The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed., June 10, 2026

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

HONOUR FOR WHITTLESEA’S JUDY CLEMENTS OAM

■ Judith Ann Clements was named as a recipient Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, when the king’s Birthday Honours were announced in Monday (June 8).

A Past president and Life Member of the Whittlesea Agricultural Society, Ms Clements has been a WAS Councillor, Honorary Councillor, Senior Vice-President, Executive Council member, Special Projects Manager, Public Relations Officer, Chief Steward, Trustee/ Manager, Sponsorship Manager, and member of various sub-committees, including finance, staff, history.

She has been a Yan Yean Cemetery Trust Member, since 2016, and is current Vice-Chairperson. In farming and agriculture, Ms Clements has participated in the Merriang District Landcare Group, Whittlesea Branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation, member of the Sustainable Programs Advisory Committee in the City of Whittlesea, member of the Farming and Land Management Committee , and Founding Member, Port Phillip Women Involved in Agriculture. Her Whittlesea involvements include being a volunteer for the Whittlesea Market (formerly Mernda Market ), member of the Whittlesea Historical Society, was a Foundation Member of the Whittlesea Community Recovery Committee, and was a Foundation Member, Whittlesea Township and Surrounds Community Resilience Committee, and the Whittlesea Community Emergency Response Network

2257 SIGN PETITION OVER MERNDA POLICE HOURS

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has tabled a petition with 2257 signatures calling on the State Government to ensure that Mernda Police Station is fully staffed and returns to being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Local people were “shocked and outraged” to learn that a second round of savage cuts to opening hours has reduced Mernda Police Station to being open for just two days a week, Ms Lovell said.

Mernda Police Station originally opened in 2017 as a 24/7 station with the promise of extra staff to serve the growing community.

But late last year, opening hours at Mernda station were cut, with the station closing completely on weekends and only being open 10am-6pm on weekdays.

The station is only open on Tuesday and Thursday, 10am-6pm.

The first reduction in hours sparked outrage among community members left shaken by several highly publicised violent incidents around Mernda

In response to the reduction, local residents started a petition calling on the government to reverse the decision and return Mernda station to being open 24/7. A further 1432 people signed the petition on Ms Lovell’s website.

Ms Lovell tabled the petition in Parliament on Tuesday (June 2), and spoke later in the day to urge the Minister for Police to ensure that police stations in the Whittlesea Police Service Area are fully staffed, and to return Mernda station to being open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The second round of cuts to opening hours of police stations in the Whittlesea area means that the entire area is now without a single police station open 24/7 where residents can find safety at night or on the weekends.

“Residents of Mernda and Doreen fear for their safety because crime is rising under Labor, but police stations are closing because Jacinta Allan has failed to fix the staffing shortage,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Government must listen to the almost 3700 locals who signed this petition, and reopen Mernda Police Station

“A Jess Wilson Liberal Government will recruit 3000 extra police, and restore police station opening hours,” Ms Lovell said.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

Local Briefs

Footy fixtures

■ Local football generally took a break for the King’s Birthday Holiday Weekend. Most matches resume on Saturday, June 13:

■ Bendigo. Broadford v Eaglehawk. Sandhurst v Castlemaine. Golden Square v Gisborne. Kangaroo Flat v Strathfieldsaye. Bye: South Bendigo.

■ Goulburn Valley. Rochester v Mooroopna. Shepparton United v Seymour. Euroa v Shepparton. Benalla v Kyabram. Tatura v Mansfield. Echuca v Shepparton Swans.

■ Kyabram District. Longwood v Shepparton East. Avenel v Girgarre. Undera v Nagambie. Murchison-Toolamba v Stanhope. Tallygaroopna v Rushworth. Lancaster v Violet Town. Bye: Merrigum.

■ Northern. Division 1. Diamond Creek v Heidelberg. North Heidelberg v Montmorency. West Preston Lakeside v Banyule. Eltham v Hurstbridge. Bundoora v Greensborough.

■ Northern. Division 2. St Mary's v Fitzroy Stars. Old Paradians v Macleod. Panton Hill v South Morang. Lower Plenty v Thomas-town. Northcote Park v Whittlesea.

■ Outer East. Premier Division. Upwey Tecoma v Wandin. Warburton Millgrove v Mt Evelyn. Healesville v Monbulk. Woori Yallock v Officer. Gembrook Cockatoo v Olinda Ferny Creek.

■ Outer East. Division 1. Alexandra v Pakenham. Emerald v Yarra Junction. Powelltown v Seville. Yarra Glen v Belgrave. Bye: Yea.

■ Ovens & King. Moyhu v Milawa. Gooram-bat v Greta. Bright v King Valley. North Wangaratta v Whorouly. Tarrawingee v Benalla All Blacks. Bye: Bonnie Doon. ■ Riddell District. Melton Centrals v Riddell. Melton South v Woodend-Hesket. Gisborne Giants v Kyneton. Diggers Rest v Lancefield. Wallan v Romsey. Bye: Macedon.

Fawcett celebration

■ A celebration of the Fawcett community will be held at the Fawcett Hall, 655 Spring Creek Rd, from 12.30pm-4pm on Saturday, June 20.

An Indian lunch will be provided by the Peppercorn Hotel, with pies from Bucks Country Bakehouse. There’ll be live music from Solomon and Lacey, fresh coffee, afternoon tea and the chance to win a door prize.

Everyone is welcome — no registration needed. This is a Murrindindi Shire Council-sponsored event

NAIDOC Week

■ Mansfield Shire residents and visitors are invited to come together this July to celebrate Aboriginal culture, connection and community as part of a diverse program marking the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week

Running from July 5–12 July, this year’s program features cultural workshops, film screenings, wellbeing activities and family-friendly events designed to celebrate and recognise the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s program has been developed by Gadhaba LAN, meaning ‘Together’ in Taungurung language to reflect the spirit of collaboration, connection and community that underpins the week’s celebrations.

Artbox at S’bogie

■ An Artbox exhibition by Bruce Hargrave will be in Main St, Strathbogie, until June 30. The travelling micro gallery Artbox brings a new season of exhibitions to the heart of the town and further enriching the region’s cultural life.

$1500 FEES FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS AUSSIE HOWITZER THUNDERS AT PUCKA

■ When the first Australian-made AS9 Huntsman fired on its distant target, one would have been forgiven for mistaking it for cracks of thunder, which is fitting considering the name of its Korean predecessor, Hanwha’s ‘K9 Thunder’

Some 30 gunners from Townsville’s 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, fired the new domestically produced AS9 self-propelled howitzers at the conclusion of a six-week course at the School of Artillery in Puckapunyal.

From the production line in Geelong to completion of its first introduction-into-service training course has taken a matter of months. Director General Systems and Integration Brigadier James Davis said the achievement reflected a co-ordinated effort between Army, the Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group, and industry partners to deliver capability at pace: “This live-fire shows how effectively we’re working with our industry and acquisition partners to bring new capability into service,” Brigadier Davis said.

■ Eildon MLA Cindy Mcleish has questioned Planning Minister Sonya Ki lkenny about communities in the Murrindindi Shire are still grappling with the devastation of the Longwood fires.

“In that shire over 200 homes were lost, and hundreds and hundreds of sheds and equipment were also lost,” Ms McLeish told the Legislative Assembly last week.

“Constituents are dealing with the clean up and the rebuild.

“The Government has announced that standard planning permits can be bypassed or streamlined.

“However, residents have contacted me disappointed that they have been hit with a $1500 fee for the rebuild of a house, and others have had $600 fees for sheds. Will the minister waive these fees for these families who are undertaking significant works and are under very significant stress and pressure?”

Local Briefs

Honours for locals

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

Ms Judith Ann Clements, Whittlesea. For service to the community of Whittlesea.

Mr John Greenwood-Smith, Wonga Park. For service to the community through emergency response organisations.

Ms Sarah Ward, Yarra Valley. For service to the community through social welfare organisations.

Hurstbridge power

■ The Hurstbridge community is better prepared for power outages following the official opening of a new solar and battery system at the Hurstbridge Football and Cricket Pavilion on Friday, May 29.

The project, delivered with $304,000 funding from the State Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, includes a 38.3kW solar system paired with a 240kWh battery. The system can provide up to 48 hours of back-up power.

The new system was officially opened during the club’s regular training session, attended by Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner , Junior President Megan HarrisIoannidis and Secretary, Joanne Worsfield from the Hurstbridge Football Netball Club, Secretary Dan Nemec from the Hurstbridge Cricket Club, players and community members.

Doreen RSL idea

■ A ‘Hearing of Submissions’ Committee meeting of the City of Whittlesea is due to be held tomorrow (Thurs., June 11) for local people to speak in support of their written submission regarding the proposal to lease to Doreen RSL part of the premises at 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen (Brookwood Community Centre). The matter is due to go to a Council briefing on July 7, and a Council meeting on July 21.

Riverlea for sale

■ Riverlea, a luxury wedding estate at the gateway to the Yarra Valley featuring a vineyard, restaurant and approved permits for a 40-room hotel has hit the market.

The Riverlea estate, owned by brothers Greg and Karl Bell, was listed for sale in June.

● ● ● ● Chris Hardman

■ Victoria’s firefighting helicopters had improved access to secure water supplies in remote forest areas this summer, reducing turnaround times and assisting efforts to slow the spread of fires, says Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman

Forest Fire Management Victoria used four of its new heli-dip tank sites to support firefighting at Wonnangatta, Mt Selwyn and Woods Point

The sites allow fire-bombing helicopters to refill faster during bushfire response, saving critical turnaround times.

Mr Hardman said every minute counts when responding to remote bushfires.

“Having these remote water storages in high elevations of the landscape enables aircraft to access water faster and provides time for our rappel and on-ground firefighters to respond.”

Mr Hardman said 15 more heli-dip tank sites are being built across remote forest areas as part of a new three-year project.

“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone places in the world,” he said.

“By strategically locating secure water supplies where aircraft need them, we can hit fires faster, harder and improve our chances of limiting their spread before they impact communities,” Mr Hardman said.

“Reliable water supplies strengthen the efforts of our on-ground firefighters, machine operators and skilled contractors who respond rapidly to fires on public land.”

The sites can reduce flight turnaround times by up to 15 minutes, making air operations significantly more efficient. Each location includes a 25,000 or 50,000-litre tank built specifically for helicopter refilling.

Planned sites include Straight Running Creek, Mt Wills and Selwyn Five Way in north-east Victoria, and Dargo High Plains and Mt Hope in Gippsland

$1.5 mil. loan OK’d

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors last week voted authority to the Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi to negotiate the terms and conditions of a loan facility through the Treasury Corporation of Victoria for a maximum of $1.5 million, exclusively for the Eildon Key Worker Housing Project

Highlands moment

■ “It was great to see local Highlands community member Bernie Moss receive a replacement medal and sash for his win of the Stawell Gift in 1973,” said Cr Sue Carpenter of Murrindindi Council.

“His original medal was lost in the recent bushfires and members of the Stawell Athletics Club came to Yea to present Bernie with a replacement. Family and friends were also in attendance to celebrate with Bernie and loved reminiscing about his historic win,“ Cr Carpenter said.

Resilient farming

■ Murrindindi Council’s Cr Paul Hildebrand said: “Broader industry outlooks continue to point to resilient livestock markets, with strong demand expected to support prices, while locally, improved seasonal conditions and firm commodity prices are already strengthening confidence across our farming community.

“While we know there are still challenges ahead, particularly for those continuing their recovery, this recent rainfall is a welcome step in the right direction and a reminder of the strength and resilience of our local farming community,” Cr Hildebrand said.

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● Phone The Local Paper direct on 5797 2656.

COMMS FAILURES NEED FIXING: MP

■ “During natural disasters, if you call for help, you should have confidence you will get through. But right now, that isn’t the case for too many regional Australians,” says Indi MHR Helen Haines.

“We’ve seen it again and again - in bushfires and floods, when the power goes out, telecommunications go down with it,” Dr Haines said.

“Phones stop working, emergency warnings don’t get through, and communities are left cut off at the very moment they need connection most.

“These failures are no longer rare. As disasters become more frequent and more severe, communications outages are becoming part of the crisis itself.

“And despite multiple reviews and clear recommendations, governments have failed to act.

“That’s why I’ve introduced the StrengtheningCommunicationsinNaturalDisastersBill to Parliament, with backing from the National Farmers' Federation , and my regional crossbench colleagues, Rebekha Sharkie, Bob Katter and Andrew Gee.

“This legislation would enable temporary disaster roaming, so if one network fails, your phone can connect to another.

“It would require at least 24 hours of backup power at critical mobile towers, keeping networks online when the grid goes down.

“And it would support investment in practical, local solutions - from satellite connectivity to deployable infrastructure - so communities aren’t left completely cut off,” Dr Haines said.

Marsupials on move

■ Two new Eastern Quolls are making themselves at home in Healesville Sanctuary’s Animals of the Night Nocturnal House

The Endangered marsupials are the latest addition for visitors to see.

Duplicate all Donnybrook Rd

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has slammed the State Government for only committing to duplicate a small section of Donnybrook Rd , and has called for the full duplication.

“Donnybrook Rd is notorious for some of the worst traffic congestion in Melbourne’s northern growth suburbs, because the State Labor Government approved thousands of homes to be built, but totally neglected to upgrade the road and rail infrastructure before families moved in.

“The recent joint announcement by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments to build a second bridge over the Hume Fwy and duplicate Donnybrook Rd to Dwyer St has left local residents disappointed.

“ Mitchell St to Dwyer St is only around 500 metres of road, or about 6 per cent of the length of Donnybrook Rd from the Hume to Epping Rd

“Duplicating this small section will do little to ease congestion along Donnybrook Rd , and will only shift the bottleneck from the bridge to where the road narrows at Dwyer St

“Continuing failures of the boom gates at the train level crossing, together with recent road closures caused by traffic accidents and truck breakdowns, highlight the urgent need to extend Cameron St to Merriang Rd to provide an alternative entry and exit point for the housing estates on the eastern side of the railway line.”

Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament last week week to call on the Minister for Transport Infrastructure [ Gabrielle Williams] to allocate funding to fully duplicate Donnybrook Rd all the way from the Hume Freeway to Epping Rd

Relief not delays

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland says the community needs immediate, practical relief, not bureaucratic delays.

“I am fiercely calling on the government to provide financial breathing room for our recovery by introducing a three-year council rate exemption and a full Emergency Services Tax exemption for affected residents,” Ms Cleeland said.

“We are regional Victorians, and we deserve a recovery process that actually prioritises getting people back on their feet and under a safe, warm roof.

“If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the Bushfire Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential assistance,” Ms Cleeland said.

Warrandyte MP mourned

■ Premier Jacinta Allan last week paid tribute to former Warrandyte and Ringwood MLA, Norman Lacy.

Ms Allan moved that the House expresses its sincere sorrow at the death of Mr Lacy and places on record its acknowledgement of the valuable services rendered by him to the Parliament and the people of Victoria as member of the Legislative Assembly for the districts of Ringwood from 1973 to 1976 and Warrandyte from 1976 to 1982

He served and as Minister for the Arts from 1979 to 1982 and Minister of Educational Services from 1981 to 1982.

“ Norman Lacy lived a life defined by service and belief,” Ms Allan said.

“Before he entered this Parliament he served as an Anglican minister.

“He served at St Mary’s Caulfield, St Stephen’s Richmond and St John’s Healesville

● ● This is the June 10 issue of The Local Paper (including the Melbourne Observer) for 2026. Digital issues are produced weekly, and print issues are published fortnightly.

holding responsibilities in the portfolios of education and the arts.

“Those portfolios say something about the work of government at its best.

“Education is about giving people opportunity, the arts are about giving people expression, and both speak to the kind of state we are today, a place where children are supported to learn, a place where creativity is valued, a place where public institutions are built not just for one generation but for the next.

“As Minister for the Arts Norman served during an important period in Victoria’s cultural life.

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

“That was a different kind of public life, not one lived here in this chamber but one lived with people, with families and communities, in moments of joy and also in moments of hardship.

“It is not too hard to see how that experience would shape a person who continued to serve the community here in this place.

“In 1973 Norman was elected as the member for Ringwood . Three years later he became the member for Warrandyte

“He would go on to serve in the Hamer and Thompson Governments ,

“From the Victorian Arts Centre to Film Victoria , the Victorian College of the Arts , the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the Heide Museum of Modern Art, he played a big role in many of the institutions that still form part of Victoria’s story today.

“It is a reminder that the decisions made in government can last well beyond a single term or a single Parliament

“On behalf of the Victorian Government and the people of Victoria, I extend our deepest condolences to Norman’s wife Gayle , to his children, grandchildren and broader extended family and to his friends, former colleagues and all those who knew and loved him. Vale, Norman,” Ms Allan said.

MPs stood in their places, and the House adjourned.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, June 10

Agnesi, Antonio Ahmad, Ibrahim Brazier, Scott Brodziak, Gary Denkha, George Heinze, Frederick Richard Lusted, Joshua Mark, Steven Mcnicholas, Tony Mcrae, Louise Wallace, Denis Thursday, June 11 Antoniou, Leo Bartelson, Briony Board, Jeffrey Maxwell Borham, Andrew Burnham, Mark Chancellor, Daniel Culina, Jakob Stanley Dalton, Shayne Drury, Paul Duncan-Brundell, Jesikah Gazzara, Katlin Heng, Bun Hap Horwood, Thorold Jerabek, Amber Kaminnyj, Joshua Liam Kelly, James Andrew Kipping, Courtney Mary Korkaric, Allen Kormez, Ozgur Mahomed, Yusuf Marment, Matthew Mazzarella, Con Mcdonald, Toby James Mckellar, Robert Miller, O'rion Nguyen, Lan Nguyen, Mai Thanh Parente, Pasquale Jack Petronio, Jamie Ray, Bradley Scott Richter, Max Robinson, Stephen Ryan, Michael Ronald Stoneman, Malcolm Thomas, Sarah Tonkin, Lee White, Dean Friday, June 12

Carbis, Rodney Ettia, Joseph Manfred Francis, Youssef Nesbitt, Anthony Tough, Colin Monday, June 15 Hayes, Terry Ronald Maino-Hennessy, Dale Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, June 24 Adams, Stephanie Bradley, Paul Gregory Brideson, Jason Britton, Gregory Clarke, Beau Closter, Anthony Roy Danisch, Jack Dhillon, Jaskaran Singh Dowell, Daniel Dul, Uon Guerin, James Kunjumon, Nevin Livesey, Ridley Lucas, David Schofield, Erin Seamer, Courtney Shakes, Olivia Strongman, Matthew Jon Wolbers, Michael

Ruffy workshop

■ A community engagement workshop will be held at the Tablelands Community Centre site on Sunday, June 14.

Strathbogie Shire’s Recovery Team will host the workshop in partnership with national community engagement and planning firm Capire Consulting from 9am-12 Noon.

Capire Consulting previously partnered with the Council on key projects, including the Urban Growth Strategy and Rural Residential Growth Strategy and offered pro bono support soon after the fires.

Lead facilitators Denise Francisco and Eliza Knox will partner with Council representatives in presentations, Q&A session and open house engagement activities to cover key rebuild issues:

■ status of community infrastructure in Ruffy township, funding and Council priorities

■ planning and delivery process to replace or rebuild

■ understanding community needs, aspirations and priorities

■ explore opportunities for sustainable management models.

Local Briefs

Award nominations

■ Nillumbik Council has announced its 2026 nominees for the Northern Business Achievement Awards: Imagine ReEvolution, North East Garage Doors Victoria and Young Business Achiever, Micah Edmonds , founder of Complete Ag

The NBAA is a regional awards program celebrating innovation, leadership and excellence across Melbourne’s north.

Delivered in partnership between local government, industry and education organisations, the program recognises outstanding businesses making a positive impact in their communities.

Imagine Re-Evolution is a community-driven organisation empowering young people aged 12 to 25 across Melbourne’s north-east through education, sustainability and community programs.

“Its work fosters intergenerational connection and supports young people to reach their potential through inclusive, purpose-led initiatives and strong community partnerships,” said a Council representative.

North East Garage Doors Victoria is a family-owned business providing garage door repairs, installations and servicing across Melbourne’s north-east.

The business has built a strong reputation for honest advice, quality workmanship and customer service, supported by efficient operations and a growing local team.

Complete Ag provide affordable agricultural services and take pride in all their work and provide excellent and quality services.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said these businesses reflect the strength, innovation and diversity of Nillumbik’s local business sector.

“These businesses showcase the passion and drive that it takes to succeed in small business,” Cr Joiner said.

Each year, participating councils nominate standout emerging businesses and a Young Business Achiever to take part in quarterly networking breakfasts and a regional awards program celebrating excellence across sustainability, innovation, customer service, workplace diversity, manufacturing and community impact.

Winners will be announced at the NBAA Grand Finale Gala in December.

Beyond Age

■ Nillumbik Council is inviting the community to explore ageing in a new light through the upcoming Beyond Age exhibition, an intergenerational project that brings together older residents and local students to challenge age related stereotypes.

The exhibition features a powerful series of portraits created via a collaboration between older community members and Eltham High School photography students.

Each portrait pairs a current image with a photograph of the participant as a younger person, alongside their personal reflections on ageing.

The Beyond Age exhibition coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and aims to challenge ageism, promote respect and spark conversations about what it means to grow older.

As part of the project the participants took part in a workshop facilitated by Senior Rights Victoria , where they explored their lived experiences of ageing, discussed how ageism affects everyday life and shared advice they would give to their younger selves.

Students were actively involved in the workshop followed by the portrait photography sessions, building connections across generations and gaining a deeper understanding of ageing beyond stereotypes.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the exhibition is a meaningful way to bring generations together and challenge misconceptions.

“Beyond Age is a poignant reminder that growing older is a privilege and a positive part of life. By bringing students and older residents together, we’re not only challenging ageism but strengthening connections across our community,” Cr Joiner said. The works will be launched at Eltham Community and Reception Centre on Thursday, June 25, 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

The technology shift changing local government

By Ben Malpass, Executive Vice President, Local Government, TechnologyOne

Local governments are under real pressure in Victoria and across Australia. Years of rate capping have limited councils’ ability to grow revenue, even as the cost of delivering essential services continues to rise.

With community expectations only increasing, councils are being forced into difficult trade-offs, often resulting in challenging budget decisions that directly impact local services.

For councils like Banyule, the challenge is clear: deliver better services, manage risk and drive financial sustainability - without adding complexity or cost.

Across the country, councils are responding by investing in digital transformation programs and technology that improve how they operate.

Because integrated internal systems lead directly to better community outcomes.

This is not transformation for transformation’s sake. It is a practical shift toward simpler, more effective ways of working.

The focus is on solving everyday problems, reducing delays, eliminating manual processes and making services easier for residents to access.

Whether it’s repairing community assets faster, responding to service requests sooner or giving field crews better access to information, the goal is to deliver better outcomes for residents.

This shift is changing how councils operate. Rather than waiting for problems to emerge, councils are increasingly using information and connected systems to identify issues earlier, respond faster and prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.

For residents, the benefits are clear and immediate. Shorter wait times when contacting council and more reliable everyday services. For councillors, it means better visibility of operations, stronger decision-making and greater accountability.

Importantly this doesn’t require large, complex programs.

Leading councils are targeting high-impact areas and scaling improvements over time, minimising disruption while maximising value.

At the same time, many digital services remain difficult to use.

Complex language, confusing processes and poor design continue to frustrate residents and push them back to phone or inperson support.

Digital transformation must be centred on people. When councils get this right, they improve access, reduce pressure on frontline staff and deliver a better experience for everyone. Changing how councils operate internally ultimately drives improved service delivery for the community.

Looking ahead, the future of digital transformation is simple: smarter systems, better services and stronger communities. That is what communities expect, and what councils must deliver.

Benwerren respite

■ A Yarra Junction respite location for women and children has been recognised in State Parliament by Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

“Benwerren was founded in 1951 in recognition of challenges faced by some women and families,” Ms McLeish said.

“Today as many as 24 women and children in need of respite can stay at this rambling rural retreat on the river in Yarra Junction at any one time.

“The care and support they receive with time out or the school holiday program allows them to take a breather, rest, think and work towards getting back on their feet.

“Volunteers are critical in keeping Benwerren running, and I am so heartened that many of those who have sought assistance over the years return to give something back.

“It may take years, but your time will come. CEO Nichole Kelly said mealtimes could become a little bit of a squish, with ambitious plans to expand the dining room then drawn up.

“The incredible generosity of the volunteers, supported by in-kind product and financial contributions, saw the cost of the project halved and the opening in May.

“Congratulations to Nichole and her wonderful crew and Trevor for his wonderful renovation crew – job well done,” Ms McLeish said.

Welfare checks

■ Strathbogie Council is partnering with recovery provider Windermere to help connect fire-affected residents to free and confidential support services.

Windemere team members will soon begin telephoning residents in fire areas over coming weeks to check in on locals and approach anyone who hasn’t yet linked into emergency recovery support.

Strathbogie Shire CEO Rachelle Quattrocchi said effective and streamlined information sharing would facilitate timely engagement with isolated and vulnerable members of the community.

A new Memorandum of Understanding signed off on May 19 allows the sharing of contact details and relevant information between Council and Windermere, under strict privacy legislation.

Residents can choose to accept or decline recovery assistance and service referrals as well as consent to this information being shared between recovery agencies.

Strathbogie Council is urging fire-affected residents to take the time to share their needs and concerns with Windermere’s team and explore their eligibility and access to available services.

“These calls are a valuable winter welfare check and will help us assess and plan recovery services over the next two years, Ms Quattrocchi said. “Even if you’ve moved away from the emergency area, you can still get help. Support may be available near where you live now.”

Ms Quattrocchi said all levels of government and multiple disaster recovery agencies continued to commit time, energy and resources to support services.

“It’s inevitable that personal circumstances for some individuals may change over time,” she said. “Some may now need extra assistance or feel a bit stuck not knowing what steps to tackle next.”

Windermere’s intake team can guide people through available supports including:

■ finding local support services

■ insurance and legal questions

■ financial pressures

■ health and wellbeing support

■ registering for government services.

Bridge re-opens

■ The John Cotton Bridge at Yea Wetlands reopened last Friday (June 5), ahead of schedule, in time for the long weekend.

The bridge was temporarily closed while Murrindindi Council undertook remediation works as part of broader Wetlands Restoration activities. Completion of the works earlier than anticipated means visitors can once again access the wetlands via the John Cotton Bridge

Remediation of the John Cotton Bridge is part of the Wetlands Restoration Wetlands, jointly funded by the State Government and Federal Government under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in response to the 2022, 2023 and 2024 floods.

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS SOLD TO MULTI-STATE COMPANY

Ash’s Artificial Intelligence

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● Edward Higgins and Hartley Higgins of North East Media own dozens of different newspapers across Victoria and New South Wales.

■ The Mott family is selling its YeaChronicle and Alexandra-Eildon-MarysvilleStandard newspapers to North East Media, a multi-state company owned by the Higgins family of Wangaratta.

North East Media runs dozens of newspapers across Victoria and New South Wales.

“Alexandra Newspapers, a leading provider of news services in the Murrindindi Shire , would like to announce that its mastheads have been acquired by North East Media effective July 1,” said a statement from the Chronicleand Standardowners, whose Director is Celina Mott of Whittlesea and Wallan.

“The transaction marks a significant milestone in the company’s history and positions the business for continued growth under new ownership,” they said.

‘No mean feat’

“The Alexandra Standard masthead was founded in 1868 and the YeaChroniclein 1885.

“Through these newspapers, Alexandra Newspapers has built a strong reputation as a trusted and reliable news source for the Murrindindi Shire. Our print media service prides itself on trust, honesty and integrity.

“We deliver every week over the year for the benefit of the community (Christmas holidays excluded). This is no mean feat.

“The sale will officially go through with the new financial year so from July 1, North East Media will take control of the business and assets.

“Customers can expect a seamless transition, with all existing services continuing uninterrupted.”

NEM CEO Edward Higgins said the additional mastheads come with strong historic connections and award winning coverage of their towns and regional communities.

‘Right decision’

"They fit well with our regional papers at Mansfield and Euroa and will be supported by our Wangaratta based print and publishing technologies," he said

Alexandra Newspapers said: “We want to thank all our customers, advertisers, and staff current and former, that have made the newspaper great.

“This decision was the right one and we have confidence that North East Media group is a very competent operator to take the paper into the future.”

The decision to sell TheYeaChronicle and

Local Briefs Tyrrell’s reasons

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has explained why she voted for the latest electoral conduct legislation.

““I supported the Electoral Further Amendment Bill 2026 because it banned foreign entities from donating to political parties,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“I supported every possible amendment but they were all blocked by the rest of the crossbench.

“Absolutely no deals were done with Labor. I supported the bill because it blocked foreign donations,” Ms Tyrrell said.

Carnival at Worowa

■ “ I attended Worawa Aboriginal College’s 10th annual reconciliation sports carnival –what a wonderful success,” Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has told Parliament.

“More than 700 students from 22 government and non-government schools, many travelling some distances to Healesville, competed in basketball, football, netball, beach volleyball, athletics and cross country.

“The art on display in Queen’s Hall now is from the school, and today proud and likely very nervous students and the school will be visiting Parliament to join with the Parliament of Victoria for a national reconciliation event,” Ms McLeish said.

AWU holds the line

Alexandra Standard titles came just weeks after the closure of the Yea Newsagency, which was the major distribution arm for the Yea newspaper, which had a circulation that had dwindled under 300 copies.

Dozens of titles

The new proprietors own dozens of newspapers. In Victoria, they operate the Wangaratta Chronicle, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Alpine Observer, Myrtleford Times, Euroa Gazette, Mansfield Courier, North-East and Goulburn Murray Farmer, Southern Farmer and Mt Buller News.

In New South Wales, the Higgins family’s Provincial Press Group has subsidiaries including Regional Media Corp., Wilkie Watson Publications, Riverina Media Group, Monaro Media Group and Mid West Media.

Higgins family titles in NSW include the Tumut and Adelong Times, Tumbarumba Times,GundagaiIndependent,TemoraIndependent, Narrandera Argus, Lake News, Cowra Guardian, Parkes Champion-Post, Forbes Advocate, Young Witness, Grenfell Rceord, Boorowa News, Canowinda News, Monaro Post, Jindabyne Summit Sun and HardenMurrumburrahExpress.

Their Winetitles Media subsidiary produces the Wine&ViticultureJournal,DailyWine News, Winejobs.com.au and Winetitles Classifieds.

Family history

They also publish GrapegrowerandWinemaker,Australian&NewZealandWineIndustryDirectory,AustralianTimber,Forestsand Timber,SnowpostVisitorGuideand Snowy MountainsMagazine.

North East Media's original publishing business was founded by W.T.Higgins when he purchased The WangarattaDespatchin 1921 and WangarattaChroniclein 1937.

Local Paper Publisher Ash Long said: “It appears that the Mott family will continue to publish their North Central Review out of Kilmore. The Higgins family are also honourable people. We firmly believe there is room for many media voices. We offer them a warm welcome to Murrindindi.”

■ TheLocalPaper is unaffected by the sale of the Chronicleand Standard.TheLocalPaper is owned by the Long family, who first became media proprietors in Murrindindi in 1984, 42 years ago. The Longs operated The Yea Chronicle from 1984-1993.

Cup comes to High Country

■ The race that stops a nation is coming to the place where snow meets saddles. Mansfield Shire Council, Mt Buller and Mansfield District Racing Club announce the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will visit the Mansfield-Mt Buller region on August 14-15, bringing the iconic 18-carat gold trophy - now valued at a record $1 million - to the heart of Victoria's High Country

The region's selection is part of the 2026 tour's historic 37-destination journey, which received a record number of applications from

communities across Australia and the world - the highest in the tour's history. The Mansfield–Mt Buller stop is one of only a handful of Victorian regional destinations chosen for the 2026 program.

The Mansfield–Mt Buller region was represented at the official Melbourne Cup Tour announcement.Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield District Racing Club President Leanne Backwell, and Nick Reeves and Lynda Meredith from Mt Buller's Visitor Experience team were on hand.

■ The Australian Workers' Union Victorian Branch continued its protected industrial action at Parks Victoria over the King's Birthday long weekend, despite the CPSU winding back its own action.

Parks Victoria put out a statement claiming all parks and campgrounds will stay open as usual and that it remains committed to bargaining in good faith.

“AWU members at Parks Victoria are holding the line for fair pay and conditions, and they will not back down. The union is fighting for the rangers and workers who maintain Victoria's parks, manage public land, and provide critical firefighting and emergency response,” said a Union representative.

“They are being denied the same fair treatment afforded to the rest of the public sector.

"The AWU does not back down and we do not walk away," AWU Victorian Branch State Secretary Ronnie Hayden said. "Our members maintain this state's parks and stand on the fire line. They deserve a fair deal, and we will hold the line until they get the agreement they have earned."

"For 140 years the union movement has stood shoulder to shoulder," Mr Hayden said.

"Breaking rank in the middle of a fight is not solidarity. The CPSU has left other workers in the trenches, and their own members deserve an explanation."

"Our members do the work, so our members have the leverage," Mr Hayden said. "One union walking away is a reason to stand firmer, not to give up. The employer is betting that division will break us. It will not."

"Parks Victoria wants the public to believe there is nothing to see here," Mr Hayden said. "You do not put out reassurances about minimal disruption unless disruption worries you. Their own statement gives the game away. The AWU is a fighting union, and we will hold the line for as long as it takes."

New roundabout

■ Developer works to construct a new roundabout at the intersection of Sutherland St and Green St in Kilmore will begin this week.

The works are being undertaken by Winslow Constructors and will include drainage, pavement, kerb and channel, footpath and landscaping works, as well as the construction of the new roundabout.

These works are required to support the proposed development of 63 new residential lots at 53 and 49 Sutherland St and will bring a safer intersection treatment at this busy location.

To allow the works to be completed safely, the Sutherland St and Green St intersection will be temporarily closed, with signed detours in place.

Works are expected to be completed by Tuesday July 21, weather permitting. A contingency period has been allowed through to July 31 if additional time is required.

Traffic delays

■ Murrindindi Council’s contractors are conducting important flood recovery works to repair damaged culverts and roads sustained in the January 2024 Floods.

The following roads are being impacted:

■ Creeds Road, Murrindindi

■ Cummins Road, Murrindindi

■ Wilhelmina Falls Road, Murrindindi Works on all roads are expected to be completed by July 31, subject to weather conditions and may change accordingly.

The roads will remain open; however, traffic delays are expected. Temporary traffic management will be in place, including 40kmh speed limits and partial road closures with no alternative routes available.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and take care when travelling through the area.

Period products

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has presented a 38-signature to Parliament, calling for the State Government not to remove free access to pads and tampons in public school bathrooms due to cost related issues.

“This decision will greatly impact students experiencing periods. Period products are a right, not a privilege,” Ms McLeish said. The petitioners requested that the Legislative Assembly ensures the continued funding of period products in all public school bathrooms across the state.

Dog friendly space

■ Works have started on a new dog-friendly space at Chittick Park in Seymour, creating a safe, purpose-built environment for local dog owners to exercise, train and socialise their four-legged friends.

Located behind the Seymour Tennis Complex, the Chittick Park Dog Friendly Space is supported by $166,500 from the StateGovernment’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program and a $66,500 contribution from Mitchell Council

The facility is a key action from the Chittick Park Masterplan, endorsed in 2024 following extensive community consultation.

“It also supports Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 and responds to the on-leash order that came into effect in July, which will increase demand for dedicated fenced off-leash areas,” said

a Mitchell Shire Council representative.

The works will deliver:

■ A fully fenced main area and a shy dog zone

■ Secure double gates to external entrances

■ Tree planting for shade, cooling and habitat

■ Rocks, logs and planting for sensory experience, space breakers, marking and physical challenge

■ Digging pit

■ Variety of surfaces and textures for dog training and familiarisation

■ Seating for all abilities

■ Space for balls and fetch Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said the project was an important milestone for Seymour.

“It’s great to see work underway on a facility that is very important to our community,” he said.

“The Chittick Park Masterplan made clear that a fenced dog off-leash area was a high priority. We’ve listened and are now delivering on that commitment.

“This is about creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for local pet owners, and I want to thank the Victorian Government for their support in helping bring this important project to life.”

Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by October.

Chumpy Project

■ The Chumpy Project will officially launch this October with its first ever youth camp at Mount Buller

Founded by Alex's father, Chris Pullin, in partnership with Mansfield Shire Youth, the camp will bring together twelve local young people aged 15 to 17 for a transformative three-night, two-day experience built around three key pillars: character, courage and composure.

Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin grew up in Mansfield, learning to ride the slopes of Mount Buller before going on to become one of Australia's most accomplished snowboard cross athletes.

Creative networking night

■ Creatives from Melbourne’s north are invited to rethink what a sustainable creative career can look like at Creative Industries Networking Night: From Practice to Portfolio –The Art of Business, an upcoming panel event hosted by Banyule City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council

The event will be held from 5.30pm8.30pm on Thursday, June 18, at the Banyule City Council, L4, 1 Flintoff St, Greensborough

Delivered by the Economic Development and Arts and Culture teams from both councils, the event brings together local creatives, artists and industry peers for an honest, practical conversation about turning creative practice into longterm, viable careers.

The panel will explore how artistic work can translate into real-world opportunities, diversified income streams and business growth, without compromising creative integrity. Designed for creatives across disciplines, the discussion will address the challenges of balancing passion with sustainability in an increasingly complex creative economy.

Local artists Clare Dunstan, Pia Nesvara and Fleassy Malay will share insights from their own career journeys. They will discuss how expanding beyond a single revenue source can open new pathways, while maintaining a strong creative identity. The conversation

will be facilitated by respected creative entrepreneur and strategist Debby Maziarz , who has extensive experience in shaping “fundable” ideas and supporting sustainable creative ventures.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the event will assist local creatives to strike the balance between creative passion and practical income streams.

“This event is about demystifying the business side of creativity and empowering artists to see their practice as both culturally valuable and economically viable,” Cr Joiner said.

GP

Local Briefs

clinic coming

■ Beveridge residents now have access to a fully bulk-billed local GP service, with Mitchell Shire Council and Annadale Family Medical Centre joining forces to bring healthcare closer to home.

The service will open on Saturday (June 13) at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre and run every Saturday from 8.30am to 5pm, with a general practitioner and onsite nurse.

Beveridge is one of Victoria’s f astestgrowing communities. Until now, residents have had to travel 15–20 minutes to Wallan or Craigieburn for standard medical care.

“Mitchell Shire is growing at a remarkable pace, and our community deserves services that keep up,” Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said. Mitchell Council actively advocates for the infrastructure and services our residents need to thrive – and access to a local GP is fundamental to that.

“This partnership with Annadale Family Medical Centre is a genuine win for Beveridge. Families will no longer have to pack up the car and drive down the highway for a routine appointment. Quality healthcare will be right here in their community, and it won’t cost them a cent out of pocket.”

The clinic will offer a broad range of services, including:

■ General GP consultations

■ Onsite receptionist and onsite nurse

■ Immunisations and health checks

■ Flu vaccinations

■ Chronic disease management

The Creative Industries Networking Night reflects Banyule’s and Nillumbik’s ongoing commitment to supporting local creatives, strengthening the creative economy, and encouraging collaboration across the sector.

Kinglake Oval

■ Murrindindi Shire Council will begin redevelopment works on the Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval from this week, with important upgrades set to support local sport and the wider Kinglake community.

Upgrades will include playing surface improvements, drainage works, and a new irrigation system to improve safety, playability and the long-term sustainability of the oval for local clubs and the broader community, said a Murrindfindi Shire representative.

■ Diabetes and Mental Health Care Plans

■ WorkCover and TAC

■ Specialist referrals

To book an appointment phone 9038 8342 or go to Annadale Family Medical Centre: The Beveridge Pop-up Clinic

“We know that Beveridge families have been travelling too far for too long just to see a trusted GP Annadale Family Medical Centre is committed to changing that,” an Annadale representative said.

“By partnering with Mitchell Shire Council, we’re bringing high-quality, continuous medical care right into the heart of this community.

“We believe every family deserves access to a premium, modern practice –regardless of their financial situation. That’s why every consultation at our Beveridge clinic will be fully bulk billed.”

Annadale Family Medical Centre currently operates from its Mickleham clinic and will provide rotating doctors to the Beveridge service.

Mitchell Shire Council will continue to work with health providers, government and community partners to ensure residents across the Shire have access to the services they need.

Rubbish feedback

■ Yarra Ranges Council is reviewing its hard rubbish and bundled branch collection service.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, encouraged community to share their feedback in a short survey, which opened on June 2.

“We know our community is passionate about the hard rubbish and bundled branches collection.

“We’ve heard your feedback over the years; many are happy with the collection just as it is, some would prefer the collection to shift to a different time of year, and others would prefer a bookable (on-call) service.

“We’re asking residents to complete a survey to help us better understand how they manage hard rubbish and bundled branches, any challenges they might face with the current collections, and how we can improve the service in the future”, Cr Higgins said.

Feedback from community, together with service costs, environmental impacts and contractor availability, will help inform Council’s decision on the service going forward.

Any change to the hard rubbish and bundled branches collection would start in 2028 when the Council enters a new contract for the service.

57 years. Since 1969.

Police Beat

Illegal tobacco ring: 10 arrests by Police

■ Ten people have been arrested over their alleged involvement in a syndicate trafficking drugs, firearms and peptides across Melbourne and importing illicit tobacco.

Police from the Eastern Region Crime Squad executed 12 simultaneous search warrants across the CBD, southeastern and northern suburbs from 10am Thursday (June 4).

The searches uncovered more than 2kg of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $500,000, thousands of vials of peptides, as well as steroids, approximately 80 cartons of illicit tobacco, cannabis, approximately $150,000 in cash suspected of being the proceeds of crime, a 3D printer and dozens of weapons.

Some 36 firearms were seized in total, 17 of which are illicit, consisting of longarms, handguns and 3D printed firearms.

Ten people were arrested, six of them charged:

■ A 26-year-old Docklands man, charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, possess drug of dependence, prohibited person possess a firearm, possess unregistered handgun, dispose of a handgun, possess prohibited weapon, and possess property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

■ A 24-year-old Ferny Creek man, charged with 33 offences including, trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime, as well as extensive firearm offences including possess a traffickable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possess a firearm, possess an unregistered handgun, possess an unregistered longarm and possess ammunition.

■ A 58-year-old Ferny Creek man, charged with 13 offences including, trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine, possess a traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, possess an unregistered handgun, and possess an unregistered longarm.

■ A 23-year-old Officer man, charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, possess a traffickable quantity of firearms, dispose of a traffickable quantity of firearms, deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime, and four counts of prohibited person possess a firearm.

All four were remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A man and woman – both aged 31 from Berwick – were charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms, prohibited weapons and drugs of dependence. They were bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on December 17.

A 53-year-old woman and 54-year-old man – both from Narre Warren North –were interviewed in relation to trafficking a drug of dependence, and manufacturing and trafficking firearms.

Two men aged 41 and 45 from Pakenham and Endeavour Hills respectively were arrested in relation to possessing a drug of dependence.

These four were released pending further enquiries.

Further charges are expected to be laid.

As investigations continue, anyone with information on drug or firearm trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au . Reports can be made anonymously.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

POLICE DISMANTLE DRUG SYNDICATE

■ Police have dismantled an alleged syndicate trafficking drugs, peptides and firearms and importing illicit tobacco.

Investigations began last year into the alleged distribution of large quantities of cocaine, peptides and steroids, as well as firearms across Melbourne

The alleged criminal network came crashing down today, with eight people arrested during 12 search warrants across Melbourne, where police seized two dozen firearms.

Officers from the Eastern Region Crime Squad executed the simultaneous search warrants at homes, businesses and factories across the CBD , southeastern and northern suburbs from 10am today, including:

■ Berwick

■ Cranbourne West

■ Docklands

■ Ferny Creek

■ Rowville

■ Narre Warren North

■ Oakleigh

■ Officer

■ Pakenham

■ Tullamarine

Eight people – seven men and a woman aged between 23 and 58 – have been arrested and are expected to be charged with dozens of drug trafficking and firearms offences.

At the Narre Warren home, police seized a large quantity of peptides, and almost 20 firearms including handguns.

The Eastern Region Crime Squad was assisted by police from Southern and North West Metro Crime Squads, Special Operations Group, VIPER Taskforce, Dog Squad and the Australian Federal Police.

Eastern Region Crime Detective Inspector Mick Hanna said: “The seemingly glamourous lifestyle funded by drug trafficking will come crashing down – probably when you least expect it.

“The cash injection that trafficking drugs and other illegal substances brings will be ripped out from under you one day, and you’ll be left with nothing – except a long stint behind bars and a criminal record.

“That criminal record will loom over you forever and have a negative impact on any future employment and relationships.

“Our officers are always a step ahead, so for anyone who thinks they can slip under the radar, we will eventually knock on your door.”

CHARGES AGAINST ESTATE AGENT

■ Workforce Inspectorate

Victoria has filed charges in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria against Jellis Craig Kingston Pty Ltd alleging the business contravened the LongServiceLeaveAct 2018 (Vic)

It is alleged the real estate agency withheld more than $16,000 in long service leave from a former employee for more than 17 months.

The maximum penalty for failing to pay long service leave at the time of the alleged offence was over $11,500 per day the entitlement remained unpaid.

The matter has been listed for mention at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 30.

The Long Service Leave Act 2018 is a Victorian law that provides long service leave for employees who have worked continuously with one employer for at least seven years.

Long Service Leave claim

It applies to work that is:

■ full time

■ part time

■ casual

■ seasonal

■ fixed term.

After at least seven years’ continuous employment with one employer, an employee is entitled to take their long service leave and be paid any unused long service leave entitlement when their employment ends.

Most Victorian employees will be covered by and entitled to long service leave in accordance with the Act, unless they have a long service leave entitlement from another source, such as under other legislation, a registered agreement, award or another law.

Crime Watch Driver charged

■ Fawkner Highway Patrol officers have charged a driver following a collision in Brunswick West on Thursday, June 4.

Emergency services were called to reports a car had struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Melville Rd and Victoria St just after 8.30am.

The pedestrian, a 70-year-old female, was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the vehicle stopped momentarily but fled prior to police arrival.

A Brunswick man presented himself to a police station this morning.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with ■ unlicensed driving ■ fail to stop and render assistance at collision scene with serious injuries

■ fail to render assistance at scene of serious collision

■ fail to notify police of serious injury collision

He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 5.

Terminal taken

■ Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance as they investigate a burglary in Pascoe Vale earlier this year.

A grey Mitsubishi ASX parked on O’hea St about 5.30am on Sunday, March 1.

It is believed two male offenders got out of the vehicle and approached a licensed premises on Cumberland Rd

Police were told they jumped the fence then smashed a window and crawled inside.

The pair attempted to remove a cash refund terminal from the wall in the gaming area, but they were unsuccessful and left in the vehicle.

Around an hour later, three offenders returned to the premises with power tools, but were unable to open the cash terminal.

They removed the terminal from the wall, dragged it across the room and put it into the boot of the vehicle.

The men then fled in the grey Mitsubishi.

The cash machine had around $35,000 inside.

Police officer charged

■ A senior constable from north-west metro region has been charged following an investigation.

The 35-year-old man has been charged with one count of distribute intimate image.

The incident occurred in 2023 while the police officer was off duty.

He has been charged on summons and will appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.

Detectives have released CCTV and images of three men they believe can assist with their enquiries.

The first man is perceived to be Caucasian with dark hair.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black t-shirt with a ‘Morrison Racing ’ motif on the back, grey shorts, black gloves, black runners and a white cap with a light blue motif and visor.

The second man is perceived to be Caucasian and of medium build.

He was wearing a face mask, a black and grey long-sleeved top, black tracksuit pants, black gloves and white runners.

The third man is also perceived to be Caucasian and was wearing a blue tshirt.

The trio all had stockings covering their face.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6-4-1-4

Lotto Numbers: 6-14-20-22-24-33

Most have been putting a great deal of effort into something important and wondering whether it has been worthwhile. Do not lose heart. Success is approaching and doors will begin to open. Financial luck is indicated and rewards should soon follow your persistence.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-9-11-2

Lotto Numbers: 1-11-19-28-37-42

Some may receive a legacy or unexpected financial windfall. Love is highlighted and will bring renewed warmth to what may have been a quiet period. Emotions run high, but sharing your feelings with loved ones will strengthen bonds. Taurus combined with Scorpio could prove especially fortunate.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Aqua

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 3-1-2-3

Lotto Numbers: 3-7-12-21-30-39

It is time to relax and unwind. High tension levels may have been making life more difficult than necessary. A troubling situation will soon resolve itself. Focus on restoring balance and allowing yourself some enjoyment after recent pressures.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Beige

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-4-3-1

Lotto Numbers: 2-13-22-31-40-42

Do not allow minor irritations or past events to overshadow the present. Many will need to free themselves from the influence of a possessive individual. Positive energies and fresh opportunities are close at hand, so remain open to change.

LEO (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7-1-3-4

Lotto Numbers: 7-13-25-30-37-39

A romantic period is indicated for many. Someone attractive may be showing keen interest. You often give generously and receive little in return, but this imbalance is about to shift. Health trends improve, particularly if you allow yourself proper care and rest.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Sky Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 3-12-4-5

Lotto Numbers: 3-12-21-31-30-45

Expenses may outweigh income temporarily, so careful budgeting is essential. Seeking financial advice could prove beneficial. Be mindful of sharp words around loved ones, as unnecessary criticism may weaken important support.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-2-6-5

Lotto Numbers: 5-13-27-28-42-43

Snap decisions may be required, yet indecision could slow progress. Trust your first instincts, as they are likely to be accurate. Balance and clarity will come once you commit to a direction.

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 9-5-1-7

Lotto Numbers: 9-10-23-30-37-43

This is a time to correct past mistakes and move forward with renewed confidence. Significant changes are indicated and your increased self-assurance will make life feel easier and more productive.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 3-9-7-4

Lotto Numbers: 7-12-22-25-32-41

Financial conditions show improvement and changes are underway. New friendships and valuable connections will emerge. Travel to different places may open exciting opportunities.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4-1-7-2

Lotto Numbers: 2-12-20-27-31-40

Avoid giving in to sudden impulses. Gambling or risky ventures should only be considered if the odds are strongly in your favour. Lifestyle changes are developing, and careful planning will ensure they benefit you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Rose

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2-4-7-8

Lotto Numbers: 7-8-14-28-34-43

Some may change employment or responsibilities. Energy levels are rising and the romantic scene may produce unusual developments. Listening to professional advice will help you navigate important decisions wisely.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4-9-7-1

Lotto Numbers: 9-13-27-31-39-43

Exciting times lie ahead. This is a favourable period to change what no longer serves you. On the romantic front, a new love interest may soon appear and bring renewed enthusiasm.

CARJACKING BID: MACHETE USED

■ A teenager armed with a machete has been arrested and charged following an attempted aggravated carjacking in Delahey on Friday night (June 5).

Police have been told a woman parked her vehicle in a shopping centre carpark on Taylors Rd and got out of her vehicle before she was approached from behind about 7.35pm.

It is believed the 44-year-old victim was taking washing out of her car to attend a nearby laundromat when she felt what is alleged to have been a blade at her neck and shoulder.

The teen made demands for the woman’s car keys and other items before he jumped in the vehicle and unsuccessfully tried to start the car.

Two good Samaritans intervened and challenged the boy, and he ran from the scene.

Attending Police units patrolled the area and arrested the 16-year-old near Kings Rd

The boy, who is from the Ballarat area, has been charged with attempted aggravated carjacking.

He was been held over to appear before a children’s court.

Teenager arrested

■ A teenager arrested by Protective Service Officers on Saturday (June 6) has been charged in relation to a stabbing in Bendigo

The 16-year-old was arrested at Bendigo Railway Station just after 7pm.

He was interviewed by detectives from Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit and charged with intentionally cause injury, affray, assault with a weapon and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The charges following an incident on Thursday where a 41-year-old man was allegedly set upon by up to six youths in Bath Lane following an altercation about 9pm.

The injured man made his way from the laneway to a sports bar and sought assistance after the offenders fled the scene.

He was treated by ambulance paramedics and taken to

hospital with suspected stab wounds, in a serious condition.

The boy from the Greater Bendigo area was remanded in custody to appear before a children’s court.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Stanhope collision

■ A woman has died following a two-car collision in Stanhope on Saturday night (June 6).

Emergency services responded just after 5.30pm on Midland Highway near GirgarreRushworth Rd

There were three occupants in one of the vehicles.

A 30-year-old woman in that vehicle died at the scene, a male and female also in the car were taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

The driver of the other vehicle was not seriously injured.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives attended the scene and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Drugs at Port Melb.

■ An attempted break in at a storage unit in Port Melbourne has led to the discovery of commercial quantities of illicit substances and almost half a million dollars in cash.

Police believe two people were attempting to break into the storage

trates’ Court on August 21.

The woman was charged with possess prohibited weapon and failing to answer bail. She was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 23.

Through further investigation, police identified a man believed to be the alleged ringleader of the drug trafficking syndicate who was overseas at the time of the attempted break-in.

Upon his arrival in Melbourne on Wednesday (June 3), the 44-year-old man from Port Melbourne was arrested and had his electronic devices seized.

unit at a facility on Williamstown Rd about 8.30am on Wednesday, May 27.

While investigating the alleged attempt, officers from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit located a treasure trove of drugs which led to subsequent searches at apartments in Port Melbourne and St Kilda

In total police seized:

■ Almost 12L of 1,4- Butanediol

■ 1kg of methylamphetamine

■ Heroin

■ Ketamine

■ Half a kilogram of MDMA powder

■ 300 MDMA tablets

■ Approximately 500 prescription pills

■ Cannabis

■ Magic mushrooms

Police also located weapons including a springloaded knife, a disassembled firearm, an extendable baton, a slingshot, an electronic stun device, a pill press, and multiple electronic devices.

Detectives also located more than $460,000 in cash, alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

A 44-year-old man and 32-yearold woman, both from St Kilda, were arrested.

The man was charged with trafficking commercial quantities of MDMA, GHB, and methylamphetamine, trafficking heroin and other drugs of dependence as well as possess prohibited weapons, dealing proceeds of crime, and making false documents.

He was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magis-

Years

He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking ketamine, cocaine and prescription medication, and dealing with proceeds of crime.

He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 26.

Police are appealing for information to help identify the man and woman who were attempting to break into the storage unit.

They are perceived to Caucasian in appearance, both aged in their 30s and wearing grey hooded jumpers with high-vis vests, masks and sunglasses.

Fighting for life

■ A pedestrian is fighting for life after they were struck by a car in Berwick on Friday night. Emergency services were called to the scene, on Clyde Rd near Homestead Rd , following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car about 10.45pm.

The driver, who was travelling north, immediately stopped to render assistance and along with other motorists provided care to the man until emergency services arrived.

The 23-year-old pedestrian from Clyde North was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Greater Dandenong Highway Patrol are investigating.

At this stage it is unclear how or why the pedestrian stepped out onto the road.

● The Argus. Date, 1951. Princess

rode

■ Princess Elizabeth rode sidesaddle to deputise for her father at the Trooping of the Color in London yesterday. Her scarlet Grenadier Guard tunic was richly crossed by the blue of the Order of the Garter.

Student ‘rag’

■ Adelaide University authorities were silent to night on the future University careers of four final year medical students, sentenced today to two months imprisonment for their share in the Torrens river ducking "rag."

The four nad been found guilty of the manslaughter of John Gregory Neill , l8, a first-year student, whom they threw into the river as part of the "rag."

The sentences will date from April 30, the first day of the current session of the Criminal Court

With remissions for good behavior this means that they will be released in a fortnight.

Whether they will, as convicted persons, be permitted to finish their courses will be decided by the University Council

Professor A. Abbie, Dean of the Medical Faculty, said tonight that the case was now being discussed by university authorities.

Doreen’s airs

■ The Sentimental Bloke, C. J. Dennis' immortal Australian classic, is being adapted to musical comedy.

It may be given its premiere in Australia Albert Arlen , composer of the El Alamein con certo, disclosed'this when he arrived here today on the liner Oronsay.

Arlen is writing the score for The Sentimental Bloke, in collaboration with Australian author George H. Johnston , a former member of TheArgus staff, who is now in London

Union deregistered

■ The Federal Government has applied to the Arbitration Court for the deregistration of the Waterside Workers' Federation because of the ban on ships trading with New Zealand.

Senator Spicer, Attorney-General , acting on behalf of the Commonwealth, has made the move.

Local Theatre

Scarlet Stiletto Awards

■ Australia’s premier short story competition for women crime fiction writers is now open, from June 1 to August 31, with $13,500 in prize money.

The Scarlet Stiletto Awards , now in its 33rd year, is designed to encourage and support women and girls to find their voice through storytelling.

There are two new initiatives: the Carmel Shute Young Writers’ Award and a new category - Cosy Cat Capers

The first prize winner takes home $2000, sponsored by Swinburne University of Technology, plus the coveted stiletto trophy: a scarlet stiletto shoe with a steel stiletto heel plunging into a mount.

Second and third prizes will also be awarded, and 11 additional category prizes, including: Body in the Library, Cross-genre, Great Film Idea, Most Satisfying Retribution, Forensic Clue, and others. Winners will be published in an anthology and may have their story narrated for our podcast.

Several former winners have gone on to establish highly successful careers. Dervla McTiernan, Tara Moss, Aoife Clifford, Cate Kennedy and Anna Snoekstra among them.

Dr Sandra Thom-Jones , the first prize winner in 2025 Scarlet Stiletto Awards, never dreamt she would win the coveted shoe. She said that, previously, “winning prizes in the 2023 Scarlet Stilettos was instrumental in convincing me that I could write crime stories people wanted to read and motivated me to start work on my first novel”.

The competition is open to all women, including transgender or intersex, who are citizens/residents of Australia

Closing date: August 31.

Maximum story length: 5000 words. Entry fee (per story): $30 non-members, $20 for Sisters in Crime members and youth/student concession. Maximum two entries per person.

All Entry Information can be found on the Scarlet Stiletto Awards website: https://sistersincrime.org.au/scarletstiletto-awards-2026/ Cheryl Threadgold

Pithy Paragraphs

■ A State Funeral to celebrate the life of Neale Daniher will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

■ Heide Museum of Modern Art has announced Brassaï: Secret Paris, a major survey exhibition of work by the eminent Hungarian-born French photographer Brassaï , presented from July 25–November 15. The exhibition marks the most comprehensive presentation of Brassaï's work ever seen in Australia , and his first solo exhibition in the country in over five decades. It is the third major modernist photography exhibition presented by Heide in five years, following the acclaimed Man Ray and Max Dupain in 2025 and Surrealist Lee Miller in 2023.

■ The Jewish Museum of Australia is home to more than 25,000 artifacts that help preserve and share Jewish life across generations, from treasured historical objects to bold contemporary exhibitions exploring Jewish identity, creativity and experience today. Over the past year, it has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, including 169 schools and thousands of students and teachers. For many, this is their first meaningful engagement with Jewish culture and community.

■ William Le Brun will feature in The Swing Club at Royal Brighton Yacht Club from 8.30pm on Saturday, June 13.

At TarraWarra

■ TarraWarra Museum of Art announced its upcoming group exhibition, Inside the Mirage, shaped by the imaginative and philosophical worlds of artists Ian Fairweather (1891–1974) and John Young (b. 1956), curated by TarraWarra Museum of Ar t Curator James Lynch. Drawing these two practices into dialogue, the exhibition, is on view at the Museum from July 25 until November 1. Contributed

SARAH RULE’S EURYDICE AT FORTYFIVE DOWNSTAIRS

■ Sarah Rule’s Eurydice is a heartfelt paean to her late father, faithfully realised in this Melbourne Shakespeare Company production.

The myth of Orpheus (Tomàš Kantor) venturing to the underworld to rescue Eurydice (Aisha Aidara) is the device by which Rule explores the longing for the departed and the finality of death.

The poetic nature of her dramatic evocation is metaphysical, giving substance to the sense of loss and displacement.

Under the direction of Gary Abrahams, the disparate elements of light (Spencer Herd ), sound ( Grace Ferguson ) and set ( Nathan Burmeister ) form a cohesive whole; the simple use of transparent plastic forming a barrier between this world and the next powerful and haunting.

Here too we have different acting styles coming together with the Lord of the Underworld’s ( Devon Braithwaite ) tap dancing campness juxtaposed with the realism of the Father’s ( John Voce ) attempts to communicate with his daughter.

Part chorus, part clown, a sense of narrative discord comes from the Furies known in this work as stones ( Fran Sweeney-Nash, Miles Paras, Joshua Gordon ) who are moved to tears for the loss they witness.

They are torn between following the rules of the underworld and sympathising with Eurydice. In all, the dramatic mix is unique and sensory. We feel the broken heart as much as intellectually engage.

Aidara and Kantor physically embody the real-world physicality of newfound love, but it is left to Aidara , as she crosses to the underworld, to convey the confusion and dislocation one might experience when at a loss to communicate in a strange land where memory is more redolent than language.

This work is theatrically unique. The writing is poetic – Eurydice’s name was found between the raindrops. Sound and lighting are integral to the message; they are the chords and flashes that spark memory. Reality and fantasy combine in the acting styles. The central message of loss, however, remains extant.

Until June 14 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane.

Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/ event/eurydice/ Cheryl Threadgold

Rabbit and Watson

■ Award-winning playwright Shane Woon (A Guide To Being Immortal) continues his exploration of Chinese mythology and Australian culture with an epic love story that transcends space and time.

Mixing Chinese fantasy cinema, Boy Love drama and the AFL, his new play is a tender mythic story of love, identity, and the weight of expectation, being presented from July 15-26 at the Northcote Town Hall.

The Rabbit God Tu'er Shen has already died for love. Now he's the god of gay matchmaking, pairing soulmates with celestial red thread, while searching for the happily-ever-after he never got.

Whenever his first love pops up in a new life, Rabbit abandons heaven to follow him, risking his powers and his reputation for just one perfect ending.

The results have always been tragic, chaotic, and occasionally embarrassing. But now his long-lost lover has returned as Watson, a rising AFL player, and Rabbit is determined that in this lifetime love will finally go his way.

This is a tender queer love story about two young Chinese Australian men from different worlds, each wrestling with love, desire, fear and duty.

The play leans into the genre of the Boy Love drama, full of romance and longing, as a vehicle for exploring the worlds of these two original characters who meet as teenage lion dancers and fall in love.

As adults, Rabbit juggles divine duties, his career as a school teacher trying to make things better for the next generation, and the fear of once again losing his love, whilst Watson faces media scrutiny, family expectations and the constraints of a public sporting culture steeped in rigid ideas of masculinity.

Watson is a big-hearted, expansive celebration of Chinese Australian identity, exploring myths carried across the oceans in an Australian setting, and drawing on a range of classical and contemporary artforms and cultural references.

From the football field to the media scrum to the celestial realm, this is a story about finding true love, and what comes after.

“I wrote this play to provide a platform for Chinese Australian artists, and to invite audiences to see and share in our cultural references, humour, and desires,” says Woon

“As a high school teacher, I wanted young diverse people to see and share in the experience of having non-dominant identities seen on stage. As a footy fan, I wanted to look closely at the pressures that shape the AFL and how its culture affects ideas of queerness, masculinity, and belonging at different levels of society.”

Performance Dates: July 15 – 26 July Wed. – Sat. 7.30pm, Sun. 5pm (Approx. 2 hours duration)

Special Performances: Preview Performance – Wed. July 15, 7.30pm; Opening Night Performance – Thu. July 16, 7.30pm School Matinee Performances – Wed. July 22, 11am and Thu. July 23, 11am

Post-show Artist Talk – Wed. July 22 7.30pm. Auslan Interpreted Performance – Thu. July 23 7.30pm

Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote Arts.darebin.vic.gov.au

Tickets: $38 Full. $30 Conc. $33 Darebin Residents. $33 Group 4+. $20 Preview. $10 Blak Tix

Cheryl Threadgold

Women’s Circus

■ For 35 years, Women's Circus has created bold, inclusive spaces on and off the stage - empowering people of marginalised genders to discover their strength, reclaim their bodies, and build powerful community through circus.

This End of Financial Year, Women’s Circus is raising $35,000 to celebrate 35 years by funding artistically bold and transformational creative projects - including its 35th anniversary Big Show, a large-scale community performance bringing together members across generations to share the stage.

The impact is doubled. Thanks to The Phil Taylor Foundation , every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar.

In 2025, it supported 1,445 enrolments across 159 programs, welcomed 123 new members, and provided $23,224 in subsidies.

Cheryl Threadgold

What’s On Opera Australia

■ It was a celebration of Opera Australia reaching 70 years of performance of a wide ranging repertoire of treasured Operas and many revered theatre musicals.

And what better place than the iconic Regent Theatre for a once off celebration performance, accompanied by Orchestra Victoria and sung by a host of Australia’s best and outstanding musical theatre performers.

Orchestra Victoria , a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian Ballet is the principal performance partner for both the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia and under Vanessa Scammell’s baton the Orchestra started the Encore performance with a vibrant overture of a mix of well known gems of musical theatre.

Six musical theatre performers either as soloists or duets treated us to the many showstopper hits from past musicals beginning with South Pacific’s I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair sung with great feeling by Ashleigh Rubenach ( Sunset Boulevard) who later paired with Jarrod Draper ( Cats) for an emotional intensive All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera Leading lady in many musicals Caroline O’Connor (Anything Goes and Chicago) hit the stage firstly with Send in the Clowns from A Little Light Music, before many more memorable songs particularly her physical and vibrant rendition of Anything Goes, before a showstopper in Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. Sung with great passion and a strong feeling of emotion that brought tumultuous applause.

Versatile Baritone Raphael Wong (Phantom of the Opera and Sister Act) demonstrated his vocal power and range with Phantom’s Music of the Night and My Fair Lady’s I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face

Nigel Huckle (Miss Saigon and Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Abigail Adriano (Hadestown and Miss Saigon) both provided us with nostalgic moments with renditions of favourites from such musicals as West Side Story, Miss Saigon and Cinderella

To end the Encore performance the full cast combined for a stirring performance from Guys and Dolls of Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat which brought many in the audience to their feet. A night to remember as part of Opera Australia’s 70th Year Anniversary celebrations.

Review

by Graeme McCoubrie

Farnham concert

■ Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham

Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.

A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where the concert will be held.

Compered by TV personality Myf Warhurst , six people spoke about Farnham and the forthcoming tribute concert.

First up was General Sir Peter Cosgrove. The former head of Australia’s defence forces and former Governor-General of Australia, Cosgrove spoke highly of Farnham in relation to his entertaining Australian troops on a peacekeeping mission in East Timor.

Cosgrove was followed by the two coproducers of the concert, Paul Dainty and Tony Cochrane. That these two giants of the Australian music industry were there in-person to speak so warmly of Farnham and the planned concert spoke volumes as to the high regard and respect in which the singer is held.

The softly-spoken Dainty , a dignified presence, thanked several people and organisations vital to making the concert a reality. In contrast, Cochrane gave a bit of history and background to the event, all told with some good-natured larrikin humour.

For further information about the event: rodlaverarena.com.au/event/thesongs-of-john-farnham-the-celebrationconcert-melbourne-2026/ Peter Murphy

LAZARUS AT THEATRE WORKS

■ In a wonderful production, Lazarus is one man’s heart-rending story of growing up as an indigenous person in Australia . It is a no-holds-barred insight into the injustices and harm done to indigenous Australians , told plainly, simply and mostly without rancour.

The play is biographical and based on the life of Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh

Taken from his mother at the age of two and placed in paternalistic institutions thereafter, Larry suffered physically and emotionally from racist attitudes and abuse but survived through his resilience, spirit and support from his indigenous community.

Written by John Harding , the play depicts Larry’s life across three ages - as a boy, as a man and as an elder.

This classic chronological structure gives the play a strong spine and helps order multiple scenes involving numerous characters.

The language is down-to-earth and beautifully captures time, place and character.

A somewhat didactic finale, however, seems out of place, a single false note in an otherwise masterly piece of writing.

Four actors breathe life into that writing: Nathan Wright (who plays Larry as a boy); Riley Warner (the man); Sermsah Bin Saad (the elder); and Teresa Moore (who plays Larry’s mother among several female characters).

All four give excellent performances with the three male leads, in particular, doing Larry proud in their portrayal of him.

The director, Kamarra BellWykes , does a fantastic job of stage managing the multiple scenes involved and getting strong performances from her four actors.

She is more than ably assisted by the talented production team of Justin Green (set design), Todd Bennett (composer) and Cobie Orger (videographer).

Together the four create a beautiful aesthetic, one that values simplicity and stillness, that infuses the whole show. A classic example of how less is more.

Capturing universal themes through telling one man’s story, Lazarus is a masterpiece of storytelling and a fitting tribute to Larry and the ongoing struggle of indigenous citizens.

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda

Dates and times: Was until June 6 at 7.30pm

Duration: 80 minutes

Tickets: $25-55

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/ lazarus-tickets1976070504072?aff=oddtdtcreator

Review by Peter Murphy

Opera Australia Gala Concert

■ Opera Australia’s 70th Anniversary Gala began with the popular William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Giampaolo Bisanti.

Maestro Bisanti was pure joy to watch. His expressive and enthusiastic style had the audience fervently bouncing along with the well-known finale. It was like watching a fine ballet dancer in action.

The sumptuous majesty of the Regent Theatre was the perfect venue for such an auspicious occasion. This royal theatre will be celebrating its own 100th anniversary later this year.

The Opera Australia principals displayed their dramatic and comedic talents in the thrilling Ecco il

birbo from Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the witty, humorous Dite, chi e quella Femmina from Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri

They also amazed us with such technical skill and prowess, following conductor Sam Weller , who took this at an exhausting, rollicking pace.

The Opera Australia chorus charmed us with their perfectly balanced, exquisitely executed Va Pensiero from Verdi’s Nabucco, following Bisanti’s intense dynamic contrasts.

Following two impressive Verdi ensembles, TheSmugglersQuintet from Bizet’s Carmen, provided some lighter, familiar tunes to tap along to.

My personal highlight was the opening of Act Two, the blood-curdling battle cries of Opera Australia’s strong women’s chorus in Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries from the opera Die Walkure

One needs a big theatre, a big pit and big voices to accommodate this formidable work of art.

Emma Matthews, Australia’s most highly awarded soprano, delighted us with a mesmerising delivery of The Nightingale’s Song from The Love Of the Nightingale by Australian conductor and composer Richard Mills.

Tenor Diego Torre received rousing applause for his powerful Nessun Dorma, a favourite with the audience.

Award-winning, talented Sam Weller , one of the designated winners of the International Conducting Competition in Rotterdam, returned to conduct the profoundly demanding Old Joe has Gone Fishing with prodigious skill and aplomb.

The magnificent evening concluded with The Toreador Song, the Triumphal Scene from Aida and the William Tell Finale Review by Lucy Nicolson

G&S Musical Celebration

■ To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Opera Australia, this prolific company has over 700 performances planned throughout the year.

I was most fortunate to attend the Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan Company's musical celebration at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne, with an ensemble of eight magnificent Opera Australia principals conducted by UK-born, internationally renowned director and keyboard specialist, Chad Kelly.

Some very lucky patrons managed to be seated 'Cabaret style' in

the orchestra pit, comfortably enjoying their sparkling wine while getting 'up close and personal' with the performers.

It is always such a treat to hear Orchestra Victoria, led by Yi Wang, but even more so as we saw them on stage for this production.

They opened each Act with a breathtaking overture. Act One with the overture to Iolanthe and Act Two, the imposing dramatic Yeomen of the Guard

Following on, our performers, looking stunning in their coordinated evening wear, entertained us with mostly comical, with some dramatic excerpts from The Gondoliers, Ruddigore, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, The Mikado and Iolanthe

Gilbert and Sullivan operettas were written to make people happy. The charming melodies, sometimes graceful and lyrical, but mostly rollicking along are always singable for the audience and many found it hard not to hum along.

The lyrics are witty, whimsical, elegant, often silly but always clever, and kudos to the performers as every word was clearly enunciated and heard, especially the 'patter songs' that were taken at an astonishing pace.

Standouts for me were Josephine's aria The Hours Creep on Apace from H.M.S. Pinafore and The Sun whose Rays from Mikado, probably because I had performed them myself in eisteddfods many moons ago and know how difficult they both are.

ThePirateKing was an audience favourite as was HailPoetry. I must also commend the choreography, simple but exceptionally well executed and the lighting added much to the visual appeal.

Congratulations on another fabulous variety concert of superb music.

Review by Lucy Nicolson

MUMA

■ Phantasmagoric performance, speculative storytelling and ancestral cosmologies converge this winter at Monash University Museum of Art/MUMA in Syncretic Wilds, a major exhibition bringing together Sydney -based artist Phasmahammer (the artist name of Justin Talplacido Shoulder) and Minahasan artist Natasha Tontey from July 17–September 19.

The exhibition stages a charged dialogue between two artists reshaping how history, myth and identity can be imagined from Southeast Asian and Indigenous perspectives. Contributed

Rourke’s Reviews

Colony

■ (MA). 123 minutes. Opens in cinemas June 11.

Ten years ago, writer/director Yeon Sang-ho found global success with the 2016 blockbuster, Train To Busan

This clever, innovative, energised and emotionally engaging zombie film struck a nerve with audiences, and deservedly became a touchstone entry in the zombie subgenre (there has been talk of a Hollywood remake for years, which thankfully so far has not eventuated).

Yeon followed it up with a thematic sequel, Peninsula, which was fitfully impressive but overall disappointing.

His other subsequent efforts have been a little hit-and miss, from the terrific Psychokinesis (2018) and TV series Hellbound (2021-2024), to the merely mildly entertaining Jung_E (2023).

Yeon’s earlier career as an animator was superb, delivering dark work such as The King Of Pigs (2011) and The Fake (2013).

He also released an animated prequel to Train To Busan, titled Seoul Station, the same year, and it proved to be utterly compelling viewing.

Yeon now returns to the zombie sub-genre with Colony, and while it is also energised viewing, and admittedly impactful, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the filmmaker’s breakthrough hit.

Jun Ji-hyun (so nice to see this A-list actor return to the big screen after a decade long hiatus) stars as Kwon Sejeong , an immensely qualified bio-tech expert who is always kept on the sidelines due to her individualistic, some might say anti-social, mindset.

Invited to a major biotechnology conference at Doongwoori building by her ex-husband Han Gyu-seong (Go Soo) , who wants to see her rightfully recognised and employed before he and his family move to the US, Kwon is introduced to the CEO before a call quickly takes him away.

That call is from police who inform him that a bio terrorist attack is about to take place in the building.

The source of that threat is Seo Young-cheol (Koo Kyohwan) , a former employee of the bio-tech company who feels like his work has been stolen, so he decides to infect both himself and those attending the conference with a virus of his making.

The virus turns its victims rabid, wanting to bite and infect others, but what is unique is that these zombie-like attackers are all connected, so whatever one person learns, all others receive the same information.

Kwon , along with other ragtag survivors, try to make it to safety, while government officials lock down the building while figuring out what to do with the civilians trapped within.

Yeon, given a sizeable budget, keeps things as kinetic as possible, even keeping initial character interactions as efficient as possible, attempting to lay a credible foundation between all the people introduced.

Once the outbreak hits, sides are taken, and the audi-

ence can see early on that certain characters aren’t going to make it to the end.

The most irritating members of the group are a couple of school bullies, who are idiotic and clearly signposted for termination.

Kwon is a great character, but the ones that resonate the most emotionally are siblings Choi Hyun-Seok (Ji Changwook) and Choi Hyun-hee (Kim Shin-rok) , whose love for one another is totally believable, and events lead to one of the film’s most intense character arcs.

The commentary is relevant, involving loss of individualism and moral thought, and is quite similar to the current, excellent Japanese film New Group, which also deals with these themes within the confines of a high school.

It also touches on echo chambers, algorithms and online misinformation and disinformation, where corporate control is all-consuming.

The all-star cast shine, and definitely lift a story that reminds one of other films, including Slither, Aliens, REC, Die Hard, Dawn Of The Dead as well as the aforementioned New Group Jun is wonderful, showing why she became a star in the first place (if you haven’t seen her breakthrough performance in the brilliant 2001 romantic comedy MySassyGirl, please do so), bringing a strong presence, as well as a nice sense of humour, to her role.

This talented actor deserves her immense following, so please also track down the films Windstruck (2004), The Thieves (2012), The Berlin File (2013) and Assassination (2015), and TV series My Love From Another Star (20132014), Legend Of The Blue Sea (2016-2017) and Kingdom (2020). Ji and Kim are excellent as the devoted siblings.

One character’s connection to the situation is a huge contrivance that needs to be overlooked.

Despite all these undeniable qualities, the overall character engagement isn’t as tangible as Train To Busan, and even with the fascinating neural contact between the infected, there is a familiarity that mutes Yeon’s intended vision, so it is unable to hit the bullseye as sublimely as the director’s beloved 2016 film did.

Colony is a definite crowdpleaser, delivering thrills, wellchoreographed set-pieces and some characters worth caring about.

While it doesn’t feel new in the bigger picture, Colony is vigorous entertainment, and should satisfy fans who were let down by the much-hyped Peninsula

Observations

Palace of Lost Virtue

■ If you think of the gold rushes of Australia , you probably picture of a hardworking bloke with a pick and shovel or an alluvial pan, searching for a glint of gold.

But there was a lot more to gold rushes than men seeking their fortune –there were also many women on the goldfields, although it’s rare to read about them.

Novelist Anthea Hodgson has used the West Australian goldfields as the location for her new novel, the Palace of Lost Virtue, which is inspired by real characters and true historical crime.

In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.

Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, her own small empire built from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God’s forgiveness, Pansy surprises her with unexpected kindness.

The meeting leads to an unlikely friendship, but in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.

The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving an insight into the lives of the formidable women who lived and died on the goldfields, and is a lively tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.

Author Hodgson was inspired by true events and the desire to give the real women of the gold rush a voice.

The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson is published by Penguin Random House and is available at bookshops and online.

Julie Houghton

Flashes

■ Neville Kitchen, managing Director of Maton Guitars, will be guest speaker at the Marquee Entertainment Luncheon Club on Tuesday, June 16 at South Melbourne. Convenor is Jeff Joseph.

■ Opening night for PrideandPrejudice will be held at The Athenaueum at 7pm on Tuesday, June 23.

■ Following her acclaimed sold-out 2024 tour, multi-award-winning singer Macy Gray returns to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on September 11 for one night only, as part of her largest ever tour of Australia and New Zealand

■ RSPCA Victoria continues to offer its low-cost pet vaccination days in June, with multiple clinics planned. For $69, a dog or cat will receive their preventative vaccines and be checked by an RSPCA veterinarian to ensure they are fit for their vaccinations.

42ND STREET

■ Babirra Music Theatre sparkled in its 70th anniversary year with a fabulous interpretation of the classic toe-tapping musical 42nd Street, presented at The Round Theatre, Nunawading, The masterly directorial and choreographic talents of Alan Burrows and Susan Lewis merged for their 13th collaboration and third visit to 42nd Street, creating one of the best versions ever seen of this iconic show.

Musical director Marty Macaulay's splendid orchestra rendered the wonderful Broadway standards with verve.

Set at the height of the Great Depression , 42nd Street tells of aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer arriving in New York from Allentown, Pennsylvania , and landing a job in the new Broadway show Pretty Lady. Leading lady Dorothy Brock breaks an ankle near opening night, Peggy gets her big show-biz break, and a new star is born.

Babirra’s interpretation celebrated the glamour and magic of show-business with gusto, also offering realistic contrast to depict the raw, not-so-glam aspects, using projected background imagery. Great to see a live piano and pianist onstage for the auditions.

Dynamic Suzie Ryrie (Maggie Jones) and Jeremy Russo (Bert Barry) infused terrific energy into the show, and Nicole Kapiniaris-Anson (Dorothy Brock) delivered a strong, beautiful performance, utilising her impressive vocal range.

Chelsea Hyde charmed as talented Peggy Sawyer , and Richard Thomas captured director Julian Marsh’s demanding and gentle sides, demonstrating lovely vocals. Charismatic Oliver Pinkett was great as Billy Lawlor , as was Rob Blowers’ portrayal of Pat Denning

I also really enjoyed Tim Maloney as Abner Dillon, Jordan French’s performance ( Andy Lee ) and vivacious

Madeleine Magetti’s portrayal of Annie

Hats off to the whole cast for their firstclass performances, particularly the dancers for their superb tap routines.

Costume design was created by Ely Tapp – some were absolutely stunning – and Chris Anderson’s set design was stylish and effective. Adding further atmosphere was lighting by Deryk Hartwick and Marco Lo Ricco’s sound design.

Congratulations to all involved with this outstanding production.

Review

by Cheryl Threadgold

Nordic Film Festival

Shows

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) Unti June 13 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Full Monty (by Simon Beaufoy) June 11 – 21 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Bookings: thebasintheatre.com.au

■ PEP Productions: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) June 12 – 21 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster. Director: Justin Cleaver, Choir Master: Julia Roper. Bookings: ■ Windmill Theatre Company: & Juliet, June 11 – 21 at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren. Director: Sienna Iscaro; Musical Director: Rachel Gorman: Choreographer: Guada Banez. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Off the Leash Theatre: Garage Girls (by Candace Miles, Madeline Nunn, Anna Rodway), June 11 – 27 at Drouin Hub, Trafalgar Public Hall and Bunyip Hall. Director: Keira Jarred. Bookings: offtheleashtheatre.com.au

■ MOARTZ Inc: Chalkface (by Ange Betzien) June 19 – 27 at Monash Hall, Reserve St., Yallourn North. Director: Mike Pullar. Bookings: moartz.tickets@ gmail.com

■ New Zeland based alt folk artist Jazmine Mary hits Melbourne early June for Day Tripper at Rising, followed by a couple of Victorian headline shows before heading to Canberra and New South Wales.

●

● Fresh digital issues of the Melbourne Observer are published every Wednesday, February-December.

■ The 2026 Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival, presented by Palace , will feature the best new cinema from the Nordic region –Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden

This year’s sensational line up features a host of award-winners, box office hits and new gems from beloved actors and filmmakers, and brilliant newcomers.

Palace has announced five of the first highlights ahead of the full programme being unveiled in mid June. The first Special Presentation is Icelandic comedy/drama The Love That Remains (Ástin sem eftir er) from director Hlynur

Pálmason (A White, White Day, Godland).

This brilliant and bittersweet film tenderly captures a year in the life of a family of five, as the parents navigate their separation, exploring love, family and shared memories.

It also features a 'Palm Dog ’ winning performance from Pálmason's own dog Panda, an Icelandic sheepdog.

Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value, The Worst Person In The World) stars in festival Special Presentation Butterfly, an intriguing drama about a pair of estranged sisters who must reunite after their mother's sudden passing.

The sisters travel to Gran Canaria where they grew up at a resort, following their mother's mysterious death at an esoteric retreat in the mountains, plunging them headfirst into a journey of revelations about their childhood and the hidden heart of the tourist island.

Winner of the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the 2026 Göteborg Film Festival, The Last Resort (Paradis), is a drama that follows a Danish family on holiday at an all-inclusive resort.

Anticipating a well-deserved and restful break, reality hits hard when they witness boatloads of refugees hitting the shores.

Testing their moral compass, the family members are forced to question how much they should risk to help a person in need.

The Kidnapping of a President (Presidentin Kyyditys) is a blackly comic drama based on a bizarre true story that follows the chaos that ensues when a Finnish group of far-right officers drunkenly decide to start a revolution in 1930.

Lieutenant Colonel Eero Kuussaari (Jussi Vatanen, Fallen Leaves) impulsively orders the kidnapping of retired former president Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg (Pertti Sveholm, 100 Litres of Gold) , but then doesn't recall his orders the following day, having left the escapade to a group of young, eager and inexperienced soldiers.

Sweden's stylish psychological thriller Doctor Glas (Doktor Glas) brings a bold and fresh new perspective to Hjalmar Söderberg's acclaimed 1905 novel.

Desire, guilt and obsession are portrayed through the eyes of Gabriel Glas (played by Isac Calmroth, also one of the co-writers), a reclusive young doctor whose fascination with fashion icon Helga Gregorius spirals into madness.

The full program will be announced later in June when tickets go on sale.

Melbourne: July 10 - August 2, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Church St, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre Ballarat: July 10 - August 2 Palace Regent Cinema Cheryl Threadgold

NFL at the MCG

■ Melbourne will host the NFL’s firstever regular season game in Australia at the MCG , with the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Los Angeles Rams on Friday, September 11.

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Father (by Florian Zellar translated by Christopher Hampton) June 14 – July 4 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Grant Purdy. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DHJOP

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark (William Shakespeare) June 26 – July 11 at The Woodbin Theatre, Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Greg Shawcross. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Honk! (Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drew and Music by George Stiles) June 27 – July 12 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Ash Farrough. Bookings: elthamlittle theatre.org.au/

■ The 1812 Theatre: Rumpelstiltskin Pantomime (by Chris Hodson) June 30 - July 5 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Jenni Evans. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Looped (by Matthew Lombardo) July 1 – 12 at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Loretta Bishop. Audition bookings: wlt.org.au

■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Matilda Jr. July 3 – 12 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. CoDirectors: Maeghan McKenzie and Dean Robinson; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie; Choreographer: Alivia Dennis. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Sleuth (by Anthony Shaffer) July 2 – 18 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella Drive, Lilydale. Director: Ian Frost. Bookings: lilydaeatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Birdsong (by Sebastian Faulks, adapted by Richard Wagstaff) July 3 – 18 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Friends of Black Rock House: The Jewel by the Sea (by Cheryl Threadgold) July 9 - 25 at Black Rock House, 30-36 Ebden Ave., Black Rock. Director: Debbie Keyt. BYO refreshments. Bookings: Trybooking.

Auditions

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Holding the Man (by Tommy Murphy based on the novel by Timothy Conigrave), June 14, 16 at 7pm at Williamstown Little Theatre. Director: Bruce Akers. Audition enquiries: Bruce Akers @ bwakers27@hotmail.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Clue On Stage (by Jonathan Lynn, Hunter Foster, Sandy Rustin and Eric Price) July 12 at 6pm, July 13 at 7pm at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Chris McLean. Auditions by appointment. Please contact: auditions@htc.org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Georgy Girl –The Seekers Musical (Music and Lyrics by Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley, David Reilly, Malvina Reynolds, Paul Simon, Tom Springfield and others) July 25 and 26 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt: Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Places To Go

Travel Briefs

Europe here

■ With many Australians reconsidering European travel this year because of the political situation, Fondue Chalet and DoubleTree by Hilto n have partnered to create a European-style winter escape in Australia , recreating the atmosphere of the French Alps in the heart of Melbourne

See Croatia

■ Specialist small-ship cruising company Unforgettable Croatia has launched its 2027 small-ship cruising program, featuring 131 guaranteed departures. The luxury operator will offer 12 cruise itineraries, and nine cruise and land journeys, during the season, taking place from May to October across six ships, with a maximum of 18 cabins.

Extra costs

■ Almost one in three (32 per cent) of Melbourne travellers have been hit with unexpected baggage fees in the past 12 months, being charged an average of $111.

■ A resurgence of illegal fishing in northern Australian waters is cause for environmental, bio-security and social concern, and new research suggests the causes of this activity are increasingly complex.

The project, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, was conducted by a team of researchers from Charles Darwin University and Indonesia’s National Research and Innova tion Agency, and Nusa Cendana University.

The Australian Fishing Zone covers waters from three nautical miles to 200 nautical miles off the Australian coast.

Illegal Indonesian fishing incursions in the zone have become a pervasive issue in the last five decades, with 361 boats apprehended in 2005 to 2006 alone.

Despite significant investment from the Australian Government in the surveillance, enforcement, apprehension and prosecution of fishers, the zone has experienced an influx of illegal fishing activity post-COVID ● ● There are increasingly complex reasons for illegality.

Finn cuisine

■ Finland, named the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the UN World Happiness Report, has announced Finland's Official Tasting Table. The curated, four-day culinary experience will take place at some of the country's most stunning locations, hosted by the Finns behind the food and designed to introduce Finnish cuisine to the world.

Best views

■ Two new beachfront tiny homes with luxe rooftop sun decks and unparalleled views over iconic destination Clarkes Beach and The Pass are turning heads as an “accommodation first” at Reflections Byron Bay and the village of Byron in northern NSW

Safer trams

■ The State Budget is investing $76 million in the tram network, including to deliver level access tram stops on some of Melbourne’s busiest streets.

Places To Go

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

Bush Telegraph

Horticulture leaders

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation has announced the appointment of a new leadership team for VFF Horticulture group, with Goulburn Valley farmer Michael Crisera elected as President.

Joining the leadership group are Kain Richardson as Western Region Councillor, Monre Meyer as Central Region Councillor and Dean Gazzola as Central Region Councillor.

Climate effects

■ A new project by Charles Darwin University aims to better understand the impact of the climate extreme on the agricultural industry.

The project, led by CDU's Northern Institute , aims to explore how rising temperatures are affecting labour productivity, operational costs, crop and livestock production, and the long-term sustainability of agricultural businesses in Australia.

Cattle taskforce

■ The Australian red meat and livestock industry has announced the establishment of the Indonesia Live Cattle Industry Taskforce, a strategic advisory body designed to enhance collaboration, guide investment and strengthen outcomes in Australia’s most important live cattle export market.

VITAL RESERVE KEEPS FARMS GOING

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomes the State Government’s announcement to secure a vital 10 million litre diesel reserve for Victorian agriculture industry.

VFF Acting President Peter Star said it was a sensible step to strengthen confidence across the sector and a step in the right direction after sustained advocacy from farmers and the industry.

“Securing this vital diesel reserve is a practical and welcome move that gives farmers greater confidence after one of the most volatile periods in recent memory.\

“Farmers have been at the coal face and bearing the brunt of diesel scarcity. Without a reliable supply of diesel, our industry grinds to a halt and so does our ability to produce food and fibre.

“This move will help ensure farmers can keep farming and providing food for our supermarket shelves.

“This is something the VFF has been advocating for and it’s pleasing to see that message being heard.

“The next logical step is working towards the ability to store more fuel on-farm to help cushion farmers from any future shocks,” Mr Star said.

It must be part of a broader, coordinated approach to supporting agriculture.

Whiparound

Drought nearby

■ Ongoing dry conditions are not only reducing feed and water availability, but forcing difficult decisions about livestock, production and the future of their farms in eastern Australia Rural Aid support is increasingly important to how they are managing through the conditions.

Canola grows

■ Expanding domestic crushing capabilities will be key to scaling up Australian canola production in the future, Rabobank says in new industry research. The specialist global agribusiness bank says Australia has the capacity to lift its average annual production of canola – the country’s primary oilseed crop – to around seven million tonnes a year over the next 10 years, up from recent annual averages of 6.5 million tonnes.

Carp alliance formed

■ Victorian Fisheries Authority is part of a Carp Action Alliance to deal with Australia’s invasive carp problem. This comes after the VFA co-hosted the Murray Darling Carp Action Summit in Nagambie, bringing together more than 80 community leaders from across Australia’s fishing, conservation, farming and scientific sectors.

Places To Go

Places To Go

■ Val Lehman has worked in television shows, film and stage productions for more than 50 years.

Val is best remembered for her role as ‘ Bea Smith ’ in the popular television series Prisoner.

Valerie Kathleen Willis was born in Perth in 1943. Val began performing as a child and in her teenage years was an arts student at RMIT whilst working as an actor and director at The National Theatre Arts School

Val married Lt Francis Charles Lehman in 1962 and they had three children.

Val was busy working in non-professional shows as the family moved around Australia She decided to become a professional actress and toured with the Children’s Arena Theatre

Her first major television appearance was in Bellbird and then she got parts in series such as Tandarra and Power Without Glory.

Val was going through a divorce when she auditioned for the Prisoner series in 1978 and was cast as the tough inmate Bea Smith.

Val won three Logie awards for her performance in Prisoner - Best Lead Actress in a series and Most Popular Actress in 1982 and Best Lead Actress in a series in 1983.

Her daughters Cassandra and Joanne played guest roles. Val was with the series for 4½ years.

Her character became very popular in

Whatever Happened to ... the Val Lehman

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

the UK where the series was re-titled Prisoner: Cell Block H and this led to offers of stage work.

The series was seen in 20 countries throughout the world.

It seems that Val is the only cast member receiving royalties because she included a special clause in her original contract.

Val married Ballarat broadcaster and playwright Charles Collins in 1989.

In the 1990s Val spent seven years in the UK playing roles in stage plays such as Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, Driving Miss Daisy and Lady Chatterley’s Lover

When Val came back to Australia, she was cast in guest roles in television series such as Something In The Air, Blue Heelers, All Saints, Wentworth and City Homi-

Longy

cide . Her film roles have included Kitty and The Bagman, I Live with Me Dad and Charlie and Boots

In 2005 Val divorced Charles Collins. Val Lehman moved from Ballarat to Queensland and enjoys the warm climate.

In 2014 Val played Aunt Eller in a stage production of Oklahoma in Brisbane and was spotted by producer John Frost who approached to offer her a role in the national tour of Grease

In 2022 Val played the role of Wendy in

the years

SPONG EXHIBITS AT MUMA IN CAULFIELD

Latest Shows

Fiona Longhurst

■ Arts Project Australia presents 5 7 3 Float Fall Petals 10 Trees, a major retrospective by Melbourne-based artist Fiona Longhurst until June 13 at the APA Gallery in Collingwood Yards

Spanning more than three decades, the exhibition brings together key works tracing Longhurst’s sustained engagement with pattern, repetition, colour and hand-drawn text.

Since 1991, Longhurst has worked at the APA studio, developing a distinctive visual language defined by layered compositions, dense markmaking and intuitive structure. Drawing on repetition and memory rather than direct observation, her practice is always evolving, but immediately recognisable.

“I like colours. Beautiful yellow, orange, and pink. Mauve and grey. Blue and green. Flowers and gardens. A blue rose. Leaves, squares, the sun. Writing in colours,” said Longhurst

Fiona Longhurst is known within the APA studio for her gregarious presence and strong engagement with peers and staff.

Now 75, Longhurst is an artist with Down syndrome whose life and practice reflect significant shifts in how artists with intellectual disability are supported and recognised in Australia.

Born in Tonbridge (Kent), England in 1950 and migrating to Australia in the 1960s, Longhurst’s early life included time in institutional care before transitioning into community-based supported living. Longhurst has sustained a long-term studio practice within APA’s supported environment, enabling focus and continuity over several decades. Her career reflects the evolution of disability support models in Australia, from residential care settings to contemporary communitybased creative practice.

With works held in private collections across Australia, Longhurst has exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, including in the United States and Belgium . Her work also featured in the Gorman x APA collaboration, translating artist-led works into fashion, homewares and design.

APA Director Liz Nowell said the exhibition marks a significant milestone in Longhurst’s career, presenting work that is rigorous, intuitive and unmistakably her own.

“Fiona has developed a singular and recognisable visual language over decades. This exhibition brings her achievement into sharp focus while exemplifying Arts Project Australia’s vision to champion neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disability as leading voices in contemporary art,” Nowell said.

Coinciding with the exhibition, APA will launch a new partnership with Perimeter Editions, producing a series of monographs over the coming years. The inaugural volume, 5 7 3 Float Fall Petals 10 Trees, celebrates Longhurst’s work and will be available at the exhibition and via Perimeter Books

Longhurst is the subject of a 2026 Archibald Prize finalist portrait by fellow APA artist Anthony Romagnan o, her studio colleague of more than two decades.

NIDA’s production season

■ NIDA , Australia’s national dramatic arts educator, has brought together two of the country's most distinguished theatre makers: Simon Phillips and Rachael Maza

They are joined by directors Zindzi Okenyo, Anthea Williams, Dino Dimitriadis, Margaret Thanos, Claudia Osborne, Miranda Middleton, music director Zara Stanton, and playwright Keziah Warner , whose new work receives its premiere.

The eight productions are performed by third year acting students and created by students across design, costume, props and effects, technical theatre, stage management, set construction and make-up.

Sriwhana Spong: HaHaHa

Mist moves through Sriwhana Spong: Ha Ha Ha as a metaphor. This phenomenon signifies instability, unknowing as a means of knowing and refusal of cultural reductionism.

Spong is often inspired by a small or contingent encounter – a text, a living organism or an historical trace – which becomes the starting point for inquiry. Her practice unfolds nonlinearly, taking divergent routes as she follows these encounters through experimental, material, speculative and historical research. By engaging with multiple approaches towards a subject, she asks how knowledge is produced while making perceptible different ways of knowing. By drawing on parallel, past and unperceived currents, Spong’s work reveals in a plurality that awakens our senses to other beings and languages. This is a method for living relationally instead of hermitically. Exhibition closes June 27.

MUMA

Building F, Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield.

Benalla

A Creative Partnership –Anita Laurence and Bill Young.

This exhibition of prints explores the creative partnership of significant local artists Anita Laurence and Bill Young which has spanned more than four decades.

Anita is a painter and printmaker]er whose works are inspired by a strong connection she has with landscapes she has called home.

Bill is a Master Printmaker specialising in large format intaglio and relief painting and has worked with many leading Australian artists during is career. Anita and Bill have explored printmaking throughout their careers – Anita’s focus has been on place while Bill has been the proves.

Benalla Art Gallery

75 Bridge St. East, Benalla

St Kilda

Postcard Show

Now in its 36th year the Postcard Show is a much-loved annual highlight of Linden’s exhibition program.

The Linden Postcard Show is open to everyone. It provides an unique platform for you to show your work to a large and eager audience. No matter what you make or who you are, the Postcard Show is for you. It is a celebration of thediverse, complex and vibrant artistic community.

As well as generating income for the artists through artwork sales, the Postcard Show is also an important source of income for Linden’s exhibition program, with revenue from entry. Fees and sales commission going to support the commissioning and presentation of brave new art. Exhibition closes August 1. Linden Art 26 Acland St, St Kilda.

The Arts

Ringwood

Serving Country –

Belinda Mason and Garen Smith is an exhibition of photographs and paintings that recognises and acknowledges the valuable contribution of Australian First Nations servicemen and servicewomen who have served, or are serving, in the Australian Defence Force. The Serving Country photographic project was conceived by social documentarians Belinda Mason and Dieter Kerim in 2014.

Over the past 12 years the project has grown to include more that 5000 powerful black and white portraits. Each portrait os accompanied by a deeply personal, self-authorised narrative from veterans across Australia reflecting on their service, sacrifice, resilience and identity.

This iteration of Serving Country art Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery brings together a selection of portraits, focusing on servicemen and servicewomen with connections to Victoria.

Exhibition closes July 11. Maroondah Art Gallery 32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood. Peter Kemp

Uncle Vanya

■ Melbourne Theatre Company has announced an all-star cast of stage and screen performers for the centrepiece production of its 2026 season, Uncle Vanya, directed by Anne-Louise Sarks Previously announced cast members Daniel Henshall (Snowtown, The Babadook, How to Make Gravy) and Catherine Van-Davies (HungryGhosts,TheTwelve) will be joined by Fayssal Bazzi (Stateless,MrInbetween,MuchAdoAbout Nothing), Carolyn Bock (POTUS, Dalliance), Don Bridges (Nautilus, The Twelve, Judy & Punch), Evelyn Krape (Bloom, Yentl), Philippa Northeast (TheNewsreader,HomeandAway,My Brilliant Career) and Shaun Micallef (Mad as Hell, Talkin' ’Bout Your Generation). Daniel Henshall is returning to the stage for the first time since 2013, with Shaun Micallef also making a theatrical return after his last stage appearance in 2016.

Growing Pains

■ Cardinia Cultural Centre Pakenham will present Growing Pains – The story of Nathan Cavaleri. From busking in Campbeltown, to touring the world with B.B. King, performing at the Kennedy Center in front of the Clintons, and sharing stages with icons like Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, Nathan became a familiar face to millions across Australia and the US His media says: “In this deeply personal and emotionally charged solo show, told by Nathan through story and song, he weaves music and storytelling into a powerful narrative that covers all the highs and lows. Sunday, August 16, 7pm – 8.15pm. More info and tickets at www.cardiniacultural centre.com.au

Bodies In Motion

■ Kallista singer-songwriter Dave McFarlane has released his new single. Bodies In Motion is described as a powerful rock track fuelled by highways, restless energy and classic road-song spirit. Blending driving rhythms with soulful influences, the song captures the chaos and emotion of modern life on the move. Available to stream on Spotify

Tram;poline

■ The long awaited Mukul Jiwnani EP Trampoline is finally out with its official launch on June 20 at Shotkickers Thornbury. “These songs carried me through some of the hardest and most important moments of my life,” says Mukul. “I cannot express in words how long I’ve been waiting for this day.” Tickets via Oztix or at the door.

SIMON AND RACHAEL

■ For its 2026 production season, NIDA, Australia’s national dramatic arts educator has brought together two of the country's most distinguished theatre makers: Simon Phillips and Rachael Maza. They are joined by directors Zindzi Okenyo, Anthea Williams, Dino Dimitriadis, Margaret Thanos, Claudia Osborne, Miranda Middleton, music director Zara Stanton, and playwright Keziah Warner , whose new work receives its premiere.

The eight productions are performed by third year acting students and created by students across design, costume, props and effects, technical theatre, stage management, set construction and make-up.

Phillips opens the Winter Season with A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Parade Theatre stage. Maza closes the Spring Season with Michael Gow's Away, Australia's most produced play in its 40th anniversary year, brought to the stage for the first time through a First Nations lens.

The six remaining works include the first Australian production of a play described by The Times as “the play of the decade”, an operatic co-production with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music , a queer-inclusive musical, a revenge drama widely hailed as one of the most important Australian plays of the decade, the Australian premiere of a political thriller, and a brand new ghost story.

JOIN FORCES AT NIDA

"Eight productions, one question: what do we owe each other?

“It’s asked in a courtroom, a haunted house, a hospital, a beach at summer's end, a revolution broadcast live, and a forest where lovers lose themselves in the dark.

“It’s asked with rage, with laughter, and with music. And it’s asked it in the company of some of the finest theatre makers in the country, working alongside the next generation of Australian storytellers," said David Berthold , Artistic Director in Residence, NIDA.

Winter Season: June 4-13

Winter Season launches with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by the acclaimed Simon Phillips, who brings his hallmark clarity and velocity to Shakespeare’s wildest comedy on the bi stage.

Associate Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre Company, Anthea Williams , directs Possessions, a newly commissioned play by the award-winning Keziah Warner in which grief, guilt and something beneath the floorboards refuse to stay buried.

Green Room Award winner Miranda Middleton directs, and Zara Stanton leads the music for In Pieces, Joey Contreras’s new, queer-inclusive musical exploring friendships, families and former lov Contributed

CUPS RUNNETH OVER IN VICTORIA

■ Prize money is an integral component of the racing industry ecosystem.

Financial returns based on the performance of racehorses support the breeding, purchase and training of thoroughbreds for racing.

Importantly, a contribution from prize money also plays an important role in funding a range of activities to underpin equine welfare before, during and after racing.

A select number of races also reward the connections of the winning horse with a trophy.

Anyone who has been presented with an award through their participation in sport or other activities and endeavours, will recall their delight as a recipient.

While trophies may come in all shapes and sizes, there is something about a cup in sport, and particularly horse racing, which captures the imagination.

The biggest of them all is the Melbourne Cup at Flemington , the race that stops the nation on the first Tuesday in November.

Although first run in 1861 when the owner of the winner Archer received a gold watch, a trophy wasn’t awarded until Toryboy won the Cup in 1865.

In fact, nothing accompanied the winner’s purse in many of those early years.

It wasn’t until 1919 that Artilleryman won the first Melbourne Cup trophy crafted as the gold three-handled loving cup we know of today.

Victoria is home to 67 active racecourses, of which 12 provide picnic racing, and each host their own cup meeting.

The calendar for the 2026-27 racing season, commencing August 1, has been released.

These are the top ten Cups to be held in areas covered by The Local Paper/ Melbourne Observer:

■ Sunday, October 11: Seymour Cup

■ Saturday, October 17: Caulfield Cup

■ Saturday, October 24: Moonee Valley Cup

■ Tuesday, November 3: Melbourne Cup

■ Saturday, November 21: Cranbourne Cup

■ Sunday, November 22: Kilmore Cup

■ Sunday, December 6: Werribee Cup

■ Sunday, March 14: Yarra Valley Cup

■ Saturday, April 17: Mornington Cup

■ Sunday, May 30: Sandown Cup

Cup hopefuls

■ Attempting to land a feature race double was once a popular pastime for many punters.

A small group of on-course bookmakers would display a huge, specialised betting board offering odds on all the likely combinations.

It was also possible to add your name and address to each bookmaker’s mailing list and receive an updated odds chart in your letterbox following the weekend’s racing.

The most sought-after of these was the Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double.

It is still possible to speculate on the outcome of both races well before acceptances are taken.

Simply multiply the odds of a selection in each race to produce the price.

The only exception is when choosing the

Yours. Racing Photos.

Rod Basto

same horse to win both cups, as reduced odds should be offered.

This is because once the Caulfield Cup winner is known, it would be expected to shorten in betting for the Melbourne Cup

Here are the best prices available at the top of markets at the time of writing: Caulfield Cup : $6 Aeliana , $11 Green Spaces , $15 Half Yours. Melbourne Cup: $11 Aeliana, Half Yours, Sir Delius

Sandown Saturday

■ This Saturday (June 13) the Melbourne metropolitan race meeting is scheduled to be held on the Sandown Hillside track.

While there are a multitude of factors to consider when assessing a race, the track

itself is as important as any. This not only includes the condition of the surface and any bias, but also how horses have performed on previous occasions over the same course.

Many gallopers reproduce their best efforts at particular tracks. It might be their home track, or simply one that suits the horse and its style of racing.

Sandown has two tracks, Sandown Hillside and the original track, now known as Sandown Lakeside.

The Hillside track incorporates an extended back straight leading into an expanded turn, before it rejoins the main track to take in the full length of the home straight.

The Lakeside track is the one on which punters generally look to back on-pace runners, as it is tighter, with a shorter run home.

Here’s a look at some recent runners on Sandown Hillside who may step out again on the weekend:

Pudding

South Australian trained gelding who has won at Sandown Hillside over 1800 metres on two occasions, including his latest start on May 23.

Ideally suited to the 1800 metres event on this program.

Bankers Choice

Experienced campaigner who had his first start at Sandown Hillside when he showed a return to form and was just beaten by Pudding last time. Likely to be kept to this distance and should go close again.

Big Swinger

Had to go back to near last from a wide barrier last time at Sandown Hillside over 1400 metres and the run to finish third was full of merit. Should be a little closer to them here over the same trip from a better draw.

Horses To Follow

■ Bustling, Straand Deal, Pray Tell

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, June 10: Sale

■ Thursday, June 11: Seymour

■ Friday, June 12: Bairnsdale, Ballarat

■ Saturday, June 13: Sandown, Bendigo

■ Sunday, June 14: Wangaratta, Warrnambool

■ Monday, June 15: Pakenham Synthetic

■ Tuesday, June 16: Ballarat Synthetic

WIN ON THIRD RACE APPEARANCE

■ Stawell gateway to the Grampians was the venue to commence the week on the official first day of winter Monday June 1 and in wintery conditions seven races were held.

The feature event of the afternoon being the 1785 metre $8000 Kaye Matthews Tribute for female reinswomen honouring former Stawell HRC Secretary the late Kaye Matthews who also as well officiated at Ararat some years later – the victor being Tall Dark Stranger-Mistress Of Illusion filly Isthisthereallife trained at Ecklin South by Marg and Paddy Lee for Hamilton owner/breeders David and Terry Lewis.

Making only her third race appearance, Isthisthereallife driven by Kerryn Manning had little difficulty leading from gate two and rated to perfection greeted the judge easily by 10 metres in advance of Aaron Dunn’s Eyesalittle (one/four from inside the second line - five wide home turn). Yankee Mojoh (one/three from the extreme draw ) which raced three wide solo in the last lap was third 4.2 metres back.

Kaye’s husband Greg was well known to many harness racing folk as he was for years the official photographer at the majority of tracks in the state travelling from his Stawell home base on a regular basis.

■ The $6000 Stawell Gift Hall Of Fame Trotters Handicap saw Moyreisk trainer/ driver Ashley Ainsworth’s handy 9Y0 Quaker Jet-Parisian Dancer gelding Knight Whisperer register his 15th success in 142 outings which include 33 placings having last won in August last year.

Coming from 10 metres, Knight Whisperer raced by parents Barry and Katrina stepped cleanly from barrier six to settle three back in the moving line as John Meade’s Mattyo (barrier five) after going forward four wide crossed Touchandgo (barrier two) to assume control.

Pushed back a spot after 30 metre backmarker Sonarmi Joh went forward from the rear to park outside the leader at the bell, Knight Whisperer after racing three wide solo for the last lap outstayed his rivals to gain the day by 1.2 metres in a good performance over Mattyo, with Sonarmi Joh third a half neck away. The mile rate 2-09.

■ Veteran Hamilton trainer Jim Barker ((92) continues to provide winners on a regular basis and landed the Laidlaw Family Pace over 1785 metres with Doctor Go Joh, a 7Y0 gelded son of Bettors Delight and Elle M Aye raced by the Brimacombe’s. Driven by granddaughter Jackie, Doctor Go Joh began very fast from outside the front line to head off Dancebytheseaside (gate five) which also showed speed from gate five to lead as the gate pulled away.

Never in any danger, Doctor Go Joh recorded an easy 8.8 metre margin over The Irishman (gate six – one/one – one two), with his stablemate Dancin With Elvis (gate five) coming from the tail for third 3.4 metres back after being restrained at the start. The mile rate 2-02.

■ Cudgee breeder/owner/trainer/driver

Paddy Meade took all the spoils in the Rachel (McGrath) Gration Memorial Vicbred Voucher Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres to commence the program when 4Y0 Kivintet Avenger- Maori Amour mare Maoris Avenger keeping the Maoris Idol dynasty going.

Beginning fast from gate three to lead Maoris Avenger was driven confidently to score by 1.3 metres from polemarker Itz Classic Gold which led momentarily as the starter released the field.

Spechal (gate four – three pegs – one/one at bell – three wide last lap) was third 12.3 metres away. Well supported I Am Skye Chiola (outside front line) after going forward from the tail three wide uncovered in the last lap galloped on the final bend when looking some chance of figuring in the finish. The mile rate 2-08.4.

Shepparton

■ The usual Shepparton meeting was held on Tuesday with a massive ten race card. Kyabram trainer Kristy Butler a former Tasmanian was successful with 5Y0 Hes Watching-Itz Gemmas Delight gelding Herakles in the GV Plaster Products Pace over 2190 metres.

Driven by neighbour Mark Pitt, Herakles after going forward three wide from outside the front line settled outside the leader Nugget Rogers (gate three) which

led comfortably. Gaining cover prior to the bell when Hitch To His Star was set alight by Abbey Turnbull to join the pacemaker, Herakles was given a little respite before again easing three wide on the final bend. With a wall of horses spread across the track halfway up the running, Herakles in a thrilling finish gained the judges nod by a nose from Sharp Interest along the sprint lane who’s effort was exceptional after missing the start from the pole chasing to possie three pegs. Interpretation (gate two) after trailing Nugget Rogers also utilized the sprint lane for third a nose away. The mile rate 2-00.4.

■ Doreen part-owner/trainer John Yeomans’ 4Y0 Art Major-Red Hot Rita mare Hello Possums was victorious in the Munro and Associates Conveyancing Pace over 1690 metres.

Taken back from gate six to settle at the tail of the field from gate six as Uncle Trev led from gate five, Hello Possums after following Interestinme (gate three) ahead of her forward three wide in the last lap and making the final bend very wide, ran home strongly to score by 2 metres from NSW visitor The King Of The Road (four pegs from the extreme draw), with Interestinme (gate three – one/two) third a half head away. The mile rate 1-58.6. It got very tight in the straight with Uncle Trev clipping a wheel and falling with no injury reported.

■ In-form Ardmona trainer Donna Castles fresh from a great night at the previous Shepparton fixture used the services of Ararat’s Michael Bellman aboard 6Y0 Fly Like An Eagle-Our Dream Girl gelding Eagle Major to snare the 1690 metre Casablanca Pizza Pace, leading throughout from the pole to just last by a half head from Im Dustee (one/two from gate two second line), with Will He Reign (gate six –one/three) third 4.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-56.8.

■ Costerfield (Heathcote area) partowner/trainer Michael Tobin chalked up his seventh winner over a long period of time when 5Y0 Art Major-Alta Framenco mare Queenhigh Flush scored in the Shepparton Showcase Podcast Preview Show Pace over 2190 metres.

Driven by Leigh Sutton, Queenhigh Flush led out from gate three before taking a trail on the speedy Nivekalon Eagle (gate six) and after enjoying a cosy trip, used the sprint lane to prevail by 5 metres in advance of polemarker Rockin Charmer (three pegs) which also used the sprint lane. Eleven year old timer Joeys Hangover (mid-field from the extreme draw) was third a head away) after racing three wide in the last lap and in doing so ran his 56th placing in 265 outings which include 29 wins for over $142,000 in stakes.

Bendigo

■ It was Bendigo on Wednesday with only four winning drivers during the night sharing the eight race card.

Premiership leader James Herbertson chalked up three wins – 5Y0 Sweet LouIndigenous Art mare Dreamtime Nala for Axedale’s Mick Carbone, 7Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Sunshine Annie mare Betsy Anne for Wedderburn’s Nick Youngson and 5Y0 Fear The Dragon-Miss Trickin gelding Steel Dragon for his father (Lexton) trainer Ashleigh Herbertson.

Dreamtime Nala (gate three) led throughout to account for Know The Score

(gate three second line - one/four) and Wheres Wood Wood (gate four second line) in a 1-59.5 mile rate.

Betsy Anne led throughout from the pole, defeating Rasengen (gate two which trailed) and Heart Of Graceland (gate three – one/two) in 2-00.6.

Steel Dragon (gate two second line) came from four back in the moving line to blouse the pacemaker Sportsbou (gate three) by a head, with Gunforhire after being restrained from inside the second line to the rear third 4 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.1.

■ Jack Laugher in second place on the table was successful with 4Y0 SkyvalleySullanders Pride gelding Karbine for John Tormey and 4Y0 Yankee SpiderShowmethemaori gelding Matisoff for Tim Mortlock.

Karbine (gate two second line) ran home well three wide in the last lap to defeat Bullapark Beno driven by Herbie by 8 metres which trailed the leader Tictok which had worked from gate five on the second line to find the lead. Outsider A True Story (gate three second line) was third a half head away.. The mile rate 158.8.

Matisoff (gate two) after locking wheels early came from three back in the running line to register a 5.5 metre margin over Mi Bow (Herbie – three pegs from the pole). Miss Kommunication (gate three – 4th) which led from gate three was promoted to third following the relegation of Sebs Girl (four pegs from inside the second line for galloping.

■ Derrinal trainer/driver Glenn Bull snared a double with stablemates 3Y0 Stay Hungry-Styx Viven filly Tryx Vixen and 7Y0 Pet Rock-Vansumic gelding Michen Roy victorious.

Tryx Vixen (gate four) raced exposed and just lasted by a half head from Jilliby Illusion (gate two second line) which trailed her. Bettorsweetvictory (gate six –one/three) was third a head away in a tricky finish. The mile rate 1-56.1.

■ Michen Roy led throughout from the pole defying all challengers in a 1-57.1 mile rate to gain the day by 2.3 metres from polemarker Mister Jimaringle which trailed, with Royal Appointment (gate six – one three) third a half head back after making the final bend very wide.

■ Evergreen Bolinda reinsman Chris Alford was the other winner on the night guiding Avenel breeder/part owner/trainer Colin Duncan’s 4Y0 Well Said-Fun On The Run mare Tivoli (three pegs) to victory from inside the second line returning a 157.5 mile rate, accounting for Celestial Zodiac by 8.3 metres from the extreme draw. Interpretation (gate two second line) after going forward three wide to be one/one at the bell was third 1,6 metres away.

Kilmore

■ Kilmore was Thursday’s meeting in very wet conditions with most races open affairs.

Rushworth trainer Don Cross’s back in form 8Y0 Imperial Count-Im Rite Or Wrong mare Jessicas Story registered her 16th victory in 187 outings when successful in the 2180 metre Next Payments Trotters Mobile to commence the program. Driven by Abby Sanderson, Jessicas Sory began safely from the pole to follow Bettor Man (gate four) enjoying the run of the race.

Making full use of the sprint lane, Jessicas Story raced clear over the final stages to record a 4.1 metre margin over Bettor Man, with At The Distance (gate four – one/one) third 2.1 metres back after being left in the open prior to the home turn when Pro Hibition (gate five) galloped. The mile rate 2-06.5.

■ The 2180 metre Tellurian Wines 3Y0 Maiden Pace was similar to race one race when Sweet Lou-Shes Norma Jean gelding Rom Baro at start number two scored in a 2-02.3 mile rate.

Bred, raced and trained by former Kilmore resident Charlene Gusman now based at Kialla, Rom Baro driven by Liam Older starting inside the second line trailed the poleline pacemaker Bungy and after easing away from the markers on turning, ran home strongly to score easily by 11.1 metres in advance of Bungy, with Heavenly Flyer (gate three – one/one third) a nose away.

It was an unforgettable night for

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday – Charlton, Tuesday –Shepparton.

Charlene after stable favourite Clives Girl (Nick Beale) snared the 1690 metre MC Labour Concession Drivers Pace. Restrained at the start from gate five to angle to the back of the poleline leader Fake Cullection, Clives Girl dashed through along the sprint lane on turning to record a 1.2 metre victory in a rate of 2-01.8 over a death-seating Miss Hermes (gate four) which fought on gamely. Quick Crunch one/ one from outside the front line was third 1.9 metres back. Clives Girl is a half sister by Bettors Delight to Rom Baro having now won in excess of $80,000.

■ The 1690 metre OKRFM Trotters Mobile was a rough result for punters after Riddell owner/trainer/driver Freddy Spiteri’s handy 8Y0 Love You-I Am Majestic gelding Te Amo at odds of $19.00 got the cash.

Settling four back along the markers from gate five as Piesridingshotgun beginning with his usual gate speed from outside the front line led, Te Amo after extricating wide on turning finished with a wet sail out wide to record a 2.1 metre victory over Dee Jay Dex (extreme draw – taken back to the tail – three wide to lead at the bell). Gatesys Mate (one/one from inside the second line) was third a nose away after being slightly held up on the final bend. The mile rate 2-04.1.

■ The Shinn name is synonymous with Kilmore and Wallan trainer Ruth Shinn would have been jumping for joy when 7Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Shes Pinkalicious gelding Archaa cracked it for his first win since August 2024 by taking the Broadstead Kilmore Pace over 2180 metres in a mile rate of 2-01.9.

Raced by Noel Shinn and veteran Kilmore local Carl O’Dwyer, Archaa driven by Chris Shinn at start 100 led throughout at odds of $41.00 and couldn’t be caught, scoring easily by 7.8 metres from Major Maurie (gate two second line - one/one) which switched to the sprint lane on turning, with the heavily supported Tobys Shout one/two from the extreme draw third a half neck back.

■ Ten year old Great Success-Majestic Eclipse gelding Allwatfunjingles having his third start in seven days and 122 overall landed the Coulter Legal Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres in a 2-03.6 mile rate. Raced and trained by Melton’s Steve Alexandrou and driven by Blake Pace, Allwatfunjingles in the ‘drive of the night’ was taken back to the rear from outside the front line as Bet Bet Hotshot (gate four) led.

Set alight racing for the bell with a withering burst of speed on the rain soaked track, Allwatfunjingles crossed to lead for the last lap defyng all challengers to record a 3.5 metre margin in advance of a deathseating Madge Egan (gate five) and Lavengers Boy (gate two – one/one). It was Allwatfunjingles’ 12th success. Len Baker

Latest News

Affray at Flinders St

■ Six people were arrested following an affray at Flinders St Station on satyrday night (June 6). Police were called after witnesses reported up to ten people, some armed with machetes, were seen fighting in the concourse area about 10pm. Officers converged on the area and searched for those involved. Four people who had boarded at train at a platform were arrested after they were found armed with machetes.

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CRAIGIEBURN. Available now. Clean, quiet furnished ensuite-room available in old Craigieburn. Suitable for a working professional or student. Includes private bathroom, shared kitchen/ laundry, WiFi, safe onstreet parking, close to transport and shops. Nonsmoker, no pets preferred. GC. $340. 0419 681 292.U-Y

BED. Hospital-type. Fully adjustable, electric with side rails and pneumatic alternating pressure mattress and controller. EC. $2400. Watsonia. 0490 130 660.U-Y

BED FRAME. With stands and base. EC. $55. Baxter. 0407 047 602. X-BB

BED HEAD. Book shelf. Wooden light colour. VGC. $40. Baxter. 0407 047 602. X-BB

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CHAIR. Black,. Firm. Comfortable seat and back. VGC. $25.. Baxter. 0407 047 602.X-BB

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CHAIN. 12 metres. 10mm thick. Retail price: $350. My price: $175. Viewbank. 0418 366 588.U-Y

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DESK. With 4 drawesr. brown teak colour. As new. $50. Baxter. 0407 047 602.X-BB

DINING CHAIRS. Parker. 6. Solid vintage frames, FC. Upholstery could use a clean or recover but structurally sound. Great project for restoration or retro dining setup. Selling as set of six. Pickup required. Message if interested. $1000. Greensborough. 0433 366 628.Q-W

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DRUM KIT. Rogers USA. 40 years old. Re-skinned in black. Comp,lete with cymbals, hi-hat, heavy duty stands and stool. Great sounding drums. VGC. $2300. Rye. 0415 441 843.X-BB

DVDs. 350+. Some new. Hot Rod Street Classic, Motor Bike Shows. 1956 up to 2020 movies. Cars, war, romance, Aussie crime, Western, Nature. Box sets. VHS. Planet of the Apes. More. Also Cassettes, Music. VGC. $150 or best offer. Healesville. 5962 6219.Q-W

FIREWOOD. 3 metres. All wood cut up. ready for use. $85. Cranbourne area. 0466 690 323.U-Y

GARDEN ROCKS. Good quality. All free. Bulleen. 9850 5128.U-Y

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

HORSE RUG. Tartan. Hardly used. GC. $30. Macleod. 9459 6714. O-S

KITCHEN CHAIRS. Nameo. 4. 1950s/60s. Chrome and mustard colour, vinyl. GC. $250. Glenroy. 9306 7628. I-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

LOUNGE SUITE. 3-piece top quality luxury leather. Light cream Moran pillow type. Unused Lounge. $1800. Armchairs, $990 each. 2 throws and 2 pillows included. Essendon area. 0419 384 496. Q-W

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Freedom Odyssey Plus, as new, 2 batteries, fully charged. Manual with instructions and invoice. Not needed anymore. Can inspect anytime. EC. $1800. Heidelberg. 0429 054 065.H-K

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

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PLUMBING DOWNPIPE. Colourbond Steel. 100x50mm. Four lengths at 1.8 metres. Yea. 0419 109 887. O-S

REGISTRATION

PLATES. Personalised. ‘MISUBI’. Slimline. B&W. VGC. $550. Frankston. 9789 9634. O-S

ROOF HOIST. Flo con Auto Mounted Car Roof Hoist. For disability patient., with key locks and lifting harness and patient seat. Works well. GC. $1300. Ferntree Gully. 0421 353 012.X-BB

HEATER. Dimplex. Electric Portable. 7 vane. VGC. $60. Frankston. 9789 9634 O-S

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening. GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.H-K

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

WETSUIT. Men’s. Wavelength. PFP Type 3. Suitable for waterskiing. Intended body mass 60kg. and cover, manufactured 2001. Catalogue No 3025, batch 0639. Rarely used, EC. $50. Greensborough. 0433 366 628.Q-W

TRUCKS WANTED for reale or wrecking. Richard, 0419 566 009.Q-W

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Precipe

For the record, the living woman known only by her proper name, Leah Bridget of Elwood, Victoria, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of the Terra Australis State (Terra Australis). I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce. I hold, by right of original claim, the paramount security interest over all estates, property, assets, and collateral, both registered and unregistered. This absolute security interest extends over all associated copyright-protected trade names, including: LEAH FRAME, FRAME LEAH BRIDGET, LEAH BRIDGET FRAME, LEAH B FRAME, LEAH B. FRAME, L.B. FRAME, L B FRAME, FRAME LEAH, Leah Bridget FRAME, LEAH Frame, Leah FRAME, FRAME Leah, LEAH B. Frame, Leah B. FRAME, Leah Frame, Leah Bridget Frame, Leah B. Frame, L.F., LF, LBF, L.B.F., and MS LB. My lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded under Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 28447 50606 on the Proclamation Date of 24 July 2025. Consequently, all usufruct subjugation ties with the corporate government of Australia are severed. I declare that I am no longer under government oversight, hereby rescind all government benefits, have removed myself from all government voting rolls, and I refuse and waive any requirement to enter into a RECOGNIZANCE anywhere as a person before the law. This standing reflects the peremptory norms of international law (jus cogens) from which no derogation is permitted, binding all state organs and corporate entities regardless of domestic legislative provisions to the contrary. The corporate Australian government and its affiliates are hereby instructed to cease and desist misaddressing or misrepresenting the living Christian woman, Leah Bridget, acting in her private capacity, including through the use of debased Dog-Latin or GLOSSA, to immediately cease and desist infringing upon my estate, private property, assets, collateral, and copyright-protected trade names.

CLAIM: SOLE FIDUCIARY/DIRECTOR/EXECUTOR

TRUSTEE FOR THEIR ESTATES

Living Souls: Nick Papas, Man; Rena Papas, Woman; William Papas, Man; Mia Papas, Woman (any name derivative). NOTICE: To any entity, body, man or woman that believe they have any authority or interest in said Estates may view/rebut documents at Public Notices: www.thecommonwealthofaustralia.com.au

Notice of Precipe

For the record Marta Popa© nee Servanis, on Victoria, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 38541 62601 on Proclamation Date10th September 2025, respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Marta Popa© nee Servanis in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P26/0034

The Land affected by the application is located at: 33 OLD MORNINGTON ROAD MOUNT ELIZA VIC 3930 LOT 14 LP 56821 VOL 8399 FOL 665

The application is for a permit to: VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT B943890 AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBEDAS LOT 14 ON LP56821 VOL 8399 FOL 665 BY REPLACING THE WORDS THAN ONE DWELLING HOUSE” WITH THE WORDS “OTHER THAN TWO DWELLING HOUSES” AND DELETING THE WORDS “AND THAT SUCH DWELLING HOUSE SHALL COST NOT LESS THAN FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS”, DEVELOP A SECOND DWELLING, SUBDIVIDE THE LAND INTO TWO (2) LOTS, REMOVE VEGETATION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

Planning SchemeMatter for which a permit is Clauserequired

Clause 32.08-3 (GRZ)Subdivide land

Clause 32.08-7 (GRZ) Construct a dwelling where there is at least one dwelling existing on the lot

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO4) Construct a building or construct or carry out works (Dwelling)

Clause 43.02-2 (DDO4) Subdivide land

Clause 42.02-2 (VPO1) Remove, destroy or lop any vegetation specified in the schedule to this overlay

Clause 52.02Vary a restriction

The applicant for the permit is: NEPEAN PLANNING CONSULTANTS

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 24 JUNE 2026

How can I find out more? You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

PUBLIC NOTICES

HEALTH RECORDS NOTICE — TRANSFER OF PRACTICE

(STRACHAN EYECARE PLUS BLACKBURN)

Strachan Eyecare Plus, located at Shop 22, Blackburn Square, 66 Springfield Road, Blackburn, advises that this practice is being transferred to Jacky Wu, long-time employee of Greg and Sue Strachan, and that Greg and Sue will be retiring and no longer be providing health services. The business will continue under the same name.

Your health records

In accordance with Health Privacy Principle 10.2 of the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), patients who have received health services at Strachan Eyecare Plus are advised that their health records will be made available for transfer to themselves or to a health service provider of their choice.

Patients who wish to arrange transfer of their records should contact Strachan Eyecare Plus at blackburn@strachaneyecare.com.au within 21 days of the date of this notice.

After that time, records will be dealt with in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

Continuity of your care

We want to reassure you that Jacky and the rest of the Strachan Eyecare Plus team, including Petra, Hana, Christa, Phoenix, David, Elisabeth, Ray, Helen, Carolyn, and Lauren, who have been working alongside Greg and Sue for many years, will all remain in place. You can expect the same high level of care and personal attention you have always received.

Dated: 27 th May, 2026

Contact: blackburn@strachaneyecare.com.au or 9878 9095

Jacky Wu and the Strachan Eyecare Plus Team

HEALTH RECORDS NOTICE — TRANSFER OF PRACTICE

(STRACHAN EYECARE PLUS BALWYN)

Strachan Eyecare Plus, located at Shop 4, Belmore Plaza, 399 Belmore Road, Balwyn, advises that this practice is being transferred to Jacky Wu, long-time employee of Greg and Sue Strachan, and that Greg and Sue will be retiring and no longer be providing health services. The business will continue under the same name.

Your health records

In accordance with Health Privacy Principle 10.2 of the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic), patients who have received health services at Strachan Eyecare Plus are advised that their health records will be made available for transfer to themselves or to a health service provider of their choice.

Patients who wish to arrange transfer of their records should contact Strachan Eyecare Plus at balwyn@strachaneyecare.com.au within 21 days of the date of this notice.

After that time, records will be dealt with in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic).

Continuity of your care

We want to reassure you that Jacky and the rest of the Strachan Eyecare Plus team, including Petra, Hana, Christa, Phoenix, David, Elisabeth, Ray, Helen, Carolyn, and Lauren, who have been working alongside Greg and Sue for many years, will all remain in place. You can expect the same high level of care and personal attention you have always received.

Dated: 27th May, 2026

Contact: balwyn@strachaneyecare.com.au or 9857 9375

Jacky Wu and the Strachan Eyecare Plus Team

Packaged liquor licence application

I/We, UDAO PTY LTD trading as HOT MART, applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 15th May 2026 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at Unit 3/ 993 North Rd, Murrumbeena VIC 3163.

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:

• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or

• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection.

All objections are treated as public documents.

Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria GPO Box 4356 Melbourne VIC 3001 Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice.

Notice of Praecipe

For the record Andreas Mardes(c) and Paulina Winnifred Mardes(c) in care of Wonga Park, Victoria State are permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce and we are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, properties, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 28511 90600 and RPP44 63900 05100 28511 91607 respectively on Proclamation Date 16th March 2026. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and it’s affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Andreas Mardes(c) and Paulina Winnifred Mardes(c) in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estates, properties, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

Copyright Notice, Acknowledgements

The Copyright Act 1968 – Section 42 (‘Fair Dealing for purpose of reporting news) provides:

(1) A fair dealing with a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work, or work with an adaptation of a literary, dramatic or musical work, does not constitute an infringement of the copyright in the work if:

(a) it is for the purpose of, or is associated with, the reporting of news in a newspaper, magazine or similar periodical and a sufficient acknowledgement of the work is made; or (b) it is for the purpose of, or is associated with the reporting of news by means of a communication or in a cinematogrpah film.”