The Local Paper. Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Wed., June 10, 2026

Local News

$10,000 for Lena

■ Lena Tupua is the founder of Hands, Heart, Hope, a grassroots charity walking the streets of Melbourne's CBD seven nights a week overnight, delivering hot food, clothing and sleeping bags to rough sleepers in their loneliest hour. Last Thursday (June 4), Lena was crowned the overall winner of the Bunnings Community Legends Awards and received $10,000 for her charity.

Woolies sues Loop

■ Woolworths is suing the Suburban Rail Loop Authority for more than $70 million over the compulsory acquisition of the retail giant’s warehouse facility in Clayton

First solo exhibition

■ Talented Boroondara mouth painting artist Geoff Dossetor is holding the first solo exhibition of his work, entitled Overcoming Adversity, at Hawthorn Town Hall Gallery from June 17 to July 25. After a hang-gliding accident in 2001 left him quadriplegic, Dossetor began painting using brushes held in his mouth. OvercomingAdversity is a community exhibition that explores artistic expression in the face of a life-altering injury.

Wide readership

● ● This edition covers Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026

CRACKDOWN ON RETAIL THIEVES

■ Victoria Police ‘Operation Stand’ officers continue to crack down on recidivist and aggressive retail thieves in the Melbourne CBD and Yarra areas.

Their latest catch was a 38-year-old Footscray man who is alleged to have stolen more than $30,000 worth of goods from supermarkets, department stores and other retail outlets between October and May.

Goodsd allegedly stolen include vitamins, medicines, sanitary goods, perfumes/ fragrances, baby formula and luxury handbags.

It is believe that the goods were then onsold to a third party buyer.

The man was arrested in Carnegie on Thursday (June 4) and has been charged with 44 counts of shop steal.

He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 1.

Operation Stand was launched in July 2024 and has a dedicated team of police engaging daily with retailers to identity thieves and hold them to account.

Since its launch, the team has made

‘Polluter

■ A joint letter containing 310 signatures was due to be submitted to this week’s Glen Eira Council meeting calling for a ‘Polluter Pays’ scheme.

It called on the Council to have coal, oil and gas corporations paying their share for the costs of climate change.

“Local councils and residents shouldn’t be left holding the bill while corporations pocket the profits,” said the letter writers.

more than 230 arrests and laid 1335 charges.

Acting Sergeant Brendan Mason said:

“Operation Stand remains committed to holding to account prolific and aggressive retail thieves.

“Anyone thinking of coming into the city to steal for profit should know it won’t be long until we’re knocking on your door.”to steal for profit should know it won’t be long until we’re knocking on your door.”

Pays’ at Glen Eira?

“We call on City of Glen Eira to pass a Polluter Pays motion to support a Climate Compensation Fund, which would help protect local services, strengthen and repair infrastructure, and fund disaster response and preparedness – ensuring our community can stay safe and thrive.

“Council should formally call on the Australian Federal Government to:

■ Establish a Climate Compensation Fund, paid for by

a levy on major coal, oil and gas export corporations –not ratepayers and taxpayers;

■ Earmark funds for local councils to cover the rising costs of climate adaptation, disaster recovery and resilience;

■ Provide sustained, legislated funding so councils can plan for the future with certainty; and

■ Prioritise protecting ratepayers and taxpayers from bearing the escalating costs of climate damage.

‘Secret plan for high rise towers’

■ Caulfield MLA David Southwick says the Allan Labor Government has a secret plan to expand its high-rise activity centres from 60 to 210 locations, turning almost every railway station in Melbourne into a 20-storey high-density housing zone.

Mr Southwick says new documents tabled in State Parliament have confirmed Labor’s Department of Treasury and Finance has advised activity centres “should be expanded to an additional 150 train stations and tram line locations by 2028 to reach the 800,000 target”.

Mr Southwick says Labor’s activity centres sideline local residents from planning decisions and will force onesize-fits-all housing options on communities across Melbourne.

He says the independent Grattan Institute has also warned that only a fraction of the targeted homes are currently economically viable due to Victoria’s “burdensome property taxes and red tape”.

Locals in King’s Birthday Honours

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the General Division

Mrs Elisabeth Janet Calvert-Jones

AO . For eminent service to philanthropy, to the arts, to medical research organisations, to the community, and to children and youth.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division

The late Professor Katrina Jane Allen, Toorak. For distinguished service to medical research as a paediatric allergist and gastroenterologist, and to the people and Parliament of Australia.

Mr Sidney Hordern Myer AM . For distinguished service to the community through philanthropic endeavours, to equality, to the arts, and to AustralianAsian relations.

Dr John Henry Spierings. For distinguished service to social policy research and advocacy, to the not-for-profit sector, and to the community of Port Phillip.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

Ro Allen. For significant service to the community through social reform and human rights advocacy.

Professor Greg John Bamber, Melbourne . For significant service to tertiary education, and to international industrial relations research.

Emeritus Professor Martin George Bean CBE.For significant service to tertiary education governance, to digital learning, and to business.

Ms Deborah Jane Blakey. For significant service to the superannuation sector, and to corporate governance.

Ms Margaret Rose Cole. For significant service to finance through regulatory reform in the industry.

Professor Grahame John Coleman. For significant service to animal welfare science, and to the discipline of human psychology.

Mr Edward John Coten, Glen Iris. For significant service to sports administration, and to basketball.

Mr Iain Edwards. For significant service to community health, and to people who are blind or have low vision.

Dr Peter Ross Elliott. For significant service to gastroenterology, and to fundraising for research into inflammatory bowel diseases.

Associate Professor Miron Goldwasser. For significant service to orthopaedic surgery, and to clinical education and training.

Dr Jennifer Anne Harrison, Windsor. For significant service to youth and children's psychiatry, and to the arts.

Professor Terence Jeyaretnam, Camberwell. For significant service to social justice, and to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Mr Michael Kennedy, Hampton. For significant service to snow sport development and advancement in Australia, and to international sport governance.

Mr Adrian John Kloeden. For significant service to business and commerce, and to the tertiary education sector.

Professor Richard Alan Macdonell. For significant service to neurology, to clinical electrophysiology, and to tertiary education.

The late Justice Kate McMillan SC. For significant service to the judiciary, to the law, and to the community.

TOOLS STOLEN AT SOUTHBANK

■ Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a Southbank burglary, where an unsuspecting ride-share driver may have been cast as a getaway wheelman.

Detectives believe an unknown male offender gained access to a business on City Rd via an unlocked door and made a phone call to an accomplice about 4.20am on Friday, April 17.

Less than an hour later, a second male arrived on scene and also entered the building.

The pair stole items including an oil pump and Tek Edge tools valued at about $1000.

The offenders took off from the scene in a white Toyota Camry , stationary on Ballantyne St about 5.15am.

Investigators believe the person behind the wheel of the Toyota may have been a ride-share driver, completely unaware of the burglary.

Police have released images and CCTV footage of two males whom they believe can assist with the investigation.

The first man is perceived to be of a stocky build, about 40-years-old, Caucasian in appearance, with dark hair and a goatee beard.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black cap with yellow writing, blue jeans, black jumper, black runners and carrying a grey backpack and black duffle bag.

The second man is of medium build, aged in his 30s or 40s, Caucasian in appearance, unshaven, with brown hair.

He was wearing a North Face puffer jacket with blue trimmings, a grey hoodie, black jeans, black runners with red laces and carrying a Coles reusable cold bag.

In praise of Father Peter

The life, faith and courage of

Ms Westaway recognised the priest’s ongoing battle with multiple system atrophy, or MSA

“In June 2025 Father Peter and his family received the absolutely devastating diagnosis of this awful illness.

“He had previously been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but after a fall caused by extremely low blood pressure further investigation confirmed that he had MSA, a rare progressive neurological disorder affecting movement, blood pressure, speech, swallowing, and over time, a person’s total independence.

“Father Peter’s sister Julie McLean is a friend of mine and a constituent. Julie has spoken with deep love and admiration of her brother Peter.

“From the age of eight, after receiving his first Holy Communion, Peter knew he wanted to become a priest. He went on to devote his life to the priesthood, serving parish communities across the Sale diocese.

“In May 2025 he marked 50 years of ordination, receiving a special papal blessing from Pope Francis ”

●

Police have issued this image from

Church St BBQ row

■ Bayside Council has responded to a complaint about a barbecue impeding pedestrian access on Church St

“In investigating the complaint, it has been established that the trader did not have a permit for a barbeque at this site,” said a Council rdepresengtative.

“We are working with the trader to ensure compliance with relevant local laws and that permits have been issued. Council has supported the trader to continue to operate while the matter is resolved. Council is supportive of our traders and improving the quality and accessibility of our Bayside activity centres, which are the lifeblood of our municipality.”

‘Worth nothing’

■ Brighton MLA James Newbury says written commitments from the State Government are “worth nothing”.

“My question is to the Premier [ Jacinta Allan]. Why did the State Labor Government break their written promise committing to resurface unsafe Hampton St in Hampton? “Bayside knows that Labor neglects our community. As Anthony said: “The road has deteriorated to the point where it is genuinely unsafe. The number and size of the potholes are forcing drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid damage, creating a serious risk of an accident.

“In December then Roads Minister Horne gave a written commitment that: “Hampton St from South Rd to Beach Rd is planned for resurfacing in April 2026. But as we know, the Labor government’s written commitment is worth nothing. When the Government trucks turned up, they only resurfaced a fraction of the road between Beach Rd and Ludstone St.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 75

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

■ 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

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-

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.

■ 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.

Bilingual education here

■ École Primaire de Camberwell - or Camberwell Primary School - has been praised by Hawthorn MLA John Pesutto.

“This phenomenal school has been delivering an innovative French–English immersion curriculum for more than 25 years,” Mr Pesutto told Parliament last week.

“The program delivers exceptional educational outcomes and attracts families from across Melbourne seeking a world-class bilingual education for their children.

“But more can be done. I join Dr Bertha Bazalar, School Council Vice-President, and the entire Camberwell Primary community in calling on the Government to support the establishment of a bilingual kindergarten onsite, creating a seamless language immersion pathway from early learning through to Year 6 and helping more Victorian children access the benefits of bilingual education,” Mr Pesutto said.

Justices of Peace

■ The important work of Victoria’s justices of the peace, has also been acknowledged by Mr Pesutto.

The JPs “quietly provide thousands of hours of voluntary service each year, helping Victorians access legal and administrative services close to home”.

“Despite the value they deliver to our community, support for the recruitment and ongoing training of

JPs from this government has not kept pace with the importance of their role.

“As the demand for their services grows, concerns remain about whether enough is being done to equip and sustain the next generation of volunteers.

“I particularly wish to recognise Lynette Giddings, a constituent of mine, for her strong advocacy to improve access to the services and support that hardworking JPs provide in our community,” Mr Pesutto said.

100,000 trees

■ More than 100,000 trees will be under Kingston Council management by the end of this year's planting program.

Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley joined Council’s Urban Forest Team at Bicentennial Park in Chelsea to plant some of the first trees of the season, helping kick off this year’s planting program.

Planting runs from May to September each year, when cooler conditions help young trees establish strong roots before the summer heat.

This year, the Council is aiming to plant a record 5200 trees, including 1200 funded through the Suburban Rail Loop Authority agreement to help replace lost canopy from major projects.

All new trees are maintained for two years, including regular watering to support healthy establishment.

■ The Glen Eira Storytelling Festival celebrates storytelling in all its forms. From music and performance, play and puppetry — to poetry, author talks and engaging discussions — the Festival is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

www.storytellingfestival.com.au

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

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

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

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

Senior Service Senior Moments

Aged care caps

■ The Federal Government's decision to defer price caps for the Support at Home aged care program protects older Australians from unintended consequences, Catholic Health Australia said. CHA also strongly backed the announcement of consumer protections it had advocated for, including new powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to order refunds where providers are found to be overcharging.

Palliative re-think

■ Australia must fundamentally rethink how it supports people living with dementia, with palliative care introduced earlier and more consistently, leading palliative care physician Dr Michael Chapman has told a National Palliative Care Week audience.

Speaking at a Special Guest Lecture, Rethinking Dementia and End-of-Life Care, at Parliament House, Dr Chapman called for a shift in how dementia care is understood, planned and provided.

Dementia is now the leading cause of death among older Australians , but many people are still not recognised as needing palliative care until very late in their illness. He said this means too many people with dementia are missing out on support that could improve quality of life.

DOWNSIZERS SEEK UNIQUE SOLUTIONS

■ Intergenerational living is on the rise but with it also being synonymous with cramped homes and a lack of independence, Australians are seeking unique solutions offering the benefits of the trend but without having multiple generations under the one roof.

With Australia facing an aging population, more downsizers are now having to consider the needs of their parents as they embark on their own retirement journey.

One family who found the right balance is the Goldsworthys who recently made the move to Waterline Place by AVJennings (now AVID Property Group) in Williamstown , after seeking out a new home which suited both their retirement and changing family needs.

Shane Goldsworthy and his wife Liz were initially drawn to Waterline Place because of the ability to lock up and leave after they had returned from a caravan trip around Australia to find their home in need of some desperate ‘TLC’

“Having recently retired, we had spoken about downsizing, and this was just the push we needed to find something we could easily pack up and feel confident our home was secure when we’re away,” Mr Goldsworthy said.

Wait for aged care

■ New figures show it takes 12 months on average to get a spot in an aged care home or receive at-home support. These were released as part of the first report on wait times from the new Aged Care Act Professor Hal Swerissen said: “The pace of reform in aged care is too slow. Without additional aged care places, many older people and their families will continue to live with inadequate support at home or be stuck in a hospital bed.”

My Aged Care overhaul

■ The Inspector-General of Aged Care’s final report of its Review of My AgedCare, has exposed significant flaws and inadequacies with the platform designed to be the single-entry point to the aged care system.

The review found that My Aged Care is onerously complex to navigate and not tailored to the needs of older people; it is poorly understood due to a lack of awareness; the delivery model is not fitfor-purpose; and there is a lack of equity for older people from diverse backgrounds or complex needs.

Older Persons Advocacy Network CEO Craig Gear said the findings are not surprising given what it is consistently heard from older people, with My Aged Care in need of an overhaul.

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

● ● Val Lehman

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

Over the years Val Lehman has had a great career in show business. Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

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.

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 JOIN FORCES AT NIDA

■ 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.

"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

Dandenong

Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, June 10

Aboucham, Aisha Ali, Hussain Anuwar, Mohd Asi, Geno Azemi, Fatmir Batt, Tristan Batten, Craig David Benning, Scott Bigham, Daniel Blackburn, Robert Blainey, Cody Botan, Ibrahim Boyle, Kirsty Victoria Brittain, Sky Brown, Jessica Brown, Nathan Buckley, Brandon Carrig, Lucy Chavez, Cesar Chebii, Christopher Kimosop Christianson, Damon Connelly, Taj Coster, Christopher Crout, Sharday Davidson, Dean Robert Davies, Tuncay Demeter, Isabella Deng, Joseph Simon D'enyar, Geoffrey John Eastough, Wayne Richard Eng, Wei Zhing Fassett, Travis Fateh, Ahmed Naveed Fateh, Naveed Findlay, Robert Fleming, Aria Fonoti, Dan Uili Fraser, Asher Fry, Christopher Gee, Colin Goethe-Hooper, David Groat, Amber Grujic, Ziva Haining, Mark Hall, Benjamin Peter Hawkins, Shayden He, Ying Zhuong Herbert, Stephanie Hettiarchchi, Manoj Hickey, Joshua James Hussaini, Daniel Ibrahim, Ibrahim Janif, Mohammed Jayasinghe, Sagava Jayawardana, Mahesh Jonees, Baylie Jusufovski, Fezus Kamoen, Ronald Karasmanis, Sarah L.A. Recycling Leong, Leila Lodin, Ja Ma Mabior, Akon Mainyal, Nyal Masin, Matthew Mcdonald, Louis Mckay, Callum Mohammad, Shafiq Mohd, Anuwar Muon, Guamar Nawl, Tluang Nazari, Marziyeh Ngueng, Akon Mabior Nguyen, Paul Nor, Chhim O'hayon, James Phillip Ozzar, Edda Page, Luke Pakoti, Jai Pleban, Jai Rafiq, Mostapha Rallis, Dimitri Rastogi, Harshnardhan Reardon, Glenn Reid, James Sava, Michael Seumanufagai, Va Sezdirmezoglu, Timothy Singh, Naval Smith, Gregory Smith, Luke

Smith, Theresa Soto, Billy Spreckley, Andrew Stahl, Luke Tamburro, Michael Francis Trewin, John Tucker, Alan Vervris, Chris Vete, Kevin Vilvarasa, Kiritharshan Vithanage, Mayura Walker, Daniel Williams, Leon Reece Williamson, Randall Corey Windsor, Luke Wolfe, Sean Douglas Woodford, Geoffery Worku, Liben Young, Mikayla Zappia, Frank Zaw Min Tun, Omar Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, June 10 Afridi, Imran Aksu, Dilara Alexiadis, Evthokimos Appleyard, Jane Ariyapperuma Arachch, Ravidhu Demant Bell, Lucas Bond, Rhyl Breer, Jessica Broomham, Melinda Byers, Tyson Chilcott, Shakarah Chin, Philip Ijun Chol, Charles Chalia Choudhary, Viren Cornelissen, Tammantha Cotsomitis, Jordan Domaschenz, Jasmin Fowler-Drysdale, Bethany Ghotra, Jai Gilubovic, Nebojsa Golubovic, Nebojsa Hang, Emma Hans, Gurpuneet Harrington, Christopher Healey, Oliver Henries, Anthony Hikkaduwa Liyanage, Wageesha Dilanka Hill, Andrew Hill, Jay Albert Huntly, Morgan Hurst, Tahlia Kader, Sam Abdel Katrodiya, Priyal Krause, Paul Lauder, Alysha Lu, Zhong Li Martins, Julio Maurakh, Daria Morris, Noah Morris, Phoebe O'brien, Dean Pandya, Karishma Parrott, Daniel Payne, Christopher Pek, Tony Phillips, Rodney Michael Polman, Russell Puric, Mahir Rani, Muhamad Fuat Reid, Simon Patrick Ren, Zhi Min Robinson, Kevin Robinson, Krystyn Sekuloski, Andrej Shahrestani, Qumars Islamdost Sharkey, Sarah Smith, Michael David Song, Chengyou Tannous, George Thomson, Kaitlyn Vermeer, John Paul Vlek, Anthony Vos, Ashley Vu, Nhat Watson, Celine Young, John Yu, Liwen

Future of waste in Kingston

■ Kingston Council is seeking community feedback on the Draft Waste Strategy, which outlines the future direction of waste and recycling services in Kingston In 2025, hundreds of residents shared their views on waste and recycling through surveys, community events and faceto-face conversations.

Feedback highlighted that while current services are generally working well, there are opportunities to improve recycling, reduce waste and strengthen Council’s response to illegal dumping. This feedback has helped shape the Draft Waste Strategy and identify priorities for the years ahead.

Consultation closes on Tuesday, June 30.

Birthday Honours

Professor Anna Rosamilia, Malvern East. For significant service to urogynaecology through education, mentoring and training.

Ms Bridget Ruth Shaw. For significant service to physiotherapy, to clinical training, and to advanced practice leadership.

Ms Sally Jane Smart. For significant service to the arts as an administrator, educator and visual artist.

Emeritus Professor Kaye Christine Stacey. For significant service to tertiary and secondary education, and to mathematics.

Mr Edward Richard Tudor OAM, South Yarra. For significant service to secondary education governance, and to the not-for-profit sector.

Mr Neil Donald Westbury PSM. For significant service to the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory and Victoria.

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

Mr Panagiotis (Peter) Andrinopoulos, Elsternwick. For service to the Greek community of Melbourne.

Mr Colin Roy Axup. For service to secondary education.

Mr Leslie John Baguley, Dingley Village. For service to the community through charitable initiatives.

Ms Elaine Chia. For service to arts administration.

Dr Dov Aharon Degen, Brighton. For service to medicine, and to mental health support.

Mr Ian Victor Gardner, Carnegie. For services to youth through solar modelling.

Ms Bernadette Gigliotti. For service to secondary and vocational education.

Mrs Tallilah May. For service to the Jewish community.

Mr Geoffrey Charles McCracken, Ashburton. For service to Australian rules football.

Mr Andrew Lewis Mullett, McKinnon. For service to Australian rules football.

Mr Andrew James Porter, Glen Iris For service to business, and to corporate governance.

Ms Julia Monique Reichstein. For service to the community, and to librarianship.

Mrs Carla Sharp, Armadale.For service to the Jewish community.

Mr Barry Robert Sneddon, Brighton East. For service to sports administration.

Mr Aaron Ronald White, Cheltenham. For service to the community of Brighton.

Dr Ann Leslie Wollner. For service to the Jewish community.

Local News Station upgrades

■ The Stonnington Waste Transfer Station will be closed from Monday, June 22, to Saturday, June 27, and reopen on Sunday, June 28.

The purpose of the closure is to carry out maintenance to improve the facility.

This includes:

■ raising the roof so the Council can accept more green waste from trucks with trays

■ upgrading the pump and motor on the mechanical floor

■ updating the line markings and signage to make navigating the drop off points for each type of waste clearer (rubbish, cardboard, bottles, green waste, e-waste, metals).

Local peoplde can still dispose of small e-waste at our recycling stations at libraries and other Council sites.

Other council waste facilities are open as usual during this time, including the Boorondara Recycling and Waste Centre in Camberwell, and the Monash Recycling and Waste Centre in Notting Hill.

■ Women from across Port Phillip’s sporting community gathered at the South Melbourne Life Saving Club for a day focused on confidence, communication and connection. Delivered by Carol Fox, it brought together 20 participants from a wide range of roles.

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

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

MULTIPLE VICTORIES FOR GREAT WESTERN

■ It was Horsham in the Wimmera racing on Monday May 25, when the club conducted an eight race program on a day where multiple victories to Great Western’s Jason Ainsworth and champion reinsman James Herbertson were achieved, while the feature event of the afternoon the $7,000 Barry Dunn Memorial Pace named in honor of local trainer/driver Aaron’s dad was the highlight – the victor being 3Y0 American Ideal-One Golden Day filly One Golden Deal.

Trained by Aaron and driven by ‘Herbie’, One Golden Deal (one of four for the afternoon) was given the run on the race from the pole trailing her stablemate Scooter Lou with Luke Sutherland in the sulky.

Using the sprint lane, One Golden Deal recorded a 1.5 metre margin over a deathseating Ranger Rick (gate five) who was very game. Sit/sprinter Tallaras Shadow (one/two from outside the front line was third a half head away. The mile rate 1-58.9.

■ Jason Ainsworth’s first leg of a training double was 3Y0 Classic ConnectionKaylasister gelding Redblueandpurple in the 2200 metre The Weekly Advertiser Maiden Trotters Mobile.

Driven by Jason, Redblueandpurple after being trapped three wide from outside the front line was restrained to settle five back along the markers and one/two at the bell as Hes Runaway Bay (Matty Craven) led from gate six.

Easing three wide on the final bend, Redblueandpurple ran home best to gain the day by 1.2 metres over the leader, with Maoris Avenger (three pegs from gate three) 28.2 metres away third. Raced by partner Natasha Raven, Redblueandpurple returned a 2-5.3 mile rate.

Jason combined with James Herbertson aboard 3Y0 American Ideal-Bring The Bubbles filly Bubble Over to land the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Maiden Pace over 2200 metres to give him a double on the day, leading throughout from gate three to account for Imallattitude (gate six – one/ two) by 1.5 metres in a mile rate of 1-59. French Pleasure (outside front line) after a tough trip was third 2.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.

■ On a great day for Wedderburn’s Youngson family, six year old Pegasus Spur-Maoris Got Muscle mare Fremarks Peggy was successful for Wedderburn’s Nick Youngson in the 2200 metre Pacing For Pink – Go The Pink Pants Trotters Handicap and 7Y0 Danny BoucheaWindsor Block mare Poppy Popstar trained by daughter Tarah McNamara in the 3 Cheers For Our Volunteers Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Fremarks Peggy after going forward from gate six to race exposed outside Connies President (gate three) which had crossed Mattyo (gate two), coasted to the wire 10.6 metres in advance of Mattyo and Connies President who was 2.2 metres away third in a mile rate of 2-04.6, while Poppy Popstar part-owned and trained by Tarah McNamara after going forward from gate six to cross semi-stablemate Champagnes (Nick Youngson) toyed with her rivals to register a 26.5 metre victory over Champagnes and Lady Suspicious (gate five –three pegs) who was 11.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.5. Herbie drove both winners. Carisbrook part-owner/trainer

■ Tim Mortlock’s 5Y0 Fear The DragonMacy Lila mare Outback Queenie chalked up her 11th success from 79 outings when taking the 1700 metre Lesley & Kevin Lane Paul James Pace.

With Bendigo’s Jack Laugher in the sulky, Outback Queenie after trailing polemarker Keayang Hungry from gate two peeled off his back on turning to score by a neck, with American Assassin (outside front line) running on late from the rear for third 3.6 metres away. The mile rate a slick 1-57.4.

Horsham

■ Ardmona trainer/driver and ‘Pacing For Pink’ ambassador Donna Castles took the honors for the night on Shepparton’s nine race card on Tuesday with a stable double – 6Y0 Yankee Rockster-U R Whatu Eat mare Mussel Shoals taking the 1690 metre The Carrington Mares Pace and 7Y0 Love You-Chew The Fat gelding Van Doren the Saddleworld Shepparton Trotters Mobile over the same trip. Mussel Shoals spent most of the race

three back in the moving line after starting solo on the second line, running on strongly in the straight to account for Thereshewas (outside front line) and Clives Girl (one/one from gate two) who was 1.6 metres back third. The mile rate 156.8. Van Doren received a lovely passage one/one from gate five with old timer Starlight Red leading from gate two. Angling three wide on the home turn, Van Doren was too tough over the concluding stages for Starlight Red and Montana Muscle (outside front line – one/two – five wide home turn) in a 2-02.6 mile rate. The margins 4 metres by a half head. A job well done on both counts Donna.

■ It was that man Herbie again in the winners stall after 265 start 13Y0 I Am The Way-Alberts Belle gelding Iamawingate raced and trained by Allendale’s Adam Stephens landed the 1690 metre Jam Packed Catering Shepparton Pace chalking up his 31st victory.

Taken back from outside the front line to settle at the rear as Abercrombie Limbo (gate two) led before being crossed by Oktolove (gate five), Iamawingate gained a three wide double trail home in the last lap following both Shezabluechip and Mynameisruby before angling five wide on the final bend and rattling to the wire in advance of Oktolove and Abercrombe Limbo. The margins 3.1 by a neck in a mile rate of 1-58.3.

■ Henty owner/trainer Brooke McPherson brought up two wins in succession at the track with 4Y0 Father Patrick-Zhenya gelding Aldebaran Zane scored in the Hygain Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Driven by Ryan Sanderson, Aldebaran Zane starting from the extreme draw settled four back in the moving line as Koufax led from gate two before surrendering to the heavily backed Aldebaran Jazmine (gate three).

Going forward three wide at the bell to join the leader in the back straight, Aldebaran Zane surged to the front prior to the home turn winning easily by 8.5 metres in a 2-01.9 mile rate over Shinelikethesun (gate four – one/two last lap), with Money Talks 6.5 metres away third after coming from the tail three wide uncovered.

■ It was good to see local Mundoona trainer/driver John Newberry victorious in the Munro and Associates Conveyancing Pace over 1690 metres when speedy 7Y0 Live Od Die-Tatiana Rosedale gelding Hez Harrywho was successful. Driven by James Herbertson (his second for the night), Hez Harrywho normally a leader on this occasion was crossed from the pole by Will He Reign (gate five) showing exceptional speed and after enjoying a soft trip eased outside the leader on the final bend.

With Will He Reigh shifting out badly carrying Hez Harrywho wide, “Harry’ rallied as the post loomed to score by a half head only from Lorimermajor along the sprint lane from three pegs in a tricky finish, with Will He Reign 1.4 metres back in third place. It was Harrywho’s ninth victory in 62 outings returning a 1-57.5 mile rate.

Bendigo

■ A nine race program was held at Bendigo on Wednesday and Echuca trainer Fred McKennar and family were winners when 6Y0 Betting Line-Glenferrie Shuffle gelding Line Dance scored a big victory in the 1650 metre Hattam Street Tyre & Me-

chanical Pace. Driven by evergreen Chris Alford, Line Dance scorched away from gate four to lead and after kicking clear on the final bend defied all challengers in the straight (and there were plenty) to register a 4 metre margin over a game Longtan Viper (gate three second line) which after working hard raced three wide from the bell. Mister Jimaringle (gate five) after going forward three wide to race uncovered before receiving a one/one passage at the bell was third a head away. The mile rate 1-53.4.

■ Local Longlea trainer Bec Morrissey combined with former champion reinsman Daryl Douglas to land the Huntly Lifestyle Estate By Lincoln Place Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with honest 8Y0 Love You-Sundons Pride mare Tictok.

Raced by Ararat’s Hull family, Tictok driven by Michael Bellman travelled beautifully three back in the running line from gate two on the second row as ex-Kiwi mare Queen Kizen led from gate six. Going forward three wide at the bell, Tictok dashed clear on the final bend to record a 9 metre margin over The Sky Is The Limit (inside the second line – one/three) which followed her home. Queen Kizen held third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 2-00.5.

■ What a night it was for Hamilton’s Chris Walsh who snared the quinella in the Revolve Print Pace over 2150 metres with the heavily supported 9Y0 Art Major-Sneakup gelding Wow You Can Dance defeating Watch It Happen in a 1-58.4 mile rate.

With Alby Ashwood in the sulky, Wow You Can Dance settled at the tail of the field from the extreme draw as stablemate Watch It Happen (Herbie) led from gate three.

Setting off three wide solo mid-race to cross Watch It Happen at the bell, Wow You Can Dance bounded away in a best ever performance on turning to score by 16.9 metres from Watch It Happen and Reason To Laugh (one/two from gate two second line). Chris races the winner and also holds a share in Watch It Happens.

■ It was great to see Myola trainer/driver Graham McDermott in the winners circle after 4Y0 Quaker Jet-Alegria Dream mare The Italian Dream was victorious in the Garrards Horse & Hound Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres.

Raced by a host of owners headed by Bendigo based Clare Payne, The Italian Dream not pushed out from gate two settled three back in the moving line as Ox Knox (gate three) led.

Setting off three wide solo in the last lap, The Italian Dream ram home stylishly to gain the day by 2.5 metres in advance of most reliable old timer Buslin Brody which trailed the leader from the pole. Paris Jamilla (one/three from the extreme draw – three wide mid-race to join the leader at the bell) was third. The margins 2.5 by 1.5 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.

■ Mount Camel (Bendigo District) partowner/trainer Steve Owen’s 7Y0 Always B Miki-Misty Forever mare Always Skye High notched up her fifth success in 62 outings when taking the 2150 metre Bendigo Powder Coating Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres returning a mile rate of 2-03.3.

Taken back to the rear from outside the front line as Patnwill led from gate four, Always Skye High after racing three wide solo for the last lap outstayed her rivals to register a 5.3 metre margin over the pacemaker who fought on well. That Other Thing (three wide to outside the leader from gate six) was third 6.4 metres away.

Ballarat

■ Ballarat was Thursday’s fixture with a seven race card and without doubt Mount Wallace part-owner/trainer Warren (Wazza) Green and family would have been the most elated people on course after their 4Y0 What The Hill-Charlotte Galleon mare Calabasas scored in the Freemans Transport Mares Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres in a 2-00.8 mile rate.

Driven by Chris Alford, Calabasas settled three back in the moving line as polemarker No Telling Heather led being kept honest by Leanne Leeann (gate six), With no changes pending until approaching the home turn when Northern Truscott (gate two - one/one) eased three wide and Calabasas (four wide), Calabasas finished full of running out wide to register a 4.9 metre victory over a game Leanne Leeann,

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Kilmore, Friday – Mildura/Geelong, Saturday – Melton, Monday – Stawell, Tuesday – Shepparton.

with Northern Truscott third 3.9 metres back.

Lightly raced, Calabasas was making only her eighth race appearance having won at Bendigo last March.

■ Popular Bacchus Marsh (Balliang) owner/trainer/driver Robert Young snared the 2200 metre Hewitt & Whitty Trotters Mobile with 7Y0 Danny BoucheaKilmainham gelding Scar a former member of the Murphy stable went forward from outside the front line to park outside the pacemaker Bettor Man (gate four) and dictate the tempo. With the pair making the final bend together, Scar was too tough in the run to the wire, scoring by 8.3 metres (his 16th from 52 outings including 19 placings) in a mile rate of two minutes even.

Polemarker Love Who after trailing the leader and receiving an inside passage on the final bend was checked before finishing third 1.2 metres back.

■ Sixty five year old Terang owner/trainer Jeff McLean who has been involved with the sport for a long period of time was successful with lightly raced 6Y0 Bettors Delight-Delizioso gelding Bobbys Room in the Ultimate Pumps & Irrigation 4Y0 & Older Pace over 2200 metres. Making his third race appearance after two Terang placings, Bobbys Room driven by Darryl Lawlor produced a fine effort after racing exposed outside the leader Seaside Lady (gate two) to score by 1.2 metres over Rock Poster (gate four) which had the drop on him all the way, with Opertiser third 2 metres back after following the leader from the extreme draw. The mile rate 2-00.5.

■ Meredith trainer Carson Miller has a terrific record chalking up 55 wins to date from a small team and was successful with 6Y0 Warrawee Needy- La Saint gelding Test Of Fire in the 1710 metre PRD Real Estate Pace.

With Hannah Lewis in the sulky, Test Of Fire burnt from outside the front line to cross polemarker Lazenby and was never headed, greeting the judge by a huge 25.8 metres ahead of Lazenby, with Super Code (gate two) third 2.5 metres back Delecour after trailing the pair. The mile rate a slick 1-55.1.

■ The Corey’s Creations Pace over 2200 metres saw Ross Creek breeder/owner/ trainer Stephen Clarke successful with Rock N Roll Heaven-Isabelle Delacour 5Y0 gelding Monsieur Flamel.

Coming off a close second at Terang on May 18 at odds of $81,00 when bloused by Vinny Rock after leading, Monsieur Flamel driven by daughter Reagan again led from gate four, but couldn’t be caught on this occasion, just lasting by a head from Colosimo (one/two) from the extreme draw (one/one home turn) which flashed late.

Asmileandawinx (gate two) was third 6 metres back after trailing the winner who recorded a 1-58.3 mile rate.

Len Baker

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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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.”