The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., Apr. 1, 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

■ Clyde families have had “to run around and chase people with machetes in the street”, Berwick MLA Brad Battin has told State Parliament.

“The reality is that families are being terrorised by machetes in Clyde North, in the Orana estate,” Mr Battin said.

“When they are trying to call the police, their challenge is that they have got a brand new police station with no police officers.

“But what is even more scary – I am sure the member for Cranbourne will be interested in this – is now the government are looking at a way that they can cover this up and not put police in Clyde North but literally just move one van from Cranbourne across to Clyde North, reducing the response in Cranbourne

“Now the government are going into a position they are willing to put the community of Cranbourne at risk to cover a problem that they have got in Clyde North, but if the police are needed in Cranbourne, they have to go back to Cranbourne and leave Clyde North without police again.

“It is starting to get a bit confusing. There is an answer, though. It is quite simple. If the government go through the process of ensuring they can get the people who are on the waiting list to become police officers here in Victoria, we can fill the seats in the vans and we can keep the communities safe.

“It is about time Jacinta Allan and the Labor Government understand the impact of crime on each and every Victorian across this state,” Mr Battin said.

MACHETES IN THE STREETS AT CLYDE DIGITAL CAREERS BOOST AT FRANKSTON TAFE

■ Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney visited the Chisholm TAFE in Frankston last Wednesday (Mar. 25) for the signing of a new Victorian Digital Skills Compact

It is a shared commitment between government, industry and training providers to open new doors into digital careers and strengthen the digital skills of our workforce.

It has a focus on increasing opportunities for women, First Peoples, people with disability and regional Victorians

Industry will work with TAFEs and our adult and community education sector to build and enhance the digital and artificial intelligence capabilities of teachers and students across TAFEs and Learn Locals. Digital technologies are reshaping every industry, from health care and logistics to finance, manufacturing and creative industries. By 2035, Victoria will need 87,700 additional digital workers, and workers in all industries will need digital skills.

Victoria is leading the way in preparing workers for the digital, AI and technology jobs of the future.

“This is about driving innovation, boosting productivity and ensuring every Victorian can thrive in our digital economy, said Ms Tierney.

Frankston MLA Paul Edbrooke said:

“It’s pleasing to see this important milestone signed in Frankston, which will benefit locals and the wider community, ensuring our workforce has the skills needed for the future.”

Hooray for Hastings: MP

■ Hastings MLA Paul Mercurio says that the lights are on in his electorate for the tennis clubs, and that he is excited to say so thanks to the State Government and the Minister for Community Sport

“The Somerville Tennis Club lights were turned on before Christmas so they can train again.

“Two weeks ago we went to the Tyabb Tennis Club and turned the lights on there so they can now start training at night and grow their membership base, which is very exciting.

“ Hastings Tennis Club lights were turned on last year, but this year we have courts 5 and 6 which are being repaired. They have not been played on for 10 years, so they are looking forward to getting the courts up and running prior to Christmas,” Mr Mercurio said.

Upgrades at Timbarra Park

● Timbarra Park, Berwick

■ The City of Casey has announce upcoming playground upgrades at Timbarra Park in Berwick and Waterbush Crescent Reserve in Lyndhurst

Casey Council is seeking feedback from local families and park users on what they value in the current spaces and what they would like to see included in future draft concept designs.

The upgrades will transform the reserves into district level play spaces, featuring inclusive play equipment, new barbecues, shelters, seating, shaded areas, and enhanced landscaping

The upgrades form part of Council’s Open Space Strategy, which focuses on delivering engaging, inclusive and highquality public spaces across the municipality.

Community consultation is open until Sunday, April 19.

Casey sets out poll advocacy list

■ Thompsons Rd upgrade, extension of Clyde rail, bus network improvements, funding for libraries, new community centres and infrastructure – these plus more are what the City of Casey is looking for commitments on this election year.

The muncipality has launched Building a Better Casey, a future-focused advocacy campaign calling on all levels of government to back essential infrastructure investment ahead of the upcoming Victorian State Election

As Victoria’s largest municipality, Casey is home to more than 430,000 residents and is on track to exceed 610,000 by 2046. This rapid growth brings enormous opportunity, but it also demands urgent, strategic investment to keep pace with the community’s needs.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said: “Our community is growing at an extraordinary rate, and the infrastructure around us must keep pace. Ahead of the State Election, we are calling on the Victorian Government and all political parties to partner with us to deliver the investment our community deserves.

The campaign outlines Casey’s coordinated priorities across three key areas: Transport and Road Upgrades

Major upgrades to arterial roads and rail to improve connectivity, support local employment and keep people and goods moving efficiently.

Priority Projects include:

■ Clyde Rail Link

■ Thompsons Rd upgrade and extension

■ Clyde Rd corridor upgrade

■ Bus network improvements

■ Greaves Rd/Pound Rd Upgrade

Community Infrastructure

New and upgraded libraries, recreation facilities and integrated community hubs that meet the needs of an expanding and diverse population.

Priority Projects include:

■ Seeking ongoing commitment to funding Libraries and Aquatic Centres

■ Cranbourne Hub

■ Alexander Blvd Community Library Hub

■ Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

Safe and Thriving Communities

Priority Projects include:

■ Build and upgrade early years facilities

■ Reduce mobile blackspots in growing suburbs

■ Homelessness and Housing affordability

■ State owned road maintenance

Race is on for Nepean

■ Nominations have opened for a member of the Legislative Assembly representing Nepean District. The state by-election will be held on Saturday, May 2.

“Prospective candidates should act quickly to ensure they don’t miss out on lodging their nomination,” Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.

Registered political parties must nominate their endorsed candidates by 12 noon on Thursday, April 9, at the Victorian Electoral Commission head office.

Independent candidates must lodge their completed nomination form, including 6 nominators, along with the $350 deposit with the Nepean District election manager by 12 noon on Friday, April 10, at the election office in Nepean.

To help reduce application processing time, independent candidates can pre-fill their nomination form at vec.vic.gov.au using the Candidate Helper application.

They can then print the form and take it to the election office with the nomination fee when nominating.

The VEC has held an online information session about the key requirements and responsibilities of nominating for a state byelection for independent candidates.

Nomination forms and the Candidate Handbook are available online at vec.vic.gov.au or by contacting Candidate Services on 8620 1316.

Details of nominated candidates will be progressively published on the VEC website.

The election manager will conduct a ballot draw to determine the position of the candidates on the ballot paper at the election office at 1 pm on Friday, April 10. Candidates and media are invited to attend.

As at Friday (Mar. 27), three candidates had nominated:

■ WILDE, Milton, End Mass Immigration

– Reform AU

■ ANGELICO, Peter. Libertarian

■ HUTCHISON, Tracee.

Koo Wee Rup habitat move

■ Cardinia Council says that is aware of the concerns regarding the alleged removal of Grey headed Flying Fox habitat on privately owned land in Koo Wee Rup

The Flying Fox is listed as vulnerable and is protected under both State and Federal legislation.

All wildlife in Victoria, including the Flying Fox, is protected under the Victorian Government’s Wildlife Act, which establishes offences for taking, harming, disturbing, or destroying wildlife or wildlife habitat without authorisation.

The Grey headed Flying Fox is listed as a threatened species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

Impact

Any action likely to have a significant impact on the species or its habitat must be referred to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment before works commence.

Responsibility for assessment, compliance and enforcement under the EPBC Act rests solely with the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Cardinia Council says that it understands that DEECA’s Conservation Regulator will continue to investigate any potential breaches of the Wildlife Act as part of their regulatory processes.

“ Council acknowledges the importance of ensuring the protection of threatened species. While the land is not Council managed, we are actively investigating the reported vegetation removal and assisting relevant authorities with their enquiries.

“We will continue to monitor this matter and encourage community members to report any sightings of distressed wildlife to the appropriate rescue services,” a Council representative said.

Time to register pets

■ Mornington Peninsula Shire residents should expect pet registration renewal notices to be delivered this week.

State law requires Councils to set the due date as April 10. However, as notices were sent out later than usual, the Council has extended the payment period by 30 days, with payment due by May 10.

The Domestic Animals Act requires all cats and dogs over the age of three months to be microchipped and registered with the Shire. The Shire provides different services to support pet owners, funded directly from pet registration fees.

Nominate trees

■ Cardinia Shire Council is inviting residents to nominate any tree that deserves recognition and protection through the Cardinia Planning Scheme Residents, community groups, property owners and local organisations are encouraged to nominate any tree that plays an important role in shaping the identity and environment of the area.

Trim Your Bin

■ City of Casey is inviting local businesses to cut their waste disposal costs by taking part in the free Trim Your Bin program, now in its third year.

The Trim Your Bin program matches participating businesses with an expert who undertakes a comprehensive onsite waste assessment, followed by a tailored action plan focused on cost effective ways to save costs and reduce waste.

Waste disposal is a significant and growing expense for many businesses. For example, a typical small to medium café in Victoria spends approximately $3000 to $7000 per year on waste disposal.

Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said, “Waste disposal costs can add up faster than many business owners realise. This program makes waste reduction simple, practical and achievable. It helps businesses look at their waste differently, find smarter places for materials to go and reduce the amount sent to landfill.

Expressions of interest close today (April 1).

Dandy-Con returns

■ Dandy-Con, Greater Dandenong’s comic and pop-culture festival, returns on Saturday April 11, between 11am–4pm, bigger than ever. This free, allages event fills Dandenong Library, Drum Theatre and Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre with a full day of fandom, creativity and community fun.

JAN JUC

Police van rammed

■ Police have arrested a man after he allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Jan Juc on Wednesday (Mar. 25).

Officers conducted checks on a Subaru Impreza parked on the Great Ocean Rd about 7am and discovered the driver was allegedly wanted on outstanding matters.

Police boxed in the vehicle and utilised a tyre deflation device to stop the vehicle from fleeing, however the driver woke up and attempted to drive off.

The driver allegedly rammed a police divisional van and caused two officers to jump out of its path to avoid being hit.

Police began to track the Subaru along the Great Ocean Road where they successfully deployed stop sticks in Yuulong about 12pm.

The driver fled from the vehicle into dense forest and the search for him continued on foot.

Officers were unable to locate the man but continued making enquiries into his whereabouts.

Police received a tip-off from a witness at a café in Lavers Hill about 8.30am Thursday (Jan. 26).

A plan was coordinated by local officers from Colac and Birregurra who swarmed the area and located the man inside a public toilet block, and he was safely arrested.

The 27-year-old Grovedale man was in custody and was to be interviewed.

EUREKA

Girl dies after crash

■ A 12-year-old pedestrian struck by a vehicle in Eureka has died. Emergency services were called to reports a car had struck a pedestrian on Eureka St just before 8.30am on March 13.

The girl was airlifted to hospital with lifethreatening injuries where she passed-away on March 23. The driver of the car, a 35-yearold female, was not injured and stopped at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage or information is urged.

BOY COLLECTED TERRORISM MATERIAL: FEDERAL POLICE

■ A boy has been charged by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team with allegedly collecting manuals, guides and material promoting ISIS-inspired terrorism.

Investigations began after intelligence indicated an ISIS flag, destined for an address in Melbourne’s inner-city, was imported into Australia

Further inquiries conducted into the consignee details allegedly led police to identify the boy, 17, as the recipient.

A search warrant was executed on that address on Tuesday (Mar. 24), with officers seizing a mobile phone and laptop.

He was charged with:

■ One count of collecting or making documents that facilitate terrorist act; and

■ One count of import a prohibited import, an ISIS flag.

The documents offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.

The boy appeared at a Victorian children’s court, where he was remanded to re-appear at a later date.

There is no current identified threat to community safety., said the Australian Federalc Police.

The Victorian JCTT is comprised of members from the AFP , Victoria Police and ASIO

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should contact the National Security Hotline (1800 123 400) no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be.

MURTOA

Death of man, 57

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MERNDA

Fifth person arrested

■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fifth person following the death of a man in Mernda.

A 16-year-old girl from the Pascoe Vale area was arrested on Thursday afternoon (Mar. 26)

She has since been charged with robbery, two counts of theft, hinder and assault police and possess drug of dependence.

The girl was summonsed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Emergency services were called to reports of a group fighting on Bridge Inn Rd about 5.50pm on March 6.

Aidan Becker, a 22-year-old Mernda man, was located with life-threatening injuries and was treated by paramedics but sadly died at the scene.

Police arrested a 16-year-old, 18-year-old and two 17-yearolds in relation to the incident.

All four were charged with murder and armed robbery.

The 18-year-old will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 24.

The three children will face a children’s court at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing.

■ A man has died in hospital following a crash in Murtoa. Emergency services were called to the Wimmera Hwy about 8.20pm on Tuesday, March 10, after reports a Nissan Patrol utility had left the road and crashed. The driver, a 57-year-old man from Warracknabeal, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but later died. The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

CUDGEE

Cyclist was victim

■ A cyclist has died following a collision with a car in Cudgee, in the state’s south-west. It is understood the driver and cyclist were travelling east along Hopkins Falls Rd about 8.10am on Saturday, March 21, when the incident occurred.

The cyclist, a 70-year-old Warrnambool man, died at the scene. A 20-year-old Wangoom man was arrested at the scene. He was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for anyone who was driving on Hopkins Falls Rd prior to the collision to check their dashcams.

Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the collision.

WILLIAMSTOWN Shop fire charges

■ Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men following a shop fire in Williamstown Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a shop on Nelson Place about 3.45am on Sunday morning, March 22.

People were inside an above residence at the time of the blaze. There were no injuries.

A 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, both from Melbourne, have been charged with the following offences: arson; conduct endangering life/serious injury; handle stolen goods; theft of a motor vehicle; and driving offences.

Limited time only Arriving 3 April

Mr Sweeney Preston

■ Straight off the back of his Las Vegas residency, journalist turned comedian, Sweeney Preston returns home for a return Melbourne season from April 6 - 19 at The Motley Wherehaus (Vault 3).

For nearly three years, Sweeney Preston wrote relationship and dating advice articles while his own love life desperately needed an editor.

Now, with the clarity of hindsight, Sweeney relives the most hysterical intersections between his own life and the articles he was writing at the time – some of which have been read by over 100,000 people.

“Sometimes, we all just want someone to tell us what to do. But when the person giving the advice has no clue either ... can those who can't do even teach?”

From radio interviews gone awry, to a couples getaway attended solo to an ending that might have audiences questioning every piece of advice they've ever been given, this uplifting celebration of mistakes will be told told the only way Sweeney knows how – through jokes, stories and a 100+ slide PowerPoint presentation.

Venue: The Motley Wherehaus (Vault 3)

Date: April 6 - 19 (No Wednesdays)

Time: 6pm

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

70TH ANNIVERSARY FOR CPP COMMUNITY THEATRE

■ CPP Community Theatre launches into their 70th anniversary season by presenting Louis Nowra's Cosi from April 10-18 at the Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Avenue, Boronia Cosi is a play about friendship, community, loyalty and difference and about the transformative nature of the performing arts. It celebrates the individual and all that we each

bring to the table, and is a true epic tale that ranges from humble moments deeply personal in nature, to the soaring grandeur and spectacle of Mozart’s opera, Cosi Fan Tutti

Set in a psychiatric facility in Melbourne , Cosi follows the story of Lewis , a recent university graduate, who is tasked with directing a theatre performance involving the residents.

It’s 1971 and Australia is protesting the war in Viet-

nam . But inside the hospital, residents and listening to Mozart , learning their lines, creating chaos and occasionally skipping their medication.

Season dates: April 10, 11, 16, 17 at 8pm; April 12 at 2pm; April 18 at 5pm Venue: Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Avenue, Boronia Bookings: cppcommunity theatre.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

■ Luke Rocca , a live performer, podcaster and TV comedy writer, will present his new sketch show Spineless in the MICF from April 8-19 at Club Voltaire, North Melbourne

The show is described as “a character-filled, tech-heavy and high-octane look at my attempt to grow a backbone”.

Performance Details: April 8 - 19 (check comedyfestival.com.au for performance times)

Venue: Club Voltaire, 1st Floor, 14 Raglan St., North Melbourne. Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Marcus Inns

March 20, 1976 - April 1, 2025.

Beloved son of Noreen and brother of Aaron.

Hello Marcus, it is hard to believe that it is one year since you left us, taken far too soon, from many people who loved you dearly. Mum and I miss you very much, wishing you were still with us each and every day. You loved watching movies as much as I did, and I treasure all the times we went to the cinemas together, or enjoyed viewing a film we loved on VHS, then DVD, then blu-ray (only you went to the next level, 4K). On what would have been your 50th birthday, I re-watched Raiders Of The Lost Ark, which we adored and must have watched together dozens of times. It still holds a special place in my heart, and triggered some lovely memories of our movie gatherings. May your spirit, love and influence continue to shine on us for many years to come. Love you brother, always.

57 years. Since 1969.

Police Rounds

House destroyed

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 2.24am Friday (Mar. 27)to an incident on Tulip St, Black Rock , after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Crews arrived on scene within four minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a house, so the response was escalated.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and began attacking the fire as well as preventing any fire spread to adjoining properties.

The fire destroyed the house, with major structural collapse.

The incident was deemed under control by 3.10am.

The fire has been deemed suspicious, with Victoria Police on scene assisting.

Firefighters remained on scene to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Sexual exposure

■ A man has been charged after several incidents in the Coburg and Brunswick areas.

It is alleged there were five incidents of sexual assault between February 25 and March 25.

The alleged offending involved the man approaching females walking alone and masturbating/exposing his himself to them.

A 27-year-old man was arrested in Coburg on March 25 and interviewed in relation to the incidents.

The Southbank man has been charged with sexual assault, sexual activity directed at another, sexual exposure and sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16.

He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 31.

Firearms incident

■ Police have charged a man following an incident where a firearm was allegedly discharged at a vehicle in Bolitho Court in Sale on Tuesday (Mar. 24).

The 24-year-old Sale man self-presented to a police station on Wednesday (Mar. 25)about 2.30pm.

Wellington Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged him with four counts of reckless conduct endangering life, three counts of making threats to kill, criminal damage, using a firearm when a firearm prohibition order applies, discharging a firearm at a vehicle and using a firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order.

He was remanded to appear at the Sale Magistrates’ Court on March 28.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at approximately 7.40am on Tuesday (Mar. 24).

Detectives are still investigating a second incident which s is said to have occurred at the same address on March 22. No one was injured during the incidents.

Bombing recalled

■ The policing community converged on Friday (Mar. 27) to mark 40 years since the deadly Russell St bombing.

A special service was held at the Victoria Police Academy to bring together survivors and honour the life of Constable Angela Taylor who was fatally injured in the 1986 attack.

There were 21 people injured, including community members as well as police, while many others that weren't listed bear the invisible scars.

Victoria Police

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

GIVE THAT THEY MAY GROW

● ● Channel 7 host Peter Mitchell, Good Friday Appeal Chair Penny Fowler and Appeal CEO Rebecca Cowan are preparing for this week’s annual fundraiser. The 2025 total was $23,822,972. Phone 1300 APPEAL.

STATUE DEFACED: 7 WOMEN CHARGED

■ Seven women have been charged after allegedly damaging the statue of Zelda D’Aprano outside the Victorian Trades Hall

The statue, which honours the life of the iconic Melbourne women’s rights campaigner, was allegedly damaged by the group of women on Friday, March 6.

It is alleged that the women – who are all part of an activist group – attended Victoria St at approximately 11am with umbrellas and red spray paint.

Police will allege they changed their clothing and put the umbrellas up in an attempt to block CCTV cameras and avoid being identified.

The women then allegedly sprayed red spray paint across the statue and surrounding tiles. They were approached by staff members nearby before allegedly becoming aggressive and leaving the area.

Detectives from the Melbourne Divisional Response Unit have been investigating and identified eight allegedly involved.

Multiple search warrants were conducted today with seven women arrested, including:

■ A 34-year-old from Melbourne

■ A 34-year-old from Kew

■ A 48-year-old from Co-

Latest News Link to syndicate

■ Detectives from the Major Drug Squad have charged two people and seized a large commercial quantity of cannabis linked to organised crime.

The investigation commenced in June 2024 when police became aware of a safe house in Cairnlea allegedly being utilised by a drug syndicate with transnational links.

A warrant was executed at the address on July 17, 2024 and 74kg of vacuum sealed cannabis was seized.

A 41-year-old Vietnamese national was charged and bailed for trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis, however the man failed to appear at court.

Investigators focussed on identifying the whereabouts of the man, leading them to an address in Delahey which was allegedly being utilised as a crop house.

With the assistance of the VIPER Taskforce, Public Order Response Team and the Dog Squad , a search warrant was executed at the residential address on Thursday (Mar. 26).

Police located and seized approximately 1064 cannabis plants ranging from seedling to mature in size.

A 41-year-old Vietnamese man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cannabis, fail to appear and cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis.

A 39-year-old Vietnamese woman was charged with cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis.

The duo were to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar. 27). Detective Inspector Jamie Walker, Major Drug Squad said: “ Victoria Police remains committed to targeting those in the production and distribution of illicit substances and anyone involved in this type of activity can expect a knock on the door.

“Crop houses can often go undetected for long periods of time, which is evident due to the maturity and number of plants seized from this property.

“It’s for this reason that we ask residents to let us know if they suspect anything unusual at a neighbouring property.

burg

■ A 48-year-old from Footscray

■ A 50-year-old from Coburg North

■ A 55-year-old from Kingsbury

■ A 71-year-old from Braybrook

All have been charged with a range of offences including criminal damage, behaving in a riotous manner in a public place, marking graffiti on a residence without consent, recklessly damaging part of a registered place without a permit and refusing to leave scheduled public place after a warning.

The 34-year-old Melbourne woman was to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday evening (Mar. 27).

The rest were bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 1.

The eighth woman remains outstanding at this stage.

“If you do suspect something, please make a report via Crime Stoppers and we will investigate. Remember, you can do this anonymously.”

Cheltenham blaze

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 1.03am Friday (Mar. 27) to an incident on Everest Drive, Cheltenham after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a fire. Crews arrived on scene within four minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a house and adjoining garage, so the response was escalated.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and began attacking the fire as well as preventing any fire spread to adjoining properties.

All occupants safely evacuated and were assessed by Ambulance Victoria .

The fire was deemed under control by 1.37am.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but it was to be be investigated by FRV specialists. Firefighters were to remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

Daylight Saving

■ Daylight saving in Victoria concludes on Sunday (Apr. 5).At 3am (AEDT), clocks will be turned backward one hour to 2am (AEST).

SYDNEY, NSW

Child abuse material

■ A Sydney man has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for possessing and accessing child abuse maThe man, 30, pleaded guilty to four child abuse offences and was sentenced on March 20, in Downing Centre Local Court to three years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 18 months.

The investigation started after the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation received a referral from United States Department of Homeland Security

US authorities had identified that an Australian -based individual was involved in sexually explicit online communications with a child.

AFP Eastern Command Child Protection Operations investigators subsequently linked the Sydney man to an online account connected to the offending.

In April, 2024, AFP investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Parklea, NSW. During the search, police seized a mobile phone, with a subsequent forensic examination of the phone revealing child abuse material.

The man pleaded guilty on August 12 last year, to four charges:

■ One count of possession of child abuse material obtained using a carriage service;

■ Two counts of accessing child abuse material; and

■ One count of transmitting indecent communication to person under 16 years.

Detective Superintendent Luke Needham said the exploitation of children online will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“The AFP, alongside its law enforcement partners in A ustralia and overseas, is committed to protecting children from those who seek to harm them,” Det-Supt Needham said.

““Anyone involved in this type of offending should understand they will be identified, investigated and held to account for the harm they cause.”

METH HIDDEN INSIDE JARS OF PICKLES

■ Two men from Sydney and Melbourne have been charged in relation to a failed importation of 115kg of methamphetamine into Melbourne , with the illicit drugs concealed inside jars of pickles.

Another man has also been arrested in British Columbia, Canada, by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Federal Policing Pacific Region Drugs and Organised Crime Unit as part of a joint Australian Federal Police and RCMP investigation under the codename Operation Prythian . Investigators allegedly identified the two Australian-based men as being involved in importing illicit drugs from Canada to Australia , with a shipment bound for Australia – allegedly associated with them – iden-

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tified by Canadian authorities in January.

The RCMP identified the outbound shipment and it was intercepted with the assistance of Canada Border Service Agency. During the search, officers found a white, crystalline substance concealed in jars of pickles.

Forensic analysis of the substance confirmed it as methamphetamine, with a total weight of about 115kg.

This amount of methamphetamine has an estimated Australian street value of AUD$106.3 million, and the potential to equate to 1.15 million street-level deals.

The illicit drugs were substituted in Canada with an inert substance that was placed into the jars.

The shipment arrived in Melbourne on March 4, where officers from Australian Border Force identified the shipment before it was delivered to an address in Campbellfield on March 17.

The two Australian-based men were arrested on March 17, after simultaneous warrants were executed at a residence in Baxter, and a residence in the Sydney suburb of Croydon Park, NSW

As a result of the Croydon Park warrant, police seized items suspected as being the proceeds of crime, including about $400,000 cash, eight 1kg silver bars, a Ford Mustang , jewellery, watches, as well as electronic devices and other drug paraphernalia.

The 63-year-old man from Baxter appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 18, charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

The 40-year-old man from Croydon Park, NSW, was extradited from NSW and faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 25 March 25

He has been charged with:

■ One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs; and

■ One count of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.

These offences each carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Both men have been remanded in custody .

Across Australia

MILTON, QLD 2 boys in custody

■ Police have taken two boys into custody following an armed robbery at Milton on Saturday morning (Mar. 28).

Around 10am, two teenage boys met a man at Frew Park after they had arranged via social media to purchase watches.

Upon meeting, it is alleged the one of the boys threatened the man with a machete and then they both left the scene with the watches.

Police were notified and tracked the two boys to Wright St where they were arrested a short time later.

The man was not physically injured. Investigations are ongoing.

Brisbane Sun

OATLANDS, TAS.

Fuel stolen

■ Police are investigating the overnight theft of a significant quantity of diesel from a storage trailer parked on a property near Oatlands

The theft took place between 5pm Thursday, March 26 and 6.30am Friday, March 27, with offenders breaking into the property located in a rural area, then stealing several hundred litres of fuel.

Police urge property and vehicle owners to be vigilant to potential fuel theft by taking steps to secure vehicles, machinery and storage tanks.

Storing vehicles, tools and fuel cells / tanks in secure buildings, or in areas with high visibility or CCTV coverage, can discourage opportunistic or targeted theft.

Tasmanian Observer

CANBERRA, ACT

City disturbance

■ ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an alleged disturbance in the City on Friday night (Mar. 27)between a group of youths.

About 6.20pm, police were called to the Canberra Centre following reports of a small group of youths with knives in an altercation.

Police attended and investigations remain ongoing. No people have been identified as injured.

Canberra Observer PERTH, WA

Corruption probe

■ Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have charged a 55-year-old woman following an investigation into a corruption related offence.

It will be alleged the woman – while employed within a Public Office role in Mirrabooka – entered an intimate relationship with a social housing applicant and, on September 1, 2025, created a housing offer for the applicant, bypassing a significant number of applicants on the wait list.

Detectives arrested the woman on Tuesday, March 17, at a residence in Clarkson and seized an electronic device.

A 55-year-old woman from Clarkson has been charged with Public Officer Acts Corruptly in Performance/Discharge of Functions

She was due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, (Mar. 25).

Detective Superintendent Peter Foley, Financial and Cyber Crime Division , says the alleged conduct represents a serious breach of trust and undermines the fair administration of public resources.

“People who abuse the authority of their position, including those trusted to fairly and equitably manage housing resources, create an unfair disadvantage for the wider WA community.

Perth Observer

ALICE SPRINGS

Indecent act

■ The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for witnesses in relation to an alleged indecent act that occurred in Alice Springs. Around 10.30pm Thursday , it is alleged an adult female was indecently touched by a male not known to her on the eastern bank of the Todd River, near the botanic gardens. Darwin Observer

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-4-6-9

Lotto Numbers: 2-12-25-26-33-45

Much is about to fall into your lap, and your problem could be making the right choice. You are on top of things, so take full advantage. A very romantic period for the single and a few surprises for the mated.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

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

Lotto Numbers: 5-19-28-36-42-44

If you belong to clubs or other organisations, your past efforts should be rewarded about now. It is not wise to lend money or possessions. In the social scene, your special skills could be in greater demand. Keep your ear open for a very good offer.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-5-7-10

Lotto Numbers: 2-5-16-24-38-40

Your financial prospects should be better than before. Conflict between career and love life is indicated and could cause trouble with loved ones. Just keep your cool. Be tactful, and you will win out. If not, watch out.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-3-5-8

Lotto Numbers: 11-23-25-29-39-42

For most, life seems to be organised by the whims of others. Now would be the time to go it on your own while staying friendly with older relatives.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1-3-5-7

Lotto Numbers: 3-5-9-19-26-28

Other criticisms can be down-putting if you listen. There could be some deception around your place of business. It would be wise to check all information before making important changes or decisions.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

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

Lotto Numbers: 6-19-22-35-37-44

Many single Virgos should find the love of their lives. Friends can return to the scene. Past contacts bring happy surprises, and something you fear may have no substance at all.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Gold

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-6-9-10

Lotto Numbers: 4-5-18-27-36-39

Beware of impulse spending over the holiday period. If you act on impulse, you must check all information before making important changes. Leave nothing to chance. However, much of what you need will soon be on offer.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1-3-5-7

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-14-21-32-38

Good news for the romantically inclined. It is not wise to lend money or possessions over the holiday period. Avoid entering into longterm financial commitments. It is wiser to wait until you have the cash.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: White

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

Lotto Numbers: 16-17-23-40-42-43

You will need a lot of tact during the holiday period to avoid arguments and keep the peace at home. Someone who can be trouble and yet strongly attracts you may reappear.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-3-4-5

Lotto Numbers: 1-2-7-10-25-45

Big improvements all round, and your lifestyle improves on most levels. Contacts made during this period will have a lasting effect, and this could be one of your happiest periods in years.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-2-5-8

Lotto Numbers: 4-8-15-18-35-37

The festive season brings many reasons to celebrate and should be one of your most fulfilling periods. Many will be in the right place at the right time for a lucky break.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2-3-4-8

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-21-22-37-45

Friends will play an important part in your life and could help further your career ambitions. Hunches tend to pay off, and a wish could come true for many.

95 HEROIN PELLETS IN MAN’S STOMACH

■ A British national faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (Mar. 25) charged with attempting to import heroin concealed internally, following his arrival into Melbourne

The man, 52, arrived at Melbourne Airport on a flight from Bangkok , where Australian Border Force officers selected him for a baggage examination.

Questioning by ABF officers raised suspicions of a possible internal concealment, prompting officers to detain the man and undertake an internal body scan.

ABF officers then alerted the Australian Federal Police , who attended Melbourne Airport to conduct further enquiries.

AFP officers transported the man to a Melbourne hospital, where a subsequent medical scan identified multiple small pellets in the man’s stomach.

Police allege the man had internally concealed more than 90 pellets containing heroin, which were subsequently excreted while under medical supervision.

The total weight of the heroin was about 1.1kg.

The man has been charged with:

■ One count of importing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin; and

■ One count of possessing a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, namely heroin.

These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment and/or a $1.6 million fine.

He was remanded in custody, and will next appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 17.

AFP Acting Commander Simone Butcher said internal concealment posed serious risks to the individual and the community.

“Transporting drugs internally is extremely dangerous. Even if only one pellet ruptures, it can be fatal,” Acting Commander Butcher said.

“Criminal syndicates treat couriers as disposable. They show no regard for the person’s life or the harm these drugs cause in the community.

“The AFP , working closely with the ABF , will continue to detect and disrupt attempts to import illicit substances, no matter how they are concealed.”

ABF Commander Clinton Sims said anyone attempting to import illicit substances by internal concealment risks not only criminal charges, but also their significant harm to their health.

“ ABF has advanced, intelligence-led, screening techniques, including working with our international law enforcement partners, to identify travellers who may pose a risk to the Australian community,” Commander Sims said.

“Our officers are trained to examine more than just baggage, we consider the demeanour and behaviour of travellers, and how they respond to questioning.

“ABF officers are alert to the concealment methods of criminals and have the knowledge and intel before you even step off the plane.”

Further forensic analysis of the pellets is ongoing.

Memorial space

■ A new memorial space honouring veterans, war widows and pioneer Jessie Mary Vasey was officially opened on Monday last week (Mar. 23)at Vasey RSL Care’s Brighton East Residential Aged Care facility. The ‘Honouring Their Service’ Me-

While en route to hospital, the Frankston teen assaulted a paramedic who required treatment for their injuries.

A 15-year-old boy from the Frankston area, also travelling in the Mazda , sustained minor injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

The occupants of the Volkswagen , a 66-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman, both from Terang , were conveyed to hospital as a precaution. Investigations are continuing into the incident and officers continued to search for the two remaining boys who fled the scene. It is believed the Mazda was stolen from Mulgrave on March 21.

Ryan

for Southern Metropolitan , during a special afternoon attended by residents, veterans, RSL representatives, staff and members of the community.

Guests gathered to share stories and reflect on the legacy of service and sacrifice while enjoying a gaze at the new memorial.

The memorial was made possible through a $30,000 grant from the Victorian Government under the Victoria Remembers funding stream.

The project transformed an underused space on the ground floor of the residential aged care facility into a dedicated memorial installation and gathering place for reflection and remembrance.

Two on the run

■ Two teenage boys were apprehended and two wre on-the-run following a collision involving a stolen vehicle in Carlton on Saturday morning (Mar. 28).

Officers were called to the intersection of Nicholson St and Victoria Pde just before 6am.

Investigators have been told four boys travelling in a stolen Mazda 3 collided into the Volkswagen Jetta before two of the boys fled.

A 19-year-old travelling in the Mazda sustained serious injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

Fire at Croydon

■ Fire Rescue Victoria firefightersas well as CFA crews - were on scene in Dorset Rd , following a house fire on Saturday afternoon (Mar. 28). They arrived on scene within three minutes to find the back of the single storey house in flames.

Happy

holiday

■ We live in difficult times. The fuel crisis will cnange the complexion of the Easter holidays for many.

As we go to press, we hear that Eildon drag boat races due to be held over Easter, have been postponed due to concern about fuel prices.

Price boards at service stations quote diesel prices with costs starting at $3-plus per litre.

Some of our advertising clients report on having to pass on extra fuel costs of 25-30 per cent to customers.

We know the high fuel prices first hand. Getting our newspapers to close to 1000 outlets across the state each issue is not a cheap business.

As is our annual custom at Eastertime, our team will be taking a few days off, so there will be no issue on April 8.

Our next issue, produced in print and online, will be on Wednesday, April 15.

We extend our best wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday break. 75 Years Ago

The Argus. March 31, 1951. 8 women in labour

■ "It is quite common for eight women to be having their babies in the labor ward at the same time. This is past the limit of safety"

This quiet, yet startling statement referring to the Melbourne Women's Hospital was made yesterday by professor L. Townsend , Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Melbourne University

1838 Argus

■ Attractive "newsboy" Lois Dadds , on duty at the Centenary and Jubilee Exhibition , is selling souvenir facsimiles of an early issue of the Melbourne Advertiser, Melbourne's first newspaper and forerunner of The Argus

Since 1838 the Advertiser "written for and published by Jno. P. Fawkner ," has passed through various stages, and The Argus today incorporates this and other early papers.

The 1838 issue contains mainly advertisements by various small traders, but has one or two news items which read strangely in these days of stringent libel laws.

For example: "A wretch named Mooney has been committed for attempting to murder his wife. She lies in a dangerous state."

In 1838 it was written by hand and cost sixpence - a lot of money then. The facsimile is being printed at the Exhibition on a modern printing machine.

Tas. gets Jap. oysters

■ Fast-growing Japanese oysters have been successfully introduced into south Tasmanian waters, Mr. Casey, Minister in Charge of the C.S.I.R.O. , said yesterday. Although Sydney's rock oysters had failed to grow in Tasmania's colder waters in commercial quantities, the Japanese canning variety had flourished.

POWs to get mail

■ The only two Australian prisoners of war in Korea will receive mail soon through Red Cross channels. Both men are from New South Wales Australian Red Cross has arranged to forward the mail through International Headquarters in Geneva . Nothing is known of the whereabouts of the prison camp, because North Korean authorities will not permit a neutral International Red Cross observer to be stationed in their territory.

New look for Hampton Park

■ The City of Casey is partnering with the State Government to revitalise the Hampton Park activity centre.

The project is said to be responding to strong community feedback and will make practical, on-theground improvements to enhance the look and feel of the area, while supporting local businesses.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said: “We would like to thank the Victorian Government for investing in Hampton Park

“With their contribution, alongside Council’s own investment, we can support the local business owners to create a safer and more vibrant place that encourages people to visit more often, stay longer and support local traders.”

The revitalisation works will be co-designed with traders and land-owners to ensure improvements genuinely reflect local needs and can be delivered efficiently.

The upgrades are expected to include:

■ Landscaping and beautification, such as new garden beds, tree planting, improved pedestrian paths, seating and clear wayfinding.

■ Pedestrian safety and accessibility upgrades.

■ Shopfront improvements, including facade refreshes, improved signage and increased visibility.

■ Support for outdoor trading, with infrastructure such as furniture and shade to activate the street edge.

Cr Lynette Pereira , a long-term

resident and advocate for the precinct, said collaboration is central to achieving lasting change.

“Local traders know what works in their centre. By codesigning improvements with businesses, we will lift safety and amenity, highlight the unique character of Hampton Park and make it easier for people to discover the great products and services on offer," she said.

Hampton Park is celebrated for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, with around half of residents born overseas and more than half speaking a language other than English at home.

Many local businesses are owned by migrants, bringing a wide range of restaurants, grocery stores and services that reflect the community’s diverse heritage, a Council representative said.

Neurodiversity Day

■ Local students from Australian Christian College Casey participated in a whole-school Neurodiversity Awareness Day. This included a Prep performance called I Am

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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

Logistics: Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky, Tyler Sandiford

Dance For Your Life

■ Documentary director Luke Cornish’s window into the world of dance, Dance

For Your Life, offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to fight for a chance to become a professional back-up dancer.

Ten dancers from Sydney’s Brent Street Dance Academy compete in a cut-throat audition process for the opportunity to dance for a world-renowned choreographer and a place in an international dance company, Shape Haus , based in London .

The audition process is brutal.

“I want to see grit and grime and disgustingness from you,” dance captain Cassie yells as the dancers repeat the choreography.

From 200 hopefuls, 10 are chosen. There are some heartwarming stories among the dancers as we learn about their hopes and fears and insecurities.

Many faced significant obstacles to pursue their dream of becoming a dancer.

Emily lives with her grandparents in their aged care home, having lost both her parents tragically young.

Jake , growing up in rural Griffith , endured years of relentless bullying and has something to prove to the doubters.

Choreographer and director of Shape Haus, Dean Lee, understands the journey some of the dancers have braved to get to the final audition.

Lee grew up on a Southeast London housing estate and spent time in foster care.

Lee tells us the ethos for Shape Haus is to “make people feel loved, feel seen.”

An eleventh-hour injury almost scuppers one dancer’s chance to compete.

To see how hard she fights to keep her place brings home the make-or-break stakes dancers live with, where the risk of injury is ever-present.

Throughout, we witness amazing, incredible dance sequences that demonstrate why these 10 young, Australian dancers are, as Lee states, “the best I’ve ever taught anywhere.”

Kathryn Keeble

Sorry I Hurt You Son

■ As a gay icon from the UK , experiencing domestic violence James Bar r brought his deeply personal journey to the stage in an hour of poignant standup comedy, well not all comedy as there were times we either laughed or easily became emotional.

At the Trades Hall - Music Room and part of the MICF, James very early introduces us to his mum Colleen , when he first tells her “Mum, I like men”, with her immediate reaction being to walk over and close the room window.

There was acceptance and this was so when at Christmas, Colleen thinking he was still with boyfriend Chris , penned a card wishing James and Chris a happy Christmas. Not knowing Chris was no longer, so the card went into the cupboard.

He spent time bringing to us the many signs of an abusive relationship, at times intense physical violence, injurious language.

In withstanding this he dismissed much of the abuse in the name of love, while citing the disturbing statistic that 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ relationships are abusive, which is often overlooked as it is just a queer relationship.

There were some jokes subtle as they were, such as “Have you heard about the Titanic, lots of ice but no drinks” and “I have slept with many men, about 50 but working on getting to 100 so I will get a card from the Queen”.

A very honest, enlightening performance of a personal experience that is too often readily dismissed by many in the community.

Review by Graeme

McCoubrie

Mott’s radio gig

■ Graham Mott, former 3AW General Manager, is taking on the Chief Executive Officer role at the Super Radio Network, taking over from Rhys Holleran. News Corp newspapers reported on Sunday that SRN isx up for sale. Mott first started work in radio as turntable operator in 1969, some 57 years ago.

MR SNOTBOTTOM HAS COMEDY FOR KIDS

■ Acclaimed family entertainer Mark Trenwith (Mr Snotbottom) is bridging the gap for families of kids and up from April 3 - 12 in his show Mr Snotbottom: P.Gee!’ at ACMI, Federation Square , aimed at adultish children and childish adults.

Toeing the line between clean and chaotic Trenwith is offering a show teenagers and grandmas can both enjoy in a physical comedy that’s both harmless and hectic, frantic but fun.

This festival, Trenwith is growing with the audience who have enjoyed his antics to present a comedy that’s less about the ‘Pee’ and more about the ‘Gee.’

“P.G. shows are often limited to circus, magic or music,” says Trenwith . “This show is for people who want pure comedy that all kinds of people can enjoy! Something that’s irreverent but inoffensive in equal measures.”

Where: ACMI, Federation Square, Swanston St, Melbourne

When: April 3 - 12, 2:00pm

Tickets: Full Price $29.00, Concession 25.00, Family x4, $96.00, Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Space Comedy

■ Space Comedy is one of many shows being presented at the Motley Wherehouse.

The venue, once the home of a pet shop, is temporarily housing many individual comedy acts on two floors. It is rough with a festival and dystopian character.

I was 90-minutes early to the venue yet missed the start of the show. The bar and entrance foyer on the ground floor would benefit from A-frame blackboards clearly signing shows and times and performance spaces.

One dedicated to downstairs shows and one pointing shows upstairs. This would immediately orient both patrons and volunteers apprising them of everything going on.

I was told when I asked, the show would be announced. I asked again closer to show start and told the same thing. It wasn’t announced downstairs but may have been announced upstairs. Finally I asked again and was told it had started and was upstairs.

My recommendation for anyone attending any show at Motley Wherehaus in Queen St, not to be confused with the Motley Bauhaus which is an existing venue in Elgin St in Carlton also hosting acts for the festival, is to find the space assigned to your show and watch the doors.

Please don’t take frustrations out on staff and volunteers. People go above and beyond to set up festivals often at great personal cost in time and money.

For arts to continue we need to maintain understanding for the balancing act they have between their passion to provide us with creative experiences, and being able to live and survive.

★ First impressions

Lost in Space we navigated the venue to walk into the Space Comedy and conspicuously interrupt the flow of the show. Without missing a beat, from the stage, Rao Mousupalli provides us a personal summary of what we have missed in the show so far.

Either the spaceship intimacy of the performance area or an easy going captain style, there was no hint or element of judgement or shaming at our late entrance, that some comedians fall back on during interruptions, we were simply included.

The performance Rao’s geeky style creates an incredibly safe and unthreatening “spaceship” to travel on his fantasy in. It was free of fear and competition between audience and comedian, even more of an achievement with the usual low numbers on a preview night that often heighten tension.

Structure

Imagining a tour in a spaceship we are taken through space to sightsee the formation of planets while life anecdotes bounce off astrological metaphors.

The show is highly interactive. With stars as ‘ Rorschach Tests’ and ‘ Goldilocks’ porridge” a way to illustrate the perfect planet, these are used by Rao to build connection with the audience and breakdown the audience performer divide.

Participation is extremely relaxed and comfortable and unavoidable with lots of room for Rao to riff off the audience and visa versa.

It is hard to overstate how unthreatening the atmosphere is which includes the use of play-dough, given to the audience to throw at a model of a gaseous cluster demonstrating planet formation. Given show structure and Rao’s style, “different every night” certainly applies.

Space Comedy, despite its audience participation, doesn’t require any great personal discomfort. It will be will be up to you, the audience, what the show becomes each night. This show is a fast 45-minUTE fantasy trip which, as the audience you become the co-guides of.

What I walked away with at the end of the show was a wry bemused smile and having experienced spontaneous community. Two very rare and important experiences in current times.

Recommendation: Make a night of it and see two or more shows at the Wherehouse given staggered starts of roughly FOUR session times from 6pm. Of course check the show duration and allow yourself a small break between shows.

Venue: The Candy Room (Upstairs) Motley Wherehaus, 432 Queen Street Melbourne

Dates and times: Until April 5th at 7.45 pm

Bookings: Space Comedy - comedy festival.com.au

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Tickets: $16.88 - $30.20

Parking: Queen Victoria car park and some council parking to the north becomes free in some after 6:30pm Public Transport: Trams Elizabeth St and Victoria St. Sebastian Gunner

What’s On Mel McGlensey

■ Mel McGlensey’s Comedy Festival offering is a clever and chaotic exploration of what it means to be “normal”or not. Framed as a dystopian simulation, the premise is intriguing: Mel is held captive while a robotic impersonator, Nor-Mel , informs her and the audience that her freedom can only be achieved by performing a series of scenarios that random members of the audience must judge on a normality scale of 1-10 (1 being very normal - we think). The structure is simple but highly effective. Each round presents three possible scene titles, with the loudest audience reaction determining which scenario the ‘real’ Mel will perform. The challenges escalate into increasingly absurd, unpredictable, and gleefully bizarre territory.

From impersonating a “skinny bitch” to embodying a T-Rex (with a cheeky twist on what the “T” really stands for) and delivering a decidedly not-normal chicken-and-egg sketch, the show revels in its sheer unpredictability. And McGlensey handles everything thrown at her with confident humour and embraces the absurdity with an infectious sense of fun.

Despite its reliance on audience participation, the interactions never feel threatening. Instead, the constant interplay between Mel, Nor-Mel and the audience keeps the energy buoyant and engaging.

On this particular preview night there were a few technical hiccups, which McGlensey acknowledged with disarming honesty. Rather than detracting from the experience, these moments added to the show’s raw charm, with McGlensey assuring the audience that things would tighten as the run continues.

With a strong creative team behind her - co-creator and technical designer Douglas Wilson , and director Sharnema Nougar - McGlensey delivers an hour of bold, high-energy clowning that is as inventive as it is entertaining.

Performance dates: Tues.-Sat. until April 19

Venue: Chinese Museum, Jade Room Cost: $26-$34

Bookings: https://www.comedyfestival. com.au

Beth Klein

Othello

■ The stage direction by Tom Morris of Othello at the Theatre Royal Hay-market is supremely efficient, the cast more than competent in their projection of character and delivery of lines, and all this comes across with added touches in the filmed version directed by Tim Van Someran.

The set design ( Ti Green ) with judicious use of arches and simple projections along with the lighting ( Rich Howell ) adds dimension with the tempest at sea almost becoming a metaphor for the domestic turmoil to be faced by Othello (David Harewood) and Desdemona (Caitlin Fitzgerald)

Toby Jones as Iago captures the insidiousness of his character’s malevolence with superb responses and characterisations from the ensemble. This is a true and honest rendering of Shakespeare’s work.

The filmed version of this staging has crafted cuts and close-ups to bring the modes of stage and screen together.

A wink from Othello or an aside from Iago is depicted in a detail a theatre audience may miss.

But, conversely, the film, for all its crafting, cannot catch the feel of an audience as it views the work. The collective breath of an audience and its reactions become part of the theatrical experience – it is why we go to the theatre.

The costuming is contemporary; army fatigues and pistols, but there is no attempt to insinuate a modern political message. Indeed, the play is about human frailty brought about by suspicion and insecurity. The stage version would have been a delight to see but, for those wanting to see a well paced, proficient and professional interpretation, this film is more than sufficient.

In Australian Cinemas now. Review by David McLean

Places To Go

Travel Briefs

River Heads Blues on Sep. 12

■ Save the date for River Heads Blues celebrating Women ‘n Blues coming in hot on September 12 at Fraser Coast RV Park. Secure your campsite now to avoid disappointment.

The inaugural River Heads Blues will feature Vix and the Slick chicks, an all female group; Olivia Ruth; Lini; Rhubarb Tarts; Jacqui Walker Band; Sugar Game; Donna Hourigan Band ; and Miz Bully Band

Why not stay longer to catch the whales and the Sounds of Rock concert is on the following weekend.

Everything is BYO - they have a kitchen and laundry, hot showers, flushing toilets. They are dog friendly and wheelchair friendly.

Live music is from 11am to 9pm - Adults $100, children $40, (includes camping site + live music) additional nights $20 and $5. https:// www.frasercoastrvpark.com.au/ river-heads-blues

VISITORS SPEND BIG ACROSS VICTORIA

■ Tourists are spending more in Victoria than ever before, boosting the visitor economy, local businesses and jobs.

Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced that the visitor spend has hit a record high of $46.7 billion.

Continued growth in overseas visitors, the packed calendar of major events and partnerships with Melbourne Airport have driven the result.

Latest data from Tourism Research Australia’s Domestic Tourism Statistics and International Visitor Survey shows international visitors spent seven per cent more, year on year, hitting $9.7 billion.

This includes a record $840 million spend in regional areas – up 30 per cent.

China remains our the market with visitors spending $3.2 billion last year – up 19.7 per cent on 2024.

The growth aligns with the state’s new China Strategy and Visit Victoria’s ‘Every bit differ-

ent’ marketing push. Melbourne also kept its title as the top destination for overnight interstate leisure travellers, with 3.5 million visitors staying a total of 13 million nights in the city and spending $5.9 billion.

The figures capture the 12 months to the end of December 2025, including a blockbuster finish to the year which included the Australian Open golf featuring Rory McIlroy , the Boxing Day Test , the opening of NGV’s Westwood/Kawakubo exhibition and the NBA x NBL Melbourne series featuring the New Orleans Pelicans Delta Air Lines, Shenzhen Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines all began services to Melbourne in December – providing an extra 270,000 seats per year in and out of Victoria

In 2025, Greater Melbourne sold a record 12.1 million hotel room nights – an increase of approximately 680,000 rooms on 2024 levels, with 11 out of 12 months of the year

Eco Tourism 100 years

■ Australia’s oldest familyowned ecotourism retreat, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim in Queensland, is turning 100 this year, a milestone that celebrates a century of adventure, innovation, and a deep connection to nature.

Since 1926, when the O’Reilly family opened their remote guesthouse in the heart of Lamington National Park, they’ve been pioneers of sustainable, immersive experiences for nature lovers.

Today, run by third and fourth generation family members, the multi-award-winning retreat remains a beacon of eco-tourism, home to Australia’s first-ever treetop walkway and a legacy that spans generations.

O’Reilly’s is rolling out a year-long program of events, installations, guided walks, and special promotions. The celebrations kicked off with a launch at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards on Sunday, March 8.

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Embark on an extraordinary journey with CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGO® Bricks, a bold collaboration between Bendigo Art Gallery and Discovery Science & Technology Centre. Explore science, technology, engineering, and maths through spectacular LEGO® creations by Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught.

@ Discovery Science & Technology Centre 7 Railway Place, Bendigo VIC 3550. 3 March - 29 November 2026 Tickets via the website: https://discovery.asn.au/exhibit/curiosity

Bendigo Art Gallery

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

Bush Telegraph Whiparound

Anger at Vodafone

■ The National Rural Health Alliance has joined the Rural, Regional and Remote Communications Coalition in critique of a recent Vodafone campaign.

“We are disappointed in Vodafone and their messaging and mocking of rural Australians, given how heavily Australia relies on rural communities who are already underfunded and under-serviced, including in telecommunications.”

Chair appointed

■ AgriFutures Australia has appointed Jonathan D’Arcy as Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel, bringing more than 45 years of experience across the Australian Thoroughbred industry to the role.

Mr D’Arcy is an existing member of the Thoroughbred Horses Program Advisory Panel and has worked closely with AgriFutures Australia and industry stakeholders to help guide the Program’s research, development and extension investments.

Fair deal failure

■ Nicholls MHR Sam Birrell says that the Albanese Government has failed to secure a fair deal for Australian farms in an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement that has been slammed by agricultural organisations.

MOVE TO SAVE FUEL WELCOMED BY VFF

■ Victorian Farmers Federation President, Brett Hosking, said farmers welcome the announcement by the Premier to make public transport free, following calls from the farming community."

"With fuel still under pressure, free public transport is one of the few practical levers available to help Victorians conserve fuel and save money,” Mr Hosking said.

"If Victorians make the switch, it can make a real difference. Every commuter who leaves their car at home frees up fuel for the essential, time-critical work that keeps Victorians fed, whether that’s ensuring livestock are fed and cared for, or getting crops in the ground.

"We’re grateful the Premier has listened and acted. This is not a silver bullet and must be one of many levers pulled to navigate this crisis.

"The VFF will continue to work closely with state and federal governments on further steps in the coming days and weeks."

Public transport will be free in Victoria across metropolitan and V/Line services in the month of April.

The Victorian Government said it was a strictly temporary measure to help with the cost of living as petrol prices climb.The Victorian Greens called for the government to implement free public transport to provide cost-of-living relief.

Confidence weakens

■ Victorian farmer confidence weakened in the first quarter of 2026, with the quarter one Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey showing concerns about high input costs were weighing on sector sentiment even prior to the current Middle East conflict.

The survey saw Victoria’s net rural confidence fall to -3 per cent, down sharply from 24 per cent in the previous quarter, as more farmers anticipated tougher farm business conditions ahead.

Centre for Excellence

■ A future Liberal and Nationals Government has promised to invest $15 million to establish the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria Horticulture Centre of Excellence, building workforce capability, strengthening food production, and developing solutions to restore Victoria’s urban tree canopy.

Avocado support

■ The Australian avocado industry has launched an Australian-first trial of a retail ripeness scanner to support domestic demand growth by addressing top frustrations for growers, consumers and retailers. The Avocado Retail Ripeness Scanner aims to support consumers to confidently choose avocados at their desired ripeness stage.

Places To Go

One of the smartest long haul journeys

■ For travellers looking to go further without sacrificing comfort, time or value, South Africa is emerging as one of the smartest long-haul luxury escapes on the market right now.

At a time when many international holidays involve complex flight routings, stopovers and inflated on-ground costs, South Africa offers something increasingly rare in premium travel: direct access, genuine exclusivity and exceptional value in one trip.

For travellers departing from Europe, Australia or the United States, it is one of the few destinations where they can land in Johannesburg or Cape Town and be on their way to a world-class safari with minimal fuss.

According to Deon De Villiers, Founder of Safari Guru, simplicity is part of the appeal.

“Right now, South Africa is one of the few places where you can step onto a direct flight from Europe, Australia, or the USA and step off almost in safari mode –no Middle East detours, no airport marathons, just Johannesburg or Cape Town and straight into the bush,” said Mr De Villiers

“Unlike a traditional holiday, this ticket already includes the ‘entertainment’ –

twice-daily safari activities, including walking safaris, all your meals and drinks – and you’re sharing it with a handful of other guests, not a few thousand. For me, that combination of easy access, genuine value, and real exclusivity is exactly why an African safari is the smartest long-haul holiday you can book right now.”

Safari Guru is seeing strong appeal in South African itineraries that combine the wildlife-rich private reserves of Greater Kruger with optional city and landmark extensions, creating a long-haul holiday that delivers both wilderness immersion and cosmopolitan indulgence.

One standout itinerary pairs two distinctive private safari experiences in Greater Kruger

At Savanna Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand, guests can expect an intimate, high-end lodge experience with classic suites, private plunge pools and exceptional Big Five viewing, particularly leopard, alongside polished guiding and service.

At Simbavati Waterside in Klaserie, the mood shifts to contemporary, relaxed luxury, with a stylish lodge overlooking a waterhole where guests can enjoy armchair game viewing from the deck as well as traditional game drives and walking safaris.

‘It’s remarkably easy to bolt on a few nights in Victoria Falls or Cape Town and swap your campfire for cocktails, rooftop bars and world-class restaurants’

Priced from ZAR133,735 per person, or approximately AUD11,630, USD8,360 or EUR7,150, excluding international and regional airfares, the itinerary reflects what Safari Guru believes is one of the strongest luxury-value propositions in long-haul travel today.

And for travellers wanting to turn a safari into a broader Southern African escape, the journey does not need to end in the bush.

“An African safari doesn’t have to end in the bush,” said De Villiers. “It’s remarkably easy to bolt on a few nights in Victoria Falls or Cape Town and swap your campfire for cocktails, rooftop bars and worldclass restaurants – often for less than a big night out in Europe , thanks to the favourable exchange rate.

“Think top-class service and amenities, wine lists from heaven, and some of the world’s most iconic sights, but paying in Rand, not Euros or Dollars, which makes

that sunset dinner with Table Mountain or the spray of the Falls in the background feel like even better value.”

Optional add-ons include a stay at Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls, an upscale yet relaxed Zambezi -front property with strong amenities and easy access to the full range of Falls experiences, and The Kensington Hotel in Cape Town, located in the leafy Gardens suburb within easy reach of the city’s restaurants, bars and major attractions.

Looking at the evolving luxury travel landscape, Safari Guru believes South Africa is answering several current traveller priorities at once: long-haul trips that feel worth the distance, premium experiences that still represent value, and highly exclusive holidays where space, privacy and access matter more than excess.

With private reserves, expertly guided wildlife encounters, seamless extensions to Cape Town or Victoria Falls , and favourable exchange rates still working in travellers’ favour, South Africa is becoming less of a niche safari choice and more of a compelling answer to the question many affluent travellers are now asking: where can I go long-haul and still feel I am getting something extraordinary for my money?

Places To Go

Places To Go

Warrnambool “come and see the Whales in winter, The spectacular 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road only 1 hour from Warrnambool, Coastal town of Port Fairy, Mt Gambier and Limestone coast SA, Narrandera and the Riverina, NSW, so many destinations to choose from.

Take the Vline Train to Warrnambool or let us give you door to door service.

Places To Go

DREAMING OF A COASTAL ESCAPE

Whether you are chasing waves, sunsets or simply a well-earned retreat, Inverloch ShortStays makes it effortless to relax and feel at home by the coast. Our beautiful collection of holiday houses, beach shacks and coastal retreats spans Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Wattlebank and Kilcunda, offering something special for every style of getaway. Unpack, unwind and let your holiday begin.

A serene coastal escape with all the comforts of modern living, this stunning Inverloch retreat is the perfect choice. Set within a beautifully designed development in an ideal beachside location, this home offers an effortless blend of style, relaxation, and natural beauty.

Located in Wattle Bank, just an 8-minute drive from Inverloch and its pristine beaches, our retreat provides a unique experience where open paddocks and bushland meet golden sand and blue seas. Nearby, explore local wineries, farm gates, and the iconic weekly Kongwak Sunday Market for a taste of the area’s best produce and recycled treasures.

Places To Go

Places To Go

Leearna Shaw

■ Avid readers will know the feeling of running out of new books from favourite authors, and the delight of discovering a new writer who suits you down to the ground.

Such an author is Victorian writer Leearna Shaw , who has just released her debut novel, A Farm in Golden Clouds

The reader meets young widow Indi , who was transported with her husband Mike and two children from the city to a farm they fell in love with.

While Mike had a rural background, Manna Gum Farm was a totally new experience for Indi , but she fell in love with the life and the farm.

Before the novel opens, tragedy has struck with Mike being killed in a farming accident, and with the help of her supportive in-laws, Indi is trying to save the farm from repossession.

As a way of coping with grief, she kept a diary for the two years following Mike’s death, and with a friend’s help, it was submitted for publication and turns her into a published author doing book tours.

The other part of the plot is jaded film actor Ben, who is a solo Dad who hasn’t coped with the loss of his beloved wife and has lost his way both in his work and in connecting with his beloved small son.

Following the very believable trials of both solo parents rings true, and the problems aren’t glossed over – these are two flawed human beings doing their best, and when their paths cross it leads to a meeting of minds.

To explain more would be to spoil Leearna Shaw’s endearing tale.

A Farm in Golden Clouds by Leearna Shaw is published by Allen and Unwin and out now.

Julie Houghton

Vigil

■ Vigil is a new theatre work of scale by Outer Urban Projects that challenges how we navigate the world and who feels safe in it.

At its heart,Vigil asks the questions: What lives matter? Do our lives matter? It brings together visionary artists and communities to map the fault lines of belonging, race, gender and terror in the city’s everyday spaces.

Set on a tram moving through a city, Vigil sees some passengers haunted by war, exile and uprising. While others are on their way to a good night out on the town. They draw us into a place both personal and political.

Vigil boasts a compelling creative team: playwrights Bryan Andy, Kush Kuiy, Sahra Davoudi, Samah Sabawi and Patricia Cornelius

Premiere: April 22– May 3

Preview: Wed. Apr. 22, 7.30pm. Wed .–Sat., 7.30pm. Sun., 5pm 75 minutes, no interval

Thu. Apr. 30, 7.30pm: Auslan interpreting available on request

Venue: Arts House – North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne

Tickets: Standard $40, Preview $25, Reduced $25. A transaction fee will be charged per order

Gas Light by Encore Theatre

■ Encore Theatre Company presents Gas Light by Patrick Hamilton, from April 24 to May 3 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St, Clayton

Directed by Kym Davies , murder and mystery loom in the air in this Victorian thriller as mysterious things have been happening in the Manningham household.

Items go missing, their dog is injured and Mrs Manningham hears footsteps coming from the locked, uninhabited top floor.

Mrs Manningham fears she is going mad - that is certainly what Mr Manningham believes.

But when Detective Rough arrives one night to visit Mrs Manningham while she is alone, questions arise and secrets are revealed about her husband.

Suddenly, insanity is no longer the biggest threat she faces as she discovers she has married a dangerous man.

Performance Season: April 24, 25, 30, May 1, 2 at 7.30pm; April 26, May 2,3 at 2pm

Venue: Clayton Community Centre

Theatrette, 9-15 Cooke St, Clayton. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au or 1300 739 099

● ● Paul Wanis as Jack Manningham and Freya Timmer-Arends (Bella) in Gas Light

Playwright Tom Holloway has four distinct narratives working simultaneously but he also allows the performers to step out of character to keep each individual’s narrative on track.

This dramatic styling concentrates the audience’s attention on each individual’s retelling. There are hints of a counselling session being conducted but each individual has to come to terms with his or her own psychological pain.

The depth of each person’s angst is in both the writing and the performers’ ability to make that suffering real. As such, it makes for intense and relentless viewing.

The set (Emma Ashton ) is profoundly simple; four chairs, a proscribed floor space, and the controversial Pople landscape of Port Arthur as a backdrop.

As such, the actors carry the weight; their interaction critical to the pace of the production.

Suzanne Chaundy’s direction uses those chairs to suggest the moment – the isolation, car journeys and the café. And Holloway’s writing insinuates possible explanations for the event in the young boy’s immaturity and isolation played perfectly by Collyer.

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

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

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

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

■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Cherry Orchard (by Anton Chekhov) April 10 – 19 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, Foot St., Frankston. Director: Tim Gilmour. Bookings: Trybooking or 0437 117 881.

■ Ballarat National Theatre: The Dog Logs (Monologues by Dogs as told by C J Johnson) April 10 – 19 at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117 – 119 Sturt St., Ballarat. Director: Gin O’Brien. Bookings: events.humanitix.com/bnt-thedog-logs

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Switzerland (by Joanna Murray-Smith) April 16 – 26 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: thebasin.sales.ticketsearch. com/sales/sales 0494 065 006 tickets@thebasintheatre.au

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Two Brothers (by Hannie Rayson) April 17 – May 2 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Ben Crowley. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

● ● ●

● Jess Fuchs

■ Sydney comedian Jess Fuchs will present her show Feral until April 18 at Bard's Apothecary, 24 Crossley St, Melbourne .

In this new show, Jess turns on-stage heckling, off-stage gossip and the everyday absurdities of life into an unpredictable Melbourne International Comedy Festival observant, irreverent show.

A regular host at The Comedy Store and a seasoned performer at top comedy clubs worldwide, Jess has opened for international acts including Fortune Feimster, Gianmarco Soresi and Morgan Jay

Performance Details: Until April 18

Venue: Bard's Apothecary, 24 Crossley St., Melbourne.

Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Beyond The Neck

■ Beyond The Neck recounts the trauma of the massacre at Port Arthur some 10 years after the event.

Four nameless individuals are profoundly affected by what occurred because one witnessed the events ( Francis Greenslade ), because one is in denial, ( Emmaline Carroll Southwell ), because one fabricates a false reality ( Cassidy Dunn) or because one is too immature to appreciate the full impact of what happened ( Freddy Collyer ).

More Auditions

■ Malvern Theatre Company: When the Rain Stops Falling. May 3, 4 at 7.30pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Road, Malvern East. Director: Peter Newling. Audition enquiries: peter.newling@ gmail.com.

■ Melbourne French Theatre: Il était un petit navir (SOS), Save Our Savings (by Jean-Pierre Martinez) May 9 at 2pm, May 12 at 7pm at La Maison de Maître building, 203-205 Canning Street, Carlton. 7 actors required - 4 male/3 female. Director: Paul Wanis, Produced by Michel Bula. Fluent French-speaking actors only. melbournefrenchtheatre. org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

This is not easy viewing given the subject matter, but the crafting of the work rounds on the restoration of a simple humanity where the child is listened to, where the old man is heard, where reality overcomes denial and where truth finds a path.

These simple things affirm our faith in humanity even after the inexplicable. This work is fiercely Australian in its setting but also brutally prescient given world affairs where the inexplicable seems to be more and more normalized.

Performance Season: Until April 4 Venue: Theatre Works, St Kilda Bookings: theatreworks.org.au

Review by David McLean

Linden New Art

■ The year 2026 marks a significant milestone for Linden New Art as the organisation celebrates 40 years at the heart of Melbourne’s contemporary art landscape.

To commemorate this anniversary, the gallery has opened two major exhibitions, running until May 17:

The first is Time Moves Through These Walls, an exhibition which reflects on Linden’s formative first decade and its history as a space for artistic experimentation.

It features significant new works by artists including Ernie Althoff, Carolyn Eskdale, Raafat Ishak, Callum Morton, Rose Nolan, Robbie Rowlands, Mitch Mahoney, Fiona Abicare and Ry Haskings

The second major exhibition is Maree Clarke , Long Journey Home: We Are Still Here

Commissioned for the building’s heritage façade, this mesh banner installation by leading Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/ Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke revisits an image from her iconic photographic series.

The work depicts family members on the shore of Port Phillip Bay, exploring the building’s colonial history as a ghostly presence.

Exhibition Venue: Linden New Art, Bunurong Boon Wurrung Country, 26 Acland St, St Kilda.

Date: Until May 17.

Further information: www.lindenarts.org

Cheryl Threadgold

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Visit (by Friedrich Dürrenmatt) April 17 –May 2 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au

■ Encore Theatre Company: Gaslight (Written by Patrick Hamilton). April 24 – May 3 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Kym Davies. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Lovesong (by Abi Morgan) April 22 –May 9 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: the Female of the Specials (by Joanna Murray-Smith) April 23 – May 9 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Fiona M. Carter. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Girl on the Train (Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks film. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) April 24 –May 9 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Bookings: htc.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ The 1812 Theatre: Switzerland (by Joanna Murray-Smith) April 1 at 7.30pm at 3 Rose St., Ferntree Gully. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Audition Bookings: afconsulting@bigpond.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Looped (by Matthew Lombardo) April 6, 7 from 7pm-10pm at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Loretta Bishop. Audition bookings: retbish68@gmail.com.

■ Avid Theatre and The 1812 Theatre: Closer (by Patrick Marber) April 7 and 9, 6.30pm-9.30pm at 312 St Kilda Rd., Southbank. Callbacks April 14. Applications close 31 March. Director: Michael Fenemore. Audition booking: mav metropolis@hotmail.com

■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Matilda Jr. April 7, 9, 12 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Co-Directors: Maeghan McKenzie and Dean Robinson; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie; Choreographer: Alivia Dennis. Audition Bookings: fabnobstheatre. com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Fuccbois – Live in Concert

■ With each pelvic thrust, sexual pun, wink and gesture, we find ourselves immersed in the juvenile, callow and clueless world of the world’s biggest boy band in Bridie Connell’s, Fuccbois: Live in Concert

This is a masterful compilation of original songs in a variety of styles that expose the cultural misogyny perpetuated by such groups.

The arc of the show has the band unravelling only to reform having never learnt their lesson and having never grown up even though their stupidity and indifference to women – despite their protestations to the contrary – are made apparent.

Connell, (Brendan), Vidya Makan (Brandon), Megan Walshe (Tyler) and Clara Harrison (Also Brendan) play the adolescent ensemble with Orya Golgowsky (Mikayla) their road manager.

Their impersonation of infantile men is priceless but, as performers, their routines choreographed by Jamie Winbank are exact and precise.

This cast can also sing; their harmonies and familiarity with diverse musical genres brilliant.

Director Richard Carroll has also brought out the personal narrative of each of the characters that interweave through the performance.

The comedy lies not only in women impersonating so called men but in the demonstration of how misogyny remains extant.

The audience are manipulated at one point in the middle of an Irish ballad and learn what it is to be gaslighted.

And the silence after the band has been eviscerated by the road manager is priceless. The band has been told the truth. The moment hangs but resonates endlessly. Connell’s point has been dramatically put on show.

Fuccbois is a perfect contribution to the Melbourne Comedy Festival this year as its underlying message and the way it has been delivered illustrates the power of comedy to alert communities to the social challenges we face in a manner that is disarming and funny but ever so entertaining and ever so powerful.

Until April 5

The Show Room, Arts Centre Melbourne comedyfestival.com.au

Review by David

McLean

West Gate

■ Dennis McIntosh’s West Gate, a play about Australia’s worst industrial disaster, is a moving tribute to the men who worked and died on the bridge and to those left behind. Opening and closing with a roll call, all of the 35 workers lost in the tragedy are named and remembered.

Christina Smith’s ominous, shadow-filled set design brings amazing clarity to the scale and danger involved in building a bridge that, at the time, was the largest ever built in the world.

The set and tech are almost characters in their own right.

A vertical concrete slab dominates the stage, monolithic in stature and eerily reminiscent of Kubrick’s 2001

Greater intelligence is responsible for the bridge design, and questioning by those at much lower rungs of responsibility will not be tolerated.

There is a distinct “us and them” vibe between management and the men at the coalface, with class distinctions ever-present.

Director Iain Sinclair reveals design flaws and shortcuts through clashes between engineers McAlister (Peter Houghton), Coo-

per (Ben Walter) , and company chief Stevenson (Paul English)

Both Rohan Nichol as foreman Pat and Simon Maiden as Vinny drive home the stakes, dealing with an enormous construction challenge.

Camaraderie among the workers develops over beers and grappa.

Kelly Ryall’s sound design does much to emulate crowded pubs and boisterous union meetings.

The heart of the play is the workers themselves.

Steve Bastoni is excellent as happy-go-lucky, Italian immigrant welder Victor , taking ‘Ten Pound Pom’ Young Scrapper (Darcy Kent) under his wing.

Kent is equally impressive, grappling with an emotional journey from bravado to grief.

The moment the bridge fails is a stunning feat of theatrical shock and awe, made visceral by Ryall’s soundscape of twisting metal-onmetal, scraping and screeching, followed by explosive, thunderous collapse.

Performance Season: Until April 18 Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Sumner Bookings: mtc.com.au

Review by Kathryn Keeble

Eisteddfod by the Bay

■ Eisteddfod by the Bay is proud to be honouring the 71st eisteddfod this year. Formerly the Mordialloc Eisteddfod it was established in 1955.

It is appropriate firstly to recognise and reflect on the volunteers who have given admirable devotion to public service, especially the performing arts, nurturing performers and giving them the opportunities to learn.

Five separate sections are offered: Speech and Drama, Choral Festival, Junior Vocal (under 16), Senior Classical Vocal (16 years and over) and Pianoforte.

Secondly, a special mention to committees and conveners, who have given loyal devotion to advocate and work tirelessly for young actors, singers and pianists and to enthusiastic volunteers who give their time to work “on the day” and “on the night”.

Eisteddfod by the Bay is grateful to have offered an eisteddfod annually, even during COVID and Lockdown when sections wer run using Zoom. This gave pleasure and was appreciated by competitors, as it provided a platform to perform and receive a critique from a professional adjudicator.

A little history – Mordialloc Eisteddfod/ Eisteddfod by the Bay had a huge dancing section which ran over seven weekends. It attracted large numbers of dancers from dancing schools over Greater Melbourne.

When tyhe entity became incorporated the name changed to Eisteddfod by the Bay Inc. There are many who still refer to the Mordialloc Eisteddfod

It belongs to The Australian Eisteddfod Society Australia. This allows all eisteddfods to engage in conversation with all members.

AES A provides opportunities to meet online, attend conferences,

and post updates on the AESA Facebook page.

In the current environment all eisteddfods are facing challenges. Eisteddfod by the Bay is passionate to continue to offer a high standard of excellence.

www.eisteddfodbythebay.com.au Jill Page

Little Miss Typecast

■ Chloe Halley knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a child star — she just didn’t realisehow difficult it would be to shake being typecast as an eightyear-old - she played Brigitta von Trapp in The Sound of Music four times - even after turning 18.

Little Miss Typecast is a hilarious, high-energy hour of song, dance and storytelling. Halley’s pantomime-style portrayal of her attempts to break into the world of theatre is a delight.

She delivers one-liners with effortless comic timing, embodying all the hallmarks of a self-proclaimed child prodigy (and triple threat): tantrums, delusions of grandeur, and an unshakeable belief in her own brilliance — despite never quite landing a lead role at her local amateur theatre company in Canberra . Her wide-eyed ambitions don’t improve much upon arriving in Melbourne.

Halley is infectious, cheeky and undeniably talented.

She weaves musical hits from Annie, The Sound of Music, Wicked and of course, Frozen into the show with clever segues, showcasing a strong and versatile voice.

Her on-stage antics — and eventual transformation into an adult performer — are genuinely jawdropping, with humour infused into every moment.

The use of props and backing tracks works well, while direction by Dom Hennequin, alongside Associate Director and Creative Consultant Dolly Diamond , ensures the show is tightly constructed and consistently engaging. It moves at a confident, well-paced clip.

The upstairs stage at Motley Wherehaus in Queen St is small and intimate, but Halley embraces the audience's close proximity with ease.

There were no signs of opening night nerves — just a performer with flair. She deserves a bigger stage.

By the end of this sharp 60minute set, Halley firmly establishes herself as a compelling performer — and one to watch. Little Miss Typecast is highly recommended.

Review by Beth Klein

Piip and Tuut

■ Internationally acclaimed Estonian clown duo Piip and Tuut premiere in Melbourne at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a high-energy show for all ages, Piip and Tuut at Concert

Playing at ACMI, Gandel Lab in Federation Square , this limited season is running until April 12.

Piip and Tuut are known for their mischievous, chaotic and fastpaced comedy including acrobatics, slapstick humour, live music and audience interaction.

Piip and Tuut are said to bring a rare style of visual comedy that transcends language and generations.

Tickets are available via comedyfestival.com.au/browseshows/piip-and-tuut-theatre

Performance Season: Until April 12

Venue: ACMI – Gandel Lab –Federation Square Website: comedyfestival.com.au/ browse-shows/piip-and-tuut-theatre

Cheryl Threadgold

Rourke’s Reviews

Father Mother Sister Brother

■ (M). 110 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas April 2.

Jim Jarmusch’s latest film will confound and frustrate many, but for fans of this highly individualistic filmmaker, this is a rather wonderful endeavour that sees him observe familial rituals in his typically low-key manner.

Broken into three sections, the first looks at the relationship between a father ( Jarmusch regular Tom Waits ) and his two grown children, Jeff (Adam Driver) and Emily (Mayim Bialik) , who are visiting him for the first time in a while at his remote, snowbound house; the second, set in Dublin sees a mother, Catherine (Charlotte Rampling) setting everything up for the annual catch up with her grown daughters, Timothea (Cate Blanchett) and Lilith (Vicky Krieps); the final section involves adult twin siblings Skye (Indya Moore) and Billy (Luka Sabbat) , who are in Paris to finalise matters after the death of their parents in a plane crash.

Jarmusch , as usual revels in the small details, asking us to put together a bigger picture through little behavioural asides and silences.

Acceptable, almost sterile routine is preferred over messier, but loving, engagement, which isn’t fully realised until loved ones are gone.

Jarmusch presents these people in a way that will have viewers reacting in a very personal way.

He is very much in NightOn Earth mode. Performances are terrific, with the impressive cast all in tune with Jarmusch’s script.

RATING - ****

Hoppers

■ (PG). 105 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

A huge return to form for Pixar , whose output has been, to put it mildly, very hit-andmiss over the last 15 years (the best recently have been Inside Out 2 and Turning Red), this a beautiful blend of heart and humour.

The story centres on Mabel (Piper Curda) , who from a young age has passionately tried to protect and free animals.

Aged 19 and at college, Mabel , highly influenced by her late grandmother ( Karen Huie ), wants to save the local glade from Mayor Jerry Generazzo (Jon Hamm) , who is about to demolish to build a new freeway.

Stumbling onto a secret experiment by her science lecturer D Sam (Kathy Najimy), where her and a small team have managed to create animal robots, which the person’s mind can then be transferred into it, Mabel grabs a beaver, goes through the mind transfer process, and escapes into the woods.

It isn’t long before Mabel meets George , a beaver who has become king of the animals in the local area, and they soon become friends.

The two will team up and try to stop the Jerry’s freeway plan, but things don’t go to plan.

This harks back to the best

RATING - ****½

BTS The Comeback Live:

Arirang

■ (G). 65 minutes. Now available on Netflix.

The global phenomenon return after a four year hiatus, due to the members’ compulsory military service, to confidently perform their new album in front of 104,000 adoring fans at Gwanghwamun Palace . The concert is massive, looking like it takes up half the city, but what is not lost is the group’s ability to thrill and entertain.

Live streamed on the night to 190 countries (including, oddly, South Korea , which looks like it hurt crowd numbers, as big as they were), this is a terrific way to hear BTS’s new album, Arirang, with numbers like Aliens, FYA and the first single Swim, scoring highly.

The downside is that the special is very short, only going an hour (a K-Pop concert normally goes between 2 1½ and 3 hours).

Thankfully, the Live Stream concerts screening in cinemas on April 11-12 and 18-19, will go the full three hours.

Most sessions have already sold out, so get in quick if you want to go.

RATING - ****

Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come

■ (MA). 108 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. A bigger scale rehash of the first film, this belated sequel to the 2019 original is predictable, protracted stuff, a definite disappointment as Ready Or Not was such a surprisingly fun hit.

This time around, Grace (Samara Weaving), instead of fighting one satan-worshipping family, now battles four, and instead of just one target, it’s two, with Grace’s sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) now part of the mayhem.

The prize this time is nothing less than the control of the entire planet.

Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin go bigger and gorier, but almost everything falls flat, with dull supporting characters and repetitive, overly familiar material.

Like their misfire Abigail, this goes on too long as well. The film’s best assets are Weaving and Newton ( Elijah Wood is amusing, and there is a nice cameo by David Cronenberg ).

RATING - **

Aaron Rourke of Pixar, which created an intelligent, relatable humanity, combining it with hilarious comedy. Every element hits the bullseye, and the voice cast are outstanding.

Hit-run at Clyde North

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a hit and run collision which occurred in Clyde North on Sunday (Mar. 29)morning.

Investigators have been told two men were standing on Westphalian Rise about 1am o March 29.

It is alleged a white Kia hatch drove past and the occupants hurled abuse at the pair before performing a U-turn and driving towards the men.

One of the men jumped out of the way while a 29-year-old man from Clyde North was struck by the car. He was taken to hospital with critical injuries.

The Kia did not stop and the occupants are yet to be identified. Detectives from Major Collision Investigation Unit were notified.

Fast track for major development

■ Frankston City has launched a new Priority Development Program, marking a major step forward in the city’s approach to planning, investment and growth. The program introduces a faster coordinated planning pathway for developments.

Dandenong

Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, April 1

Abdullah, Aliata Abraham, Rimi Akil, Adot Alaridi, Rony Alexandrou, Robert John Aliata, Abdullah Andrew, Jordan Ashe, Darren Bassee, Jason Batty, Teliya Beshy, Fayez Beveridge, Daniel Bidong, Ladjok Blackburn, Robert Brown, Mark Channells, Hayden Chilcott, David Chuol, Riek Cocaj, Fatmir Defa, Sembeta Deing, David Delis, Alexander James Delis, James Dockrill-Daly, Kohan Eckles, Aaron Edwards, Mitchell Elamin, Mahamed Magid Farrar, Bianca Fidler, Peter Gavin, Marli Marie Ghani, Usman Gilby, Bastian Godino, Corey Greab, Manuela Guthridge, Jac Hall, Hunter Hall, Matthew Hay, Thomas Heron, Christopher Hildenhagen, Carl Robert Hood, Harry Hunnagan, Michelle Jafarian, Saeed Janif, Mohammed Kushagra, Jain La, Sai Lawrence, Stephen Bradley Le, Chad Liddy, Calay Lowe, Kaisey Lucas, Anthony Lyddy, Calay Macumber, Melissa Maitland, Zack Marshall, Sarah Mills, Haidyn Myint, Win Nasir, Saifedin Nienkel, Deng Norouzi, Amir Hossein Ong, Jacky Ostojic, Bojan Owens, Joel Pakzad, Elias Paterson, Carl Pavleski, Steve Pereira, Ricky Jerome Pich, Jeremy Posadowski, Chanel Natasha Rahimi, Aaqiel Rastogi, Harshnardhan Richardson, Mark Riding-Hill, James Ross, Barry Lucanus Rupe, Allan Sims, Christopher Sinare, Nura Singh, Harmnjot Stapley, Laurene Starr, Jermaine T Dinh, Bo Truong Tansey, Matthew John Tola, Hawani

Tucker, Alan Vu, Quang Walsh, Mitchell Walsh, Thomas Walter-Bryan, Kayne Walters, Matthew Walton-Bryan, Kanye Williamson, Joshua Win, Suu Kyi Yilihamu, Yiliya Zeginoglou, Andrew Moorabbin

Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 1 Abella, Tyrone Al-Farra, Abdullah Alladutt, Mohammad K Allardice, Scott Amazing Homes Pty Ltd Arlapen, Matthis Elliott Baker, Desmond Bean, Melissa Benyaminovich, Boris Boxtel, Anna Burnes, Andrew Campbell, Christine Ellen Cascun, Matthew Cervi, Dimitri Chen, Xiaoxiong Clark, Adam Clarke, Alice Cook, Brendon Cooper, Lisa Maree Denning, Jayson Mathew Dris, Georgios Eastland Property Pty Ltd Farrugia, Teresa Ghov, Kim Buoy Herft, Christopher Hine, Derrick Leonard Holland, Colin Hopkinson, Daniel Hughan, Michael Jacobs, Beau Kgn Homes Pty Ltd Koutsogiannikis, Angela Lewis, Chad Lin, Han Si Liu, Zhaojin Lui, Teresa Maiden, Harry Markham, Rebecca Mastroianni, Anton Maurakh, Daria Mishali, Scott Mohamed, Ali Nguyen, Ha Thi Nikolouzos, Spiros Nikolouzos, Suzie Pantelopoulos, Kris Payne, Matthew Pickering, Andrew Patrick Pickering, Samantha Ann Price, Nick Prosser, Beth Q Endeavour Trading Pty Ltd Ranasinghe, Upul Perera Raza, Irfan Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Aust.) Rosenthal, Brad Rosi, Isaac Ruhl, Bradley Shahak, Erez Shaw, Andrew Sheng, Xinjie Sohi, Hardeep Spiteri, Samantha Stott, Cindy Team Holiday Pty Ltd Thompson, Zeppelin Tran, Kevin Minh Trewin, Norman Van Giffen, Elysha Wu, Jiaxi Zhang, Tony

Brighter lighting

■ Some 3648 outdated streetlights in Mornington Peninsula Shire have been replaced with modern LED technology across the Peninsula.

Acting Mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro says the new lights are more energy efficient and require less maintenance.

The project will receive approximately $630,000 from the State Government through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, and was delivered with support from the Department of Transport and Planning, Ventia, United Energy and Ironbark Sustainability

The upgrade is expected to save the Shire around $526,000 each year.

“Reliable streetlighting plays an important role in helping people feel safe when moving around their neighbourhoods at night,” Cr Pingiaro said.

The Shire expects to reduce emissions by around 1067 tonnes CO2-e in the first year alone.

“Since 2018 we’ve progressively upgraded around 10,000 minor-road lights to LED technology,” he said.

Sand sculpting

■ More than 400 tonnes of sand is transforming Frankston Waterfront into a open-air gallery with the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships on show until Sunday, April 26.

This year’s theme, The Enchanted Realm, will bring fairytale castles, soaring dragons and mythical creatures to life at McCombs Reserve — each sculpted in detail.

Fifteen solo artists are competing for the Aidan J. Graham Australian Champion title.

Frankston City Mayor Cr Sue Baker said the revitalised format and expanded program would make the 2026 Championships a must-see event.

A special Easter weekend program — including the Easter egg hunt — and the return of EastLink’s People’s Choice Award will add to the festival atmosphere.

Daily, 10am–5pm

Boost for Hallam

■ Upgrade works have officially commenced at the Hallam Community Learning Centre.

To mark the start of the project, Kalora Ward Councillor Melinda Ambros; politicians Harriet Shing and Belinda Wilson visited the Kays Avenue site on Thursday (Mar. 26).

The Hallam Community Learning Centre offers a wide range of programs, including basic computer skills, English language and Auslan classes, as well as art, quilting and sewing programs.

Existing retaining walls and vegetation will be removed, and a new retaining wall will be constructed. The project also includes an extension to the kitchen and office areas, along with new floor coverings across several rooms within the facility.

$1.2m Lotto prize

■ A $1.2 million Tattslotto prize has paved the way for a Pakenham couple to purchase their dream home on the Peninsula

The couple held one of the five Division One winning entries nationally in the Saturday March 21 draw. They can look forward to a total prize of $1,260,098.55.

The winning entry was not registered to The Lott Members Club meaning officials from The Lott had no way of contacting the ticketholders and had to wait for them to check their ticket and come forward.

“We’re absolutely dumbfounded,” the winning husband revealed.

“I don’t normally purchase lottery tickets unless the prize on offer is $30 million or above but I thought why not? I’m so glad I ended up purchasing a ticket into the draw.

“I just woke up on Sunday morning and decided to check the ticket. My wife wasn’t home, so I had to give her a call and tell her the good news.

“She was actually hopping on a plane, and I had to get her right before she was boarding.

“We celebrated when she arrived home,” the man said.

In The Pink

Short-changed

■ The Commonwealth Ombudsman’s latest State of the Health Funds Report is an indictment on how health insurers operate and a Federal Government that has allowed these tactics to fly under the radar for almost four years, an official says.

“The Report confirms what the Australian Private Hospitals Association has been saying for years. The private health system is broken and being abused by insurance companies.

“The equation for health insurers is simple,” APHA CEO Brett Heffernan said. “Premiums keep going up, private hospitals are being shortchanged and insured patients are suffering due to massive exclusions in their insurance cover, meaning they are paying more but getting less for it.

“With this situation festering for four long years, is it any wonder the insurers are banking record after-tax profits of over $2 billion a year? It’s made more obscene by the 18 per cent hike in socalled ‘management expenses’, with these murky provisions reaping insurers another $3.4 billion a year.

March on Spring St

■ Members of the Health Services Union Vic No. 4 Branch are rallying today (Wed., Apr. 1) for a decent Enterprise agreement for their public health members.

This union includes a variety of different allied health professionals including medical scientists, hospital pharmacists, psychologists and dietitians.

They say that they have been bargaining now for over a year and have not yet received a meaningful pay and conditions offer from the Allan Government.

The stoppage is the first one taken by these workers since 2012.

Doctors on climate

■ Three of Australia’s leading community climate organisations have called on the Federal Government to introduce a 25 per cent tax on gas exports, as momentum builds ahead of the May budget for action on the soaring profits being made by gas corporations during another energy crisis.

Doctors for the Environment Australia, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action, and Parents for Climate are backing the push, calling for revenue from the tax to be directed to communities on the frontline of climate-fuelled disasters, relief for households facing soaring energy and insurance costs, and accelerating Australia's transition away from the volatile fossil fuel dependence driving the current crisis.

Mental Health Mullets

■ Registrations are now open for Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health, with Australians encouraged to turn their mullet into something meaningful this April.

“From the footy field to the festival grounds and even local supermarkets across the country, the mullet has cemented itself as an unmistakable part of Australian culture. Bold and impossible to ignore, it’s more than a haircut; it’s a conversation starter,” said a campaign organiser.

This April, Australians are encouraged to grow or shape a mullet to spark conversations about mental health and raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s life-changing mental health research.

One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year, yet more than half do not seek professional support, said a Black Dog Institute representative.

WEDNEDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

KNOW RISKS BEFORE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

● ● A specialist Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crew winching patient Gary.

■ The Victorian school holidays are fast approaching, and Ambulance Victoria is urging everyone to be well prepared before enjoying all the adventures our state has to offer.

While activities like camping, hiking and trail riding can be great fun, they can also result in medical emergencies, something experienced rider Gary , 69, with which he became familiar.

Gary and his stepson Drew were adventure biking along a fire trail in Buckland when a wrong turn saw them end up on a steep gravel trail not designed for their motorcycles.

Unfortunately, Gary lost control of his bike and fell over the top of the handlebars, sustaining fractures to his pelvis and spine, as well as broken ribs and whiplash.

After realising what had happened, Drew called Triple Zero (000) as the remote location, steep landscape and extent of Gary’s injuries meant he was unable to be carried out of the park.

A specialist Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crew and an Advanced Life Support paramedic attended the scene and worked with VICSES and Victoria Police to navigate the dense tree canopy and steep loose terrain to reach Gary

A Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance Flight paramedic was winched into the location and provided Gary with pain relief, oxygen therapy and splints to reduce his movement, before they were both winched 38 metres in the air to the waiting helicopter.

Due to the weather, Gary was airlifted to an airfield where he was then transported by road ambulance to the Royal

Melbourne Hospital for further treatment. After spending 10 days in hospital, he made the 400km journey back home.

Gary said his crash shows that no matter how experienced you are, serious accidents can happen to anyone.

“My message for others would be to stick to your plan and don’t attempt trails you haven’t prepared for,” he said.

“It’s also important to carry an emergency beacon and know the coordinates of where you are, so emergency services can find you easily.

“I’ve been an Ambulance Victoria member since I was 18 years old, and this is the first time I’ve ever needed to use it. I’m very grateful to the paramedics who came to my aid when I needed them most.”

Ambulance Victoria Acting Hume Area Manager Adrian Pace s aid it is crucial that Victorians know how to get help in case something goes wrong in rural areas.

“It can be hard to know your exact location when heading out on rural or remote trails, such as the ones Gary was on, which is why we recommend everyone download the EmergencyPlus app,” he said.

“The app uses your phone’s GPS function to identify your address, latitude and longitude coordinates, as well as your ‘ What3Words ’ location – three words that emergency services can use to narrow your exact location down to three square metres, even in remote or unfamiliar environments.

“You may also consider taking a personal locator beacon (PLB) which, when activated, sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services,” Mr Pace said in a media statement.

The Pulse Record intake

■ Patients in Victoria will soon find it easier than ever to see a GP, with a strong cohort of future specialist GPs commencing training in the Commonwealth -funded Australian General Practice Training Program with Australia’s leading medical training college, the Royal Australian College of GPs

In 2026, 363 future GPs have commenced training in Victoria . Of these:

■ 149 are training on an AGPT rural training pathway, spending the complete three years of their training in Victoria’s regional, rural, or remote communities, a 9.6 per cent increase on 2025

■ 161 are training on the general pathway, completing metropolitan-based training with at least 12 months in an outer-metropolitan, rural, non-capital city, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health post

■ 53 are training on Victoria’s composite pathway, which requires six months of non-metropolitan training in highneed areas including the Northern Territory

■ 63, or 17 per cent of the cohort, will train as Rural Generalists, completing an additional year of advanced rural skills to deliver hospital and emergency services that regional communities rely on.

Vaccinate now

■ The Heart Foundation is encouraging people to get vaccinated now ahead of cold and flu season to help look after their own health as well as protect people with CardioVascular Disease

Vaccination helps limit the spread of common respiratory viruses that can cause and/or worsen CVD, including influenza, COVID-19 and RSV

Respiratory infections and CVD are linked as follows:

■ People with CVD are more likely catch a respiratory infection, and more likely to have serious complications from an infection.

■ This includes a higher risk of needing to go to hospital, and in some cases, of dying.

■ People with CVD can be 10 to 20 times more likely to catch RSV and up to 4 times more likely to end up in hospital with the infection.

Respiratory infections can lead to CVD. Viruses can cause inflammation in your body, placing strain on your heart which can lead to heart failure or an abnormal heartbeat.

Viruses can also cause plaque (a fatty build up) in your blood vessels to be less stable, and this can cause a blockage and possible heart attack or stroke.

Chance of having a heart attack in the week following an infection is six times higher following flu, up to 11 times higher following RSV and between two to eight times higher following COVID-19

Heart Foundation Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Garry Jennings , said vaccination was an easy way for people to limit the spread of these infections.

“We encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and their loved ones from the severe cardiovascular complications these viruses can cause,” Professor Jennings said.

Breakthrough

■ A new study published today reports a breakthrough discovery from Australian scientists relating to glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer. Adelaide University scientists have identified a key protein that is driving the growth and spread of glioblastoma, potentially paving the way for more effective treatments.

■ I have to confess that throughout my lifetime I have perfected my version of the ‘Tarzan call’.

This was the result of sitting in picture theatres as a child on Saturday afternoons absolutely engrossed in watching films starring my hero Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan swung through the jungle on those vines to save ‘Jane ’ and ‘Boy ’.

Peter Jonas (John) Weissmuller was born in Hungry in 1904. His family emigrated to America and settled in Chicago. Johnny became a very good swimmer with an unusual style and by the time he was 12 he was swimming in the YMCA team.

He represented the USA in the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games, winning a total of five Gold medals and one Bronze.

In 1931 Johnny was invited to screen test for the role of Tarzan in the MGM film based on the popular books by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Johnny got the role and Tarzan the Ape Man was released in 1932. He starred opposite Maureen O’Sullivan (mother of Mia Farrow ) and the film was a box office smash.

Johnny had minimal dialogue to deliver in the film, he looked great and the public loved him, but he apparently was a “ladies man”.

Esther Williams told me in a radio interview that whilst working with Johnny during 1940 in Billy Rose’s Aquacade she had to keep him at “arms length”.

Whatever Happened to ... Johnny Weissmuller

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Johnny was married six times and had three children. His series of Tarzan films included Tarzan and his Mate, Tarzan Finds a Son, Tarzan’s Desert Mystery, Tarzan Triumphs and Tarzan’s New York Adventure

In the 1950s Johnny starred in the television series Jungle Jim

One of his last public appearances was on The David Frost Show in 1969.

In 1970 he attended the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica where he was presented to Queen Elizabeth

His last screen role in 1976 was a small cameo in the film Won Ton Ton, The Dog That Saved Hollywod.

His health deteriorated after a series of strokes in 1977 and he was placed in the Motion Picture and Television Home for

Actors where he could be heard delivering his famous ‘ Tarzan call ’ in the early hours of the morning. His wife later moved him to Acapulco, Mexico, where he died in 1984.

Johnny Sheffield, who played “Boy” in the Tarzan films, passed away in 2010.

If you look closely at the cover of The Beatles' record album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, you will see

and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

CONTINUUM AT BURRINJA ART GALLERY

Theatre Extra

Scribbler

Eben launched Thorny Devil Theatre at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2011 to a sell-out season and critical acclaim. Eben was then awarded Exceptional Emerging Artist funding to relocate to the US and work with an international theatre company on developing several shows to tour the globe.

After 'emerging' and having clocked the artistic world, Eben did what no one ever expected: he retreated from his artistic pursuits to pursue his dream job of sitting behind a desk and complaining about a sore neck from time to time.

Now, a decade later, Eben and Thorny Devil Theatre are making a eemergence into the artistic world, via a cellar venue under a pub. Scribbler is a culmination of years of writings, conversations and experiences come to life.

Season: April 7-19 (no show April 13)

Venue: Grace Darling Hotel, Collingwoode Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Continuum Open Studios Group Exhibition is a major group exhibition that brings together the work of over 60 artists working across a range of visual art practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and mixed media.

The exhibition offers audiences a compelling introduction to thee breadth and depth of artistic practice within the Dandenong Ranges region. Exploring the concept of continuum-a flow, connection, process, and becoming the exhibition Invites viewers to consider art not a series of isolated works, but as part of an ongoing dialogue between materials, ideas, places, and people. Each artwork represents a moment within a larger creative current, revealing intersections between personal narrative, environmental concerns, cultural memory, and contemporary life. Continuum also serves as a preview exhibition for the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program, providing a taste of the work audiences will encounter when artists open their studios top the public across two consecutive weekends. closes April 26.

Burrinja Art Gallery

351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey

In Potter Studios

Future Country

Country Road and NGV First Nations Commissions unveils new works from emerging First Nations artists.

Future Country is the second iteration of the Country Road + First Nations Commissions, a transformative national, biennial mentorship and exhibition program.

The Commission pairs an outstanding emerging First Nations artist or designer with an esteemed industry leader from each state ands territory across Australia

The initiative provides a career defining platform fr artists to make their most ambitious work to date, exploring new mediums, scales and ideas that push the boundaries of their practice

Established First Nations mentors are invited by the NGV to participate, and each in turn nominate a remarkable early career practitioner for the opportunity.

Artists are supported by their mentor in the conception, development and creation of their work which will respond ton the theme Future Country

The mentorship will culminate in a major exhibition at The Ian Potter Centre :NGV Australia , with all works on display entering the NGV Collection and expanding its representation of work by contemporary First Nations artists. Exhibition closes September 13.

Ian Potter Studios, Federation Square Flinders St, Melbourne

HA HA HA – Sriwhana Sprong

In HA HA HA – Sriwhana Spring moves through the exhibition as a metaphor for elemen-

tal and linguistics instability, unknowing as a method and the refusal of cultural reductionism.

Spong’s practice asks how knowledge is approached, framed and made perceptible. The artist is often inspired by a small or contingent encounter - a text, an image, a living organism or an historical trace - which becomes the starting point for inquiry.

Her practice unfolds nonlinearly, following these traces through experimental, speculative and historical research.

Underpinning her work is an oscillation of intimacy and distance in relation to her Balinese heritage and the writing of medieval mystics.

HA HA HA – Rihanna Spong is the first major solo exhibition in Australia of the London -based Bakeries New Zealand/Aotearoan artist Exhibition opens April and closes June 28. MUMA Building F, Princes Hwy, Caulfield

Peter Kemp

Theatrical Symphony

■ Wheelers Hill performer John Yanko (20) is set to appear in Theatrical Symphony , a major musical theatre concert featuring iconic songs, performed alongside a full orchestra.

A former Brentwood Secondary College student, John brings a strong multicultural background to the stage, with Greek, Italian and Egyptian heritage reflecting the diversity of the local community.

In the production, he performs as a featured soloist and in principal roles, showcasing his vocal talent in well-known musical theatre numbers.

His involvement highlights the strength of emerging performers from suburbs contributing to Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene.

Creative director of Theatrical Symphony is Andrew Gyopar and musical director and conductor is Kent Ross

Performance details: April 10-12

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: theatrical.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Big Red Bash off

■ Organisers of the Birdsville Big Red Bash have announced that they have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 edition of the iconic Outback music festival.

The festival could not proceed at the Big Red site this year due to rain and water that will not dry before July.

“After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026. The decision to cancel this year's event, whilst difficult, is based on what we believe is in the best interest of the event and patrons.”

New EP for Wade

■ Loves, Rythms and Themes is the new EP release for local Melbourne Jazz singer and vocalist Wade Morgan. Wade brings the golden age of Jazz to life in this new six-track recording. His media states that his rich velvety voice and sophisticated stage presence evokes the legendary era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett

Forever Young

■ The songs of Bob Dylan will come to life at the Memo Music Club, St Kilda The show Forever Young will feature some of the finest local artists reliving some of Dylan’s classic tunes. Adalita, Rob Snarski, Lisa Miller, Van Walker along with more performers will take to the stage on Saturday and Sunday, Sun May 23 and 24, as part of Dylan’s 85th birthday celebrations. Tickets at Trybooking.com

Damian Callinan stars in ‘Spoons’

■ It may be daunting when looking at the wealth of shows offered in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2026 line-up, but make sure your choice includes Damian Callinan’s Spoons

Damian , an inveterate entertainer is well-known to Australian audiences but in Spoons his writing and performance is as fresh, amusing and engaging as ever.

The well-spring of this narrative arises from the main character, 84-year-old Stan’s his beloved, deceased wife Denise’s teaspoon collection.

Placing them geographically on a timber spoon holder shaped in the map of Australia, Stan’s memories unfold.

Stan’s fading health is steering his family towards moving him into aged care.

He’s presented with a selection of brochures with absurd names such as Picasso Park and Scenic Vista

He is devastated to learn that there’s no place for the teaspoon collection in the care home nor is he excited by the offering of humdrum activities such a fly-swat volleyball and chair yoga.

This is an intergenerational story depicted over years since Denise’s death.

Damian’s one-man performance slides between multiple roles of at least five characters on an iconic, true-blue Aussie set.

Another significant character is best mate Tully who lives

next door and they communicate through a bizarre, self-invented electronic red flashing light system.

Damian’s versatility as dancer, actor, humourist and storyteller, injected with sardonic Australian humour, drives this very human family story.

We are in stitches with his techniques to play the best pool shot ignoring audience boundaries.

His entire performance dealing with many of the banalites and rigidity of an age aged care system is a delight to watch.

Damian’s pacy handling of this sensitive, human subject draws his tears but mostly has us laughing throughout. This play is well-placed in the Comedy Festival.

Dates: Until April 5

Time: Sun. April 5 at 5.15pm. Tues.-Sat. Until April 3 at 6.15pm. 50 minutes

Cost: $30-38

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Member’s Lounge, 7th floor

Tickets: MICF website

Review by

Sherryn Danaher

Keys To Life

■ A national two-piano recital tour will feature the Australian debut of Iyad Sughayer. Keys to Life – Two Friends, Two Pianos brings two world-class pianists to the stage during July.

Senior Service

AIR joins Alliance

■ The Australian Independent Retirees has joined the recently formed Commonwealth Home Support Program Alliance as a foundation member.

The Alliance is group of organisations and individuals who are advocating for the continuation, expansion and sustainability of CHSP as the primary tier of the aged care system.

AIR Chief Advocate Wayne Strandquist said: “The CHSP Alliance is advocating as a priority for CHSP to remain a separate distinct program and not be merged into the Support at Home program.

“The Alliance then wants to work with the government to revamp the CHSP program so it is fit for purpose for the next 20 years,” Mr Strandquist said.

“The principal goal of the CHSP Alliance is the maintenance, funding and further development of CHSP as the primary preventative and early intervention tier of the Aged Care System”. Mr Strandquist said.

Still active at 85

Robert Gottliebsen

■ When many of his contemporaries have long stepped away from deadlines, legendary Australian journalist Robert Gottliebsen is still filing his weekly column aged 85, with the help of a home care provider.

The veteran commentator, whose analysis has shaped business and political debate for more than 50 years, now contributes to The Australian twice a week - down from his previous schedule before a shoulder injury forced him to pause.

“So the brain's okay, but I find when you're writing two pieces a week, you think that's easier, a lot easier, but you actually spend more time on each piece,” he says.

The steady support of a small home care provider on Victoria’s Surf Coast has made that possible over the past year, along with Gottleibsen’s legendary tenacity.

Last winter, life narrowed quickly. Robert’s wife Barbara , 85, underwent leg surgery in Brisbane and spent three weeks in hospital. She had barely returned home to Anglesea when Robert fell while running for a bus, badly injuring his shoulder. He too was hospitalised for three weeks.

They turned to Country to Coast Home Care Services, an organisation that’s remained intentionally small, with just over 20 staff supporting around 90 participants, a scale that allows it to stay close to the people it works with.

PRIORTISE SENIORS IN FUEL CRISIS

■ Older Australians must be prioritised in a fuel crisis, Ageing Australia has warned.

Ageing Australia is calling on the Federal Government to ensure older Australians and aged care workers are prioritised in the national response to fuel price increases and fuel shortages.

Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said access to fuel is critical to maintaining essential aged care services, particularly for older people receiving care at home and in regional and remote communities.

“Aged care workers can’t deliver care if they can’t get to work or an older person’s home. If fuel access is disrupted, so is care, it’s that simple,” Mr Symondson said.

“And with fuel prices now sky high, we are already seeing an increase in workers not taking up shifts as they struggle to pay for the fuel needed to get to work.

“And that’s before you consider the massive increase in cost for providers to pay for work travel – with some reporting their monthly fuel bill has increased by 50% or more already.

Critical

“With fuel pumps, particularly in rural and remote areas, running dry and increased talk of potential rationing measures, we must prioritise aged care or we risk leaving older Australians without critical support. This is an essential service and it must be treated like one.”

Ageing Australia has been engaging with the Federal Government as well as state and territory governments over the past three weeks and will continue to advocate for urgent, targeted support.

Ageing Australia has also put forward a comprehensive policy response, informed by member data and sector-wide analysis, outlining the growing impact of fuel costs on providers, workers and older Australians

Proposed measures include prioritised access to fuel for aged care providers and workers, exemption from any rationing measures, if imposed, and targeted financial support for providers and their workers to manage the huge increase in the cost of fuel and to maintain services across the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Support at Home and residential aged care.

Timely

Mr Symondson said timely government action is essential to ensure continuity of care.

“While we understand the Fuel Supply Taskforce was only announced last week and that a second National Cabinet meeting next week.

“We need a response that is fast, practical and easy to implement. This is about keeping services running and ensuring older Australians are not left behind,” he said.

“Providers are already under pressure, with many losing money and demand for services through the roof.

“Rising fuel costs - particularly in regional and remote areas - are adding another layer of strain.

“Without support, there is a real risk of service disruption. We want to avoid a rerun of the sector’s experience in the early days of COVID , where we saw hospitals and their staff designated as essential services and aged care left to fend for itself.”

Aged Care crossroads

■ Uniting NSW.ACT is calling for a balanced, sustainable approach to aged care reform to ensure a system that protects those most at risk while supporting high-quality services for all.

Senior Moments

Funding welcome

■ The Older Persons Advocacy Network welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of an additional $115 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program , to deliver more aged care beds in select hotspots.

OPAN CEO Craig Gear said the investment will help alleviate some of the delayed discharge pressures being experienced by hospitals and offer older people, their families and support network greater certainty and confidence.

“It is imperative that more aged care beds are delivered to cater for high demand and supply shortage and this funding is a positive step towards achieving that,” Mr Gear said.

“We know that prolonged stays in acute care often leads to cognitive decline and physical impairment, which is why extra funding is crucial.

“This is a good example of the Commonwealth and States working together in support of older people. It is also important that States work with local councils to expedite planning and development application processes to avoid unnecessary delays with these new builds.”

Elder abuse move

■ The Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald, haswelcomed the release of the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036, describing it as a decisive step toward ending the abuse and mistreatment of older Australians.

“Elder abuse is prevalent and a growing national problem. It is one of the clearest and most harmful expressions of ageism, with significant social, legal, and economic implications,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.

“Every older Australian has the fundamental right to live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This Plan sets out the priority actions needed over the decade ahead to uphold that right.

CEO Tracey Burton said Australia has made important progress since the Royal Commission , but critical work remains.

“We’ve come a long way, but the job is not finished. The funding of quality, equitable care remains the unfinished business of reform,” Mrs Burton said.

Uniting is urging the Federal Government to strengthen protections for older Australians on the lowest incomes, particularly full pensioners who rent.

The organisation is calling for automatic exemptions from co-contributions for full pensioners who rent, ensuring people are not forced to go without essential support.

“For people living on the full pension and paying rent, these costs come directly out of money for food, medication and daily living,” Mrs Burton said.

“No one should have to choose between basic care and the essentials of life.”

The proposed change is modest in cost at $50m but would make a significant difference to people’s ability to remain safely at home.

Mrs Burton said long-term reform depends on a shared commitment between government, providers and individuals.

“A sustainable aged care system relies on three pillars - strong public funding, efficient and innovative services, and fair contributions from those who can afford to contribute,” she said. ●

Ageing Australia will continue to work with governments to secure a coordinated response that protects the viability of the sector and ensures older Australians continue to receive the care they need.

“These include stronger prevention and early intervention, improved community awareness, culturally safe and accessible support pathways, enhanced data and evidence, a more capable service system, and strengthened legal and policy protections.”

More aged care beds

■ Ageing Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s latest commitment to build more aged care beds. The additional investment is another step towards increasing capacity in the aged care sector, as demand spirals.

Mark Butler, Minister for Health, Disability, and Ageing, and Sam Rae, the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, have announced $115m through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.

Four areas will be targeted over two tranches. Providers will be invited to submit proposals through an Expression of Interest process to build and open additional beds within two years. The intent of the grants is to help address immediate delayed discharge pressures on hospitals.

“We welcome any commitment that can help us build more beds quickly or bring beds back online,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.

“The real gains will come only if this is just the first step in the Federal Government’s plans. We have called consistently for an expansion in Federal funding for new beds and while this announcement helps, it is clearly not the full solution. Not only do we need thousands more beds than this fund will deliver, several regions with enormous demand will miss out this time round, including Brisbane,” Mr Symondson said.

EXCITING RACING PROGRAM AHEAD

■ Usually, the starting point in a racing career is a maiden race, for which only horses that have not won a race are eligible. The prizemoney allocated to individual events and calibre of horses competing are generally reflected in the different classes.

As each race meeting approaches in the next fortnight, consider the following horses if their name appears in the fields:

Harry’s Yacht

Has won three of four starts at Caulfield and was placed on the other occasion. Impressed winning at his past two runs on the track over 1400 metres, having had a break of three weeks leading into both. The Victoria Handicap is three weeks on from his previous win and would be the perfect next step.

Philia

Group 2 winner over 2000 metres as a three-year-old. Now four, she has finished just outside the placings and not beaten far at her recent outings. The Easter Cup would be a suitable assignment.

Arcora Runner-up to Observer in the Victoria Derby in the spring. Qualified for a start in the Galilee Series Final with a close second to Single Choice in the Group 2 Autumn Classic over 1800 metres at Caulfield. That was followed by a nice win over 2000 metres at Flemington . With one more run under his belt, would be ideally suited in the Galilee Series Final.

Picnic Racing

■ The 2025-26 Picnic Racing season is drawing to a close, so don’t miss out on all the fun of a rural race day.

Just four race meetings remain.

Balnarring will host a couple of those, with one each at Swifts Creek on Sunday, April 5 and Yea on Saturday, April 18.

Racing commenced at picturesque Emu Plains Reserve, Balnarring in 1863.

Two sensational days there are coming up on consecutive Saturdays.

First, this Saturday (Apr. 4) on the public holidays long-weekend.

Then, the following Saturday (Apr. 11) while the children are still on school holidays.

This week is Easter Plate Day, with the feature race a staying test over 2808 metres. Horses and riders will reach the winning post, only to go on to complete a further lap of the track.

In between races, children can enjoy Face Painting, a Petting Zoo and the everpopular Easter Egg Hunt.

There will also be Bookmakers, Food Vans and a Bar.

Gates open at 10 am, with the first race scheduled to start at 1 pm.

After an entertaining Easter Plate Day , you’ll want to return the following Saturday for Fashions Day.

Fashions Day is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Picnic Racing season at Balnarring and a highlight of the Mornington Peninsula social calendar.

Style lovers of all ages are invited to compete in Fashions on the Field, with categories that include Ladies, Gentlemen, Couples, Hats, Girls and Boys.

Wear your best race day ensemble for the chance to be awarded a sash and take

Rod Basto

home some fantastic prizes. The ‘Lady for the Day’ major prize is five nights accommodation at Oasis on Nautilus in Port Douglas , a $1,000 Flight Centre voucher and private chauffer transfer from Cairns to Port Douglas.

The Fashion precinct will be easy to find on course, with registrations open on the day.

So don’t miss out, as it is not until October that Picnic Racing returns for the start of a new season.

Horses To Follow

■ Enamorada

■ Wentworth Falls

■ Autumn Lover

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, April 1: Geelong

■ Thursday, April 2: Pakenham

■ Friday, April 3: Ballarat, Cranbourne

■ Saturday, April 4: Caulfield, Warracknabeal, Kerang, Balnarring

■ Sunday, April 5: Mornington, Stawell, Swifts Creek

■ Monday, April 6: Sandown Lakeside

■ Tuesday, April 7: Hamilton

■ Wednesday, April 8: Sale

■ Thursday, April 9: Kyneton, Pakenham

■ Friday, April 10: Geelong, Cranbourne

■ Saturday, April 11: Caulfield, Werribee, Balnarring

■ Sunday, April 12: Terang, Swan Hill

■ Monday, April 13: Seymour

■ Tuesday, April 14: Ballarat

Rod Basto

Latest News

Suspicious fire

■ Emergency services were called to a shop fire near the intersection of Pascoe Vale Rd and Post Office Place in Glenory about 2.20am on Sunday (Mar. 29). It is believed that a car crashed into the business and caught fire.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze and the incident is being treated as suspicious. The driver of the car had not been located.

A crime scene was established and the investigation is ongoing.

Jailed for material

■ A man, 56, was sentenced to at least seven years’ imprisonment for encouraging and grooming adults in the Philippines to facilitate online sexual activity with children.

The man was sentenced to 10 years and four months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of seven years

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AIR CON. Portable. Moratti Elite. EC. $50. Thomastown. 0431 367 868.K-N

BIKE. Ladies. Purple. Helmet, pump, basket. Friction Huffy make. VGC. $100. Pakenham. 5940 5018 K-N

BOAT. Savage Escort. Open with canopy. Powered with Mercury 90HP and Aux 8HP Mariner. Regretfulc sale. GC. $6500. Aspendale. 0428 984 050.I-L

BOOKS. Louis Lamour ‘Frontier’ and ‘Wild West of Louis Lamour’. These are illustrated, not novels. Very collectable. EC. Best offer. Mornington. 5975 3609. I-L

CARAVAN. 1998. Crusader Poptop 17ft. Reg July 26. Full annexe. Double bed, new mattress. 3 way fridge. Gas cooktop and grill. Tows well. GC. $9000. Toolangi. 5962 9225. F-I

CRAFT BOOKS. ‘Tatting Illustrated’ and ‘How to Paint on China’. EC inside. ‘Tatting’ has worn dust cover. $25 for two. Glenroy. 9306 7628.I-L

DINING CHAIRS. Eight, leather. Frames, EC. Some chairs need recovering. Chocolate brown leather. $100 lot. FC. Assorted prices. Marysville. 0417 337 424.F-I

SET. Fine Bone China. Authentic Wedgwood. 111 pieces in pristine condition. EC. $3000. Fairfield. 0456 658 623. F-I

DOLL MAKING PARAPHERNALIA. Lots of wigs, shoes, hand made clothes. UFOs, etc. New cond. $250. Whittlesea. 716 1881.H-K

DVDs. 350+. Some new. Hot Rod Street Classic, Motor Bike Shows. 1956 and 2020 movies. Cars, war, romance, Aussie crime, Western, Nature. Box sets. VHS. Planet of the Apes. More. Also Cassettes, Music. VGC. $200 or best offer. Healesville. 5962 6219.I-L

FOOTBALL BOOKS. ‘Paperbacks. ‘Polly Farmer’, 1964 and ‘Sheeds’, A Touch of Cunning’, 1995. $18 for two. Glenroy. 9306 7628.I-L

MONEY BOXES. ANZ Bank. And emphemera, GC. Price neg. Mill Park. 9436 8935.F-I

ON

HORSE FLOAT. 2001

Kara Kar. Rego until may 28, 2026. Side window vent, day yard included. Reliablem roadworthy. Fantastic condition. $15,000. Richmond. 0434 974 072.F-I

JEEP. 1943. Willys Army. Mech good. Original. Needs painting. No VIN or chassis number. Engine no is C16411. FC. $10,000. Wandong. 0418 399 261. K-N

KITCHEN CHAIRS. Nameo. 4. 1950s/60s. Chrome and mustard colour, vinyl. GC. $250. Glenroy. 9306 7628. I-L

STOVE. Electric Free Standing Stove with CookTop and Oven. Near new. Ideal for holiday home or unit. Very clean. EC. $100. Marysville. 0417 337 424.F-I

TRAILER. 7x4 single axle trailer with removable 600mm cage. Tilt body with front and rear tailgates. Hot-dip galvanised and fully welded body. 2.5mm checker plate floor. LED lights. Spare wheel. 1200mm drawbar. 12 months rego, Z25487. GC. $950. Briar Hill. 0407 819 877.I-L

LAND. 65 acres of farm land in Kilmore is available for agistment or storage. Green pastures. No lock-in contracts. All negotiable. 0407 001 247. F-I VICTORIAN rocking horse, carved from wood and original. GC. $2000. Broadmeadows, Dallas. 0480 273 335I-L

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coberlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Plae blue with thin white stripes. Never used. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203.H-K

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Pathrider 140 XL. Has lights, rear vision mirror, shopping basket on the front, shopping bag on the back. Complete with charger, sturdy scooter. VGC. $2100. Tootgarook/ Rye. 0415 801 782 K-N

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Freedom Odyssey Plus, as new, 2 batteries, fully charged. Manual with instructions and invoice. Not needed anymore. Can inspect anytime. EC. $2000. Heidelberg. 0429 054 065.H-K

PLANTS. Indoor Outdoor Ground Covers. Stags, Bird of Paradise, Succulents, Ferns, Hydrangeas, more. Come and see. Very cheap. VGC. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.I-L

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening. GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.H-K

VIDEOS. Olympic Games. Melbourne, 1956. Sydney, 2000. Manchester, opening and closing. GC. $10 each. Box Hill South. 9890 7904.F-I

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BENCH. Single phase cast iron rise and fall, 45 deg. cuts. VGC. $250. Montrose. 0414 582 297. F-I PLASTER BOARD. New. Free. Clyde North. 0400 189 060. F-I

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Monday, April 6-Sunday, April 19 (not performing Wednesdays). 6.15pm. Theatre/PlayMelbourne International Comedy Festival. Gumboot Theatre Company. In a new play inspired by Real confessions, 'Confessional' showcases the hilarious and confusing thoughts we have when we lust over someone. In a comedic sketch-style exploration of love, it brings to light the community we find through confession. Tickets: $16.88-$31.23. 432 Queen Street, Melbourne. contact@gumboottheatre. com.au. https:// www.comedyfestival.com.au/ browse-shows/confessional/ March 23-April 5, Daily, 5.45PM. Why Are You Here? Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A Bronwyn Isaac's debut at Melbounre International Comedy Festival, and it's a show that catches flights AND feelings! $34.30. The Motley Spielhaus. Phone: 9245 3700. Email: bronwynariel@gmail.com. Web: https://www. facebook.com/ profile.php?id= 61588374243391

Until Sunday, March 29. Open Thurs-Sun, weekly, 10am - 6pm. The Allure of Gold – All that glitters exhibition. A solo exhibition by Melbourne-based artist Ling, marks 10 years of The Allure of Gold. Transforming discarded objects into gold-coated sculptures, it challenges perceptions of value, materialism, and status within a Fitzroy warehouse gallery. entry. 15 Kerr Street, Fitzroy. 0422 259 902. Email lg1id@live.com.au Website: https:// www.linger.id/the-allure-ofgold-all-that-glitters

Thursday, April 16. 4.30pm. Lower Power Bills Expo. Smart Energy Council. Learn how to lower your power bills at this free community event. Meet trusted local providers, explore solar, batteries, EV charging and electric appliances, and connect with community groups for support. Includes short talks, exhibitions, and light multicultural refreshments. All welcome. Free. Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC), South Morang.

FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. 11.30am. Laughter Yoga. Nunawading Laughter Yoga group. LOLJoin our laughter session to discover the benefits of laughter. It can reduce stress, improve your mood while having interaction with others.nteraction. Free. Tuntable Park, Luckie St. Nunawading. Phone: 0414 518 820. EmailL: jennylouise21@gmail.com VFL/VFA footy memorabilia, cards, season tickets, posters, badges, pennants, records, souvenirs or anything footy related 1900s1980s. Any condition. Best prices offered. Melbourne. 0412 291 577

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Public notices, employment ads, pages with news of Council activities. Does your local Council publish ads in The Local Paper? Does your local Council practice what it preaches about transparency and clarity?The Local Paper has a network of local editions - in print and online - that serve local communities including Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dande-nong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Mans-field, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Merri-bek, Mitchell, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moor-abool, Mornington Penin- sula, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Strath-bogie, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Yarra and Yarra Ranges. Does your local Council advertise locally? Does it hide its ads in the daily newspapers - at unnecessary ex- pense?Smart Councils use The Local Paper to best serve local people.

GARAGE SALE NOTICES

GRAVESITE PRIVATE SALE

Cheltenham Memorial Park Cemetery. Rare opportunity. Located Coastal Rise N.130. 3 Burials plus Cremations.

Idyllic position beside flowering Gums and Bench Seat. Inspection will impress. 0417 55 6755

Digital Industries Intern Digital Media / Web Design / Photography / MS Office

Camberwell location, near train station, immediate start No prior experience or qualifications necessary. This is an identified position for young people with learning barriers or neurodivergence. Call (03) 5261 4172 for more info or email your application to mail@accessguides.org

PUBLIC NOTICES

STORAGE SALE

Many items to be sold. From 2016 framed Tigers guernsey (AFL), one armed antique poker machine, furniture,clothing, bric-abrace etc. 1pm-3pm. Saturday, April 18. At Irvine Self Storage, 2 Industrial Ct, Nagambie

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We acknowledge source material in ths edition:

•Bendigo Art Gallery: Bendigo Dining and Shopping Guide

•Bustard Head Lighthouse: Hervey Bay Guide

•Carrajung Estate: Coast magazine

•Cathedral Rock Vineyard: Pristine Tasmania

•Dulc: Grampians Wimmera Mallee Visitor Guide

•Fraser Coast RV Park: Hervey Bay Guide

•Gekko Safari: The Senior - Victoria

•Indian Ocean Experiences: Have A Go News

•Inverloch Short Stays: Coast magazine

•Kyneton Dry Stone Walling: Midland Express

•Marritz and Salzburg: Snowy Mountains magazine

Moira loses spot

■ Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has lost preselection for the Western Metropolitan Region, with moderate-backed Dinesh Gourisetty defeating her for the Upper House seat's top spot at the upcoming state election.

Golf at Phillip Island

■ Golf Week at Phillip Island for Yea Golf Club continued with Wednesday providing a well-earned rest day — at least for some. A group of 12 players ventured out to Red Rock Park 3 in Cowes for a casual nine holes, while others enjoyed a visit to the Phillip Island Winery, explored the shops, or simply relaxed at the beach.

Thursday saw 31 players front up at the Phillip Island Golf Course for the final round. The week finished in challenging conditions, with rain and cold weather making play difficult. Despite the tough conditions, two players managed to break 30 points.

Best on the day was Bob Glenister with 34 points, narrowly edging out Gary Pollard on 33. Local and past Yea champion

Adrianne Anglin finished third with 29 points, followed by Margie Wright with 27.

The 4BBB event was a tight contest, with Bob Glenister and John Renehan combining well to score 40 points and claim victory on a countback from Gary Pollard and Chris Keogh. The deteriorating weather took its toll, with seven players withdrawing after completing between 9 and 15 holes.

WHAT’S ON Notice of Precipe

•Mewstone Wines: Pristine Tasmania

For the record Marta Popa© nee Servanis, on Victoria, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 38541 62601 on Proclamation Date10th September 2025, respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Marta Popa© nee Servanis in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

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•Neeri Nuff: Eat Drink Gippsland

•Mt Macedon Trading Post: Midland Tourist News

•Royal Hotel Sea Lake: Swan Hill Visitor Guide

•Sunshine City Club: Star Weekly

•The Cheese School: Rejuvenate

•Warrnambool Tours: The Probian

•Windprints: Senior Scene

The Overall Champion title was closely fought, with Gary Pollard finishing on top with an impressive total of 95 Stableford points across the three rounds, just one point clear of Bob Glenister on 94. Jeff Aurisch placed third with 89, followed by Phil Armstrong on 88. Equal fifth were Di Elliott and Margie Wright with 86 points. The Cross-Country Cart Driver Award went to Phil Armstrong

Back at Yea on Wednesday, the “Stay at Home” event saw Glenn Walsh take the honours with 35 points, ahead of Jeff Moss on 32. Kevin Coghlan claimed the Club Award.

Alan Pell