarded for showcasing its creator’s talents and five Tony Award nominations, Other Desert Cities has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play.
Performance Details: September 5 - 20. Evenings at 8pm: September 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20. Weekend Matinees at 2pm: September 6, 7, 13, 14
■ Deep underground work to upgrade and expand Arts Centre Melbourne’s iconic spiretopped Theatres Building has reached an important milestone in the Arts Centre's transformation. The excavation behind the Theatres Building is now complete.
The excavation has seen the removal of 15,644m3 of earth and has reached the intended depth of approximately 14 metres underground. The additional space created by the basement extension will be used for:
■ An expanded Loading Dock – twice the size of the current dock, with two new scenery truck lifts, improving efficiency and safety when bumping-in performances, and allowing for more performances to be staged
■ A new, flexible Rehearsal Space and Studio (the same size as the State Theatre stage), with an adjoining Function Room that gives a sneak peek inside the space
■ A new accessible Stage Door
■ The extension of the basement area increases the overall size of the Theatres Building by around 16 per cent
In addition to the basement extension, other essential works happening to the Theatres Building include:
■ Upgrades inside the State Theatre with improvements to accessibility, acoustics, theatre technology and audience comfort
■ Replacing some of the ageing anode wells in the Cathodic Protection System, located in the State Theatre construction zone. Replacing these helps to safeguard the foundation of the building.
■ New and improved places to drink and dine
The Theatres Building turns 41 this October, and the State Theatre is estimated to have entertained and enthralled more than 20 million audience members during its first 40 years.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan said the works would benefit every future production staged in the Theatres Building
“Crews will be able to bring sets, costumes and equipment into the building more safely and efficiently, and performers will have a new rehearsal space right next to the State Theatre stage for the first time.
“The refurbishment will bring the State Theatre to 21st century standards, while restoring its heritage features for the next generation of artists and audiences,” said Ms Quinlan
The works at Arts Centre Melbourne are part of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – a city-changing project that will cement Melbourne’s unique positioning as Australia’s cultural and creative capital.
Cheryl Threadgold
Cherry Hill
■ Cherry Hill Orchards in the Yarra Valley celebrates spring by opening the gate on a season of sharing all things local from September 6 - 7 and September 13 - 14. From workshops to markets to day and night
● ● ● ● From left: Lindy Yeates (Polly), Phil Lambert (Lyman), Jen Bush (Brooke) and Paula McDonald (Silda)
Photo: Aislinn Ryan events, Cherry Hill aims to bring together the best of the community.
The inaugural Bloom and Graze will invite visitors to kick off their cherry blossom season.. Cherry lovers will enjoy a market filled with local makers and creators, together with demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
Local businesses sharing their expertise through free on-site demonstrations include The Botanical Brothers, Four Pillars, Steels Gate, Sustainable Food Waste, Yarra Valley Dairy and Blossom Lifestyle Candle Making Day trippers will be invited to browse the best craft and produce the region has to offer, set amongst the backdrop of Cherry Hill’s Coldstream Orchard.
Live acoustic music, delicious food offerings from food trucks and local vendors, as well as CherryHill’s famous cherry ice cream, beverages, and a cherry-inspired farmgate store will all be on offer as the orchard comes into bloom across two weekends of spring celebrations in the Yarra Valley. Kids go free and furry friends welcome.
As new life flowers in the Yarra Valley so too will the third-generation cherry grower Cherry Hill Orchards with the return of Blossom by Light
This evening is set amongst rows of blooming cherry trees with the orchard coming alive as night falls with glowing light installations, food trucks, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and local wines from Balgownie, Giant Steps and Riverstone Estate
This will be followed by the return of the two-week Blossom Festival, a vibrant celebration of the cherry blossom season as the orchard becomes a sea of blooms.
Held during the school holidays, CherryHill offers kids to go free weekdays, with plenty of family-friendly fun. Guests will enjoy stunning blooms, live music, beverage tastings, free kid’s activities, and local food at this dogfriendly event. This perfect spring day out will provide a stunning backdrop for picnics, music, and blossom-themed experiences.
Come summertime, Cherry Hill Orchards will open the gates for the Cherry-Picking season of the summer harvest. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the event includes allyou-can-eat cherries while picking, access to picnic areas, cherry ice cream, refreshing drinks, and a farmgate shop filled with cherry treats and local produce, providing an authentic tree-to-plate experience.
Early bird tickets are now available for cherry enthusiasts to lock in their first pick of the season
Cherry Hill Orchards is headquartered at 474 Queens Rd, Wandin East Calendar of events: cherryhill.com.au/ events/
Cheryl Threadgold
Ed Sheeran back
■ Following his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, global superstar Ed Sheeran is returning to Australia in 2026 with his all-new Loop Tour,hitting Marvel Stadium for two massive all-ages shows next February.
With a new album, a renewed creative spirit and a catalogue of global hits, Ed Sheeran’s 2026 stadium tour is set to be one of the most anticipated live events of the year.
■ Thursday, February 26
■ Friday, February, 27
All patrons must hold a valid ticket for entry, regardless of age. Arena age recommendation: Patrons 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.
■ The largest celebration of Italian culture and film outside Italy, the St Ali Italian Film Festival, returns to cinema screens in Melbourne from September 19 to October 16, and Ballarat September 20 - October 16 in Palace cinemas.
Presented by Palace, the full 2025 lineup is being revealed, with these first highlights offering a taste of what to expect in this year’s program, which will showcase the filmmaking and acting talents of Italy’s finest.
Opening the festival is Paolo Genovese’s record-breaking hit Somebody to Love (FolleMente), a romantic comedy with an all-star cast including Edoardo Leo, Pilar Fogliati and Vittoria Puccini.
Following the global success of Perfect Strangers (IFF 16) , writer/director Genovese’s latest film reveals the innermost thoughts and uncertainties of a modern Italian couple on their awkward first date.
From acclaimed filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek comes the female led drama Diamonds (Diamanti). An ode to the craftsmanship of film costume designers and seamstresses, Luisa Ranieri and Jasmine Trinca star as sisters running a couture costume design house in 1970s Rome, exploring the lives and relationships of the women working within it.
The festival Special Presentation is the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, TheMountainBrideVermiglio(Vermiglio).
A portrait of a family caught between tradition and modernity in the final year of WWII, writer/director Maura Delpero drew upon her own family’s past and collective memory to create this intimate drama that follows a series of consequential events.
A box office sensation in Italy, moving drama The Boy With Pink Trousers (Il ragazzodaipantalonirosa)features rising star Samuele Carrino. Exploring the real story behind Italy’s first publicised case of online bullying, the film garnered much attention in Italy and sparked important discussions about the issue.
Starring popular comic duo Ficarra & Picone and festival favourite Toni Servillo, TheIllusion(L'Abbaglio)is a fun re-imagining of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign that unified Italy.
Directed and co-written by Roberto Andò (StrangenessIFF23) this tale blends comedy and drama to illuminate a piece of history, exploring the paradoxes of Sicilian identity.
The adventures of the Rovelli family continue in WhenMumisAway...WiththeInLaws(10GiorniconIsuoi). This time the family head to Puglia in the hit comedy directed by Alessandro Genovesi and starring Fabio De Luigi and Valentina Lodovini.
The full program will be announced and tickets go on sale late August. Register for updates via the festival website.
Melbourne: September 19 - October 16, The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, Cinema Nova Ballarat: September 20 - October 16, Palace Regent Cinemas Website: italianfilmfestival.com.au/ Cheryl Threadgold
Against Hate
■ The State Government is backing a new helpline to support LGBTIQA+ Victorians targeted by homophobic violence.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Equality Minister Vicki Ward announced the new service will be delivered by Switchboard Victoria through its Rainbow Door helpline, providing free and confidential support from trained LGBTIQA+ professionals.
The service will give people with clear advice on their rights, how to report incidents to police, and connect them with medical, legal and counselling services –all in a safe environment.
It follows a series of recent assaults where perpetrators used dating apps to target the LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly men.
The Government’s Anti-Hate Taskforce will also hear directly from LGBTIQA+ Victorians about the violent attacks in its next meeting.
All Rainbow Door staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, ensuring survivors are supported with compassion and dignity, perpetrators are held to account, and individuals are empowered with knowledge and choice.
●
● Joel Granger and Melanie Bird in Ordinary Days. Photo: Ben Fon
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ The 1812 Theatre: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) Until August 30 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au
■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fallen Angels (Noel Coward) Until August 30 at Brighton Theatre. Director: Joe Dias. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au
■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) Until August 31 at the Mountview Theatre, Murphy St., Macedon. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: 0419 329 052
■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood (Adam Szymkowicz) Until August 30 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Brian Edmond. Bookings: stagtheatre.org
■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Grey Nomad (written and directed by Dan Lee) Until September 6 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Malvern Theatre: The Humans (by Stephen Karam) Until September 6 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky NevilleJones. Bookings: malverntheatrecompany. com.au
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Hollow Crown (by John Barton) September 3 – 20 at 3-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) September 4 – 13 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Michelle Swann) Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Other Desert Cities (Jon Robin Baitz) September 5 – 20 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gaetano Santo. Bookings: email boxoffice@htc.org. au
■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family, a new musical (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). September 5 – 20 at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au
■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Heartbreak Choir (Aidan Fennessey) September 5 – 20 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Sue Rawkins. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au
■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Heathers. September 5 – 13 at the Doncaster Playhouse, Doncaster. Bookings: phoenix@ phoenixtheatrecompany.org
■ Theatre of the Damned: La Cage Aux Follies September 12 – 20 at the Belmont Performing Arts Centre. Director: Elise Dahl; Musical Director: Nathan Firmin; Choreographer: Venessa Paech. Bookings: theatreofthedamnedgeelong.com
■ Essendon Theatre Company: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) September 11 – 20 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Rosalin Shafik-Eid. Bookings: 04064 48368 or trybooking
■ Burwood University Student Theatre Company: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) September 11 – 13 at the Clayton Community Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Ares Stevenson. Bookings: TBC.
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) September 11 – 17 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Katie-Jane Amery. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ NOVA Music Theatre: Chess, September 12 – 21 at The Round. Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre.com.au
■ Frankston Theatre Group: Emma (by Jane Austen, adapted by Michael Bloom) September 25 – October 5 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre. 97 Foot Street, Frankston. Director: Candice Mitrousis. Bookings: frankstontheatre group.com.au
■ The Basin Theatre Group: Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Sarah Ruhl) October 2 – 12 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: John Putman. Bookings: 0494 065 006.
■ The 1812 Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovell) October 2 – 25 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au Cheryl Threadgold
Entertainment
GREEKING OUT
■ GreekingOut-Mythology101is a new onewoman comedy show created and performed by Rebecca Perich, being presented from October 6 -12 at Spielhaus, near Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, as part of the Fringe Festival
Perich says: "We’re greeted by Professor Ari who, in 60 minutes, will test the audience’s knowledge on Greek gods, Greek myths, and trifle (yes, the dessert!).
Professor Ari’s unique techniques and insights into theb myth will reveal new information that has never been shared before ... It’s just a class, right? So what could go wrong?
GreekingOutis a light-hearted comedy tackling an ancient myth. Perich says: “I wanted to share the untold story of the women that, in their quest for freedom, made a legend out of a man but were forgotten by history. Ugh! Greek mythology can be so dense sometimes... I wanted audiences to get excited about mythology.
“That’s why I loosely based the character on my high school literature teacher. Her superpower was making Classical Literature digestible for a bunch of arrogant teenagers through satire and deep, dark humor.”
Following its debut at The Butterfly Club’s One Act Festival (Feb, 2025), the show is returning to Melbourne this October; but this time, as part of the Fringe Festival.
It will be performed at a new black-box theatre, Spielhaus , located near Queen Victoria Markets and run by The Motley Bauhaus.
Venue: Spielhaus (corner of Berrbang lane and Kulinbuluk lane, near Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne)
Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666
Cheryl Threadgold Circus Arts
■ Australia’s National Institute of Circus Arts will host the AustralianCircusSummitfrom October 8–10 bringing together artists, producers, academics, and industry leaders from around the world to tackle big questions facing the circus sector.
This year’s theme ‘Out of Lines’ invites delegates to challenge assumptions, cross disciplines, and explore bold new thinking about the future of circus.
For the first time, the Summit opens in partnership with Circus: Arts, Life and Sciences, a non-profit, peer-reviewed, open-access journal and research initiative that disseminates cutting-edge research and promotes diverse practices in the circus arts across disciplinary boundaries.
The three-day program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and live provocations spanning topics such as:
■ The role of creativity in physical performance and recovery
■ Mental health and perfectionism in circus cultures
■ Coaching language, communication, and the psychology of training
■ Ecological and reciprocal approaches to touring
■ Advocacy for circus in education and funding policy
■ Parenting in performance careers
Foundational CALS members and other researchers are travelling from Europe, Canada, and across Australia to present cutting-edge work on performance, health, and creativity.
Among the headline speakers is NICA’s Dr David Munro, one of the pioneers in circus research and NICA’s Head Physiotherapist since 2001.
Auditions
■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Tin Woman (by Sean Grennan) October 5 and October 6 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Brett Turner-Valenta. Audition enquiries: bturnsta63@gmail.com
■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage (adapted from the Paramount Pictures film by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc.) October 26 at 7pm, October 27 at 6.30pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings: outlook.office.com/book/ AuditionBookings@theatreperson.com Cheryl Threadgold
The other speakers include:
■ Patrice Aubertin (CAN) - Director, HUPR, The Research Centre for Human Potential at ENC (National Circus School, Montreal)
■ Stephanie Greenspan (USA) - Doctor of Physical Therapy, aerialist and circus specialist
■ Veronique Richard (AUS) - Doctoral degree in Sport Science from the University of Montreal and postdoctoral fellowship in Sport Psychology at Florida State University
■ Dr Franziska Trapp (BE) - Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Münster, Germany, and the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. Founder of Zirkus, Wissenschaft
■ Prof. Janine Stubbe (NL) Professor of Performing Arts Medicine at Codarts since 2014, Endowed professor of Arts & Well-being at Erasmus University, Rotterdam
The Summit will be held at NICA’s purposebuilt training centre in Melbourne.
October 8–10
National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne Early-bird tickets now on sale: nica.com.au/ summit25
Cheryl Threadgold
Gold Bash is back
■ The Golden Weekend returns with the Laanecoorie Gold Bash 2025 being held at Lakeside Park from, October 10-12.
The evenet promises a weekend of gold fever, family fun, and community spirit on the beautiful banks of the Loddon River.
From Friday evening (Oct. 10) to Sunday midday (Oct. 12), Laanecoorie Lakeside Park will come alive with prospectors, families, and adventure-seekers of all ages.
Now in its 13th year, the Gold Bash has grown into one of Australia’s premier gold prospecting events, attracting visitors from across the country.
This year’s program features:
■ Stalls for the Gold enthusiasts from leading industry suppliers.
■ Token Hunt competitions with great prizes up for grabs – Kids only asnd Open events
■ Guest speakers sharing their knowledge of goldfields history, modern prospecting techniques, and the rich heritage of the region.
■ Live music and entertainment over the weekend.
■ Family-friendly activities including kids’ coin panning, Face Painting (Saturday).
■ Market stalls offering lollies, local crafts, and delicious food (Saturday).
Andrew Bales, from the Weekend Prospector, will be returning this year to give one of his talks, sharing expertise and stories straight from the diggings.
Saturday’s fundraising will be finalised with a gold bash auction with auctioneer Brent Shannon from Discovery Channel Aussie Gold Hunters
The Gold Bash also gives back, with proceeds supporting Peter Mac Cancer Centre, plus this year itsd is also supporting the Maroon & White Ribbon – for Head and Neck cancer.
“Whether you’re an experienced prospector or just looking for something fun to do with the family, the Gold Bash is the perfect place to learn, have fun, and maybe even strike it lucky,” says co-ordinator Amanda Downing
■ Best selling author Alli Sinclair is a master at uncovering little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations
Her latest book, A Woman’s Voice, is a story that focuses on music, resilience, and the fierce bonds between women across time, spanning the suffragette movement of 1912 to second-wave feminism in the 1960s Australian outback.
Alli says she had a particular inspiration to write this new book.
“I was drawn to two pivotal eras when women dared challenge society for their right to have a voice – 1912’s suffragettes and the 1960s second-wave feminists. Writing across these timelines felt like uncovering a powerful conversation between generations of women who refused to stay silent,” she explained.
The story begins with the stealing of virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless violin. As her celebrated European career disintegrates, she feels crushed, and her rare gift of seeing music in colour fades to grey, severely affecting her sense of identity.
Laura heads back to her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, where she discovers an extraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music.
It’s a powerful symphony born from the revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced.
But there are surprises for Laura as she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece, discovering a story of women who dared to smash society’s chains, claim their own destiny and fight for a world where every voice can be heard.
Then a scandal rocks the tight-knit community of outback Gungderring, and Laura must face the question that has haunted past generations of women - will she remain safely in the wings, or step forward and fight?
To find the answer, you will need to read AWoman’sVoice
A Woman’s Voice by Alli Sinclair is published by penguinrandomhouse.com.au, and is out now.
Julie Houghton
Little Bookroom
■ The Little Bookroom, a cornerstone of Melbourne’s literary scene for over six decades, rhas eached its initial fundraising efforts to support what they’re calling “a new chapter’.
The funds will allow the store to re-open in a new location, East Brunswick Village, within months.
Jennifer Kean badvises: “After weathering recent challenges, this milestone reflects Michael Earp’s (former store manager and now the new owner of The Little Bookroom) commitment to literacy and local culture –but also the community’s deep love for the world’s oldest children’s bookshop.
“Generous donors contributed through a recent fundraising campaign to meet the initial A$40,000target goal in just two weeks. And donations are still steadily coming.”
Podcast rankings
■ JocksJournalreports that the Australian PodcastRankerfor July has been released: The
● ● ● ● Rebecca Perich in Greeking OutMythology 101
● ● Alli Sinclair
CATO THE WISE
★This year’s Melbourne International Film Festival award winner is A Poet , directed by Simón Mesa Soto.
★The Advent Brass: 100 Year Celebration Charity Concert will be held at Hamer Hall at 5pm on Sunday, September 14.
★Nicholas Folland’s Day Before Tomorrow exhibition will be staged at Tolarno Galleries from September 6-October 2.
★The Whitlams join the MSO at Hamer Hall for three performances (Sep. 5-6), their first collaboration since 2017.
★ Highlights of this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival (September 30– October 19) includes new musicals by Sammy J and Hamilton’s Vidya Makan, a new play by Tom Ballard, works activating unusual places across the city, and bold musical works from overseas. The Festival bursts with 500+ events taking over theatres, laneways, living rooms, beaches and car parks.
★A moving documentary, Time is Not a Line , will have its premiere, as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, on Sunday (Aug. 31), offering an intimate portrait of renowned Australian artist Dr Stephen Hennessy.
★Foodbank Yarraville warehouse last weekend held Victoria’s biggest-ever Food Drive.
★MAPh is presenting Deborah Paauwe’s The Wayward Girls as the Wai Tang Commissioning Award exhibition alongside this year’s Bowness Photography Prize
★TarraWarra Museum of Art has unveiled the major solo exhibition Breathing Helps by acclaimed Australian artist Rose Nolan. The exhibition is the first time Nolan’s large-scale, sculptural forms have been shown together, highlighting the recurring spatial and performative threads in Nolan’s practice. Presented until November 9, the exhibition showcases these significant works alongside a new series of performances by Australian artist Shelley Lasica
★Opening night of Asamina Theatre Company's Son of Byblos - A Play by James Elazzi - will be at 7.30pm, Thursday, September 4, at Meat Market Stables , 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne
★ ABC journlaist Michael Brissenden is coming to Melbourne and holding an event at Wheelers Hill Library on Thursday, September 11 to promote his latest crime book, DUST
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
★The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, one of China’s premier traditional orchestras, will make its long-awaited Australian debut at 7.30pm on Monday, September 22, featuring over 70 musicians, at the Melbourne Recital Centre
.
★State Library Victoria librarian, Sarah Matthews , discovered that her great-great aunt, Florence Lord (Florrie) , was a trailblazing female publican in the early 1900s. The SLV tells more in Finding Florrie as part of National Family History Month.
★A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will make its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre.
★This monthmarks 30 years since the Jewish Museum of Australia opened it doors at 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda. For nearly two decades, it had been centred at Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, with exhibits held there and in spaces around Melbourne
★The Big Christmas Spectacular will be staged at the Princess Theatre from SaturdayMonday December 6-8.
★Pantera Press this week re leased a new crime novel, The Washup by Nicole Crowe
★Community radio station 3RRR’s annual fundraising drive is in full flight. Dave Hughes, Dave O’Neil, Kate Langbroek, Ross Stevenson, John Safran and the Coodabeen Champions cut their teeth at the station.
★The 39 Steps, an Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy, starring Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake and The Umbilical Brother s ( David Collins and Shane Dundas), will play Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from September 10.
★ Gourmet Traveller has crowned Victorian eatery, Maison Bâtard, as winners for the Annual Restaurant Awards , scooping the prestigious Best New Restaurant accolade.
★School of Rock , a musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be staged at The National Theatre, St Kilda, from November 1-9.
★The Clocktower Centre is calling for local performers and community arts organisations to apply for a residency program.
★Legends In Concert will be at the Palms At Crown from January 8. Josh Smith will play Michael Bublé, Karen Hester is Dolly Parton, Trisha McCluney appears as Cher, and Bill Cherry appears as Elvis Presley.
Entertaining Mr Coppin
● ● Theatre Heritage Australia
President Simon Piening (left), moderator Fiona Gruber and author Simon Plant celebrate the launch of Entertaining Mr Coppin: An Antipodean Showman in Civil War America.
Photo: Malcolm Threadgold
■ The Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne was packed to capacity for the launch of Simon Plant's exciting new book EntertainingMrCoppin:An AntipodeanShowmaninCivilWar America, commissioned and published by Theatre Heritage Australia.
Actor, digger, entrepreneur, innovator, influencer, traveller, speculator and politician George Coppin (1819-1906) also undertook an extraordinary journey to America in 1864-65, which until now has been lost to history.
In EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War America, Simon Plant has researched and reconstructed the arduous twoyear tour the enterprising actor manager undertook with English tragedians Charles and Ellen Kean
At the launch, after a welcome from Theatre Heritage Australia President Dr Simon Piening, writer/ broadcaster Fiona Gruber conversed with Simon Plant onstage about his writing and research process for the book.
Suddenly the interview was interrupted by the arrival of one of Coppin's favourite characters, costumed high spirited 19th century 'busybody' Paul Pry, who divulged stories about his good friend George Coppin
In the blink of an eye and a change of top hat, the more seriously grounded and business-like George Coppin himself appeared, obviously delighted to be joining in the launch celebrations and congratulating Simon Plant in fun style on the book - 'my' book, no, 'your' book!
Hats off to director Babs McMillan and actor Michael Treloar (Paul Pry/ George Coppin) for creating the entertaining and informative performance segment, and to producer Matthew Peckham.
Hearty congratulations to Simon Plant, and to editor Elisabeth Kumm, assistant editor Judy Leech and Simon Piening (design/page layout) for a splendid 323-page publication.
EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War Americais available for $50 incl. postage within Australia from theatreheritage.org.au/buy-coppinbook Cheryl Threadgold
Skyhooks Show
■ Legendary Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie will celebrate the 50th anniversary of EgoisNotADirty Word by playing the album in fullplus more with his acclaimed band Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks Show. Venues in October include Yarraville, Castlemaine, Archies Creek a nd Healesville
The Toxic Avenger
■ (MA). 102 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas August 28.
Shot in 2023, this slick but deliberately trashy remake of the 1985 cult classic finally sees the light of day, fully uncut and intact.
Pulled from a potential release apparently due to its graphically violent content, a new distributor has given audiences a chance to see what all the fuss is about, and despite a game cast, the result is, overall, a disappointing mess.
Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze , who is getting over the death of his wife, while also trying to raise his teenage son Wade (Jacob Tremblay), who feels isolated and alone after the loss of his mother, and is an outcast at school.
Winston works as a janitor at a large corporation who pump out fake health products which are dangerously toxic, overseen by CEO Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon).
The business is in decline, and Bob owes a lot of money to local gangsters.
Winston is in deep debt too, and thinking about the future of Wade, decides on a plan that will see his life seriously changed, as he is transformed into the Toxic Avenger
The 1985 original (which actually premiered at Cannes in 1984) was a surprisingly goofy and funny blend of comedy and over-the-top gore, made by Troma studios, known for gross, low-brow horror/ comedies that regularly missed the mark.
Three sequels and an animated TV series followed, but the first film always remained the best.
The new version wants us to care about Winston and Wade, which might have been fine if the humour complimented this attempt at tenderness amongst the mayhem.
However, writer/director Macon Blair (who faired better with his directorial debut, I Don’t Feel AtHomeInThisWorldAnymore) decides to take the humour into Naked Gun type parody, aggressively letting the audience know at every stage that this is selfknowingly stupid stuff, and this jars heavily with the father-son story.
While definitely gory, it is no more graphic than other horror films coming out today, and it’s rather amusing that the film has
even managed to secure a lesser MA rating here in Australia. The cast help one get through the bumpy tonal changes and frequently backfiring gags.
Dinklage (and Luisa Guerreiro, who plays Toxie after the transformation) brings more to the role than it deserves, while Bacon is having fun as the main villain.
TheToxicAvenger2025promises to be a fun, wild ride, but Blair’s wrongheaded approach undermines that fun, resulting in a film that becomes at first frustrating (there is the occasional giggle), then ultimately unsatisfying. Interesting to see if this achieves the same kind of cult status as the original.
RATING - **½
The Naked Gun
■ (M). 85 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
A combination of reboot and sequel (like the recent, abysmal, I Know What You Did Last Summer), this well-intentioned comedy offers very little in way of laughs, leaving a committed cast high and dry.
Liam Neeson is Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the cop played so memorably by Leslie Nielsen in the hilarious 1988 film and its spotty sequels.
A cop himself, and part of the Police Squad department his father worked for, Drebin Jr. is just as dumb, if not more so, than his predecessor.
A plot involving a device that will turn the public into lunatics, sees Drebin try and take down the main villain (a well cast Danny Huston who then has nothing to do), while finding potential romance with Beth (Pamela Anderson, who tries hard with poor material).
Co-writer/director Akiva Schaffer (who also made the equally misfired Popstar: Never StopNeverStopping) throws everything at the audience, with a constant stream of one-liners and sight gags, so many of which land with a thud.
Neeson embraces the chance to make fun of his tough guy persona, but the script is weak, so his (and Anderson’s) good-natured work never really succeeds.
Even at 85 minutes, this new NakedGunseems to mark time, and one hopes this time there are no sequels.
RATING - *½
Maxwell Newton
In Memory of
Aaron Rourke
■ There were two major dancing teams in Hollywood films - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers , and then Marge and Gower Champion
Marge and Gower appeared in MGM musical films during the 1950s.
Marge was born, Marjorie Celeste Belcher, in Los Angeles, California, in 1919. She began dancing and teaching at an early age.
In 1935 Marge was hired by the Walt Disney Studios to be a live action model for Snow White in the animated feature film SnowWhite andtheSevenDwarfs.
In later years Marge also became a model for The Blue Fairy in Pinocchioand the Dancing Hippo in Fantasia.
In 1937 Marge married Art Babbitt from the Disney Studios but the marriage only lasted for three years.
Gower Champion was born in 1919 and worked as a dancer on Broadway prior to World War II in which he served as a member of the US Coast Guard
After the war he resumed his career and met Marge, who became his dancing partner. They married in 1947 and became popular through their marvelous performances in the MGM remake of Showboatin 1951.
Their song,LifeupontheWickedStage, was a standout in the film. This led to other roles as a singing dance team in films such as Mr Music, Jupiter's Darling and Three for the Show
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Whatever Happened To ... Marge Champion
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
They played the lead roles in Give a Girl a Break and co-starred with Debbie Reynolds.
MGM had plans to use Marge and Gower in remakes of the old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers RKO films.
This only happened once when Robertawas remade under the title of LovelytoLookAt
They starred in their own television series TheMargeandGowerChampionShowin 1957.
They had two children together but sadly, their son Blake was killed in a car crash at the age of 25.
Gower became a very successful Broadway director and won eight Tony Awards in his career.
Marge had good character roles in films such
as TheSwimmerwith Burt Lancaster, and The Party with Peter Sellers.
Marge continued to work on Broadway after her marriage to Gower ended in 1973.
Four years later she married the director Boris Segal
In 2001 Marge starred in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Folliesand sang four songs in the production at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway.
Sadly, Gower Champion passed away on the opening night of a stage production on Broadway in 1980.
Gower had choreographed 42ndStreetand after numerous curtain calls the producer David Merrick announced to the cast and audience the sad news that Gower had died that afternoon.
Marge Champion was a member of the nominating committee for the Tony Awards on Broadway from 1991-98 judging all the shows.
Sadly, Marge Champion passed away in October 2020 at the age of 101.
Will we ever see this type of singing and dancing team in films in the future? Who knows - my guess is probably not.
Kevin Trask
Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM
That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.
www.innerfm.org.au
DIVINE ENGINEERING ON SHOW AT COLLINGWOOD
Divine Engineering – Lucy Roleff
Divine Engineering brings together a series of still life pol paintings that explore the quiet intelligence of tools and their role as extension of self.
Set with domestic interiors and painted alla prima, these works depict ‘objects of use’ such as a field recorder, as, fishing float, hammer ad box cutter, each chosen for the way it allows us to engineer, alter or record the world.
Melbourne based painter Lucy Roleff has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Monash University and a Master of Teaching (Visual Art) from the University of Melbourne
She has held solo exhibitions since 2020 in Melbourne and Sydney and has been included in group exhibitions since 2009 in Victoria, New South Wales, Canberra and internationally the United States Exhibition closes September 6. Nicholas Thompson Gallery 155 Langridge St. Collingwood.
Prizes reveal
20th Bowness Photography Prize Announcement.
On Thursday September 18 MAPh will announce the winner of the 2025 Bowness Photography Prize as well as two honourable mentions.
Shaune Lakin (Senior Curator, Photography National Gallery of Australia) and Anne Zanalka (artist and former Bowness Photography Prize Winner) joined MAPh Director Anouska Phizacklea on the judging panel to select the 50 shortlisted artists from over 759 entries, from which they will award the prize winers.
The exhibition includes established, mid-career and emerging artists demonstrating an impressive mastery of the medium.
This field of artists explores photographic practice in thrilling ways, making work that speaks to issues of our time, while observing the beauty, pain and vitality of our world.
The winner will receive $50,000 and their work will be acquired into MAPh’s collection, the judges will also select two honourable mentions, who will receive $2500.
At the end of the exhibition, the Community Bank Pinewood People’s Choice winner will be awarded $45000 cash prize.
Votingwillcommencefromthe
The Arts
exhibition’s opening weekend. Exhibition opens Saturday September 23 and closes Sunday November 7.
MAPh
860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill
Blender Studios
Equilibrium & Flow – Solo Exhibition by Tanja Milbourne
Ten years ago, in a response to a cancer diagnosis, Tanja Milbourne began a photography series seeking to express how life feels in its most uncertain, suspended moments.
Capturing dancers in moments of poised suspension, where movement, where movement and stillness seem momentously inseparable, these images sought to explore how the human body, held between motion and stillness, can express states of being beyond language.
Then, during a period when treatment left them unable to work with the camera, an unexpected practice emerged, drawing.
Originating as a meditative practice, Tanja allowed the process to unfold intuitively, embracing a dialogue between conscious intent and the agency of the medium.
The resulting intricate linework evokes organic forms and topographies – fine, flowing structure=res that seem to shift between surface and depth, almost like water in motion, becoming their own quiet modification on lif3, nature and move
ment. Exhibition closes August 30. Blender Studios
400 Spencer St, Melbourne Peter Kemp
Leigh at Yarraville
■ Author Leigh Hobbs will be in Yarraville today (Wed., Aug. 270 for a Book Week adventure.
The children’s author joins students of St Augustine’s Primary School for an adventure of stories, food, and community spirit.
As one of Australia’s most loved children’s authors and illustrators, the visit to St Augustne’s Primary School will celebrate Children’s Book Week
This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, couldn’t be more fittng.
St Augustine’s, a small, vibrant school in the heart of what’s been named one of the ‘Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World’, is honoured to welcome the former Australian Children’s Laureate, whose books and characters are adored by children and adults alike.
“We knew this year’s Book Week had to be a big one,” principal Matthew Stead says of Leigh’s visit, “not only is it the 80th birthday of Children’s Book Week, but for our school it marks an opportunity to celebrate the growth of our library and literacy programs and to recognise ourselves as a valuable presence within the local community.”
“St Augustine’s is honoured to host an author that is loved and revered by students, staff and the broader Yarraville community.”
Leigh Hobbs will be delivering workshops across the school.
Leigh Hobbs is not the only local that will be joining forces with St Augustine’s for this year’s book week. The Sun Bookshop and local businesses: Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, Prestige Fruit and Vegetables, Waa Waa Japanese Eatery, 3013 Bagels, IGA Yarraville and Alfa Bakehouse are also coming on board with books and global culinary treats so as to ensure that every young person is well read and well fed on their bookish adventure.
Leigh will be in attendance at St Augustine’s Yarraville from 12 Noon.
■ David and Posh Beckham must have gossip editors on speed dial. After three years their eldest sibling Brooklyn renewed his marriage to Nicola Peltz in New York with the Beckhams of Britain a no show, or no apology. What's the beef between these feuding families? Word on socials is that Brooklyn is regarded as the poster boy of cringe, translated as privileged.
Never heard of Snoop Dogg
■ Carolyn is one cool DJ playing B Bop to Hip Hop on Radio 973 FM community Radio , Melton. Carolyn has been spinning platters that matter for the past 40 years and at age 78, Carolyn has no intention of trading in her headphones.
What’s
Leonardo doing?
■ It's been a while since we included Leonardo Di Caprio in our columns, and seeing he is now in his 50th year we owe it to him to plug his latest project staring in OneBattleAfterAnother to hit movie screens, September 26.
Absolute Fact
■ Sign on the High Street of a once thriving retail strip: BUY LOCAL, OR BYE BYE LOCAL. So true.
Kennedy Honours
■ President Trump has announced selection of star-studded performers for Kennedy Centre Honours 2025. They include KISS rock band, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait (C&W), Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone. Surprising omission was Tom Cruise who apologised as he had a conflicting engagement. The Kennedy Centre will be the venue on December 7 and will undergo a new, glitzy interior. John O’Keefe
● ● Marge Champion
with Peter Kemp
● ● ● ● Brooklyn Beckham
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 5
Across Across Down Down
1. Heavy rainfall
6. Canary or nightingale
11. Mob hanging
15. Incinerated (corpse)
20. Gallivant
21. Weird
22. The masses, ... polloi
23. Business conversation
24. Reprimand
25. Dead skin in hair
27. Most depressing
28. Holler
29. Boo-boo
31. Dublin republic
32. Black Sea port
36. The A of USA
37. Self-murder
38. Upper
41. Languished
44. Gowned
45. Noosed rope
48. Spanked
49. Radio crackle
52. Retaliate for
56. Gigantic
57. Las Vegas is there
58. Sleep
61. Inflexibility
62. Intervals
63. Cosy corners
64. At no stage
65. Skimpy bikini bottom (1-6)
66. Renewed
67. Resign (5,4)
71. Indian woman's forehead mark
73. Young owl
75. Nourishing substances
80. Fiesta, Mardi ...
82. More agile
83. Calf-length skirt
85. Stinginess
86. Gazing lecherously at
88. Lead astray
90. Without thinking
91. Relinquished (land)
93. Magazine users
94. Lamented
95. Reduce
96. Bends out of shape
97. Japanese wrestling
99. Flour factory
100. Vehement
104. Snapshots book
105. Perfect
106. Scale
107. Relents (5,2)
111. Proficient
113. Sick
114. Cry of delight
115. Escape adroitly
117. Bump
118. Flanks
121. Wild rose
122. Poet, ... Allan Poe
125. American president, Ronald ...
126. Salt Lake City state
127. Exploited
129. Famed lioness
131. Wine, ... spumante
132. Paler
135. Oil-exporting cartel
136. Singer, ... Etheridge
139. Speed measurement
140. Confused
144. Nunavut native
145. Wire
146. Biscuit topping
147. US island prison
148. Scandalised
149. Dinners or lunches
150. Crocodile Dundee star, Paul ...
152. Brahma follower
154. Sends (money)
157. East Timor's capital
158. Foot arches
162. Part of eye
163. Exotic flower
166. Loop
167. Missile-launch pit
169. Nevada divorce city
171. Taj Mahal site
172. Fleet
173. Takes a break
175. Indigenous New Zealander
176. Acute remorse
179. Burnt brightly
180. Mountain chain
182. Relaxation art, ... chi (1'2)
183. Food additive (1,1,1)
184. Regal
186. Oval
189. Communications industry
190. Not anybody (2-3)
191. Of sound system
192. Freshness
196. Sacred ritual
197. Pig in a ...
198. Dummy pill
199. Paralysed
201. Tennis ace, Gabriela ...
202. Men's neck scarves
203. Capital of South Korea
204. Shameful secret, ... in the cupboard
205. Away from home, far ...
208. Movie theatre
210. News footage
211. Petticoat
212. Understand
213. Personal identity
215. Indigestion
219. Striped equine
221. Hospital worker
223. Supervisors
227. Prefabricated (concrete)
228. Unlock
230. Depart
231. Lace frill
232. Percussion instruments
233. Earth's environment, Mother ...
234. Temporary relief
238. Gaps
239. Design-tracing device
240. Rots
243. Group loyalty, ... de corps
246. Car repair set (4,3)
247. Desist
250. Swindle
251. NZ PM, ... Clark
253. Resupplies with weapons
256. Duplicate
257. Hoisting anchor cry (5-2)
258. Cruelty
262. West African country
263. Glue
266. Madam (2'2)
268. Writer, James ...
269. Nervous disorder
270. Aggravate
271. Many
272. Rascal
273. Surplus
274. LA suburb, ... Air
275. Spouse's boys
276. Holstered pistols (4,4)
277. Alberta's capital
278. Tooth doctors
1. Nightclub
2. Belonging to whom?
3. Golfing strokes
4. Unattractive
5. Scrape together (4,2)
7. Tidiest
8. Between
9. Investigate
10. Venison animal
11. Open-air pool
12. January 1st, New ... (4'1,3)
13. Strong painkiller
14. Accustoming
15. Hooded snakes
16. Infuriate
17. Florida resort
18. Fangs
19. Discourage
24. Garbed
26. Touch
30. Manlike machine
33. Wettest
34. Part
35. Corrected
38. Huskier
39. Eucalypt
40. No longer existing (of species)
42. Dedicatory poems
43. Dodging (duty)
46. Kabul currency unit
47. Complacent
49. Flood-protection sack
50. Decorate
51. Dispatching
53. Retailers
54. Of shipping
55. Inconsistent
59. Still vivid (of memory)
60. Glorified
67. Japanese warrior
68. Insistent
69. Underground cell
70. Utterly preoccupied
72. Pakistan's capital
74. Striving to equal
76. Vibrated
77. Accuses
78. Spaghetti-like items
79. Enlists (5,2)
81. Skiffs
84. Christmas month
87. Lucky escape (4,4)
89. Enhances
91. Director, ... Mille (5,1,2)
92. Disapproves strongly of
98. Twins star sign
101. Dragonfly larva
102. Make into law
103. Sixth planet from sun
108. Taken from plane (of photo)
109. Heavy antelope
110. Established practice
112. School test
116. Unstintingly
119. Impetuous
120. Christian sacrament
123. Eternal punishment
124. Attributes
128. Involve in conflict
130. Milk sugar
132. Propeller sound
133. Mode of expression
134. Octagon number
137. Sits idly
138. Uttered
141. Raise objections
142. Unwilling
143. Gave medicine to
151. Academy Awards
153. Achievable
155. Register
156. From Baghdad
159. Appointees
160. Employed (4,2)
161. Ancient
164. Length of metal links
165. Notions
168. Formerly Constantinople
170. City devastated by A-bomb
173. Curative
174. Hit with glancing blow
177. Faintness
178. Equatorial
181. Spray cans
185. Humorous account
186. Unveiled
187. Layabouts
188. Go in front
193. Stoat-like animals
194. Issue (from)
195. Procedures
200. Skilled arguers
201. Japanese meat dish
206. Died away, ... out
207. Curtains, cloth, etc
208. Middles
209. Most submissive
211. Tastes
214. Debarred
216. Longest Asian river
217. Simpler
218. Outdoor meals
220. French peak, Mont ...
222. Happen repeatedly
224. Motives
225. Allowed
226. Travelling stagehands
229. ... & hearty
232. Distribute, ... out
235. Tendency to fantasise
236. Iron
237. Tied
241. Explain in detail
242. Grand Canyon state
244. Tenor, ... Domingo
245. Imprecise
248. Panics
249. Ireland (poetic)
251. Residence
252. Lent to
253. Frisks
254. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2
255. Fulfils (demand)
259. Delegate
260. Religious statues
261. Veils
262. Hitler's ... Kampf
264. Serpents
265. Grow weary
267. Donkey/horse cross
Crossroads
By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au
Outback Ball
■ Brendan McMahon has released his new single to radio.
Titled Outback Ball, Brendan says there’s nothing quite like being out in the country on a Saturday night having a few cold beers with your best mates, dancing with the one you love and listening to some great country music until the sun comes up.
Andrew, George
■ Melbourne singer Andrew De Silva will pay tribute to the life and songs of the late pop icon George Michael.
Due to an overwhelming response to his last show earlier in 2025, the Aria Award winner, Australia’sGotTalentwinner, and a member of 90’s R&B group CDB, along with his incredible band of touring musicians, will relive some of George’s greatest works. Expect TooFunky,CarelessWhisper,Faith,FastLove,FatherFigure,Freedom and more.
Memo Music Hall. Sat., Dec. 13. Tickets at trybooking.com
New Hair
■ A new bold production of the tribal love rock musical Hair will come to life commencing Sat\urday, October 25 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Let down your long, beautiful hair and pull out the tie-dye as you join a generation in search of love and peace during the Vietnam era. With a rainbow score featuring iconic hits like Aquarius,GoodMorningStarshine, and EasytobeHardthis production delivers a raw and unforgettable musical journey, says their media release. Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
First Nations events lead FUSE Festival
■ The City of Darebin and Darebin FUSE Festival presents a lineup of First Nations-led events at this year’s FUSE Festival. The program aims to amplify and celebrate the voices, stories and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives through live music, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, film screenings, and immersive art experiences with free and ticketed events from August 31-September 14.
The FUSE Deadly Darebin Program includes:
■ Bunjil & Paliyang, September 13 – 21
A powerful reimagining of a traditional Kulin Nation Songline story, Bunjil & Paliyang blends ancient knowledge with orchestral music and dance to mark the beginning of bat season.
Acclaimed artist and Didjeridoo player Amos Roach and violist William Vyvyan Murray lead an ensemble of musicians and dancers to bring to life the Creation story of Bunjil the Eagle, Paliyang the Bat, Koonawarra the Black Swan and Kururok the Brolga.
Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins’ choreography will create an immersive performance interweaving Roach and Murray’s original composition, traditional Songlines, and powerful dance from the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe, inviting audiences to fly with them through the skies, waters and dreams of Country.
■ Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, September 5 – 7
A 27-metre luminous puppet,
Crossword Solution No 5
Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, is a collaborative artwork, representing the Kaurna Peoples, and the creation of Elizabeth Close ( Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara ) and Jack Buckskin (Kaurna and Nurungga), developed with Darebin-based puppet company A Blanck Canvas.
Jack worked closely with elders to translate the story of the skink, which had been passed down from generations.
This was in fact the first time the Kaurna people’s story of the skink had been interpreted and shared with the public.
Close created the art piece that the skink is wrapped in; the design, in her own words, “is a reflection of the connection to Country that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have. Relationships with Country are complex dualities that are reflected in nature itself.”
■ En Masse, September 4 - 10
A life-sized projection installation featuring the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble, En Masse was made in collaboration with First Nations Gamilaroi Yinarr choreographer Amelia J O'Leary and videographer Michael Carmody, En Masse explores the tension between being an individual and being part of a group. Supported by the FUSE Fund.
O’Leary’s dance practice is about human and spiritual experiencing.
Through complexity and adversity, they find ways to tell coded and poetically rich stories.
Her dances are personal and
IDEAL CLIMB EASESUP Y N ADEPT A ILL M OOH N ELUDE L S IMPACT X SIDES BRIAR EDGAR N REAGAN P C UTAH M USED N ELSA C ASTI N G WHITER M OPEC MELISSA MACH P ADDLED H D INUIT U H B A P C N R CABLE O O ICING N ALCATRAZ OUTRAGED R MEALS R O HOGAN S R O E K O T D HINDU T E REMITS
personified from her multidisciplinary skills in theatre, film and sound design
■ FUSE Festival @ Northcote Town Hall, Installation Opening Party September 5, Northcote Town Hall
A special opening night for the community, beginning with a Welcome to Country and followed by roving performances by celebrated local drag icons Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold. Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold are both members of The Motherless Collective (MoCo), a First Nations Drag collective based in Melbourne
■ FUSE Films – First Nations Film Evening, September, Thornbury Picture House
FUSE Films will run as part of the FUSE Festival at Thornbury Picture House and will offer free films for the community.
Amongst these are WINHANGANHA by award-winning artist Jazz Money; Lady Lash, a documentary that tells the story of Aboriginal-Greek Hip Hop Jazz MC Crystal Clyne , AKA Lady Lash, who returns to her ancestral lands for women’s business; and a collection of short works by Isaac Winzer.
■ WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think), is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It is an examination of how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia, told through the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri multi-disci-
Observations
plinary artist, Jazz Money. Isaac Winzer, a Ngarabal and Wirrayaraay filmmaker, will present several short works and will take part in a panel discussion with singer-songwriter and Ngiyampaa man, Pirritu , facilitated by artist, documentary maker and screenwriter Rochelle (Rocky) Humphrey ■ Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth - August 31 at, Darebin Arts Centre
“From Many to the Next” is this year’s Ganbu Gulin theme. Held at Darebin Arts Centre and the Ray Bramham Gardens on Sunday August 31, this year’s Ganbu Gulin program was developed by Curator in Residence Ethan Savage (Northern Kaantju, Girramay and Badu), and Cultural and Curatorial Advisor Stacie Piper (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung). Melbourne-based indie rock band Doe Eyes draws inspiration from the raw energy of 1970s rock, infused with a modern twist. Fronted by the duo of singer and lead guitarist Jordan Clay and Indigenous vocalist Izzy Skye, Doe Eyes is redefining the boundaries of retro rock.
Ganbu Gulin is co-presented in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Darebin FUSE Festival. August 31 - September 14
Various locations around Darebin arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/Whats-on/ Festivals/Fuse Cheryl Threadgold
Court Lists
Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, August 27
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■ ALPHINGTON. OTR. 785
Heidelberg Rd.
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■ ALPHINGTON. Foodstore. 52 Wingrove St.
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■ ALPHINGTON. Milk Bar. 50 Wingrove St.
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■ BANYULE. Post Office. 55 Greville Rd
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■ ■ ■ ■ ■ MONTMORENCY. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 41-43 Were St.
■ ■ ■ ■ MONTMORENCY. Ampol. 180 Sherbourne Rd.
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■ ■ ■ NORTH FITZROY. Terminus Hotel. 492 Queens Pde.
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■ NORTH IVANHOE. Australia Post. Cnr Waterdale Rd and Beatty St.
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■ ■ BRIAR HILL. Briar Hill Post Office/Newsagency. Shop 1/111 Mountain View Rd.
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■ BUNDOORA. BP Service Station. 1050 Plenty Rd.
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■ ■ NORTHCOTE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Victoria Rd and Separation St.
■ ■ NORTHCOTE. Red Door Corner Store. 70 Mitchell St.
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■ BUNDOORA. Bundoora Newsagency. Unit 3, 39 Plenty Rd.
■ ■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Lotto.
306 Queens Pde.
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■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Newsagency. 316 Queens Pde.
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■ ■ NORTHCOTE. Sessions. Cnr Mitchell St and Victoria Rd.
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■ PRESTON. United Service Station. Cnr Chifley Dr. and Bell St.
■ ■ REGENT WEST. Post Office and Tatts. 136 Regent St.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Australia Post. 10a Gellibrand Cres.
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■ CLIFTON HILL. Milk Bar. Cnr Fenwick St and Spensley St.
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■ COLLINGWOOD. Metro Petroleum. 318 Wellington St.
■ ■ DIAMOND CREEK. IGA Supermarket. Main Rd
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■ ■ ■ EAGLEMONT. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 64 Silverdale Rd.
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■ EAST IVANHOE. Australia Post/ Tatts/Newsagency. 249-251 Lower Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. BP Service Station. Cnr McFadzean Ave and Hughes Pde.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Broadway Lotto. 238 Broadway.
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■ RESERVOIR. Ampol. 931 High St
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Coles Express. 192202 Broadway.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. DM Deli and Liquor. 35 McFadzean Ave.
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■ ■ EAST PRESTON. East Preston News and Lotto. 669 Plenty Rd.
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■ EAST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. 502 Plenty Rd.
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■ ■ EAST PRESTON. Plenty Road Cellars. 766 Plenty Rd.
■ ■ ELTHAM. Bolton Street Deli and Liquor. 120 Bolton St.
■ ■ ELTHAM. Ampol. 527 Main Rd.
■ ■ ELTHAM. Coles Express. 650 Main Rd (Cnr Mt Pleasant Rd)
■ ■ ELTHAM. United Service Station. 1050 Main Rd.
■ ■ EPPING. 7-Eleven. Cnr Dalton Rd and Childs Rd.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Liberty Service Station. 101-111 Edwardes St.
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■ RESERVOIR. Milk Bar. Cnr Yarra Ave and Boldrewood Pde.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Lakeside News and Lotto. 115 Spring St.
■ ■ RESERVOIR. Reservoir RSL. 251 Spring St.
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■ ROSANNA. IGA Supermarket. Lower Plenty Rd.
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■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar. Gorge Rd.
■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Shell Coles Express. McDonalds Rd.
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■ ■ ■ ST HELENA. Milk Bar. Cnr Glen Katherine Dr and Weidlich Rd.
Courts upgrade
■ Diamond Creek Tennis Club has upgraded two courts to competition standard, which are now ready for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Keen tennis players joined with councillors and Eltham MLA Vicki Ward to mark the official opening of the new courts.
Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the court improvements will enable the Club to flourish.
“This project represents a real investment in our local community and its wellbeing, and I’m proud to see it come to fruition,” Cr Dumaresq said.
Ellis Ward Councillor Peter Perkins said the court upgrade is a boost for local tennis and Diamond Creek’s ability to host competitive tournaments.
“The court improvements will bring benefits to locals and visitors to the club, and I thank the Victorian Government for its contribution in bringing this project to life,” Cr Perkins said.
Works included the removal of the old surfaces, excavation and re-levelling, new asphalt bases with root barriers, improved drainage, upgraded fencing, and brandnew synthetic grass playing surfaces.
The $576,000 upgrade was the result of a joint initiative between the State Government , which contributed $300,000, and Nillumbik Council, which invested $276,000.
Seussical Jr
■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage has spoken on taking her daughters to see Mernda Central College’s production of Seussical Jr.
“They really proved that ‘Oh, the thinks you can think’ is not just a lyric but is a mission statement,” Ms Kathage said.
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■ EPPING. APCO Service Station.
Cnr McDonalds Rd and High St.
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■ EPPING. IGA. 1/53 McDonalds
Rd.
■ ■ ST HELENA. St Helena Newsagency. St Helena Marketplace, Aqueduct Rd.
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■ EPPING. RSL. Harvest Home Rd.
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■ ■ ■ EPPING. Shell Coles Express. 511 High St.
■ ■ EPPING NORTH. 7-Eleven. 743 High St.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St.
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■ ■ ■ FAIRFIELD. BP. 490-500 Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Ampol. 215 Heidelberg Rd.
■ THOMASTOWN. BP. 123 High St.
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■ ■ ■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Foodworks. 126 Alexander Ave.
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■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Thomastown Library. 15 Main St.
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■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Stevens Cellars Licensed Grocery. 20 The Boulevard.
■ ■ ■ ■ THOMASTOWN. Thomastown News and Lotto. 223 High St.
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■ THOMASTOWN WEST. 7-Eleven. Cnr Mount View St and Edgars Rd.
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■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. 377 Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Fairfield News and Lucky Lotto. 99 Station St.
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■ ■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Metco Service Station. Cnr Separation St and Station St.
■ ■ FAIRFIELD. Station Street IGA.
140 Station St.
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■ ■ ■ THOMASTOWN WEST. Supa IGA Supermarket. Edgars Rd
■ ■ THORNBURY. 7-Eleven. Cnr High St and Hutton St.
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■ ■ THORNBURY. BP. 410 St Georges Rd.
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■ ■ ■ THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 638 High St.
■ ■ THORNBURY. Tatts and Licensed Grocery. 400 Station St.
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■ ■ ■ FITZROY. BP. 143-145 Johnston
St.
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■ FITZROY. Fitzroy News. 125 Johnston St.
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■ ■ GREENSBOROUGH. Milk Bar. 31 Greenhill Rd.
■ ■ HEIDELBERG. 7-Eleven. Cnr Burgundy St and Lower Heidelberg Rd.
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■ HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Tatts/ News. 112 Burgundy St.
■ ■ WATSONIA. BP. Cnr Watsonia Rd and Morwell Ave.
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■ WATSONIA. Coles Express. Cnr Greensborough Rd and Yallambie rD
■ ■ WATSONIA. Watsonia RSL. 6 Morwell Ave.
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■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Convenience Store. Moresby Cres.
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■ ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Foodworks. 571-573 Waterdale Rd.
■ LOWER PLENTY. Lower Plenty Newsagency/Tatts. 95 Main Rd.
■ ■ MACLEOD. Macleod Newsagency.
62 Aberdeen Rd.
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■ ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Licensed Supermarket. Olympic Village. Moresby Cres.
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■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Milk Bar. Cnr Banksia St and Oriel Rd.
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■ ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Supermarket. The Mall. Cnr Bell St and Oriel Rd.
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■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Tatts. The Mall. Cnr Bell St and Oriel Rd.
■ ■ WEST PRESTON. IGA Xpress Supermarket. 392-298 Gilbert Rd.
■ ■ WEST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. Cnr Gilbert Rd and Union St.
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■ WEST PRESTON. Thornbury Cellars. 141 Miller St.
■ ■ WEST RESERVOIR. 7-Eleven. Cnr Gilbert Rd and Henty St.
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■ ■ ■ WESTGARTH. Lotto/SubNewsagency. 107 High St.
Alabbaoudy, Younis Allen, Jacob Amboka, Peter Angelovski, Stefan Arnett, Wayne Leigh Arrowsmith, Corey Bayraktar, Ercan Bell, Jack Anthony Boodram, Shazrina Imitaz Bott, Nathan Brigham, Hayley Brook, Kieran John Brookes, Taylor Brown, Sanerivi Campone-Burn, Kathleen Capri, Andrew Caruso, Frank Charlton, Matthew Charnley, Daniel Chimirri, Terence Cultrera, Joseph Dafopoulos, Nicholas William Datta, Sumit Decarne, Jason Di Federico, Kara Edwards, Jyda Ekins, Cameron John Ellis, Gary John Emini, Adem Esenyel, Engin Eshlan, Mohammed Ali Falcao, Daniel Ford, Jay Fox, Jason Fox-Mcmahon, Kayla Gallo, Pierre Gervalla, Jaad Ghafari, Muhammad Glodea, Cristina Gough, Elysa Hakai, Ariyan Hourigan-Richmond, Whitney Jade Hulston, Nathaniel Glenn Ilijoski, Oliver Jones, Graham Kamara, Borma Keen, Kristy Lee Kemp, Ashleigh Kennedy, Antoinette Kenter, Linda Koksal, Gurkan Kouvas, Rebecca Laan Woods, Corey Lee, Hoi M Hodges Investments Pty Ltd Marsh, Cleo Mattei, Thomas Mladenich, Ricardo Mohamud, Abdirahman Mohamud, Mohamed Moore, Megan Nasic, Marco Natale, Dominic Newbegin, Brett Newbegin, Brett Stephen Nguyen, Phuc Owaiti Zadeh, Hussein Page, Tori Penrose, Kristy Peterson, John Alexander Prasad, Jason Principato, Mark Rainey, Luke Ribaric, Kristen Roebuck, Carmen Saitu, Terehapii Sapkota, Chandra Kala Kandel Sapkota, Shalik Shill, Daniel Mark Solomon, Tyrone Still, Jethro Alan Stojcevski, Nicholas Stratton, Luke Stubbs, Linden Taylor, Wayne Theodorau, Arthur Thompson, Lauren Tigafua, Noah Urike, Hunter Vethakos, Charles Walker, David
Webb, Jodie Weissbacher, David Wilson, Erica Younger, Adam Thomas Zanier, Rachel Zhang, Kerry Zotos, Angelo Zotos, Evangelos Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, August 27 Abdullah, Fation Akauola, Daniel Akbar, Shabaz Albadrawi, Alaa Amin, Anas Arsan, Alican Atmaca, Muslum Attard, Samantha Bacharudin, Vanessa Pricilla Bartalotta, Domenico Baset, Yassmin Bates, Wayne Behdadfar, Ali Bleazby, Shane Borg, Nicole Bradford, Dylan David Bruzzese, Fortunato Bullen, Justin Robert Burns, Shane Butterworth, Adam Cil, Gokhan Cooke, Brendon Michael Couch, Darcy D'alberto, Enrico Dockett, Kristian William Dolazas, Ioannis Doyle, Jamie Drizos, Ioannis El Hourany, Jean El-Achkar, Adam El-Lababidi, Jamil Evers, Elise Fadih, Rudah Galea, Mark Anthony Gilchrist, Ashleigh Giuliano, Darren Gokce, Haluk Mucahit Grgat, Danny Duyo Hansen, Daniel John Harbord, Timothy Irvine, Tristan Jado, David Jean, Roby Kadhum, Imad Karakus, Halil Ibrahim Kerbage, Anna Kerby, Alvin Khabbaz, Haissam Kiris, Adem Latif, Yasir Le, Phi Tam Marchant, Dean Margus, Daniel Masood, Salman Matamea, Tema Meldrum Brooks, Syke Milonas, Stefanos Minas, Adil Mosavi, Sayed Moussa, Rima Muna, Kaulyn John Livi F Nabil, Saleh Naggs, Joshua Nomarhas, Tasi O'callaghan, Angus Pereira, Patricia Pettingil, Jamie Pignatelli, Salvatore Poley, Joseph Edward Qiu, Xingyi Safak, Ahmet Salma, Fahd Sanderson, Mitchell Sele, Mine Shahid, Afaq Sheikh, Ayub Silva, Faaliliu Silva, Sao Singh, Lakhveer Slat, Robert Sultan, Ziad Taha, Zakaria Taleb, Adnan Tubin, Daniel Watson, Robert Watts, Belinda Wilson, Barry Wilson, Dianne Wilson, Scott Youhana, Fredi
“From Jojo and the Cat showing us it is possible to protect what matters to Horton reminding us that we are never really alone in the universe, this production hit every note about courage, teamwork and believing in yourself.
“Much like Horton, they proved that a person’s a person, no matter how small, and that every role, big or small, mattered in making this show a success.
“Their amazing cast, crew and teachers did not just put on a musical, they built a community on and off stage.
“It is clear this school is exactly where creativity hatches, takes flight and, just like Green Eggs and Ham, is something everyone ends up loving.
“My daughters loved the pre-show mini doco, which gave the opportunity to meet lots of the backstage crew, who made the show possible.
“In shining a spotlight behind the curtain, they took the themes of the show –standing up for what is right, believing in yourself and valuing every voice – and turned them into a living, breathing part of their school culture.
“In short, they nailed it – all for you. Well done to Rachel Gorman and the team,” Ms Kathage said.
Dog park feedback
■ The Hurstbridge Dog Park is set to undergo a major upgrade and Nuillumbik Council wants to hear residents’ thoughts on a range of proposed improvements.
The planned upgrade includes accessible seating and shelters, a passive dog area for dogs who prefer a quieter space, potential dog activities and interactive play areas, new concrete pathways, landscaping, new signage, solar lighting at key locations and additional waste bins to encourage cleanliness.
Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the upgrade would provide a better experience for all dog park users.
“Upgrades to the Hurstbridge Dog Park mean it will be safer, easier to get around, and more fun for everyone — people and their dogs,” Cr Dumaresq said.
“With better safety, accessibility, and facilities, we’re making sure the whole community can enjoy it, no matter their age, ability, or the kind of dog they have. It’s all about making Hurstbridge an even more welcoming place to be.”
Cr Naomi Joiner encourages residents to take part in the consultation.
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■ MILL PARK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Childs
Rd and Morang Dr.
■ ■ MILL PARK. Mill Park Newsagency. 4 The Stables Shopping Centre.
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■ ■ ■ MONTMORENCY. 7-Eleven. 215 Sherbourne Rd.
■ ■ ■ ■ WESTGARTH. Milk Bar. Cnr Westgarth St and South Cres.
■ ■ WOLLERT. Ampol. 250 Epping Rd.
■ ■ ■ ■ WOLLERT. General Store and Take Away. 491 Epping Rd.
WOLLERT. Shell. 246 Epping Rd.
■ YALLAMBIE. 7-Eleven. 371 Lower Plenty Rd.
Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
“This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved, share their ideas, and help shape the dog park.” Cr Joiner said.
This project is supported by the State Government through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program Feedback closes Sunday, September 14.
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea
Harness racing looked down upon as second-rate Harness Racing
■ For many years our sport has been degraded by many organisations with one of the main offenders being the gallops who have always regarded us as second rate citizens.
Several months ago, I was contacted by a former leading horseman (trainer and driver) who asked me if I could assist him in trying to find out how many club premierships he had won since being involved in the industry.
In what was a lengthy process, I phoned, wrote and e-mailed each club in the state requesting this information.
I was astonished on two fronts with (1) some clubs not even responding and (2) those who did, giving me the answer that “they never kept any record of such”.
Unfortunately this is one reason why our sport is so unprofessional in certain ways giving the impression that things like this have never been thought of in club administration protocol.
Found rhythm
■ Great Western octogenarian Peter Manning an 2021 inductee into the Victorian Harness Racing Hall Of Fame can never be left out of calculations at any race meeting he takes stable runners to, snaring a double at his home track Ararat on Monday August 18 providing both Boot Legging and Wild Bull to win their respective races.
Cleverly named Boot Legging, a 3Y0 gelded son of Volstead from Fortunate Phoenix (Wind Cries Maori) raced by long time client John Dorrington under the banner of Dorro Downs Pty Ltd was successful in the 2195 House Of Nai Asian Grocery Trotters Mobile.
Having his first start for the stable and first since October last year Boot Legging was restrained from outside the front line to settle at the tail of the field, but a long way off the leader Alabama Delta which had led from gate six.
Allowed to find his rhythm, Boot Legging gradually made ground before daughter Kerryn (also inducted into the H-O-F 2012 edition) sent him forward three wide at the bell to join the leaders The Knockabout (gate two) in the breeze and Alabama Delta in the back straight with The Knockabout racing clear shortly after.
Turning on level terms, Boot Legging safely held Happy Escape (one/two from gate five) which followed the winner into the straight to register a 1.4 metre margin over Happy Escape which tried hard, with The Knockabout holding third 18.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-03.6 (last half 61.7).
■ Raging Bull-Bay Jet gelding Wild Bull driven by Ellen Torney in the McKay Earthworks Pace over 1790 metres possied one/ one from gate five as Amphijet led from the pole.
Angling three wide prior to the home turn, Wild Bull was too tough in a thrilling finish to score by a neck from Eastbro Chrissie (one/ three from gate three on the second line). Michaywey (extreme draw) came from last for third a head away after weaving between runners in the straight.
Raced by Adelaide’s Cormick family, Wild Bull registered his 5th victory from 23 outings which include 8 placings returning a 1-58.7 mile rate.
■ Kerryn’s second winner came about when local Armstrong trainer Danny O’Brien’s Rock N Roll World-Nothing Else Matters fiily Rocknroll Willow led throughout from the pole on debut to land the Ararat RSL Pace over 1790 metres.
Beginning fast to retain the lead, Rocknroll Willow travelled beautifully all of the way to run out an easy 5.8 metre victor in 2-00.2 from The Blazinboots (one/two – three wide last lap from the extreme draw) and a death-seating Media Mogul which raced uncovered from outside the front line.
■ Local Ararat local reinsman Michael Bellman was successful when winning aboard Heywood trainer Bec East’s 4Y0 Sunshine Beach-Kiss And Grin entire Grinning Beach Boy in the Ararat Tyre Power Pace over 2195 metres.
Going forward with a rush from mid-field after starting from gate two on the second line, Grinning Beach Boy moved forward to cross the front runner Redbank Molly prior to the bell, defying all challengers at the finish to easily account for Redbank Molly along the sprint lane by 4.2 metres in a rate of 1-59.7. Huxam Chubb (three wide from outside the front line to race exposed) was third 1.7 metres back.
■ Koorah co-trainers Shaun & Jason McNaulty’s handy Restrepo-Begoodor-
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
begoodatit filly Into The Harkness chalked up her 6th success in 27 outings (5 placings) when leading for most of the 1790 metre trip in the 1790 metre Ararat Advocate Pace.
With James Herbertson in the sulky, Into The Harkness (gate four) after being caught wide pressed forward to take over from the poleline leader Starzinhereyes and was never headed, just lasting by a half head from a game Keayang Seaside (gate three) which raced exposed, with James Garner (gate three second line – one/three – three wide last lap) third a head away. The mile rate 1-57.8.
■ Terang trainer Matty Horsenel combined with Lochie Cook to land the 2195 metre West Vic. Harness Is The Best Maiden Pace with Shifu, a 3Y0 Jilliby Kung Fu-Jilly Tameka gelding raced and bred by Terang’s Lenehan family.
Beginning best from gate three to lead, Shifu was untroubled to lead all of the way from the pole, reaching the wire 1.7 metres in advance of a death-seating King Casey (gate four on debut) and polemarker Guaranteed Trouble which trailed the winner finishing a half head away third. The mile rate 2-02.2.
Close finishes
■ The regular Tuesday Shepparton meeting provided many close finishes at a track for Sky Channel viewers that is so hard to pick the winner due to the location and angle of the TV camera.
It was great to see Craig Demmler part of the Larajay Farm team at Myrniong victorious on the night with Kiwi bred Art Major-Oranje gelding Secret Service Agent taking the 1690 metre Neatline Homes 2Y0 Maiden Pace. Driven by Jordy Leedham, Secret Service Agent starting from gate three on the second line received a great run through the field to settle mid-field before following his stablemate Rocknroll Wish (gate five) in the breeze while at the same time avoiding several gallopers who were not on their best behavior.
Easing three wide in the last lap to give chase to the leader Mezzanotti which had cleared the field from outside the front line on debut, Secret Service Agent commenced a three wide forward move in the back straight on the final occasion to be outside the leader after just missing Rocknroll Wish which galloped under pressure.
Taking a slender lead on the final bend with Listen To The Hand (one/two from the extreme draw) in pursuit, Secret Service Agent held a margin to the wire to register a 5.4 metre margin over Listen To The Hand, with Mezzanotti third 1.8 metres away. The mile rate a slick 1-57.4.
■ Charlton trainer John Torney snared the quinella in the Pacing Stockfeeds Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres with Hurricane Katie and Karbine. Driven by daughter Ellen, Hurricane Katie, a 4Y0 daughter of Sebastian K and Always Treasure under the care of Ellen in Bendigo began fast from outside the front line to lead and after bowling along at her leisure, greeted the judge 1.5 metres clear of solo second liner Karbine (Jack Laugher) – 1/ 3 – three wide last lap), with Kalarney Prince (three pegs from gate three) third along the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-02.9.
■ Bunbartha’s John Newberry trained and reined 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shez Madam Jasper gelding Alta Bayamo landed the 1690 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Pace. Bred and raced by the Newberry family, Alta Bayamo led throughout from gate three to score by a half head only after looking vulnerable on the final bend and fighting on courageously to defeat
King Saint (one/two from a solo second line draw – outside winner from the bell). Early leader Beryls Grin (three pegs mid-race) was third 17.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-55.4.
39th attempt
■ Bendigo raced on Wednesday the highlight being 17Y0 New Gisborne concessional reinsman Riley Pace winning his first race at his 39th attempt after registering nine placings.
Riley is the son of Darren who trains the horse and grandson of Vic Pace handling Betting Line-Dreams In Heaven gelding Blazin By to perfection in the Apco Service Stations Strathdale & Kangaroo Flat 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2150 metres with happy results.
Settling four back in the moving line from gate two on the second row as Whenimready (Kerryn Manning) led from gate two with the heavily backed first starter Assigned (gate three) in the breeze.
The race was to change complexion through the middle stages when Chris Alford aboard Onyx (gate six) which raced roughly as the start was effected moved forward with a rush from near last to face the open racing for the bell.
Easing three wide to go forward in the last lap, Blazin By joined Onyx which had taken over on the final bend and raced clear halfway up the running to score by 7.3 metres in advance of Assigned running on late when clear of a tight pocket, with Onyx holding third a half head back. The mile rate 2-01.7. To make the victory even more enjoyable, Darren posted his 50th training success.
■ Ex-New Zealander Ted a 4Y0 Sweet LouClaire Bear gelding trained at Strathfieldsaye by Julie Douglas for parents Eric & Heather, was victorious when first up in Oz and first up since June by taking the 1650 Bendigo Locksmiths Pace in a slick mile rate of 1-54.2.
Driven by Ellen Tormey, Ted (gate two second line) was checked slightly as the starter released the field settling one/one trailing stablemate Arnies Army (gate three) in the breeze after Hoorah Philtra had flown the gate from barrier four to lead.
Going forward three wide in the last lap following Jetter Son (extreme draw) ahead of him to join the leader on the final bend, Ted although racing a little greenly got the job done, greeting the judge by 1.6 metres from a game Jetter Son, with Jilliby Tidalwave (gate fiveone/three- three wide double trail last lap) third a half neck away. The mile rate a fast 154.1.
■ Derrinal trainer Glenn Bull and Bendigo reinsman Sean O’Sullivan added another winner to their tally when Heston Blue ChipDanielles Pride 7Y0 mare Shezabluechip recorded her 16th victory by winning the 2150 metre Peterson Westbrook Cameron Lawyers Bendigo Pace.
Despite racing uncovered from gate two outside Arraps inside her, Shezabluechip surged clear in the last lap to impressively toy with her rivals by 15.2 metres from Dot Ball (one/ two from gate three) and the favourite Kimchi (one/three from gate five) which had no luck whatsoever, running on late when extricated into the clear for a 1.6 metre third. The mile rate 1-58.1.
Squaregaiters
■ The squaregaiters highlighted Thursday’s Ballarat program with three interesting races taking place.
The ballarattrottingclub.com.au Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres was a terrific race with Romsey trainer Chris Svanosio’s 3Y0 Brillantissime-Middleton Miss gelding Charleston Avenue defeating his older rivals in a 2-00.3 mile rate.
With Taylor Youl in the sulky, Charleston Avenue (gate four) trailed the leader Ringer Wells starting outside the front row before peeling off his back in the straight to record a strong 1.7 metre victory over Ringer Wells who couldn’t see out the trip. Keayang Gypsy (one/ two) from inside the second line was third off a three wide trail last lap to be four wide on the final bend when finishing third 7.7 metres away.
■ Armstrong trainer Brooke Hansen’s 7Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Paparazzi Snapshot gelding Just Abit Dusty taking the prize from Mick Bellman’s Blackrange Glory with both horses missing the start and going back to the rear as Jodi Quinlan and Shezalover led from gate four before being crossed by Love Who and Reagan Clarke (gate six).
Going forward from three back in the moving line in the final lap, Blackrange Glory was being hailed the winner halfway up the running before being bloused by Just About Dusty and Chris Alford after following him forward to prevail by 1.7 metres in a 2-02 mile rate. Jessicas Story (three pegs from gate two) ran her usual honest race for third 3.9 metres away.
■ The $7000 Woodlands Stud Trotters Mobile over 1710 metres saw Mount Wallace trainer Kyle Marshall successful with 3Y0 What The Hill-Claudys Princess gelding Claudys Hero bringing up two wins in succession at Bray Raceway.
With ‘the master’ James Herbertson in the sulky, Claudys Hero (gate six) began safely to join the pacemaker Sovereign Tiger (gate five) shortly after the start, before coasting to victory 4.2 metres clear of Old Dominion (gate two – five pegs – outside the winner last lap. Sovereign Tiger held third a half neck back. The mile rate 1-57.1.
■ Timor (Maryborough) breeder/owner/ trainer Tony Berg landed the 1710 metre Easy Waste Maiden Pace with Ryta, a SportswriterLilla colt in a 1-58.5 mile rate.
Driven by Chris Alford, Ryta (gate three on the second line) ran home strongly from four back in the running line to gain the day by a nose over polemarker Im The Wild One which had followed the leader Light Up The Sky (gate four) and getting clear on turning. Rank outsider Orch (gate five – five pegs) extricated wide on straightening for third a head away in a blanket finish.
Len Baker
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Theft at Cam’field
■ Police are investigating a shop theft and collision in Campbellfield on Sunday morning (Aug. 24).
Officers patrolling in the area responded to reports of a theft at a clothing store on Sydney Rd about 4am.
It is understood two men stole a trolley full of items and left the shop.
When they saw a police vehicle parked outside, they fled on foot towards Mahoneys Rd. A short time later, the two men were struck by a Ford Ranger utility as they were crossing the road.
The two men, aged 26 and 31, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries under police guard.
The male driver of the utility was assisting police with their enquiries.
Search continues
■ Police were continuing at the weekend to search for missing Croydon man Mark in the Big River State Forest and around Frenchman’s Spur.
Local uniform members were assisted in Eildon by the Dog Squad, Solo Unit, Search and Rescue Squad, SES volunteers and the Wilderness Paramedics.
The search follows new information from a witness who may have passed Mark on Big River Road between 8.40am and 8.50am on August 17.
The witness told police that the man he saw was walking along the road approximately 250 metres west of Frenchman’s Campsite. The last confirmed sighting of the 62year-old was at Frenchman’s Creek campground off Big River Road in about 8.30am on Sunday, August 17. Mark spoke to another camper about 10.30pm on Saturday night, and said he was intending to walk to Woods Point the next morning.
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CAMPER TRAILER. Tru Blu heavy duty all terrain 12V accessory outlet plus slide out kitchen and extras. VGC. $4300. Frakston. 9789 9634. Z-CC
CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC
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2021. 16ft. Aspire caravan. As new. Air cond. heating, full annexe, double bed, shower toilet, solar panel, TV, tare 1275 kg. Easy ti tow. Light weight EC. $42,000 neg. Whittlesea. 0438 434 413. HH-LL
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COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAM Serial Nuimber 638427. October 1905 with five Edison goldmoulded records complete with reproducing trumpet model C. Rare antqiue, working well. VGC. $1850. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC
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NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership formerly subsisting between Yihua Zhang and Yiran Su, carrying on business under the name of Y SU & Y ZHANG at Unit 5, 560 Boronia Road, Wantirna VIC 3152, was dissolved as of 10 July 2025.
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WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL
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