The Local Paper. Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Wed., Apr. 15, 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

Praise for Archie McKay

■ Sandringham MLA

event

Local People Premier visits Clarinda

■ Clarinda MLA Meng Teang Hak welcomed the visit of Premier Jacinta Allan in the electorate to celebrate with the Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society together with many multicultural and multifaith organisations from across the electorate and across the south-east.

“As the member for Clarinda, I am incredibly proud to represent one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in Victoria, a place where people from many cultures, languages and backgrounds live, work and thrive together.

“Victoria is one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world, and last week was another great opportunity to celebrate this and to reflect on the amazing contribution of our multicultural and multifaith communities in Victoria.

“I am extremely proud to be part of a government that values and supports a multicultural and inclusive society where opportunity is open to all and diversity is celebrated.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Stephen Chew, the president of Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society, and all our community leaders and volunteers for the amazing work that they do to support our vibrant community.

“Finally, congratulations to the Vietnamese Museum Australia on practical completion – an exciting milestone.

“I cannot wait for the official opening later this year,” Mr Hak said.

Brad Rowswell has offered a salute in State Parliament to local man Archie McKay.

“I would like to acknowledge Archie McKay, a wonderful young man in the Sandringham community, who was selected recently to represent our commu-

nity at the National Youth Parliament. I was thrilled to support Archie’s application for this, and as a former participant in that program myself, I think that Archie will do very, very well there.

“He is a great young fella.

He has been recognised

as a 2024 lifesaver of the year, which emphasises, in my view, his dedication, character and belief in our community.

“Go get ’em, Archie,” Mr Rowswell told the Legislative Assembly, in the Members’ Statement section of the House on Tuesday, March 31.

UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN ANTI-SEMITISM: SOUTHWICK

COMMUNITY ATTACKED

■ Caulfield MLA David Southwick says there has been an unprecedented increase in antisemitism locally.

“A report just released by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and Community Security Group Victoria shows an alarming increase of 564 incidents in 12 months,” Mr Southwick told Parliament.

“Each and every day we are seeing another antisemitic attack, and enough is enough.

“We saw a horrific attack in Ripponlea, when a group of teenagers in a stolen car went out targeting Jews in our community, throwing eggs at them and screaming out profanities.

“This is absolutely hateful and shameful. And when talking to Victoria Police on the weekend, they reminded me that it will just be catch and release.

“These individuals will be caught and they will be back on the streets again with no consequences. There must be consequences.

“We cannot just keep seeing report after report, with police being stretched in resources, our courts not doing their job and no consequences in Victoria

“This needs to change. These reports need to flow into action, and the government needs to finally do its job,” Mr Southwick said.

Blaze at apartments in Richmond

■ Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to multiple calls for a fire in a three-storey apartment block at Duke St in Richmond at 1.40am on Friday (Apr. 10).

Crews arrived on scene to find a 5m by 8m apartment on the middle storey of the 28-unit apartment block fully involved in fire, so the response was escalated.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus, established hose lines and began attacking the fire, preventing any fire spread.

Adjoining apartments were searched and all occupants accounted for.

The fire was deemed ‘Under Control’ by 2.25am.

The power and gas companies attended to isolate services.

The cause of the blaze has been deemed suspicious, and the scene was to be handed to Victoria Police.

Ambulance and Victoria Police assisted FRV with operations.

Firefighters were to remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

There were 30 firefighters involved in the incident response, five pumper trucks, one aerial appliance, one rescue unit and two other units.

from cost jumps

■ Premier Jacinta Allan has rejected a recommendation to release updated costings for the Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line.

As part of the Victorian Parliament’s Public Accounts and Estimates Committee’s Report on the 2025-26 Budget Estimates, the committee recommended the Allan Government “publish an updated cost-benefit analysis of the Suburban Rail Loop East project”.

Evan Mulholland MLC said that when directly questioned in the Legislative Council , Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing refused to acknowledge any cost escalation on this project.

Ms Shing simultaneously claimed construction costs had increased by over 20 per cent in recent years, Mr Mulholland said.

“Under Labor, at least $15 billion has been lost to corruption on major projects as net debt continues to climb by $1.7 million an hour.

“ Labor’s claim the Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line is immune to the cost escalation impacting every other major project is farcical.

“Victorians deserve transparency and straight answers over how much the most expensive transport infrastructure project in Victoria’s history will cost.

“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage major projects and Victorians are paying the price,” Mr Mulholland said.

Council briefs

Aust. Day comments

■ Kingston residents are being invited to help shape how their Council supports Australia Day events and activities across the city.

Consultation is now open to share how they currently spend Australia Day, and what role they would like Council to play in running and/or supporting local events.

Local people can share their feedback at yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/ australia-day before Monday, April 27.

Wetland oasis

■ Water is being released into Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve’s urban wetland in new St, Brighton. The aquatic flow marks another step in the reserve’s transformation from golf course to natural oasis.

Designed to strengthen flood mitigation and improve water quality before its reuse in the adjacent sports reserves, or continued flow into Port Phillip Bay, the wetlands will slow and clean stormwater as it moves through the reserve.

With Elster Creek’s water flow restored, specialist horticulturalists will commence planting the reserve’s approximate 200,000 aquatic and terrestrial plants.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AT SOUTHBANK

■ Police are appealing for public assistance after a man sexually assaulted a woman in Southbank

It is understood the unknown man approached a woman who was walking with two other women along Evan Walker Bridge about 9.50pm on Sunday, February 15.

The man sexually assaulted the 18-yearold victim before fleeing.

Investigators have released images of a man they believe could assist with their enquiries.

He is believed to be between 35 and 46 years-old with a fair complexion, balding brown hair and approximately 180cms tall. He was wearing a black T-shirt and shorts and white and orange runners.

Planning changes in the spotlight

■ Glen Eira Council has made a submission to the State Government on Stage 2 of the Activity Centres Program, which proposes changes to planning controls for parts of Caulfield, Glen Huntly, Ormond, Bentleigh and Elsternwick

The Council says that it supports increasing housing close to public transport, services and jobs, and recognises that activity centres are appropriate places for growth.

“However, Council has raised significant concerns about the lack of transparency, limited consultation and impacts on heritage and neighbourhoods under the State Government’s Stage 2 proposals,” the representative said.

“Supporting housing in the right places Council generally supports higher density within activity centre cores, particularly where it aligns with Council-led Structure Plans shaped by extensive community engagement and expert analysis.

“These plans already strike a balance between supporting growth and protecting local character.”

Key concerns raised by Glen Eira Council are:

■ Insufficient consultation and unclear information provided to the community

■ Draft maps released without supporting technical evidence or built-form modelling

■ Inconsistent mapping of residential catchments

■ Significant impacts on heritage precincts and individual heritage properties

■ Reduced opportunities for residents to have a say in planning decisions

“Nearly 20,000 properties in Glen Eira could be affected by proposed rezoning under Stage 2,” the Council said.

Bin Trim for biz

■ The Bin Trim program provides Glen Eira businesses with expert onsite advice from qualified waste assessors and tailored action plans to reduce their waste.

The no-cost support delivers real environmental and financial benefits — helping businesses save time and money while improving day-to-day operations. The program operates year-round, with a limited number of places available each year.

Freeway closure

■ The Eastern Fwy will be closed in both directions between Bulleen Rd and Tram Rd from 10 pm Friday (Apr. 17) to 5 am Monday, April 20.

During closure, delays of up to 60 minutes are expected during peak travel times.

Motorsist are advised to detour via Thompsons Road, Manningham Road and Tram Road.

E-bike hits car

■ Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision in Warrnambool

Dashcam vision shows an e-bike rider crashing into a vehicle on Raglan Pde at 5.45pm on March 23.

The rider came from Parker St and caused damage to the front passenger-side panel of the car.

He then left the scene without speaking to the driver of the car.

The rider is perceived to be Caucasian, approximately 160cm tall, medium build, black hair and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top that says ‘play for keeps’ and a black and white helmet.

RUTHERGLEN

Road death

■ A woman has died following a collision in Rutherglen. It is understood a silver Mercedes collided with a truck at the intersection of Murray Valley Hwy and Federation Way about 12.40pm on Monday, March 23.

The passenger of the Mercedes, an 84year-old South Melbourne woman, was taken to hospital with critical injuries where she later died on March 30.

The driver of the Mercedes, an 83-yearold South Melbourne man, remained in hospital with critical injuries.

AIR CREW HELPS NAB CAR THIEVES IN BLITZ

■ Two alleged car thieves were among 12 people arrested during a major operation in Ballarat

The blitz saw local police team with specialist units including the Air Wing and Dog Squad to target car thefts and high-risk driving.

Officers were patrolling Ballarat East when they spotted an allegedly stolen Subaru Impreza travelling at speed about 11.15pm on Wednesday, April 1.

The Air Wing began following from above and guided members on the ground to Clayton St where stop sticks were deployed.

The vehicle came to a stop outside an address in Mount Pleasant and two occupants allegedly fled on foot to a nearby property.

The pair, both aged 18, were arrested shortly after with assistance from the Dog Squad

The alleged driver, a Canadian man, was charged with dangerous driving while being pursued by police, theft of motor vehicle and licensing offences.

He faced Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and was bailed to appear again on May 18.

A woman of no fixed address was charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess drug of dependence and possess an imitation firearm.

She was bailed to appear before Ballarat Magistrates’ Court

Police were patrolling the Wendouree area and attempted to intercept a vehicle

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when it took off at about 2am.

The Air Wing followed the vehicle to where it stopped outside a property in Wendouree

Officers were guided to the location by Air Wing and a man was arrested and taken into custody.

The 27-year-old was

charged with dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police and the vehicle was impounded.

He was remanded to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on April 7.

The trio were among 12 people arrested during the two-night operation.

Police also seized four stolen cars and issued five infringement notices for traffic offences.

The operation comes as car thefts reach decade highs in the Ballarat area.

While police continue to target thieves, the community is urged take preventative measures such as installing onboard diagnostic port locks, parking off street where possible and always locking doors and windows.

Operation Talon ran overnight on April 1-2.

DUNKELD

Cyclist killed

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following the death of a cyclist in Dunkeld

It is alleged the cyclist was holding onto the side of a Toyota Landcruiser whilst being towed at the intersection of Wills and Sterling Sts shortly before 10.30pm on September 14 last year.

The rider lost control and fell onto the road before being struck by the Toyota

Despite the best efforts of emergency services and passersby to revive the 21-yearold female cyclist, she died at the scene.

The driver of the Landcruiser sustained minor injuries.

The 33-year-old Dunkeld man has since been charged with culpable driving causing death, exceed the prescribed concentration of alcohol, dangerous driving, and other related traffic offences.

He was bailed to appear before Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on April 8.

NORLANE

Fatal fire

■ Arson and Explosives Squad detectives have arrested a third man following a fatal house fire in Norlane

A 23-year-old Norlane man was arrested at his home address. He was to be interviewed by investigators.

Two men arrested , a 35-year-old from Norlane and a 38-year-old from Breakwater, were released pending further enquiries.

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a block of units on Thompson Rd about 3am on Tuesday, March 31.

Crews extinguished the blaze and located an unresponsive woman inside one of the properties.

SHEPPARTON

50 burglaries

■ Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged five people after over 50 alleged burglaries, thefts and thefts of motor vehicles occurred in the Shepparton area between February 28 and March 26.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

Police Rounds

Police officer struck

■ Police arrested a teenager after an officer was struck by an electric powered motorbike in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday afternoon (Apr. 8).

The male sergeant was patrolling the Flinders St area when he spotted a group of males riding erratically on electric motorbikes about 4.10pm.

The police member gave one of the riders a direction to pull over between Swanston and Elizabeth Sts before he was struck by the rider.

It is believed the rider sped up and struck the sergeant as he attempted to drive off.

The police officer managed to restrain the rider, before he was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury.

The rider, a 15-year-old boy from the Port Phillip area, was arrested at the scene and was to be interviewed in relation to the incident.

The other riders in the group left the area on their motorbikes.

Body located

■ Missing Person Squad detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a man in Ouyen.

The man’s body was located at a rural property during a search for a missing person about 1.30pm on Tuesday (Apr. 7).

The man is believed to be that of missing person Richard who was last seen on Sunday, April 5. Detectives and Major Crime Scene Unit members were on scene.

Noble Park crash

■ A man died following a collision in Noble Park. It is understood a Mazda 2 and a Subaru XV collided on the Princes Hwy about 2pm on Tuesday (Apr. 7).

The driver of the Mazda , a 94-year-old man, was taken to hospital with lifethreatening injuries where he died a short time later.

His passenger, a woman from Mulgrave , was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Subaru , a 20-yearold woman, was uninjured.

An investigation into the circumstances of the collision remains ongoing.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Speeding solo

■ Geelong Highway Patrol officers have charged a man after an extended follow in Geelong Officers first spotted a motorcycle travelling at speed along the Princes Fwy in Lara about 10pm, Tuesday (Apr. 7).

Air Wing was called in to assist as the solo weaved through the streets of North Geelong, Corio and Ocean Grove Police will allege the solo reached speeds of up to 300-kmh.

Officers observed the motorcycle come to a stop outside an address on Christies Road in Leopold about 10.30pm.

The rider, a 27-year-old man, was arrested at the scene.

He has since been charged with conduct endangering life, as well as several other traffic offences.

He was bailed to appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court on May 8, while his motorcycle was impounded at a cost of $1305.

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15 BURGLARIES ACROSS MELBOURNE’S SOUTH

■ Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man with more than 15 offences following a string of thefts and aggravated burglaries in the Doveton, Highett, Cheltenham and Glen Waverley areas. Police will allege the 28year-old man attended multiple properties between January and March. Officers attended an address in Cranbourne East on March 31 as part of the ongoing investigation.

It is understood the man barricaded himself inside the Cornwell Crescent ad-

dress upon police arrival.

With the assistance of the Critical Incident Response Team , the man of no fixed address was arrested.

He has since been charged with a number of

■ Moorabbin

detectives have released CCTV and images after a car fire.

It’ is believed that two unknown males have parked a white ute in O’Loughran St around 11.44pm on February 10.

One of the men exited the ute, approached an address on Ocean St and set a vehicle on fire that was parked on the street.

He then returned to the ute, which is believed to be a white Nissan Navara, and they drove off toward North Rd

No one was injured during the incident and the vehicle was completely destroyed.

Snowy River rescue

■ The Air Wing rescued a cyclist who was stranded for four hours in the Snowy River.

The experienced cyclist was riding through the Suggan Buggan area when they began to cross the Snowy River just before 8pm.

The water level had risen higher than expected and they became stranded with their bike halfway across, clinging onto the reeds.

The well-equipped cyclist activated a satellite communication device and subsequently the Rescue and Coordination Centre were notified and dispatched the Air Wing to the coordinates.

Officers from the Air Wing were overhead and began scouring the landscape before noticing a fellow cyclist who was on the riverbank.

Nearby, they observed the stranded rider in the middle of the river.

The Air Wing lowered down an officer to rescue the cyclist and brought them to safety just after 12 midnight.

The 31-year-old was taken to hospital for assessment but remained physically uninjured.

Assault at Geelong

■ Geelong police have charged two boys following an affray.

It is alleged a boy was assaulted by a group of male teens in the vicinity of Little Malop St and James St about 5.30pm on Wednesday, April 1.

A number of teens allegedly fled prior to police arrival. Officers on patrol responded quickly and spoke to two boys who remained at the scene.

offences, including:

■ aggravated burglary with firearm

■ prohibited person possess imitation firearm

■ (x2) criminal damage

■ (x3) theft of motor vehicle

■ reckless conduct endanger serious injury

■ (x3) commit indictable offence while on bail

■ (x2) contravene condition of bail

■ (x2) unlicensed driving

■ theft of boat.

He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 7.

There were no reported injuries and the remaining boys did not wish to make a statement to police.

Geelong police and members from the local Crime Reduction Team and Youth Tasking Unit arrested three 14-year-old boys.

Two 14-year-old boys from the Greater Geelong area have been charged with affray, riotous behaviour and use threatening words in a public place.

The pair were bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

The third teen was interviewed in relation to outstanding matters and it was determined he was not involved in the incident on April 1.

Officers are aware of the remaining youths alleged to be involved.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

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

Lotto Numbers: 3-15-21-27-36-42

You could become romantically involved with someone you work closely with. Relatives may seek your advice and support during this period. Good prospects are indicated on the work scene, and steady progress can be made if you stay focused.

\TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

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

Lotto Numbers: 5-10-21-22-30-37

Someone you meet could play an important role in your future. A new friendship may develop into a lasting love affair. Financially, this could be a fortunate period, with the possibility of an unexpected windfall.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-1-3-7

Lotto Numbers: 3-17-19-37-39-45

There may be some tension on the domestic front, but with extra effort from both sides, matters can be resolved quickly. Money should become easier to obtain. Work demands will be high, so pacing yourself is important.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-9-1-8

Lotto Numbers: 7-18-19-37-41-43

Harmony prevails at home, with strong support from loved ones. Some may secure a beneficial real estate deal. At work, a promotion or advancement opportunity could soon be within reach.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 3-8-1-9

Lotto Numbers: 3-13-14-32-37-44

A passionate and energetic period lies ahead. Opportunities are there for the taking. Sound financial advice should be followed carefully. Some Leos may consider changing their job situation.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

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

Lotto Numbers: 4-14-17-27-39-42

A new romance may blossom into something lasting and meaningful. A fresh venture could bring significant financial rewards, though hard work will be required to establish it properly.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Beige

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

Lotto Numbers: 5-13-14-23-32-41

Someone who previously hesitated to commit may now make their intentions clear. Financial and career matters show steady improvement. Avoid unnecessary spending and remain practical.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Red

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

Lotto Numbers: 4-13-14-28-36-42

Surprises are indicated in more ways than one. Circumstances appear to be moving in your favour, so take advantage of the momentum. Family matters may expand or bring joyful news.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Rose

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 3-2-7-9

Lotto Numbers: 7-15-17-25-34-41

Your natural charm is strong and can work to your advantage. Recent obstacles begin to fall away, restoring confidence and enthusiasm. You should feel more optimistic and empowered.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

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

Lotto Numbers: 4-13-14-21-28-35

Progress becomes noticeable, and burdens begin to lift. Financial and romantic gains are possible. Social activities may bring favourable contacts that benefit your longterm plans.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Light Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 3-8-6-6

Lotto Numbers: 6-7-19-22-30-41

Support from an influential person may help you move closer to success. Any complications should be handled with diplomacy and tact to maintain harmony.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5-1-2-6

Lotto Numbers: 5-14-19-27-35-43

Someone who has seemed distant may now show renewed interest. An old flame could reappear seeking reconciliation. News or contact from the past is likely.

Hunchback of Notre Dame

■ The bells are ringing in Notre DameQuasimodo is out of the shadows and taking centre stage in CLOC Musical Theatre's production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, being presented May 15-30 at the National Theatre, St Kilda High above the streets of Paris, Quasimodo watches the world below in a city divided by power, passion and prejudice.

One question echoes through the cathedral walls: What makes a monster and what makes a man?

Score is from Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell, based on Victor Hugo's timeless novel.

CLOC's show is directed by Shaun Kingma, with musical direction by David ClausenWisken and choreography by Melanie Ott

Performance Dates: May 15-30

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: cloc. org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Con Coutis’s Joke Protocol

■ A master of technology, pre-recordings and taping of audience’s responses with incredible sound effects is Con Coutis’s Joke Protocol performance at Paul’s Place, Melbourne Town Hall as part of the MICF His performance

● ● Jackson Howe (Qausimodo) and Teresa Giansiracusa (Esmerelda) in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

would have to rank amongst the top tier of the many comedy offerings in the MICF stable, with nonstop physical mobility, rapid dialogue supported by a sound board and lighting sequences to some 800 cues.

Starting with an extreme pulsating beat musical clip, such that you would expect as an intro to an 80’s spy movie with Con Coutis springing onto the stage and straight into, “I’m half secret agent and half comedian”.

He tells us that he must stop Quibbi –a mega streaming service from using its power to dominate the world by comedy, capturing the world’s best jokes.

However he needs act quickly but at the same time create some of his own.

This he does with quick fire action, using mime and reactive sound effects as he fought off several guards.

We could feel the punches with well timed “whack” sound effect.

There was a lot more to his secret agent persona as he took us on a local ride of life’s happenings, one being with Dymocks Book Store where he queried the selling of a note book, with no print, just blank pages at $20, while Bert Newton’s voluminous memoir was selling at $10.

He specially penned a song about the President and while not naming him, he sang several verses which were obliterated from smashing glass and utensils – so Con’s words were not heard – an act of censorship.

His Elvis , suffering from hay fever impressions left us no doubt as to who it was.

Even a visit to “ Melbourne’s biggest shopping centre, Chadstone to store 47 didn’t escape his repertoire of jokes. With audience

participation, multiple transitions of lighting, great interaction with the voice overs, Con’s flexibility of body coupled with remarkable facial expressions, gave us a complete performance for a full hour. Not to be missed.

Until April 19 at Melbourne Town Hall, Paul's Place comedyfestival. com.au

Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie

Gag Reflex

■ La Mama presents Flick’s latest comedy Gag Reflex in its Australian premiere at La Mama Courthouse in May.

A trio of best friends decide the only way to earn enough money for a great summer is to enter and win an erotica writing competition.

The fact that these Year 12s have absolutely no sexual knowledge does not deter.

“What comes next is mayhem, hilarity, and the vulnerability that comes with being a teenager smashing into an adult world,” says a La Mama publicist.

Live to film

■ Edward Scissorhands in Concert

Live to Film will feature composer Danny Elfman’s score performed live to picture, conducted by Nicholas Buc on Friday, October 30 and saturday, October 31, at Arts Centre Hamer Hall.

■ Vatican City, Friday. Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh today drove into the hundred - acre Vatican City State to be received in audience by Pope Pius XII

The Princess wore black, with a black lace veil over her head.

Clusters of people, most of whom were women, clapped the Royal couple as their black Rolls-Royce crossed the huge square in front of the Basilica of St Peter's, and drove into Vatican City

The Royal couple drove round the vast length of St Peter's to the Court of St. Damascus in the centre, of the sprawling Vatican Palace . Here Princess Elizabeth inspected a guard of honor funished by a picket of the Pope's Palatine Guard - composed of volunteer Roman citizens, who parade on special occasions.

Monsiçnor Beniamlno Nardone , Chief of the Vatican Ceremonial, led her to her position in the procession, which ascended the noble staircase to the Pope's private apartments.

Drunken pigeons

■ An unknown woman to day sabotaged Newcastle's plan to rid itself of pigeons by getting them drunk and destroying them while they were stupefied.

The plan was to soak wheat in rum and spread it for the pigeons. It was duly carried out-but the pigeons were just not interested. They gazed at the wheat with singular disdain.

One or two picked up a few grains half - heartedly, swallowed them, and flew off in a distressingly straight line to the safety of nearby trees.

Their enemies, headed by Mr. Colin Stewart , an official, watched with chagrin. Their cunning plot was foiled.

Wro foiled it? And how? Inquiries revealed that half an hour before she had quietly spread enough food scraps around for every pigeon in the neighborhood to gorge to re pletion. And they did.

Baby crisis

■ A Government plan to overcome Victoria's maternity hospital bed crisis will be examined by State Cabinet on Monday. The plan is not disclosed, but health officers believe it holds the solution to the problem.

Chapel St is Police priority

■ Prahran police continue to drive down crime along one of Melbourne’s busiest retail and nightlife strips, with hundreds of arrests made on Chapel St

Police efforts will intensify further to reduce crime and improve amenity on Chapel St , with specialist police descendING upon the area as part of Operation Embrace. This includeS an around the clock presence from the Public Order Response Team, while drug detectives, detection dogs, police on horseback, and uniform police will also be a regular feature along Chapel St as part of the three-week operation.

Highway Patrol cars and police on bikes will also be deployed to target motorists doing the wrong thing, with motorists on mobile phones and cars in bike lanes recurring issues.

precinct’s nightspots will be another priority.

This follows significant enforcement last year which led to a 7.5 per cent drop in overall crime and a 12 per cent decrease in violent crimes against the person on Chapel St.

This led to:

■ 270 shoplifters arrested for 550 separate thefts, which led to a 12 per cent drop in retail theft on Chapel St. However, repeat offenders remain problematic, with a third of all shop thefts committed by the same 10 people.

Medics celebrate

■ Street Side Medics’ free mobile healthcare service has celebrated its first anniversary in St Kilda. The notfor-profit’s well-equipped red and blue medical van can be accessed by vulnerable members of the community, including people experiencing homelessness, every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

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

This operation is in the same vein as Operation Harmony in the CBD , with Victoria Police prioritising using state-based resources to target local issues, while also reallocating police from administrative tasks, such as reception counters, to the frontline.

Police are not being taken from other communities across the state to assist with the operation, with all uniform members sourced from the local area.

A key focus of the operation will be preventing thieves targeting supermarkets, liquor stores and clothing shops.

Drugs and antisocial behaviour around the police in

■ 100 arrests in relation to drugs and weapon offences. A third of all drug seizures were for methylamphetamine, with cocaine and 1,4-Butanediol also commonly uncovered by police. As part of these arrests, a 43-year-old man was charged after allegedly trafficking cocaine, 1,4Butanediol and MDMA to Chapel St via rideshare drivers. A myriad of weapons were also seized, including knives, imitation firearms, tasers, and machetes.

■ 88 people arrested around local nightspots as part of Operation Safenight , which runs every Friday and Saturday night.

■ 7,744 policing hours were dedicated to keeping revellers safe along the strip last year.

Southern Metro Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Damian Jackson said: “Local police have done a power of work to help reduce crime and prioritise the issues that residents and traders are most concerned about.

SYDNEY

Nationwide

Ben Roberts-Smith VC

■ A former Australian Defence Force member, 47, has been charged under a joint investigation between the Australian Federal police and the Office of the Special Investigator.

The man, who was arrested on tuesday (Apr. 7) at Sydney Domestic Airport , has been charged with five counts of war crime – murder under the Criminal Code. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment.

The man has been refused police bail to appear in NSW Bail Division Court Sydney Mail

PORT ALBERT

Syndicate links

■ Nine men have been charged for their alleged links to a syndicate behind a large-scale conspiracy to import tonnes of illicit drugs into Victoria and traffic drugs around the country.

The 10-month investigation, Operation Bruce Cremorne , was run by the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce , which includes the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

The alleged offenders, aged between 31 and 72, have been charged with a range of offences relating to the alleged conspiracy and the interstate trafficking of illicit drugs, and seven are facing a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.

Operation Bruce Cremorne was launched in late May 2025, when four crew members were rescued after a commercial trawler sank off the coast of Port Albert.

The JOCTF began monitoring the movements of the crew due to suspicions about why the vessel had travelled out to sea in bad weather without equipment usually required for commercial fishing. Over the following months, police undertook surveillance of multiple local boat crews suspected to be linked to a drug importation syndicate.

RETAIL THEFTS: 35 ARRESTED IN SHEPPARTON OPERATION

■ Police arrested 35 people and seized more than $2,000 worth of allegedly stolen goods during an operation targeting retail theft and anti-social behaviour in Shepparton

Operation Mosaic launched in July 2024 in response to rising retail thefts and ongoing concerns from local traders.

It has led to more than 175 arrests for retail crime.

The latest blitz – conducted on April 7-8 – saw more than a dozen police saturate shopping strips in Shepparton and Kialla.

Some 32 people were arrested for shop theft including:

■ A 33-year-old Mooroopna man who was caught allegedly stealing more than $750 worth of groceries including meat, soft drinks and confectionery. He is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.

■ A 42-year-old Mooroopna woman who was caught allegedly stealing more than $150 worth of cosmetics. The majority of goods were multiples of the same products. She is expected to be charged on summons with shop theft.

■ A 53-year-old Shepparton man who was caught allegedly stealing $200 worth of baby formula products. He was charged with shop theft and possessing drugs.

Some 29 other alleged thieves were either charged, released pending summons or issued with a formal caution.

Only three accepted referrals to local support services.

Three further people were arrested and charged for drug possession and breaching bail conditions.

During the operation, police patrolled nearby roadways and issued 21 traffic infringement notices for offences including not wearing a helmet and riding on escooters on the footpath.

Police also executed five outstanding warrants.

Retail theft remains a key focus for Shepparton police, with the offence more than doubling in the last year.

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Greater Shepparton saw 799 offences in 2025, compared to 485 in 2024.

Police are continuing to work with retailers to address the issue.

Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Hamilton, Shepparton Uniform , said: “What we saw over the last few days was not just petty thefts, but people stealing large amounts of goods including baby formula, clothing and cosmetics.

“We believe many of these goods were stolen to be on-sold for profit.

“This type of offending is often blatant, and we know that makes retail staff feel unsafe.

“That’s why we’re so committed to targeting retail crime - because every deserves to feel safe at work.

“We’re working hard to address the issue and will have more to say about a new approach in coming weeks.”

MERRIJIG

Culpable driving

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Merrijig

A Kia station wagon and a Mitsubishi Triton ute collided on Mount Buller Rd, near Mimosa Drive , about 9.15pm on June 10 last year.

One passenger of the ute, a 48-year-old Cremorne woman, died at the scene.

Another passenger, a 32-year-old St Kilda man, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the ute, a 22-year-old St Kilda man, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The 25-year-old driver of the Kia was airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Rowville man was later interviewed and has been charged with culpable driving causing death.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 14.

GREATER GEELONG

Aggravated burglary

■ Police have charged a woman following an aggravated burglary in Geelong on Wednesday (Apr. 8).

Officers were called after a woman broke into the rear residence of a church on Ryrie St about 9.30am.

The woman allegedly stole car keys and a jumper before stealing a nearby Volkswagen Caddy

The Volkswagen was driven along Melbourne Rd in Rippleside where it was allegedly involved in a road rage incident with another vehicle.

The victim pulled over and exited their vehicle before being assaulted by the woman. There were no injuries.

Officers attended and arrested a 41-yearold woman of no fixed address.

She was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life.

She was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on April 9.

WESTERN VICTORIA

Gather Round blitz

■ Footy fans heading to South Australia for last weekend’s AFL Gather Round were warned to expect an increased police presence on Victorian roads.

BOX HILL Homicide case

■ Homicide Squad detectives have arrested three people following a shooting in Box Hill on Thursday (Apr. 9). Emergency services responded to reports of an alleged altercation at an address on Whitehorse Rd about 1.50am. A 32-year-old man died at the scene. Detectives arrested the trio in the Talbot, Maryborough and Bonnie Brook areas late Thursday evening. Police say that they are treating the incident as targeted.

■ Everyone loves a good murder mystery and this one takes place in Melbourne’s Art Centre Members Lounge – of all places.

As part of the MICF it was Murder Village: An Improvised Whodunnit expertly crafted, said to be no performances ever the same. Spanning some 10 years of impressing and exciting audiences around Australia

Led by some of our well known and leading improvisors in Jason Geary, Lliam Amor, Rhys Auteri and Amanda Buckley they set the scene for the audience to consider, who will die, who did it?

While in the foyer waiting to be seated, we were asked to scan a QR Code, giving opportunity to review the evening theme and perhaps identify the murderer.

And this is where we were totally engaged throughout the build up to the murder and the investigation.

A quaint English village with just as quaint and somewhat eccentric characters, particularly the Village Mayor, and the lady of the Manor House.

A murder most horrible occurs on the Village Green , close to midnight and local Detective Inspector Owen Gullet played by the show’s Director David Massingham fumbles his way through the investigation.

He is the one constant actor of the rotating ensemble of some 20 skilled improvisors.

With only four other characters, one of whom is murdered, we had a visiting French Detective (in Hercule Poiret style) and a supporting keyboard player, with chilling cords that heightened expectations.

No one really liked each other and after the murder the three suspects were individually questioned giving confusing alibis that left both Detectives pondering.

In true Agatha Christie style the three suspects were assembled and with further challenges, one suspect cracked and admitted to the murder, caused by a small wheel of a penny farthing bicycle. Being totally unscripted the improvisors were impressive and did not falter in their delivery.

However the venue with its flat floor seating of some 15 rows left many of us with restricted viewing of the actors from chest high. They really deserve a raked auditorium considering their immense talent and extreme body and arm movement.

Until April 19

Members Lounge, Arts Centre Melbourne comedyfestival.com.au

● ● Laraine Stephens, author

■ Sisters in Crime presents Journalist Sleuths at 8pm on Friday, April 24 at the Rising Sun Hotel , 2 Raglan St, South Melbourne. Dinner from 6.30pm. Christine Gregory ( The Informant), Madeleine Cleary ( The Butterfly Women) and Laraine Stephens ( The White Feather Murders) talk about why and how journalists make such superlative investigators when it comes to crime mysteries with former journalist and crime author, Dr Liz Porter.

Event bookings: sistersincrime.org.au/ journalist-sleuths/ Cheryl Threadgold

Twinkle Town

■ With expectations of a large stage and big ensemble with orchestra, that was not to be, as Twinkle Town was played out in a small intimate space at the Motley Wherehaus, in Melbourne’s CBD as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Two well-seasoned and travelled actors played out multiple roles in quick fire diverse scenarios.

With only a tinseled covered step ladder and a screened corner costume changing locker, they acted out scenes of New Yorks’ Wildcat East High School production of Twinkle Town: The Musical

Characters Arnold played by Dean Robinson and Minnie played by Izzy Patane , both Melbourne based writers as well with performances in Midsumma, Melbourne Fringe and in Adelaide and Perth, left us in no doubt as to their ability in playing multiple roles.

More than that, with their gender changing roles adding another perspective to their repertoire.

It is the long lost East High Schools Winter Musicale, the 20th year anniversary of Twinkle Town: The Musical. So it is Arnold and Minnie bringing it to life with Arnold’s “Welcome Thespians and Lesbians”. From there they featured many hits and characters from the Disney Channel original movie, Twinkle Town

Looking at re-enacting a love scene from West Side Story, they settled on a Romeo and Juliet’s love story portrayal. Set in 1588 with Italian Mario Monty played by Minnie and Antionette played by Arnold

An absorbing change of gender for each that created many comic moments. Without permission to marry, their only way to spend life together was to die together.

That’s what they did with a trusty knife before collapsing to the floor. However, coming alive for curtain calls.

One comment is that in the small concrete walled space some of the amplified voice overs were not always distinct and at times somewhat muffled. But still a captivating performance. Until April 19 at the Motley Wherehaus Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Bash cancelled

■ Variety - the Children’s Charity NSW/ ACT - has announced the decision to cancel the 2026 Variety NSW Bash Skyrocketing fuel prices and fuel scarcity have made the six-day regional motoring event untenable as planned for this May.

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the thriller The Girl on the Train from April 24 to May 9 at 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna

Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and the film by DreamWorks , adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel, Heidelberg Theatre Company's production is directed by Deborah Fabbro

The story tells of Rachel Watson who longs for a different life. Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears.

When Rachel learns that the woman she's been watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Performance season: April 24 - May 9

Times: Evenings at 8pm: April, 24, 29, 30, May 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9. Weekend matinees at 2pm: April 25, 26, May 2, 3

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: htc.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

German Film Festival

■ The 2026 German Film Festival, Australia's only dedicated celebration of German language cinema, is screening nationally from May 8-27 at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas.

Presented by Palace and German Films, this year’s line-up of contemporary German cinema includes powerful dramas, insightful true-life stories, comedy and family films.

Festival Centrepiece is Amrum, the celebrated new feature from multi award-winning director Fatih Akin . The film is a moving, poignant drama about a 12-year-old boy named Nanning who lives on Amrum Island in 1945, during the final days of the war.

Nanning braves the treacherous sea to hunt seals, goes fishing at night, and works the nearby farm to help his mother feed the family, yet despite the hardship, life on the beautiful, windswept island almost feels like paradise.

But when peace finally comes, it reveals a deeper threat: the enemy is far closer than he imagined. Starring Laura Tonke, Diane Kruger and Matthias Schweighöfer, plus the young lead Jasper Billerbeck, Amrum is based on the real-life story of cowriter Hark Bohm.

Cannes Film Festival Jury Award winner Sound of Falling ( In die Sonne schauen) is this year’s festival Special Presentation.

Directed by Mascha Schilinski , the haunting drama follows four girls across four generations experiencing their youth on the same farm in northern Germany. This is Germany's entry into the 2026 Academy Awards

From Switzerland comes a humorous portrait of a Swiss cultural phenomenon in Hello Betty (Hallo Betty). Set in 1956, Hello Betty follows Emmi Creola , a talented copywriter who defies a male dominated workplace by inventing ‘ Betty Bossi’, a fictional housewife who becomes Switzerland’s culinary icon.

As Betty’s popularity skyrockets, Emmi struggles to balance the expectations of her public persona with her role as a wife, mother and professional.

The ‘Kino for Kids’ sidebar, presented by the Goethe-Institut Australia, returns with a selection of films for younger cinemagoers and families.

From Austria is The Secret Floor (Das geheime Stockwerk), a time-travel adventure shot in stunning Alpine locations.

Twelve-year-old Karli moves with his parents to an old hotel in the Alps and discovers an elevator that transports him through time to 1938 where he makes new friends and must help solve a mystery.

The magical phenomenon returns with School of Magical Animals 4 (Die Schule der magischen Tiere 4). The highly anticipated fourth instalment of the successful franchise School of Magical Animals, based on Margit Auer’s bestselling book series.

Ryan

Barry & Me (Mein Freund Barry) is a breathtaking live-action adventure inspired by the legend of Switzerland’s most famous rescue dog, the St Bernard.

A boy called Georg raises a puppy in secret in a timeless story of friendship, bravery, and survival in late 18th century Switzerland

Featuring the legendary German children's character Pumuckl , first created in 1961, Pumuckl's Big Mix-Up (Pumuckl und das große Missverständnis) combines live action and animation, following the adventures of a quiet craftsman in Munich and his mischievous and invisible goblin friend Pumuckl

In the coming-of-age film Tomorrow I'll BeBrave(Abmorgenbinichmutig) tween angst and young love is explored with a touch of humour and tenderness.

German Film Festival

Dates in Melbourne: May 8 – 27, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Church St, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema, Palace Penny Lane Ballarat: May 8-27, Palace Regent Ballarat

For more information, please visit germanfilmfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

The 60 Four

■ The 60 Four will bring the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s to life in a Vegas -style show in Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne on Monday April 27 at 11am and 1.30pm.

Backed by a 'powerhouse' live band, The 60 Four jump between evocative ballads and high-energy classics — from the groove of Who Loves You and the harmonies of California Girls , to the anthem I'm a Believer and the timeless Can't Buy Me Love.

Disco energy will surge with Stayin' Alive, while soul takes centre stage with Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours and the Aussie rock classic Shout. And of course, no celebration of the era would be complete without December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).

Featuring the sounds of The Beatles, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Johnny O'Keefe and more, these are tracks that defined a generation. The 60 Four was founded in 2015 by school mates Ben Francis, Lachlan Williams, Kyle Charles Hall and then-bass Tom Russel, who found themselves singing ’60s music in a high-school class taught by Australian cabaret performer Michael Griffiths . In 2016, The 60 Four produced their first public show at an intimate 40-seat venue. They now regularly sell out performance seasons, with over 2000 tickets.

Performance Date: Monday, April 27 at 11am and 1.30pm

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au

■ Italian clown Andrea

presents his newest comedic adventure titled Full of Grace as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 18 at 10.30pm at Bard's Apothecary

Full of Grace follows Father Andrea, a peculiar clergyman as he administers a very peculiar worship service.

With hoses-down of holy water, bizarre exorcisms, and parishioners caught somewhere between a Hail Mary and a Macarena, this Padre clearly grew up Catholic in the most Catholic country.

He can't bring audiences to Italy with him, but he’s determined to find them a place in heaven.

Performance Season: Until April 18 at 10.30pm Venue: Bard's Apothecary, Melbourne Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Mrs Lovett’s Famous Meat Pies

■ Reflecting on the richness of offerings at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, audiences can be impressed by an emerging star turn, Elliot Wood in Mrs Lovett’s Famous Meat Pies Grand Reopening Extravaganza

A Melbourne -based VCA (Music Theatre ) graduate, Wood is a theatre making triple threat (singer, dancer, actor/comedian). Their latest creation showcases their talent in a 50-minute satirical sequel to the story of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Wood resuscitates the role of Mrs Lovett who has “inexplicably” risen from the ashes of the furnace to escape Victorian England for the grand reopening of her “ethical” meat pie shop at the Queen Victorian Markets.

The resurrection of Mrs Lovett is no quiet second coming! Rather, Wood’s high octane performance takes their audience on a wild ride with a live piemaking demonstration that becomes more unhinged and chaotic as the story progresses.

Their clever use of wordplay is infectious, leaving the audience on ‘tender (meat) hooks’ that someone might get the chop. That said, Wood’s invitations for audience participation are respectful and containing, and help ‘flesh out’ the play.

A symbolic supporting cast of celebrity icons including Jamie Oliver and our Kylie accompany Wood , adding chaos to the story.

Other roles are brought to life by Maxi Ford. Most notably, her ‘deadpan’ portrayal of Kitchenette adds a shift in intensity to the pie-maker’s frenetic energy.

Brilliant sound design by Lachlan Rae is the third actor of the piece. His soundtrack provides a metronome to scaffold Wood’s comedic timing and showcases their vocal and physical theatre expression.

Direction b y Maude Davey, costumes by Angel Donald and Wood . This team is a tight-knit collaboration set for success and one to watch out for in future for must-see live theatre.

Review by Linda Hartley

Club Kabarett

■ Lovers of the Liza Minelli film Cabaret will remember the chaos and debauchery of the cabaret clubs of the Weimar era in Germany , between the two world wars.

Cabaret clubs were huge in this era, as people flocked to their particular brand of raunchy humour and music.

Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett continues the Weimar tradition in Melbourne, as it takes over North Melbourne’s Meat Market arts centre this week.

Acclaimed as a superb vocalist, Bernie promises an evening of unfiltered, debauched chaos, with her powerful original songs and some show stopping anthems, as she is accompanied by her live ‘haus band’.

Last year’s Club Kabarett season collected three Green Room award nominations and was warmly received by audiences.

Bernie is delighted to be back in Melbourne , a place which sees itself as a cabaret capital of Australia .

“This show encapsulates all that is truly wonderful about Melbourne in so many ways, including the ability to throw a bloody good party,” Bernie enthuses.

“I was overwhelmed by the response to our show last year, so we are looking forward to bringing it back for even longer this time.”

Club Kabarett features a wide range of cutting-edge performers, including contortionist Soliana Ersie , sword swallower and fire breather Jacqueline Furey, drag cabaret artiste Iva Rosebud, aka Lachlan Bartlett, aerial trapeze performer Jarred Dewey, tap dancer Caleb Cameron and Tik Tok sensation Melissa Lee , whose recent performances were in London’s West End. This is definitely an adults-only show that can truly claim it offers something for everyone who enjoys the variety of the cabaret from the Weimar era.

It runs from April 17 until May 24 and tickets can be bought at clubkararett. flicket.io

Julie Houghton

Don Giovanni

■ Melbourne Opera presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni (The Rake Punished) from April 26 - May 3 at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne

Directed by Suzanne Chaundy , this staging strikes at the heart of Don Giovanni's narcissism and brutality, refusing to brush over his assaults as mere elements of the dramma giocoso. Instead, it gives voice and agency to the women he has wronged. Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest operas ever written, this time Don Giovanni will see justice finally served. Three Australian sopranos will join forces in passionate revenge. Lee Abrahmsen (Die Meistersinger, The Ring Cycle) as Donna Anna for her own assault and for the death of her father, Eleanor Greenwood (Turandot, The Ring Cycle) as conflicted wife Donna Elvira , andsoprano Rebecca Rashleigh (Herald Sun Aria winner 2018, TheRing Cycle) is the peasant bride Zerlina , whom the Don attempts to seduce the night she marries Masetto. Masetto is performed by Stephen Marsh, who has just returned from the D eutsche Oper Berlin . Portraying Don Giovanni is international baritone Christopher Tonkin. Henry Shaw , winner of the OCCA Best Emerging Talent Award 2025, is singing Don Giovanni’s servant Leporello . Bass Eddie Muliaumaseali'i joins the cast as the murdered Commendatore , who drags Don Giovanni to the hell that he deserves. Tenor Henry Choo is singing Don Ottavio , betrothed to Donna Anna. Green Room Award nominated conductor Raymond Lawrence will conduct, delivering some of Mozart’s most famous music. Highlights include Catalogue Aria (Madamina, il catalogo è questo), the seductive duet Là ci darem la mano and the rapid Champagne Aria (Fin ch'han dal vino).

Performance Season: April 26 - May 3

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Collins St, Melbourne

Bookings: www.melbourneopera.com

Cheryl Threadgold with Rain Fuller

ANYTHING BUT THE DYSON

■ After some 23 years, Katrina Mather s has returned to the comedy stage with Anything But The Dyson and Other Excellent Monologues

Her nervousness was apparent but nothing could deter her natural comedic ability. The subject matter was personal and revealing; the challenge of cancer and the onset of menopause.

This was a personal journey for Mathers as she didn’t want biology to either define or restrict her. Rather, she chose to see it as an opportunity to return to her comedic roots and even step beyond into the next period of her life.

As such, the routine works as it is both confronting but also revelatory. We discover more about the personal but also the social ramifications of what was once a taboo topic.

Performance wise, the inclusion of the other monologues meant a disruption to the routine.

While thematically connected, Mathers stepped into a series of characters showing her acting ability but breaking from the convention of stand-up.

The comedic unity provided by language riffs and structural threads was not necessarily there.

There is also opportunity to bring the male of the species into the conversation. The references to her husband’s reaction were revealing, suggesting there is opportunity not just to appeal to what women go through, but how men respond.

The subject matter is ripe for mining but also a minefield. This means it's full of comedic potential worthy of exploring.

Review by David McLean

Dane Simpson 100% Hits

■ Dane Simpson is one of those people who are instantly likeable. You know that you’ll become lifelong friends if you were to meet the affable Simpson in real life.

In his Melbourne International Comedy Festival show Dane Simpson 100% Hits, right from the get-go, Simpson sets the audience up with “rules”.

“If you find something funny, obviously laugh. Like, get into it. Let’s fill this place with love and laughter.” And the audience enthusiastically obliges

As a comedian, Simpson nails an essaygoing, happy-go-lucky charm as he presents a retrospective of his comedy career so far.

It’s been 10 years since Simpson stepped on stage to tell a joke and accidentally launched his new life.

Since then, Simpson has amassed a history of sold-out shows, Melbourne Comedy Festival gala appearances, and competed, along with his equally funny father, in The Amazing Race Australia

A Gamilaraay man from Wagga Wagga, whose family has ties to the outback town of Walgett, Simpson mines his family history of being indigenous in country Australia for laughs.

Simpson pokes fun at their combined antics with a gentle style, but one full of laughs.

Like the one about Simpson’s soldier grandfather who stole a tank to make a beer run. Or his laser-eyed mother, who can stop grown men in their tracks if they cross her.

Bow, Simpson’s father, is a rich source of stories. Like the time he upstaged Simpson’s wedding by walking down the aisle before the bride.

Simpson doesn’t shy away from politics, using Australia Day as a forum for jests that pack a punch.

Through it all, Simpson looks like he can’t believe his luck, and the audience is happy to join him for the ride.

Until April 19 at the Victoria Hotel, Acacia Room comedyfestival.com.au

Review by Kathryn Keeble

All That’s Left of You

■ Directed by and starring Cherien Dabis, All That’s Left of You is a saga that spans some seven decades and details the plight of the Palestinian people.

Hanin (Dabis) and Salim (Saleh Bakri) struggle to assist their father, Sharif (Mohammad Bakri) who, now dispos-

Katrina Mathers.

Photo: Brent Lukey

sessed, longs for the orchards of his homeland.

Adding to the turmoil is the loss of Noor (Muhammad Abed Elrahman) their rebellious son who has been shot when a demonstration against the Israeli rule goes awry.

What we witness is the fragmenting of family, the loss of autonomy, the humiliation of dealing with authorities while under Martial Law and the frustration of negotiating with an indifferent bureaucracy.

It is only after Hanin and Salim are able to migrate to Canada that they can return to the land of their birth unhindered, something denied those eking out a living in the prescribed zones.

This is challenging viewing at times, for the despair is heartfelt.

Ethical and moral dilemmas occur when Hanin and Salim choose to allow Noor’s organs to be harvested to save the lives of others. His heart is given to Ari, an Israeli (Dominik Maringer)

The moment between Hanin and Ari 30 years after Noor’s death is telling. The suffering in The Levant is real and the conflict there ongoing.

Symbolically, Hanin and Salim return to the sea at Jaffa by the end of the film but only as tourists. The irony is palpable.

For many Palestinians , this resolution is a romantic ideal and unachievable. It speaks of the need to find a way forward given the conflict in the region but few can avail themselves of this option.

The human struggle remains while politicians bicker.

Now screening in Australian cinemas.

Review by David McLean

Auditions

■ Aspect Theatre: Twelfth Night. April 20, 22 at 7pm and April 26 at 2pm (Callbacks April 29) at Longbeach Anglican Church, 12-14 Thames Promenade, Chelsea. Director: Karim Shaker. Audition bookings: info@aspecttheatre. org.au or 0424 333 222

■ Nova Music Theatre: Hello Dolly! April 28, 29 and 30 at Boronia K-12 College. Dance call May 3. Prepare two contrasting songs. trybooking.com/DKZWD novamusictheatre.com.au/HelloDolly

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Frozen. Auditions opening later in April. babirra.org.au/class/frozen-audition

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

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

■ Frankston Theatre Group: One Act Play Festival (in August), May 9 at The Shed. In Among the… by Neil Barnett, directed by Annie Laurenson (4 roles) and Quorum-Bot by Jim Molesworth, directed by Rob Lister. (5 roles). People of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds are warmly encouraged to audition. For full details and to book an audition time, email Robertlister087@ gmail.com Cheryl Threadgold

Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Co. Ltd: &Juliet May 1 – 17 at The Forge Theatre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale. Director: Casey Davidge and Shawna Bartlet. Bookings: eastgippsland.vic. gov.au/leisure/whats-on-and-buy-tickets

■ Eltham Little Theatre: A Tomb with a View (by Norman Robbins) May 1 – 16 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Karim Shaker. Bookings: elthamlittle theatre.org.au/

■ FAMDA Inc.: No Exit (by Jean-Paul Sartre) April 29 – May 3 at Foster War Memorial Performing Arts Centre, Foster. Directors: Emma McKay and Pixie Jon. Bookings: trybooking.com/DJHBM

■ The Mount Players: Mr Bailey’s Minders (by Debra Oswald) May 8 – 24 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Sonja Prater. Bookings: themountplayers.com

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Company – A Musical Comedy (Stephen Sondheim) May 8 – 23 at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Bookings: wmtc.org.au Cheryl Threadgold

Reviews by the Observer team

■ Garage Sale is a cheeky and light hearted step into the past. Easily recognisable cultural icons and past cultural behaviour fondly treated with cringe worthy recognition and many laugh out loud moments.

Denise , using objects in the Garage Sale, introduces her husband Greg and an array of characters from their past and present exploring the hidden and ridiculous secrets within a 46 year marriage.

Past fashion, obsolete technology, and social and cultural changes the characters have gone through are explored with quite moving effect.

Too much detail will destroy the comedic absurdity but it includes strange suburban mysticism and supernatural revelations.

Script driven, the structure and content of the Garage Sale is exceptional. Using audio visual and staging it cleverly extends character performance and information.

Objects from the Garage Sale create a logical through line and allows an elaborate history to unfold in 55 minutes with easy comprehension.

A closer look at the idiomatic language of characters to better support excellent performances a passing thought. Numerous evilspirit foreshadowing moments might also benefit from some minor tinkering to enhance an already great comic payoff.

I counted 10 characters performed. Some as older and younger versions of themselves, anthropomorphised marionette puppet and other voodoo.

Alanah Parkin’s ability to create comedic stereotypes fleshed out with deeper character and subject intimacy demonstrated with generous nonjudgmental exploration and conviction.

Direction is well guided. Isaac Haigh ensured the production had punctuation to assist dramatic comprehension. Lighting and sound reinforce multiple realities mostly faultlessly executed, an exception, Alanah hard to hear over audio visual elements particularly during the climax.

The work on this show is apparent. There are a lot of technical components which have been well worked out. A tip of the hat to distinct character execution, a rich story and polished production.

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton.

Review by Sebastian Gunner

Help Me Please

■ After a copious amount of cheese and beer, the Swiss Club crowd waits in anticipation for Dan Rath’s Comedy Festival show, Help Me Please.

And they are not disappointed when the comedy begins.

“I’m unwell,” Rath states, delivered in deadpan style. Rath then launches into a set of quick-fire gags dispensed at lightning speed. Rath pivots through jokes like a train careering down the line without brakes.

Starting at one station, say water bottles, before too long, we’ve hurtled through Scientology and arrived at mullets as cultural appropriation.

Pivots, a word Rath describes as his aspirational method of schtick, is one way to refer to Rath’s style of meandering through a series of absurdist, existential meditations.

Yoga power dynamics, ASMR, flags, Netanyahu, Uber drivers, and meal prep all become subject to rapid-fire hilarity.

All delivered poker-faced, with Rath’s signature fidgety tic of staring at his feet while running his hand through his hair.

Laughter is followed by angst when you realise the tragic irony of what you are laughing at.

Who knew ADHD, PTSD, and clinical depression could be so funny?

The jokes keep coming, like the one about the cushions with “Keep Calm and Carry On” or “Live Laugh Love” embroidered by an indentured, enslaved, probably child worker in a sweatshop somewhere in the world.

Or the joke about Greta Thunberg and being on the spectrum.

Cue a well-timed punchline, and the crowd erupts.

There’s a reason Rath has won multiple comedy awards.

Rath is a master of self-deprecating, anxiety-inducing, side-splitting laughs.

Review by Kathryn Keeble

The Divine Comedy

■ Comedian Anthony Locascio is performing his show, The Divine Comedy, at Storyville for the 2026 Melbourne Comedy Festival.

From Sydney, Anthony has performed in festivals and events around Australia and internationally in London, New York, New Zealand and Canada . Anthony is a great storyteller. He has a charisma and easy manner that enthrals the audience and engages them in his story. Anthony is honest, humble, whimsical and emotive. He shows a great love of family and friends.

His current show The Divine Comedy draws on the essence of Dante Alighieri’s poem. The poem presented the soul’s journey towards God and the concept of divine justice.

He tells how he undertook a silent vigil and meditation to allow his soul to mend from tragedy. Weaving truth, sadness and comedic quips is no mean task. But Anthony is such a creative soul and his take on the Last Supper was cleverly conceived.

He also draws on his Greek and Italian heritage, regaling family concepts and traditions. The Divine Comedy was a thoroughly enjoyable show and Anthony Locascio is a talented entertainer who deserves his place in the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He is performing until April 19.

Review by Lyn Hurst

The Adults Only Magic Show

■ I love magic shows. The Adults Only Magic Show did not disappoint, keeping me amazed in more ways than one.

I was trying in earnest to see the ‘tricks’ as they were happening. Showman Productions produced a show that is enjoyable, entertaining, mysterious, original with plenty of ‘tricks’ in the hour timeslot to keep the audience guessing, often in awe.

Lots of fun. Yet being an adult only magic show that is part of a Comedy Festival , this show was destined to offer more than magic. We were asked from the beginning who was there to see ‘under the cloths’ – perhaps not in such polite terms, many hands went up - lots of people there for the ‘adult’ themes.

They would not have been disappointed, there was plenty of nudity/ scantily dressed, mainly handled by the two non-magicians of the fourmale group.

The magicians Sam Hume and Justin Willams seemed more comfortable with magic than the crude humour or nudity , particularly Hume who was the star magician.

MC Magnus D (for Danger) Magnus and his stage hand were clearly the exhibitionists of the group. Magnus did his part as MC well, yet it did not add anything to see him naked.

The team had a great rapport with the audience helpers who were picked at random. They were at ease adding to the show.

A surprise element was learning the backstory of how this magic duo came to be, the hardship they have faced , the comeback story.

Whilst not comedy, this allowed for a greater connection with the audience.

I would recommend this show for its magic and storytelling. As a comedy it was the audience interaction that brought the most humour.

I left not thinking about the lack of clothes but how they switched clothes right in front of our eyes.

Until April 24

Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne artscentremelbourne.com.au

Review by Elizabeth Semmel

Small Poppy

■ Gabbi Bolt opens her set, saying she feels like she’s in a SIM world, designed by a 10-year-old trying to find her way out of a pool with no ladder.

Next up, she performs an original song lamenting the vagaries of fate. What if fate phoned in your choices on your day? That would explain a lot.

Bolt has been trying to change her luck. This takes effort, such as endlessly searching for four-leaf clovers, carefully avoiding walking under ladders, and sidestepping cracks.

Her luck-changing quest is to make up for the year she spent as an eight-year-old dancing with an open umbrella in her bedroom to Rihanna

Bolt combines stand-up musings with musical comedy. She also has a well-developed funny bone, so expect the unexpected.

Bolt started playing piano at age three, miraculously belting out the Rugrats theme unprompted and by ear.

We career down some strange pathways, lurching through ancient history, and pondering existential angst.

Lucius Tarquinius Superbus , a Roman emperor who invaded a city called, wait for it, Gabbi, gets a rapping history lesson.

The etymology of the word virality, contemplating personality hires, and the benefits of a Commie boyfriend become subjects for lyrics and laughs.

In between these cogitations, Bolt belts out more parody numbers ranging from Charli XCX to rap.

Next, Bolt dons a piano accordion, a “risky top,” and a British accent for It Girl, and follows with a deliberation on billionaires.

In particular, the wealthy’s clothing choices in wanting to look like the rest of us plebs.

Through it all, Bolt moves effortlessly, offering witty observations wrapped around an eclectic mix of funny songs.

Until April 19

The Malthouse, Playbox comedyfestival.com.au Review by Kathryn Keeble

Rourke’s Reviews

Fuze

■ (M). 96 minutes. Opens in cinemas April 16.

If one can successfully suspend disbelief, then this latest outing from director David Mackenzie (YoungAdam,Perfect Sense, Hell Or High Water) is good fun, combining bomb and heist thrills, and racial profiling to entertaining effect.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Major Will Tranter, a bomb disposal officer who is called in when an unexploded WWII bomb is discovered on a London construction site.

With a sizeable, potential blast zone cordoned off by police, the military begin to work out how to defuse the device.

While this is going on, a group of four men, led by X (Sam Worthington) , use this as a chance to rob a bank, located in a predominantly Muslim area.

Dealing with the evacuation is Rahim (Elham Ehsas) , who along with his family, are puzzled as to what is happening around them.

Helping the military is Chief Superintendent Zuzana (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) , who keeps a close eye on the abandoned city areas.

All these various subplots will converge in particular ways. The script by Ben Hopkins (Inside, Limonov: The Ballad, Simon Magus) is definitely knotted, but also illogical, relying on audiences going with the flow rather than thinking about plot turns closely.

If one were to analyse things too much, the whole thing would seem ridiculous.

Thankfully, Hopkins has Mackenzie on board to oversee the material, and his skill as a film-maker helps immeasurably.

Mackenzie keeps things moving at a brisk pace, focusing on character interplay rather than plot implausibilities, allowing audiences to become involved with what is going on.

The cast are all good, making an impression with the time given to them.

Only in the last five minutes, when everyone decides to fully explain what is going on, does the film truly stumble.

Enough information was given beforehand, so this wrap-up is completely unnecessary and unconvincing.

This would make a fun double bill with the 1992 movie Live Wire, starring Pierce Brosnan RATING - ***

The Drama

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

After the universally acclaimed Dream Scenario, which saw Nicolas Cage given one of his best roles in years, editor/writer/producer/direc-

tor Kristoffer Borgli returns with The Drama, and while it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as his previous film, it still resonates, offering another darkly humorous examination of the flaws and failings of people and how they react to certain information and situations.

The story centres on Emma and Charlie ( Zendaya and Robert Pattinson ), who will soon be married, and are currently organising the specifics of their wedding.

Both are working on their speeches, and we see in flashback how the two met, which a mix of sweetness and creepiness.

One night, while trying some wine for the wedding with friends, Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim), each is asked what is the worst thing they’ve ever done.

What one person says will shake, fracture and potentially destroy everything.

Like Borgli’s Dream Scenario, and his earlier dark comedy Sick Of Myself, The Drama looks how seemingly good relationships and logical sensibilities can easily implode, with all of us walking a fine line between happiness and despair, and what lengths we may go to in releasing those feelings when all hope seems lost.

Borgli touches on topics and themes in a way that makes us react personally to them, using bleak comedy to allow them to make an impact.

Working with cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan ( Bones And All) and composer Daniel Pemberton (Eddington, Ferrari), Borgli creates a look and feel that is distinctly his own.

The two leads are excellent. Zendaya displays a level of vulnerability and uncertainty that is completely convincing, bringing layers to the character of Emma Pattinson continues to impress, making a rather unlikeable character approachable.

The supporting cast are all fine. For me, the film seemed to be heading toward a particular conclusion.

When that doesn’t happen, and it takes a different route, it initially feels like a disappointment.

While many may see this eventual conclusion as a cop out, it can also be seen as offering a satisfying, alternate ending, endorsing a point made during the film.

The Drama seems to be receiving a more mixed response like Borgli’s Sick Of Myself, but like that film, one has to get on the director’s darkly comedic wavelength. The subject is serious, but the examination is absurdist, showing how eternally strange human nature is.

RATING - ***½ Aaron Rourke

■ Digby Wolfe began writing and performing in comedy television series in England , where he worked with comedy legends such as Ronnie Corbett and Spike Milligan

He moved to Australia in 1959 where he became very popular in television variety Revue 62, which featured regular singers such as Ted Hamilton and Helen Zerefos Revue 61 won a Logie Award for Best National Variety Show and Digby won individual Logie Awards for Best Male Personality.

In 1964 Digby arrived in America looking for work opportunities.

One day he was invited to lunch at Universal Studios and the room was filled with famous Hollywood stars.

In the next booth was Cary Grant who overheard Digby talking. He tapped him on the shoulder, struck up a conversation and said, “English?” to which Digby replied “Yes”, then Cary turned back to Cy Coleman and said “Maybe this bloke would do it.”

Within an hour Digby was standing in front of an orchestra on a huge soundstage recording the Cy Coleman composition Pass Me By.

The song was used in the film Father Goose and Digby Wolfe provides the singing voice for Cary Grant . How’s that for being in the right place at the right time!

Digby later learned that the singer, who was supposed to sing the song in the film, had been in a car accident that day.

Whatever Happened to ... Digby Wolfe

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Digby Wolfe had guest roles in comedy series such as The Munsters, Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie

This was mainly because Digby had written the episodes and had included a small role in for himself.

In 1967 George Schlatter and Digby presented a format for a new television show, which was an hour of pure comedy, to the NBC network.

There was little interest, but an hour after they had left, they were called back to talk over the show with two new comedians who had just been hired by the network.

Dan Rowan and Dick Martin loved the concept and Laugh In was born.

Laugh In went into the top 10 American television shows within weeks and

launched the career of many famous performers. Goldie Hawn, Arte Johnson, Ruth Buzzi and Lily Tomlin owe their success to Laugh In

The show consisted of a series of very fast sketches with ongoing ‘catch phrases’

such as “Sock it to me”, “You bet your bippy’ and “Here comes the Judge.”

Guests included John Wayne and President Nixon. Digby was one of the principal writers for show.

One of Digby’s proudest moments was going up onstage with the Laugh In team to receive an Emmy Award

LaughIn finished in 1973 and Digby went on to work with performers such as Cher, Shirley MacLaine and John Denver on various projects.

In 1976 Digby returned to Australia to host the television series This Is Your Life where personalities such as Leonard Teale and Maggie Tabberer were handed the big red book.

In his later years Digby Wolfe thoroughly enjoyed being a university drama teacher and working with young students.

In 2003 he was awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ at the University of New Mexico Sadly, Digby Wolfe passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of aged 82 on May 3, 2012.

Digby was survived by his wife, Patricia Mannion, and his sister, Hilary HammondWilliams . 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

ARTS IN MAROONDAH: EXPANSIVE EXHIBITION

Theatre Extra

Life, Oh Life

■ Gillian Cosgriff is funny, clever, relatable. Her show Life, Oh Life in the Arts Centre basement is therefore a ‘one to see’. There are a number of laughs, yet also many moments of reflection.

Cosgriff starts by acknowledging that this very moment in time is unique, the first of many food for thought life observations that piqued my interest.

Whilst there is a format including clever, musical songs Cosgriff is terrific, thinking on her feet, responding with genuine kindness, and respect to the audience's suggestions.

Literally all the audience is involved in a non threatening way. Her questioning gains various insights which she seemingly effortlessly includes into her show with pathos, creativity, laughter.

Cosgriff has many talents as a writer, musician, singer, actor, stand up comedian. She has cleverly written songs which are a reflection on the society we live in, past present, future so there is something everyone can relate to, with lots of humour.

I had a smile on my face throughout as did most of the audience who were listening with ease to the clever lyrics that told a number of stories. At times you could hear a pin drop, other times the theatre filled with laughter.

Cosgriff is a thinker, a clever comedian with a beautiful relaxed manner. It felt an honour to be a part of this unique show that, if over 16, has something for everyone, perhaps even everything for some.

Review by Elizabeth Semmel

Calle Malaga

■ Veteran Spanish actress Carmen Maura stars in Calle Málaga, a strange, sweet story about a widow, Maria Angeles. Maria lives on Calle Málaga, Tangiers , a rich melting pot of people and food.

Maria spends her days browsing the street stalls, talking to the vendors eager to show her what is fresh and in season.

Once home, she cooks up a feast in her small but well-equipped kitchen while singing along to Latin jazz.

She has lived in Tangiers all her life, having moved from Spain with her parents to escape the Francoist dictatorship.

She loves to chat with her oldest friend, Sister Josefa (María Alfonsa Rosso), a Carmelite nun, regaling her with tales, knowing she can’t reciprocate due to her vow of silence.

Maria enjoys her life and the liveliness of the street, that is, until her daughter Clara (Marta Etura) arrives with a proposition. Clara , a divorced nurse with two young children, is struggling to make ends meet. She proposes selling the apartment, and her mother relocating to Madrid to live with Clara

When Maria refuses, Clara delivers an ultimatum.

The apartment will be sold, and Maria can move into aged care. There are some amusing encounters throughout, not least in the Aged Care Home, where the feisty Maria soon devises a plan to escape. Moving back into the apartment, she cooks up a plan to stay and unexpectedly encounters passionate romance on the way with the antiques dealer Abslam (Ahmed Boulane), to whom Clara sold Maria’s furniture.

There are some lovely episodes along her journey to return to her old life. However, the plot leaves some unanswered questions, such as why the relationship between mother and daughter is so strained. Nevertheless, Maria’s iron will and crafty cunning are refreshing in a film about a spirited senior citizen.

In Australian cinemas from April 23.

Reviewed by Kathryn Keeble

Golden Offerings, Aeroplane Jelly and a Dragon’s Tale is an expansive collaborative exhibition that explores Asian Australian identity through shared narrative and material transformation.

The artists rework archival imagery, found textiles and everyday objects, drawing on customs like Peranakan bearding and traditional Javanese carvings to create a living dialogue between past and present.

Set against the familiar background of the suburban landscape, the exhibition examines ancestor worship, family customs and reimagined offerings as they are woven into daily life.

It delves into the intersection of heritage and contemporary diaspora experience offering personal reflections on belonging.

Exhibition closes Sunday May 17.

Arts in Maroondah 32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood

Kingston Arts Centre

Outdoor Lightbox Gallery’ “Ikwewak” (Women) – Caroline Monnet

In a photographic series displayed on Kingston lightboxes, Caroline Monnet invites women who are leaders in their fields to reclaim spaces that had previously been forbidden to their ancestors.

These are the fifth and sixth works in a series that the artist began in 2016 in which she critically visits major historical and art movements through her lens.

The series of photographs staging First Nations women who depart from the European historical gaze by shaping their skewed representation in the collective consciences.

Staring directly into the lens, in contrast to the anthropological European and overwhelming patriarchal approach of the past, these women resist the colonial hold that contemporary society has over them.

Through a sociological reflection on power, Monnet brings the colonised female body into the light, revealing that it is doubly threatened and historically tied to the lans in colonial and patriarchal spatial configurations.

This reality contributes to the belief that the bodies of indigenous women are up for grabs, just like objects or landscapes to be owned and controlled

Exhibition closes Saturday June 13.

Town Hall Gallery

The Secret Life of Wings – Yee Ann Chiu celebrates the spirited personalities of Australian birds as set against a backdrop of familiar Melbourne landscapes.

Growing up in Taiwan, where birds are shy and keep their distance from people, Chui was captivated by the boldness of their Australian counterparts, from the fearless magpies to cheeky cockatoos.

Inspired by these encounters, she imagines hidden lives, painting whimsical scenes brimming with colour and curiosity.

Each work reflects Shui’s delight in the unex-

pected and her fascination with the bonds between nature and community.

The exhibition invites viewers to rediscover the everyday with fresh eyes – to pause, wonder, and reconnect with the quiet magic we often overlook, guided by our local feathered friends. Exhibition closes April 25.

Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn Peter Kemp

Sorry I Hurt Your Son

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

At the Trades Hall- Music Room and part of the MICF, James very early introduces us to his mum Colleen, when he first tells her “Mum, I like men”, with her immediate reaction being to walk over and close the room window. There was acceptance and this was so when at Christmas, Colleen thinking he was still with boyfriend Chris, penned a card wishing James and Chris a happy Christmas. Not knowing Chris was no longer, so the card went into the cupboard.

He spent time bringing to us the many signs of an abusive relationship, at times intense physical violence, injurious language. In withstanding this he dismissed much of the abuse in the name of love, while citing the disturbing statistic that one in three LGBTQ+ relationships are abusive, which is often overlooked as it is just a queer relationship.

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

In his delivery there was hardly a swear word uttered, a credit to be able to talk on a subject that lends itself to such utterances, even when comparing the size of male appendages.

He had the ability to engage with the audience by making steady eye contact with individual members while emphasizing some aspects of the abuse he withstood from his boyfriend Alex over some four years. ”I still love him, but that love is not being returned” declared James. Alex did send Colleen a card writing, “I am sorry I hurt your son”. A very honest, enlightening performance of a personal experience that is too often readily dismissed by many in the community. Review by

Places To Go

Travel Briefs

New flights

■ Sharp Airlines is running new direct flights between Launceston and King Island. This new route marks the first direct air link between Launceston and King Island, cutting travel time from 95 minutes to just 55 minutes. Existing services via Burnie will continue on all other days

Stay local

■ Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria is encouraging Victorians to turn day trips into regional tourist park getaways, as the State Government supports bringing free live music to towns across the state.

Kicking off in Ballarat on Saturday (Apr. 18), the Victorian Vibes series will deliver pop-up performances across regional Victoria every second weekend through to late June and spanning key tourist park regions including Gippsland, the Bellarine, the Murray, the Goldfields and the Great Ocean Road

Half of all overnight holiday stays are in tourist parks.

SEAMLESS SAFARI THROUGH AFRICA

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

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

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

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

Top of world

■ New York City's Empire State Building says that it will partner with Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, beloved chocolate and ice cream shop located on the ground floor of the building, to bring a one-ofa-kind 95th anniversary popup to the 86th Floor Observation Deck each day through to May 10.

Fuel crisis

■ Uncertainty around fuel supply is driving Australians to rethink their holidays, with determined travellers keeping their holiday plans on track by choosing destinations closer to their doorstep, data from the largest holiday park group in New South Wales shows. The survey by Reflections Holidays , which manages 40 holiday parks in coastal and inland NSW , on the Easter long weekend showed that while fuel prices and availability is weighing on travellers’ minds, they are choosing to holiday closer to home in order to maintain their holiday traditions.

Stella Maris

■ Melbourne artist Monica Costa presents Stella Maris from April 23 until May 10 at Caelene Nee Glen Art Advisory and Gallery, 143 Martin St, Brighton.

Travelling to Osaka?

■ If you are coming to Osaka, the Universal Studios city area is described as the place to be the perfect base for Osaka sightseeing

A thriving merchant city, Osaka is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, the warmth of its people, and a rich, diverse culinary scene.

From local favorites like ‘takoyaki’ and ‘okonomiyaki"’to world-class shopping and entertainment, the city offers an accessible and exciting experience that draws visitors from across the globe

O’Reilly’s turns 100

■ Australia’s oldest family-owned ecotourism retreat, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim in Queensland, is turning 100 this year.

Places To Go

It is milestone that celebrates a century of adventure, innovation, and a deep connection to nature.

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

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

Digital detox

■ Finland has once again been ranked the happiest country in the world in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year the Nordic nation has topped the global ranking.

This year, the message from Finland is simple: happiness starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications

The 2026 report explores the impact of social media and constant connectivity on wellbeing, highlighting growing evidence

that increased time spent online can negatively affect wellbeing. In Finland, often cited for its close connection to nature and balanced way of life, the secret to happiness lies in doing the opposite: stepping away from screens, slowing down and spending time in nature.

The Finnish response to the win reflects this ethos, with happiness often rooted in simple, everyday moments: a swim in a clear lake, heating the sauna, walking in the forest, or sharing good food with friends at a summer cottage.

To celebrate the milestone, Visit Finland is inviting people around the world to experience the Finnish antidote to digital overload through the Chill Like a Finn challenge, giving participants the chance to win a free seven-day summer stay in Finnish Lakeland, one of Europe’s largest lake regions.

$3 price barrier

■ Research by the largest holiday group in New South Wales, Reflections Holidays, shows that if the price of fuel tips $3 per litre, Australian travellers will consider changing their plans, with almost twothirds saying they will choose to holiday

closer to home. A survey conducted by Reflections on March 18 of almost 9000 of its members showed that less than five per cent were looking to delay their plans due to the current fuel situation.

The survey also found that if the fuel price shifts past $3 a litre, travellers will look to change their plans, with 62 per cent saying they would change their booking to a destination closer to home or, if road tripping, reduce the number of destinations.

Private charter

■ Specialist luxury small-ship cruising company Unforgettable Croatia has announced that its fleet of six ships is available for private charter in 2027.

The 36-guest luxury vessels sail along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, mainly departing from Split or Dubrovnik, with the option to visit destinations including Hvar, Trogir, Vis, Korcula, Slano and Ston. Cruises are available for five to seven nights, with the Unforgettable Croatia team on hand to plan bespoke cruise itineraries, and book activities including shore excursions, restaurant and dining experiences, and pre- and post-hotel stays. The ships have up to 18 cabins.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

Bush Telegraph Whiparound

Unexpected visits

■ The Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman and Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Border Force have ramped up their compliance efforts across wine regions, conducting coordinated unannounced inspections targeting vineyard owners and labour hire providers.

The three regulators carried out surprise compliance visits to 18 vineyards in Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale as part of Operation Zephyr, an operation under the Shadow Economy Taskforce

Feral rabbits alert

■ National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator with CISS, Heidi Kleinert, said, “Rabbits remain one of Australia’s most widespread and damaging pest animals.

“They have serious, ongoing impacts on our nation’s agriculture, biodiversity and way of life,” Ms Kleinert said.

Food loss waste

■ Australian farmers lose up to one million tonnes of produce worth $2.5 billion annually, with average food loss rates of 20 per cent per farm.

Food waste costs Australia $36.6 billion annually (1.4 per cent of Gross Domestic product).

NEW FACES TO LEAD FARMERS’ GROUP

■ Minyip cropping farmer Ryan Milgate has been named as the Victorian Farmers Federation’s incoming President following the closure of nominations for a number of VFF representative positions.

Mr Milgate will be joined by Ballan livestock farmer Scott Young as VFF VicePresident.

The pair are the successful incoming office-bearers following a single nomination being received for each position. As a result, both candidates will be declared elected unopposed, with no election required.

Mr Milgate said he is honoured to accept the role as the next VFF President.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with farmers and wider industry to ensure their voices are strongly represented and we are focussed on the key challenges and opportunities facing Victorian agriculture.”

“From the current diesel and input crisis, to intense competition over land use, and important conversations about getting a fair share of investment in the regions, it’s set to be a future-shaping year as we head into the Victorian election. We must be there when the whips are cracking and that will be my immediate focus.”

“The VFF exists because of farmers and our members and I will ensure that legacy continues,” Mr Milgate said.

Action on carp

■ Shadow Agirculture Minister Darren Chester says it’s time to get serious about European carp , which are destroying waterways and impacting biodiversity across Australia.

Mr Chester has backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority, which is advocating strongly for the release of the carp herpes virus to control the invasive fish, with a release date by 2028.

Welcome measures

■ The cut in fuel excise to make petrol more affordable and a push for more Victorians to use public transport instead of driving are welcome measures to help navigate the fuel crisis, according to Rural Councils Victoria

The 50 per cent excise cut means immediate relief at the bowser for rural residents and business operators including farmers.

Disaster long shadow

■ Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said: "Disasters strike quickly, but the recovery is a long, unforeseen battle that can take months or even years. Farmers face sleepless nights worrying about lost livestock, endless days repairing what nature has destroyed, and the relentless mental strain of pushing through each day to rebuild their farms and protect their families’ futures."

Places To Go

Places To Go

Places To Go

Senior Service

Trust grows in care

■ Australians are more than twice as likely to trust aged care once they have direct experience of it, according to a landmark new report from Ageing Australia , highlighting a major gap between perception and reality.

The Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report 2026 – the first study of its kind capturing the views of Australians aged 18 and over – shows confidence in the system improves significantly with firsthand experience, despite mixed perceptions across the broader community.

Not aware of rights

■ Older people are being reminded of the Government’s Financial Hardship Assistance program, amid concerns some people are finding the new Aged Care Act changes difficult to navigate and manage.

The new Act includes a range of benefits, such as an enforceable Statement of Rights , which strengthens protections for older people.

“However, implementing this in everyday practice will take time and early feedback indicates that many older people aren’t aware of their rights and lack the information needed to make informed decisions,” said a Government representative.

VASEY RECEIVES GRANTS FOR AGED CARE CENTRES

■ Vasey RSL Care has received $32,000 in funding through the State Government’s Residential Aged Care Equipment Grants program, supporting its residential aged care facilities in Bundoora, Brighton, Brighton East and Frankston South

This funding forms part of the Victorian Government’s Strengthening Medicare –Supporting Older Australians initiative. It will be used to purchase additional specialised medical equipment to further enhance the quality of care provided to residents.

Items to be acquired include infra-red thermometers, vital signs monitors, stethoscopes and finger pulse oximeters.

Vasey RSL Care has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, person-centred care to veterans and the broader community. This funding will further strengthen its ability to maintain the highest standards across its residential aged care services.

Vasey RSL Care Chief Executive Officer Janna Voloshin welcomed the funding, noting its direct impact on resident wellbeing. “This funding contributes towards our investment in vital clinical equipment that allows our teams to deliver safe, responsive and high-quality care every day.”

Senior Moments

Session on reform

■ A New Chapter in Ageing: Listening to Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers” Forum, is taking place at Melbourne Town Hall on Wednesday April 29.

This national event will bring together lived experience advocates, researchers, and policymakers to address the urgent need for trauma-informed aged care reform for Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers.

Treasures found

■ Bolton Clarke Europa on Alma residents dug out their valuable treasures, family heirlooms and collectables to be valued during their own antiques roadshow at the St Kilda community.

Thanks to the Abbeys Auction team, residents had the opportunity to hear more about the many trinkets brought along for the afternoon.

Resident Barry Pratt brought his prized Edison cylinder gramophone along for the occasion.

“The gramophone was bought by grandfather in North Melbourne and after he passed away in 1956 no one in the family was interested in keeping it,” Barry said. “Even though I was only 10, it was given to me to look after and I’ve had it for 70 years now. I often use it and play it every Christmas Eve – I find it very fascinating.”

In The Pink

Brain ageing

■ A major long-term study has found that older adults with stronger cognitive abilities report higher levels of life satisfaction, positive mood, and healthrelated quality of life over time.

Published in Aging & Mental Health and led by UNSW Sydney’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, the research followed more than 1,00 older adults, who did not have dementia at entry into the study, for over 12 years, making it one of the most comprehensive studies to examine how thinking abilities relate to wellbeing in later life.

Wellbeing in older age is often discussed in terms of physical illness or disability. However, researchers say this overlooks an important part of the picture: how people feel about their own lives.

“Subjective wellbeing” refers to a person’s own assessment of their happiness, including life satisfaction and positive emotions. “Health-related quality of life” focuses more specifically on how people feel about their health and its impact on daily living.”

Lead author on the research, Dr Michael Connors, says that both measures give older adults a voice in defining what successful ageing means to them - not just the absence of disease, but the presence of fulfilment and positive experiences.

“We found that wellbeing in older age isn’t determined by cognition alone,” said Dr Connors.

Avoiding falls

■ Falls land more than 400 older Aussies in hospital each day – that’s one every 2.5 minutes – and 17 people lose their lives.

This is a significant health issue, costing the health system more than $3 billion a year, but it’s also preventable.

April is Falls Month, encouraging the community to talk about risk, improving balance and other prevention strategies.

Allergy crisis funds

■ The Federal Government has announced a further $14.6 million to accelerate national allergy research and public health programs that support millions of Australians living with allergic disease.

The funding until June 2028 for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence and the National Allergy Council , a partnership between the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia , was detailed in the 2025-2026 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook

Professor Kirsten Perrett, Director of the NACE hosted at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, said the federal commitment meant the peak allergy bodies could continue fast-tracking Australia’s evidence-based response to the widespread chronic condition.

Call from GPs

■ Following a deadly meningococcal B outbreak in the UK , the Royal Australian College of GPs is urging the State Government to add free MenB vaccines and intranasal influenza vaccines for children to the state-funded immunisation schedule.

Some 21 people were hospitalised, nine in intensive care, and two young people died in a meningococcal B outbreak linked to a nightclub in Canterbury, UK, in March.

This follows the local death of 16-yearold Levi Syer shortly after developing symptoms of the deadly bacterial infection in September last year.

WEDNEDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

AWARENESS MONTH FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE

■ April is Parkinsons Awareness Month, advises Oscar Care group.

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the loss of nerve cells in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

This area of the brain has a critical role in modulating motor movement and chemical signalling which impacts learning, mood, judgement and other processes. This means people living with Parkinson’s Disease can have significant difficulties with motor and cognitive impairment, impacting their daily life.

In most populations, 3-5 per cent of Parkinson’s Disease is explained by genetic causes linked to the Parkinson’s disease genes.

Causes

Other causes of Parkinson’s Disease include having a relative with PD or tremor (although rare) and environmental factors such as pesticides, however it is still largely unknown what causes many cases of PD.

Around 150,000 Australians currently suffer from Parkinson’s Disease . Generally, PD symptoms gradually develop over years therefore sometimes can take years to diagnose as some people misinterpret symptoms.

Progression of symptoms looks very different person to person although the characterising symptoms include:

■ Tremors mainly at rest and described as pin rolling tremors in hands

■ Slowness of movement (also known as bradykinesia and hypokinesia)

■ Limb stiffness (rigidity)

■ Gait and balance problems (postural instability)

Parkinsonism is the term used to describe this group of symptoms. People with PD often experience non-motor related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, swallowing problems, sleep disorders, loss of sense of smell and degree of cognitive impairment.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s Disease however a neurologist is required to conduct neurological tests and an evaluation of symptoms.

Some tests might include magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (MRI brain), a dopamine transporter scan (DaT scan) or blood work to rule out other conditions. There are five stages of Parkinson’s Disease which can be classified using symptoms.

Stages 1 and 2 represent early stages with mild symptoms having no to little impact on a person's daily life. Stage 3 is considered mid-stage characterised by loss of balance, worsening of motor symptoms and function is somewhat restricted with mild disability.

Assistance

Stage 4 and 5 indicate a fully developed disability requiring full-time assistance from another person. Often people are bedridden or confined to wheelchairs at this stage.

There is currently no cure for PD although there is treatment available to help manage symptoms such as physiotherapy, medication and surgery. It is important a care plan be implemented with a medical team to help manage PD.

Oscar Care Group

Action for under-fives

■ Victorian families are being urged to ensure children under five are protected against serious illness this winter by arranging a free flu vaccine ahead of the 2026 peak season. While vaccination is recommended for anyone aged six months and older, Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay warns it is especially critical for children under five, who are more likely to experience severe flu symptoms that may require hospital treatment.

“For our youngest children, the flu can be far more serious than a few days at home unwell – it can be lifethreatening.”

“Vaccinating kids under five is one of the most important things families can do to keep them healthy and out of hospital this winter.”

“Flu vaccines are completely safe, effective and free for children under five years,” Dr McElnay said.

The flu vaccine is free for at-risk groups including children aged six months to five years, people over 65 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe flu.

Dr McElnay said getting vaccinated early provides the strongest protection

The Pulse Super K flu warning

■ Doctors are warning Aussies to brace for a deadly flu season, with the ‘Super K’ strain spreading early and vaccination rates continuing to fall.

Only one in three Australians were vaccinated against influenza last year, compared with one in two before COVID-19

Health professionals are particularly concerned that only one in four children aged under five received a flu jab last year, despite free vaccination being available to young kids due to their increased risk of sickness and death from influenza.

To support flu vaccination, Bupa has announced 40,000 free flu shots for its health insurance customers and eligible health services customers and patients.

Bupa Chief Medical Officer Dr Nic Woods said ‘ Super K’ was already driving unusually high flu activity well before winter started. In a worrying sign, influenza deaths in Australia doubled in January 2026 compared to January last year.

“High flu activity combined with low vaccination rates will make this flu season extremely dangerous and potentially deadly for high-risk groups, including the elderly and children,” Dr Woods said.

“We cannot afford to be complacent or ignore the warning signs. Super K is spreading earlier and faster than flu strains seen in previous seasons.”

Dr Woods urged Australians to book a flu shot as early as possible, with many GPs already receiving vaccines.

Infants aged six months to five years, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face the highest risk from influenza. These groups can access the flu vaccine for free.

Tests for Alzheimers

■ More Australians will be a step closer towards earlier and more effective diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease under a proposed plan by the Australian Dementia Network.

Utilising its established networks of GPs across three states, ADNeT intends on combining digital cognitive tests and blood tests for a large-scale study of people at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease .

Dementia is one of Australia’s greatest public health and economic challenges with more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia and it is estimated to cost Australia about $18.7 billion in 2025.

It is the leading cause of death in Australia and about three quarters of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.

against serious illness as flu activity increases heading into winter.

“The earlier you get vaccinated, the better your protection will be as we move into winter. A quick appointment now can make a big difference to your health and the health of those around you.”

It’s important to get vaccinated against influenza every year as the virus changes throughout the year changes and new vaccines are developed for the following winter season, she added.

The vaccine is available across general practices, pharmacies and local council immunisation clinics.

Those showing signs of, or being at risk of, Alzheimer’s Disease in the pilot will be directed to Brain Health Clinics or conventional specialist memory clinics for expert diagnosis and early treatment.

Harm from gambling

■ The Federal Government’s new gambling advertising reforms fail to provide the comprehensive protections needed to reduce online gambling-related harm, particularly among children and young people, says the Australian Medical Association. AMA Vice-President Associate Professor Julian Rait said the measures announced acknowledge the scale of the problem but do not go far enough to address the health impacts of gambling addiction. “ Australians lose more to gambling than any other country in the world,” he said.

Derek’s solo album

■ Founding member and drummer of The Little River Band, Derek Pellicci, has released a new album.

Welcome To The Human Race sees Derek delving into the Artificial Intelligence arena with only one other human contributing to its creation and completion of the 14 tracks.

Derek says: “As is my usual working practice, I spent hours sometimes days or weeks crafting the lyrics before feeding them into an AI program to bring the songs to life.

“My discovery of AI proved to be the catalyst that allowed this album to be completed, opening the door for me to follow the music wherever my imagination led.” The album is available on streaming platforms.

Stars: 50 years

■ Aussie country rock band Stars is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with live shows in Victoria

Featuring original member and lead singer Mick Pealing, key upcoming gigs include a show at the Hepburn Palais on April 17, and at Arcobar in Heatherton on April 18 and 19. See venues for more info and tickets.

Power of the Letter

■ Postcript: Life, Love and Loss in Australian Lettters is a new book that includes historically significant letters selected from the vast collections of the National Library of Australi a. The letters are paired with creative responses.

COMEDY IS BEST MEDICINE

■ Beyond Blue and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival collaborated for the first time to present a special comedy showcase highlighting the power of laughter to build connection and mental wellbeing.

Best Medicine was presented in the Supper Room at the Melbourne Town Hall , hosted by award-winning British comedian Carl Donnelly and featuring six celebrated festival comedians.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said: “Laughter can create space to breathe when life feels heavy and spark the kind of connection that reminds us of our shared experience and that we’re all in this together.

“Studies show that spontaneous laughter can lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, meaning it really is some of the best medicine to improve our wellbeing."

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Executive Director, Dylan Cole agrees. "Comedy and mental wellbeing have always been closely connected, so partnering with Beyond Blue on the Best Medicine showcase is a natural fit.

“We hope this event encourages people to connect, talk, and to reach out when they need support – as well as leave them with a good dose of laughter.”

Host Carl Donnelly believes that comedy is a way for people to get through tough times.

Beyond Blue Support Service is free and available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636

"Right now a lot of us need that release more than ever. Audiences are resonating with that kind of honesty when we talk about mental health, and comedy is becoming almost like a safe space for those conversations."

Comedian and Best Medicine performer, Sam Zit o, talked openly about his mental health struggles.

“I’ve been really open about my own mental health because when you’re struggling, everything feels heavy.

“But when you get yourself to a better place, humour starts to come back into even the serious moments.

“That’s exactly what the Best Medicine show represents - giving people a chance to laugh before life starts piling up again."

Proceeds from the production went towards funding Beyond Blue’s free, 24/7 phone and webchat support service; Ms Harman said Beyond Blue was thrilled to have partnered with the festival. "It marks 40 years of community and celebration through laughter.”

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free and available 24/ 7 on 1300 22 4636 or online beyondblue.org.au/getsupport Cheryl Threadgold

Free parking

■ The City of Stonnington has resolved to continue a free parking validation model for customers of the Prahran Market, following a successful trial which commenced in September last year

Shoppers who spend $20 at the market and validate their ticket with a trader will continue to be able to access one hour of free parking at the Elizabeth St carpark between 7am and 11am on Market Days.

An increase in both footfall and dwell time was seen over the trial period, which is encouraging for the small businesses and traders who are the lifeblood of the market.

“Council is always looking for ways to help shoppers to come to the Chapel St precinct and support the small businesses that make up Australia’s oldest food market,” said Mayor Cr Melina Sehr.

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 15

Agargun, Baris Araghi, Pejman Aram, Ghurzang Arok, Arok Aseel, Mohammad Zarak Atem, Dieu Baker, Dylan Barry, Troy Bassee, Jason Benning, Scott John Birchall, Ohmar Bruce, Kylie Marie Burris, Damon Castro-Wilson, Tonatiuh Choeun, Ricky Bayat Clara, Leontine Clarke, Anthony Collins, Joel Connor, Russell Alan Davie, Elizabeth Dhadly, Jang Bahadar Singh Do, Minh Dunmall, Michael Dunn, Bohdan Jake-Lee Dwyer, Sean Ede, Justin Farrugia, Christopher Fernando, Darren Fernie, Cameron Haines, Ethan Harper, Mathew Harun, Mohammed Heng, Andy Hoang, Hein Holden, Corey Douglas Horvat, Jack Irish, Alex Robert James, Catherine Kabato, Hawi Adem Karim, Hasnain Koutrouvelis, Nick Lafaele, Johnny Laviolete, Steven Brian Lee, Shane Lord, Jamie Michael Maxwell-Sykes, Tamara Mayne, Glenn Mccall, Daniel Mckay, Chantelle Erica Mcminn, Phillip Micallef, Darcey Muon, Guanar Mustafawi, Hamid Mutha Merennage, Savith Ngueng, Adol Mabior Nienkel, Deng O'brien, Daniel O'loughlin, Brett Oo, So Owens, Joel Pan, Emmanuel Peterson, Ian Jude Petkovski, Luke Pippig, Anthony Popa-Luminosu, Lucian Price, Josh Quin, Bradley Ramchen, Kim Rocha, Diogo Shillington, Jarrod Luke Singh, Gurdip Singh, Preet Pal Smith, Luke Spears, Dylan Wayne Sprecher, John

Cherry Orchard

■ Frankston Theatre Group presents Anton Chekhov's classic The Cherry Orchard until April 19 at the Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre

Directed by Tim Gilmour , this version of Chekhov's classic is reimagined for modern Australia.

The Ranevskaya family returns to their crumbling estate to face debts, change, and the loss of their beloved orchard.

Witty and unmistakably human, this adaptation reveals why Chekhov called it 'a comedy of life itself’.

Performance Season: Until April 19

Venue: Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, 97 Foot St., Frankston Bookings: frankstontheatre group.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Stemn, Matthew Stevens, Jason Sydes, Luke Ryan Tep, Peter Tucker, Alan Van Rye, Leigh Walder, Jenk Wicks, Samuel Yeth, Saktheyuth Yilihamu, Yiliya Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 15 Afzali, Liaqat Ali Armenio, Noah Burke, John Charles Campanella, Eugene Catalano, Anthony Chilcott, Shakarah Cornelissen, Tammantha Dodd, Robert Emmanouil, Arthur Fitzpatrick, Michelle Iacovangelo, Daniel Kakar, Kamilla Linthorne-Walker, Amica Madafferi, Vincent Mafuie, Thomas Mcghie, Daniel Palmer, Jake Thomas Prosser, Beth Puric, Mahir Rajani, Vikram Bajandas Rivett, Daryl Rowshan, Alexis Sandler, Sheina Shewan, Fiona Welsh, Ray Young, John Dromana

Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, April 16 Arora, Gurlahb Athanasiadis, Alexandros Cannon, Blake Coburn, Vaughan Craig, Scott Andrew Devincentiis, Ivo Di Domenica, Antonio England, Thomas Faro, Jamie Fine, Daniel Zvi Firth, Kory Furnell, Peter Floyd Ganci, Aristoula Georgadas, Pete Gilbert, Jye Howell, Rebecca Lee Konndouris, Paul Leonard, Michael George Magree, Cole Millard, Jane Felicity Munro, Amanda Nguyen, Tran Ahn Oppy, Joshua Owen, Brian Panchal, Siddharth Atul Picone, Joel Thomas Poyner, James Sommers, Jake Steel, Ronald Stokeld, Craig Tierney, Angus Robert Valibhoy, Vali Valtadoros, Tasos Wan, Kelvin

Carol’s Masterclass

■ Carol Fox’s Confident Communicators Masterclass will be held on Friday, May 22.

Port Phillip Council says that it is providing an opportunity to bring together women in coaching, officiating, management, and administration roles to strengthen their leadership, build networks, and create lasting change in local sport.

“This program is designed to deliver practical inspiration – tools you can apply immediately, backed by 30+ years of experience in sport and leadership,” said a Council representative.

Outdoor trading

■ Boroondara Council says that it want to continue supporting the use of outdloor trading spaces well into the future.

“Our draft Outdoor Trading Policy sets out four key aims that benefit both our community and local traders,” said a Council representative.

“These are the principles that guide the policy, which we’re seeking your feedback on to make sure we’re continuing to head in the right direction.

“Share your experiences and thoughts about outdoor dining, footpath trading and parklets in Boroondara by 5pm Thursday, May 7, on our Your Say Boroondara Outdoor Trading Policy page.”

Councillor resigns

■ Cr Tess Law, Ward Councillor for Melaleuca, advised Kingston Council that she resigned her position, effective from March 31.

Cr Law was elected to Council in the November 2024 local government elections and served on a number of committees in this time, including:

■ Governance and Policy Committee

■ Access and Equity Committee

■ CEO Employment Matters

■ Australian Local Government Women’s Association (Victoria) Treasurer

Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley thanked Cr Law for her contribution during her time as a Councillor.

City ‘disappointed’

■ Bayside City Council says that it is disappointed that the State Government has finalised planning controls for four Bayside Activity Centre precincts without “meaningful consultation” with Council and the community.

“The Activity Centres Program is part of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, which aims to deliver more than 300,000 additional homes across Melbourne by 2051,” said a City of Bayside representative.

Four areas in Bayside have been included in the expanded program including North Brighton (Bay Street), Middle Brighton (Church Street), Hampton (Hampton Street), and Sandringham (Sandringham Village)

This follows on from the original 10 centres in the Pilot Program which included Moorabbin/Hampton East

“The Victorian Government held two phases of consultation on their plans for the expanded Activity Centres Program. Despite promises that Councils would be genuine partners in the process, the planning controls have changed little from those proposed before phase 2 of consultation,” a Bayside Council representative said.

$2.3m

for homeless

■ The City of Melbourne’s draft Budget 2026–27 p,lans to spend $2.3 million to help those at risk or sleeping rough.

“We’re also expanding homelessness services so people are met with care and connection, including for the first time dedicated support for those facing complex mental health challenges,” said a City of Melbourne representative.

“This funding will expand the city’s outreach program, explore new safe spaces, strengthen on-street support with service providers, and advocate to the Victorian Government for increased mental health and drug rehabilitation services,” the Council said in a media statement.

Gulbis, Griffiths take top awards

■ Carlton all-rounder Evan Gulbis has claimed the Jack Ryder Medal , while Box Hill’s Zoe Griffiths has taken out the Una Paisley Medal at the 2025-26 Kookaburra Victorian Premier Cricket Awards held at the MCG on Friday evening (Apr. 10).

Gulbis secured the Jack Ryder Medal with 31 votes, edging out Casey South Melbourne’s Finlay Gordon on 27 votes, with Greenvale Kangaroos’ Will Luxton finishing third on 26 votes.

A consistent and influential performer throughout the season, Gulbis played a key role for Carlton across both disciplines, leading from the front in a campaign that saw him recognised as the competition’s best and fairest player. Meanwhile, Griffiths was awarded the Una Paisley Medal after an outstanding season for Box Hill , polling 27 votes to finish ahead of joint runners-up Zoe Samuel (Melbourne) and Olivia Henry (Prahran) , who both finished on 23 votes.

Griffiths’s consistency and impact across the campaign consolidated her place as one of the competition’s most influential players, capping off a standout year in the women’s competition.

Kookaburra Men’s Premier Team of the Season

■ Farzan Chowna (Melbourne)

■ Ash Chandrasinghe (Casey South Melbourne)

■ Dylan Brasher (Footscray) (C)

■ Blake Thomson (Melbourne)

■ Will Luxton (Greenvale Kangaroos)

■ Evan Gulbis (Carlton)

■ Dylan Kight (Footscray) (WK)

■ Sam Mills (Richmond)

■ Joshua Sawrey (Richmond)

■ Matt Hennig (St Kilda)

■ Shenuka De Silva (Prahran)

■ Jackson Smith (Northcote)

Kookaburra Women’s Premier Team of the Season

■ Olivia Henry (Prahran)

■ Mia Perrin (Geelong)

■ Merinda Hale (Prahran)

■ Stephanie Townsend (Geelong) (C)

■ Zoe Samuel (Melbourne)

■ Kamaljot Kaur (Dandenong)

■ Amy Yates (Melbourne)

■ Zoe Griffiths (Box Hill)

■ Lucy Page (Prahran)

■ Anna O’Donnell (Melbourne)

■ Alice Grant (Essendon

■ Maribyrnong Park)

■ Danielle Montague (Box Hill) Women's 1st XI T20 Player of the Season

■ Stephanie Townsend (Geelong) Marg Jennings Cup and Dowling Shield Players of the Tournament

■ Meg Lanning Award (Marg Jennings Cup): Sahasra Pulibandla (Carlton) Dowling Shield:

■ James Damiano (Dandenong) and Nicholas Critchley (Melbourne) Under 18 Men’s and Women’s Players of the Tournament

■ Men: Vincent Bush (Carlton), Cooper Wood (Frankston Peninsula) and Charlie Hester (St Kilda)

■ Women: Charli McLennan (Carlton) and Mikayla Collins (Prahran)

AFL Round 6

Thursday, April 16

■ Carlton vs. Collingwood (MCG) (N) Friday, April 17

■ Geelong Cats vs. Western Bulldogs (GMHBA) (N)

■ Sydney Swans vs. GWS Giants (SCG) (N)

Saturday, April 18

■ Gold Coast Suns vs. Essendon (PFS)

■ Hawthorn vs. Port Adelaide (MRVL) (T)

■ Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda (AO) (N) Sunday, April 19

■ North Melbourne vs. Richmond (MRVL)

■ Melbourne vs. Brisbane Lions (MCG)

■ West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle (OS) (T)

Local Sport

Scores from Saturday’s matches

Eastern

■ Premier Division Seniors. Round 1. Balwyn 13.7 (85) d Blackburn 12.9i (81). East Ringwood 15.11 (101) d South Croydon 4.7 (31). Rowville 11.7 (73) d Noble Park 9.10 (64). Berwick 7.11 (53) d South belgrave 2.4 (16) Sunday, April 12: Doncaster East v Vermont.

■ Premier Division Reserves. Balwyn 9.5 (59) d Blackburn 8.10 (58). East Ringwood 8.7 (55) d South Croydon 4.6 (30). Rowville 11.13 (79) d Noble Park 2.8 (20). South Belgrave 10.7 (67) d Berwick 3.4 (22). Sunday, April 12: Doncaster East v Vermont.

■ Premier Division Under 19.5. Blackburn 14.9 (93) d Balwyn 6.7 (43). South Croydon 8.4 (52) d East Ringwood 3.9 (27). Rowville 17.10 (112) d Noble Park 5.7 (37). Berwick 13.16 (94) d South Belgrave 4.2 (26). Sunday: April 12: Doncaster East v Vermont.

■ Division 1 Seniors. North FRingwood 10.7 (67) d Beaconsfield 4.8 (32). Montrose 16.11 (107) d Bayswater 10.9 (69). Wantirna South 9.10 (64) d Mooroolbark 5.9 (39). Park Orchards 13.14 (92) d Norwood 7.7 (49). Sunday, April 12: Mitcham v Boronia.

■ Division 1 Reserves. Montrose 12.11 (83) d Bayswater 4,.6 (309). North Ringwood 6.6 (42) d Beacosnfield 2.4 (16). Park Orchards 9.15 (69) d Norwood 2.3 (15). Wantirna South 7.9 (51) d Mooroolbark 2.4 (16). Sunday, April 12: Mitcham v Boronia.

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. North Ringwood 4.12 (36) d Beaconsfield 2.5 (170. Montrose 24.20 (164) d Bayswater/Heathmont 2.3 (15). Wantirna South 9.13 (67) d Norwood 4.5 (29). Sunday, April 12: Mitcham v Boronia.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Templestowe 12.12 (84) d Heathmont 7.2 (44). Mulgrave 6.13 (49) d Ringwood 6.5 (41). East Burwood 9.9 (63) d Scoresby 6.8 (44). Surrey Park 17.10 (112) d Waverley Blues 9.10 (64). Croydon 5.8 (38) d Lilydale 4.2 (26).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Heathmont 7.6 (48) d Templestowe 6.7 (43). Mulgrave 13.12 (90) d Ringwood 5.5 (35). East burwood 8.9 (57) d Scoresby 2.3 (15). Surrey Park 8.12 (60) d Waverley Blues 2.5 (17). Croydon 9.7 (61) d Lilydale 3.6 (24).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. East Burwood 8.16 (64) d Scoresby 5.7 (37). Ringwood 9.5 (59) d Mulgrave 2.11 (23). Waverley Blues 10.7 (67) d Surrey Park 7.6 (48). Croydon 11.14 (80) d Lilydal;e 3.7 (25). Templestowe: Bye.

■ Division 3 Seniors. Donvale 18.22 (130) d Coldstream 2.0 (12). Whitehorse Pioneers 10.10 (70) d Oakleigh 5.9 (39). Silvan 16.14 (110) d Ferntree Gully 9.5 (59). Upper Ferntree Gully 13.10 (88) d Knox 5.14 (44).

The Basin: Bye.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Donvale 11.9 (75) d Coldstream 3.2 (20). Whitehorse Pioneers 14.16 (100) d Oakleigh District 4.7 (31). Silvan 10.6 (66) d Ferntree Gully 9.8 (62). Upper Ferntree Gully 5.11 (41) d Knox 5.6 (36). The Basin: Bye.

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Donvale v Rowville. Whitehorse Pioneers 17.11 (113)

d The Basin 4.9 (33). Knox 9.5 (59) d Upper Ferntee Gully 7.7 (49).

■ Division 4 Seniors. Fairpark 16.14 (110) d Chirnside Park 15.12 (102). Bulleen Templestowe 15.16 (112) d Vrodyon North 5.3 (33). Forest Hill 9.8 (62) d Nunawading 7.9 (51). Kilsyth 12.13 (85) d Doncaster 12.3 (75). Warrandyte: Bye.

■ Division 4 Reserves. Surrey Park Zebras 12.10 (82) d Berwick Nunawading 4.7 (31). Bulleen Templestowe 9.16 (70) d Croydon North MLOC 5.3 (33). Kilsyth 7.9 (51) d Doncaster 5.6 (36). Chirnside Park 10.4 (64)

d Fairpark 5.210 (40). Warrandyte: Bye.

■ Division 4 Under 19.5. Berwick 9.11 (65) d Montrose 3.9 (27). Blackburn 22.22 (154) d Kilsyth 2.1 (13). Bulleen Templestowe 14.21 (105) d Croydon North MLOC 2.3 (15). Fairpark v Chirnside Park. Warrandyte: Bye.

Essendon

■ Premier Division Seniors. Strathmore 16.10 (106) d Keilor 8.21 (69). Pascoe Vale 18.19 (127) d Hillside 11.3 (69). Aberfeldie 15.10 (100) d Deer Park 14.11 (95). Maribyrnong Park 12.13 (985) d Greenva;e 12.10 (82). Airport West 11.7 (73) d Essendon Doutta Stars 8.12 (60).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Keillor 20.10 (130) d Strathmore 3.6 (24). Pascoe vale 18.10 (118) d Hillside 1.2 (8). Aberfeldie 29.24 (198) d Deer Park 0.0 (0). Essendon Doutta Stars 5.11 (41 d Airport West

4.8 (32). Maribyrnong Park 11.8 974) d Greenvale 4.11 (35).

■ Division 1 Seniors. West Coburg 13.11 (89) d Taylora Lakes 8.8 (56). Avondale Heights 25.13 (163) d East keilor 6.5 (41). Craigieburn 6.9 (45) d Tullamafrine 5.8 (38). Moonee Valley 24.21 (165) d St Albans 16.9 015). Oak Park 13.11 (89)_ d Rupertswood 9.10 (64).

■ Division 1 Reserves. West Coburg 18.12 (12) d Taylors Lakes 5.4 (34). Craigieburn 14.11 (95) d Tullamarine 6.10 (46). Oak Park 9.10 (64) d Rupertsswood 3.14 (32). Moonee Valley 18.6 (114) d St Albans 105 (65). Avondale Heights 7.11 (53) d East Keilor 4.10 (34).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Coburg Districts 19.10 (124) d Keilor Park 6.12 (48). Westmeadows 11.8 (74) d Burnside Heights 8.10 (58). Sunbury Kangaroos 7.15 (57) d Roxburgh park 6.6 (42). Hadfield 11.9 975) d East Sunbury 7.10 (52). Glenroy 21.14 (140) d Northern Saints 7.4 (46).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Coburg Districts 21.11 (137) d Keilor Park 1.0 (6). Westmeadows 11.15 (81) d Burnside Heights 1.1 (7). Roxburgh Park 5.9 (39) d Sunbury Kangaroos 5.6 (36). Hadfield 10.10 (70) d East Sunbury 8.7 (55). Glenroy 9.7 (61) d Northern Saints 8.12 (60).

Mornington

■ Division 1 Seniors. Dromana 14.18 (102) d Mornington 20.9 (69). Langwarrin 13.8 (86) d Edithvale-Aspendale 10.13 (73). Rosebud 12.10 (82) d Sorrento 10.9 (69). Frankiston YCW 8.17 (65) d Devon Meadows 5.7 (37). Mt Eliza 7.9 (51) d Pines 5.11 (41).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Mornington 15.`12 (102) d Dromana 5.6 (36). Langwarrin 14.6 (90) d Editbvale-Aspendale 5.4 (34). Rosebud 11.6 (72) d Sorrento 1.3 (9). Frankston YCW v Devon Meadows. Mt Eliza v Pines.

■ Division 1 Under 19. Mornington 16.27 (123) d Dromana 1.3 99). Langwarrin 8.5 (53) d Edithvale-Aspendale 4.16 (40). Sorrento 6.8 (44) d Rosebud 4.8 (32). Frankston YCW v Devon Meadows. Mt Eliza v Pines.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Chelsea 25.16 (166) d Bonbeach 8.5 (53). Rye 22.15 (147) d Tyabb 9.9 (63). Crib Point 8.13 (61) d Frankston Bombers 4.9 (33). Pearcedale 10.8 (68) d Hastings 6.14 (50). Seaford 15.18 9108) d Karingal 2.5 (17). Red Hill 7.8 (50) d Somerville 5.10 (40).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Chelsea 9.5 (59) d Bonbeach 5.11 (41). Rye 23.12 (150) d Tyabb 3.1 (19). Frankston Bombers v crib Point. Pearcedale 16.13 (109) d Hastings 1.5 (11). Seaford v Karingal Somerville v Red Hill.

■ Division 2 Under 19. Chelsea 21.7 (133) d Bonbeach 5.3 (33). Frankston Bombers v crib Point. Rye 8.8 (56) d Pearcedale 5.9 (39). Seaford v Karingal. Somerville v Red Hill. Bye: Hastings, Tyabb.

Northern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Greensborough 12.11 (83) d Eltham 8.8 (56). Hurstrboidge 11.16 (82) d West Preston 8.5 (53). Heidelberrg 19.11 (125) d North Heidelberg 7.14 (56). Bundoora 6.11 (47) d VBanyule 6.10 (46). Dimaomnd Creek 4.13 (37) drew with Montmorency 5.7 (37).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Eltham 9.12 (66) d Greensborough 5.8 (38). Hurstbridge 11.15

(81) d West Preston 3.3 (21). Heidelberg 11.11 (77) d North Heidelberg 6.9 (45). Bundoora 7.19 (61) d Banyule 5.11 (41). Montmorency 7.7 (49) d Diamond Creek 4.3 (27).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 11.15 (81) d Greensborough 6.3 (39). Heidelberg 10.13 (73) d North Heidelberg 10.6 (66). Banyule 11.15 (81) d St Mary’s 9.8 (62). Montmorency 9.9 (63) d Diamond Creek 3.8 (26). Hurstbridge: Bye.

■ Division 2 Seniors. St Mary’s 10.13 (73) d Macleod 8.17 (65). Old Paradians 11.14 (80) d Lower Plenty 8.10 (58). Thomastown 10.8 968) d Panton Hill 7.9 (51). Whittlesea 14,.13 (97) d South Morang 9.13 (67). Northcote Park 9.6 (60) d Fitzroy Stars 6.8 (44).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Macleod 8.6 (54) d St Mary’s 6.10 (46). Old Paradians 105 (65) d Lower Plenty 8.15 (63). Thomastown 10.11 (71) d Panton Hill 6.9 (45). South Moran g 9.11 (65) d Whittlesea 4.9 (33). Fitzroy Stars 8.6 (54) d Northcote Park 5.8 (38).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Bundoora 8.23 (71) d Macleod 5.8 (38). Laurimar 12.l7 979) d Old Paradians 1.3 (9). Whittlesea 13.10 (88) d South Morang 10.6 (66).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Reservoir 2016 (136) d Lalor 5.4 (34) Kilmore 16.11 (107) d kinglake 8.6 (54). Mernda 12.15 (87) d Epping 8.9 (57). Heidelberg Wdest 9.8 (62) d Old Eltham 7.8 (50). Laurimar 15.12 (102) d Watsonia 3.6 (24). Ivanhoe: Bye. ■ Division 3 Reserves. Reservoir 20.16 (136) d Lalor 5.4 (34). Kilmore 16.11 (107) d Kinglake 8.6 (54). Mernda 12.15 (87) d Epping 8.9 (57). Heidelberg West 9.8 962) d Old Eltham Collegians 7.8 (50). Laurimar 15.12 (102) d Watsonia 3.6 (24). Ivanhoe: Bye.

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Reservoir 19.18 (132) d Lalor 0.1 (1). Kilomore 14.20 (104) d Kinghlake4 2.4 (16). Epping 7.9 (51) d Mernda 7.7 (49). Heidelberg West 15.10 (100) d Old Eltham Collegians 11.5 (71). Laurimar 9.15 (69) d Watsonia 2.2 (14). Ivanhoe: Bye.

Outer East

■ Premier Division Seniors. Olinda Ferny Creek 9.11 (65) d Monbulk 5.6 (36). Officer 6.15 (51) d Upwey Tecoma 6.6 (42),. Healesville 17.12 -114) d Gembrook Cockatoo 6.4 (40). Woori Yallock 13.9 987) d Warbuton Millgrove 6.10 (46). Sunday, April 12: Wandin v Mt Evelyn.

■ Premier Division Reserves. Warburton Millgrove 6.8 (44) d Woori Yallock 5.10 (4). Monbulk 14.7 (91) d Olinda Ferny Creek 4.3 (27). Officer 7.5 (47) d Upwey Tecoma 6.7 (43). Healesville 5.9 (39) d Gembrook Cockatoo 4.8 (32). Sunday, April 12: Wandin v Mt Evelyn. ■ Division 1 Seniors. Powelltown 6.15 (51) d Yarra Junction 5.10 (40). Belgrave 10.15 (75) d Yea 6.7 (43). Pakenham 8.15 (63) d Emerald 6.9 (45). Seville 12.17 (89) d Alexandra 3.12 (30). Yarra Glen: Bye. ■ Division 2 Reserves. Yarra junction 67.17 (59) d Powelltown 6.5 (41). Belgrave 18.7 (115) d Yea 4.6 (30). Pakenham 7.13 (55) d Emerald 3.6 (24). Seville 11.6 (72) d Alexandra 10.8 (68). Yarra Glen: Bye.

■ Under 18 Boys. Seville 18.16 (124) d Alexandra 0.2 (2). Upwey Tecoma 15.7 (97) d Pakenham 7.11 (53). Woori Yallock 18.14 (122) d Warburton Millgrove 1.5 (11). Olinda Ferny Creek 10.8 (68) d Monbulk 6.10 946). Healesville 14,.15 (99) d

Local Sport

Siren scores as at Saturday, April 11

Footy results from across Victoria

Gembrook Cockartoo 1.4 (10). Officer 21.16 (142) d Yarra Glen 0.1 (1). Sunday, April 12: Wandin v Mt Evelyn.

■ Division 1 Senior Women’s. Warburton Wesburn 17.16 (118) d Belgrave 1.2 (8). Healesville 4,.5 (29) d Olinda Ferny Creek 3.2 (20). Upwey Tecoma 12.17 (89) d Pakenham 1.3 (9). Mt Evelyn: Bye.

■ Division 2 Senior Women’s. Wandin 3.7 (25) d Woori Yallock 0.2 (2). Seville 14.23 (107) d Thornton Eildon 0.0 (0). Yea 13.7 (85) d Gembrook Cockatoo 0.0 (0). Officer 4.4 (28) d Emerald 1.5 (11).

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Dingley 9.18 (72) d Springavle Districts 9.10 (64). Cranbourne Eagles 6.10 946) d Murrumbeena 3.13 (31). Narre Warren 12.15 (87) d Hampton Park 4.9 (33). Cheltenham 11.12 (78) d Port Melbourne 11.8 (74). Bentleigh 17.6 (108) d St Paul McKinnon 8.8 (56).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Highett 24.14 (158)_ d Keysborough 7.6 (48). Doveton Doves 11.6 (72) d East Brighton 4.8 (32). Frankston Dolphins 17.7 (109) d Hampton 11.8 (74). Chelsea Heights 1010 (70) d Caulfield Bears 7.11 (53). Mordialloc 6.4 (40) d East Malvern 4.11 (35).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Skye 11.17 (83) d Hallam 5.4 (34). Heatherton 19.3 (117) d South Mornington 4.9 (33). St Kilda City 17.12 (114) d Black Rock 12.9 (81). Berwick Springs 12.11 (83) d Carrum Patterson Lakes 6.10 (46). Lyndhurst 6.11 (47) d Endeavour Hills 6.10 (46).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Albion 13.19 (97) d Point Cook 6.8 (44). Spotswood 15.8 (98) d Newport 11.9 (75). Sunshine 14.3 (87) d Altona 5.9 (39). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 15.7 (97) d Parkside 12.12 (84). Hoppers Crossing 15.12 (102) d Point Cook 3.3 (21). Werribee Districts 10.15 (10.15 (75) d Caroline Springs 6.9 (45).

■ Division 2 Seniors. North Footscray 11.8 (74) d Braybrook 7.8 (50). West Footscray 18.15 (123) d Sunshine Heights 9.11 (65). Western Rams 9.14 (68) d Laverton Magpies 8.5 (53). Albanvale 6.16 (52) d Tarneit 5.6 (36). Wyndhamvale 14.13 (97) d Suns 6.8 (44).

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Shepparton Swans 15.7 (97) d Kyabram 10.13 (73). Mansfiel;d 19.20 (134) de Rochester 5.12 (42). Shepparton 13.14 (92) d Seymour 7.10 (52). Shepparton United 11.11 (77) d Euroa 7.7 (49) Echuca 10.17 (77) d Benalla 6.4 (40). Mooroopna 18.16 (124) d Tatura 8.6 (54).

■ Reserves. Kyabram 8.6 (54) d Shepparton Swans 2.9 (21). Ropchester 12.7 (79) d Mansfield 5.4 (34). Shepparton 9.15 (69) d Seymour 3.2 (20). Euroa 16.8 (104)d Shepparton United 11.7 (73). Echuca 21.13 (139) d Benalla 2.2 (14). Mooroopna 6.3 (39) d Tatura 5.4 (34).

■ Under 18. Kyabram 16.16 (112) d Shepparton Swans 1.4 (10). Mansfiel;d 8.10 (58) d Rochester 6.9 945). Shepparton 10.10 (70) d Seymour 6.5 (41). Shepparton United 14.4 (88) d Euroa 5.3 (33). Echuca 15.18 (108) d Benalla 0.0 (0). Mooroopna 8.8 (58) d Tatura 4.11 (35).

Ovens & King

■ Seniors. Greta 21.11 (137) d King Valley 9.11 (65). Moyhu 21.21 (147) d Benalla All Blacks 3.2 (20). North Wangaratta 10.16 (76) d Tarrawingee 5.6 (36). Bright 14.17 (101) d Goorambat 7.4 (46). Whorouly 8.7 (55) d Milawa 8.6 (54). Bonnie Doon: Bye.

■ Reserves. Greta 18.6 (114) d King valley 1.3 (9). Moyhu 20.19 (139) d Benalla All Blacks 1.0 (6). North Wangaratta 15.12 (102) d Tarrawingee 9.8 (62). Bright 22.8 (140) d Goorambat 1.2 (8). Milawa 6.8 (44) d Whorouly 3.3 (21). Bonnie Doon: Bye.

Kyabram District

■ Seniors. Shepparton East 17.18 (118) d Tallygaroopna 6.6 (42). Nagambie 26.26 (182) d Violet Town 2.2 (14). Longwood 21.11 (137) d Undera 13.9 (87). MurchisonToolamaba 27.13 (175) d Merrigum 10.23 (62). Sunday, April 12: Girgarre v Lancaster. Stanhope v Rushworth. Avenel: Bye.

■ Reserves. Shepparton East 12.11 (83) d Tallygaroopna 3.3 (21). Nagambie won by forfeit v Violet Town. Longwood 14.14 (98) d Undera 5.5 (35). Murchison-Toolamaba 24.15 (159) v Merrigum 0.4 (4). Sunday,

April 12: Girgarre v Lancaster. Stanhope v Rushworth. Avenel: Bye.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Macedon 15.10 (100) d Gisborne Giants 9.5 (59). Kyneton 14.17 (101) d Woodend Hesket 5.9 (39). Romsey 10.13 (73) d Lancefield 6.8 (44). Wallan 16.12 (108) d Melton Centrals 4.13 (37). Diggers Rest 15.24 (114) d Melton South 6.3 (39). Riddell: Bye.

■ Reserves. Macedon 8.7 (55) d Gisborne Giants 2.1 (13) Kyneton 14.11 (95) d Woodend-Hesket 4.10 (34). Lancefield 12.7 (79) d Rom sey 4.7 (31). Wallan 9.9 (63) d Melton Centrals 7.4 (46). Diggers Rest 106 (66) d Melton South 4.5 (29). Riddell: Bye.

Bendigo

■ Seniors. Sandhurst 25.20 (170) d Broadford 2.0 (12). Eaglehawk 10.19 (79) d Golden Sqaure 7.10 (52). Castlemaine 23.12 (150) d Kangaroo Flat 8.14 (62). South Bendigo 12.19 (81) d Gisborne 13.11 (89).

Strathfieldsaye: Bye.

■ Reserves. Sandhurst 19.12 (126) d Broadford 1.1 (7). Eaglehawk 6.7 (43) d Golden Square 5.2 (32). Kangaroo Flat 10.7 (67) d Castlemaine 9.5 (59). South Bendigo 6.16 (52) d Gisborne 3.4 (22). Strathfieldsaye: Bye.

■ Under 18. Sandhurst 16.15 (111) d Boradford 2.3 (15). Golden Square 18.17 125) d Eaglehawk 1.21 (7). Castlemaine 14.15 (99) d Kangaroo Flat 3.3 (21). South Bendigo 18.11 (119) d Gisborne 5.5 (35).

Strathfieldsaye: Bye

Regional Teams

Alexandra

■ Seniors List: Nathan Thompson, Jarrod Thompson, Jye Sciortino, Bayley Sciortino, Paul Bailey, Blake Morison, Domenic Aloi, Jordan Trollope, Joel Koger, Jett Bennings, Trent Davison, Mark Cecere, Sonny Saniga, Cameron Thompson, Nathan O’Keefe, Matt Di Pietrantonio, Jack Nolan, Mason O’Neill, Daniel ZIacuone, Dean Eliades, Mitch Medson.

Broadford

■ Seniors List. Louis Thompson, Sebastian Morris, Rhys Carman, Taiten Thomas, Oliver Lubeck, Jordan Sullivan, Ben Thompson, Jake Hibbs-Hall, Jacob Street-Glasson, Tynan Howard, Riley Edwards, Charles Neilson, Owen Sloan, Adam Miles, William Carlin, CJ Brill, Brodie Stray, Jay Eager, Jarrah Younger, Bryce Fleming, Toby Hope, Jabe Brown

Euroa

■ Seniors List. Max Gleeson, Jett Trotter, Will Creevey, Cohen Paul, Keily Jager, Jayden Gleeson, Jack McKernan, Andrew Bell, Darby Wilson, Marcus Varley, Mitchell Walters, Ryan Hill, Adam Giobbi, Nate Trotter, Hugh Bailey, Nicholas Asquith, Henry Thomas, Lachlan Curran, Nicholas McCabe, Nic Burke, Joshua Robertson.

Kilmore

■ Seniors List. Mitchell O'Dwyer, Kye Maher, Josh Vilinskis, Benjamin Doyle, Tristan Lilburn, Campbell White, Mason Lacorcia, Liam Monaghan, Benjamin Barton, Caleb Newport, Ryan Bailey, Zack Ferguson, Marcus Lacorica, Ryan Johnson, Jesse Taylor, Liam Salter, Joshua

Robertson, Grant Paxton, Chris Barton, Joshua Coe, Max Lehner, Jarvis Sleep.

Kinglake

■ Seniors List. Will Graf, Lochlan Kelly, Mason McAllister, Angus Forde, Elliot Kynaston, Thomas McErlain, Aidan McErlain, Jesse Nelson, Connor Caldow, Lachie White, Samuel Charles, Bailey Hamer, Corey Shenholds, Dylan Hoysted, Michael Bongailas, Thomas Clarke, Michael Florance, Braydon Hardstaff, Dylan Cunningham, Liam Lucas, Riley Greenhorn, Willem Morrison.

Mansfield

■ Seniors List. Jayden Howes, Sam Thomson, Callum Brown, Harry Mahoney, Max Mahoney, Will Foster, Matthew King, Jack Christopher, Brett Mahoney, Nathan Buchanan, Jack Marks, Luke Menhenett, Samuel Guppy, Campbell Smedley, William Kelly, Tom Dunstan, Cody George, Brayden Van Winden, Dirk Koenen, William Dunstan, William Brooks.

Nagambie

■ Seniors List. Luke Duffy, Brayden Biggs, Blake McKinnon, Tyson Chapman, Trent Laverie, Liam Hockley, Tyrone Muir, Ryan Coll, Tom Barnes, Tayte Lewis, Trent Gladwin, Mitchell Sanderson, Blake Fothergill, David Comi, Mark Nolan, Jack Threlfall, Will Dalton, Lucas Mckinnon, Jonathan Moore, Thomas Mason, Kobi Maynard

Seymour

■ Seniors List. Seamus Feery, Cooper Holdsworth-Rose, Dylan Cook, Riley Mason, Huw Jones, Jack Murphy, Ben Cooney, Nathan Beattie, Lewis Lubeck, Ricky Schraven, Jesse Brock, Jaron Murphy, Nathan Fowler, Rielly Old, Dylan Davis, Benjamin McCarthy, Jackson Mansfield, Thomas Martin, Nicholas Quigg, Tom Jeffrey, Darcy Giles, Lachlan Giles

Wallan

■ Seniors List. Harley Short, Jordan Port, Lachlan Smart, Benjamin Dessent, Riley Gilchrist, Dion Hill, Sean Morris, Domenic Luci, Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson, Chris Stewart, Patrick Mahoney, Blaide Dickson, Lachlan Inness, Hayden Gill, Shaun Stewart, Corey Salvador, Owen Fowler, Haze Mitchell, Kobey Christall, Corey Viani, Steven Boyall

Whittlesea

■ Seniors List. Bailey Robinson, Liam Tyrrell, Taidhg Bland, Deakin Tennant, Thomas Falls, Riley Carter, Angus Smith, Kane Johnson, Clayton McCartney, Harley Fraumano, Lachlan Shinn-mahony, Lucas Hobbs, Khaled El-Leissy, Steven Dempsey, William Plain, Cooper Beauchamp, Riley Gaylard, Jack Taylor, Baylin Greeves, Caden Allen, Thomas Crowley, Baylie Day

Yea

■ Seniors List. Darcy Pell, Patrick Evans, Damian Pywell, Adam Wiseman, Daniel Evans, Nick De Preu, Jack Christie, Cameron Evans, Austen Ross, Ryder Plant, Logan Plant, Nick Gilbee, Rohan King, Corbin Sutherland, Andrew Bree, Tyler Faulkner, Ayden Tessari, Patrick Magoga, Cooper Shearer, Cooper Lynch, James Marasco, Zain Neicho. Ash Long

This Weekend Amateurs

■ Premier. Round 1. Saturday, April 18. Old Brighton v St Bernard’s. University Blues v Old Trinity. Old Scotch v Caulfield Grammarians. Old Haileybury v University Blacks. St Kevin’s OB v Old Xaverians.

■ Premier B Men’s. Round 1. Saturday, April 18. Collegians v De La Salle. Old Camberwell v Old Geelong. Old Ivanhoe v AJAX. Williamstown CYMS v Old Carey. Old Melburnians v Beaumaris.

■ Premier C Men’s. Round 1. Saturday, April 18. Old Peninsula v Hampton Rovers. Ormond v Parkdale Vultures. Fitzroy v Marcellin OC. PEGS v Glen Eira/Old McKinnon. St Bedes/Mentone Tigers v Mazenod OC.

■ Division 1. Round 1. Saturday, April 18. St Mary’s Salesian v Monash Blues. Oakleigh AFC v Kew FC. Prahran v Preston Bullants. UHS-VU v Old Yarra Cobras. Brunswick FC v Parkside.

■ Division 3. Round 1. Saturday, April 18. Box Hill North v Wattle Park. Richmond Central v Albert Park. Hawthorn v La Trobe University.

Eastern

■ Premier Division. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Berwick v Doncaster East. South Belgrave v Noble Park. Rowville v South Croydon. Blackburn v Vermont. East Ringwood v Balwyn.

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Bayswater v Mitcham. Boronia v Beaconsfield. Montrose v Mooroolbark. North Ringwood v Park Orchards. Wantirna South v Norwood.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Heathmont v Croydon. Lilydale v Ringwood. Mulgrave v Templerstowe. Surrey Park v Scoresby. Waverley Blues v East Burwood.

■ Division 3. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Oakleigh District v Donvale. Silvan v Knox. Upper Ferntree Gully v The Basin. Coldstream v Whitehorse Pioneers. Bye: Ferntree Gully.

■ Division 4. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Kilsyth v Bulleen Templestowe. Doncaster v Croydon North MLOC. Forest Hill v Fairpark. Chirnside Park v Warrandyte. Nunawading: Bye.

Essendon

■ Premier Division. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Keilor v Aberfeldie. Deer Park v Hillside. Essendon Doutta Stars v Strathmore. Pascoe Vale v Green-vale. Maribyrnong Park v Airport West.

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Avondale Heights v Tullamarine. Craigieburn v Rupertswood. Oak Park v West Coburg. St Albans v East Keilor. Taylors Lakes v Moonee Valley.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Northern Saints v Sunbury Kangaroos. East Sunbury v Glenroy. Roxburgh Park v Burnside Heights. Hadfield v Coburg Districts. Westmeadows v Keilor Park.

Southern

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Dingley v Cheltenham. St Paul’s McKinnon v Cranbourne Eagles. Bentleigh v Hampton Park. Narre Warren v Port Melbourne Colts. Murrumbeena v Springvale Districts.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. East Malvern v Chelsea Heights. Caulfield Bears v Doveton Doves. Frankston Dolphins v Highett. Hampton v Mordialloc. Keysborough v East Brighton.

■ Division 3. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Black Rock v Carrum Patterson Lakes. Hallam v South Mornington. Heatherton v Skye. Lyndhurst v St Kilda City. Berwick Springs v Endeavour Hills.

Western

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, April 18. Pomt Cook v Yarraville Seddon Eagles. Caroline Springs v Spotswood. Parkside v Albion. Sunshine v Hoppers Crossing. Point Cook v Werribee Districts. Newport v Altona.

SADDLE UP FOR MORNINGTON CUP

■ A tidal wave of punters will surge through the entrances to Mornington Racecourse on Cup Day this Saturday (Apr. 18).

The Mornington Peninsula has been a holiday hotspot for generations, with Mount Eliza and Mornington the gateway to abundant beauty in the National Parks and Reserves.

This includes tourist attractions such as Arthurs Seat and Cape Schank Lighthouse

Three-time winner of the Mornington Cup (2002-2004) Gunnamatta, was named after the beach known for the best surf on the Peninsula

First run in 1921, the Mornington Cup gained added importance in 2013.

From that time onwards, the winner has become exempt from the ballot for the Caulfield Cup later in the year.

Both races are run over 2400 metres under handicap conditions.

Craftsman won the 1965 Mornington Cup, prior to finishing third in the Caulfield Cup

He returned to Mornington for the 1966 Cup, this time having to settle for second place.

Silver Bounty registered a victory in each Cup , winning the 1981 Caulfield Cup and 1983 Mornington Cup.

Since the introduction of the ballot free exemption, only five Mornington Cup winners have attempted the double in the same year.

All have been unplaced, with the closest Right You Are finishing fifth in 2023, and Kings Will Dream sixth in 2018 when sent out favourite for the Caulfield Cup

Let’s look at some of the horses who may take their place in the field this year:

Bankers Choice

Expected to return to Mornington to defend his 2025 Cup win. Hasn’t won since then but has mostly been competing in Group races. His two runs since returning from a spell have been solid. Finished in front of recent Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man first-up at Caulfield Then was close up when unplaced in the Easter Cup on the same track. Can’t be left out of calculations.

Strawberry Rock

Placed in the past two Mornington Cups finishing third and then second beaten by Bankers Choice in a photo finish. Unplaced at his past two starts in the Hobart and Launceston Cups. These are the same two races he contested last year before the Mornington Cup. Despite now being nine years old, he would be deserving of the opportunity to go one better this year.

Ambassadorial

Could not be racing any better. He was beaten by half a head when second at Flemington over 1800 metres in January. Victory at his next two starts over 2000 metres at Caulfield and Flemington was followed by a decisive win at 2000 metres again, this time in the Easter Cup at Caulfield. This would be his first attempt at 2400 metres, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t run it right out. Profiles perfectly for this assignment with a crack at the Caulfield Cup later in the year firmly on the agenda. Also, he carries the colours of former Caulfield Cup winning champion

Rod Basto

mare

Leilani Stylish Secret

Only a four-year-old but has already won twice over this distance at Caulfield. Overhauled the leaders to win over 2000 metres at Caulfield before being outsprinted in the final 400 metres when a close fifth in the Easter Cup there. Was running though the line as strongly as anything outside of the winner Ambassadorial. Obviously loves Caulfield, so the temptation of a ticket into the Caulfield Cup would be almost impossible for connections to overlook.

Jenni’s Meadow

Not far off a long overdue win and wouldn’t be a shock if it came in the Mornington Cup . Started the year with successive second place finishes when narrowly beaten on both occasions at

Flemington and then Caulfield . Not far away at three runs since, including a last start sixth in the Easter Cup . Would get weighted on or near the minimum, ensuring she has every chance if they go down this path.

Zakouma

Racing in career best form, having won his past three starts at Caulfield, Sandown and most recently Flemington. Was ultra impressive last time coming from secondlast to win with plenty in hand. This would be another jump in class and distance. However, expected to be given the minimum weight. Entitled to have a shot at this while racing so well.

Pony OPaddock

■ Families are encouraged to attend the Mornington Cup meeting, as young racegoers will be treated to a day to remember.

The Pony Paddock is the place to go for free activities, including face painters, hair braiders, an animal farm, pony rides and amusement rides. That’s not all either.

There will be Cow-Kid sessions in the Country Fair Arena where children can learn handson horse skills. Live demonstrations should also prove entertaining.

These are to include Sheep Dog displays, Whip Cracking and Line Dancing. Plenty of live music on the Live an Local Stage will add to the experience, featuring Mornington Peninsula country artists, followed by a DJ.

Horses To Follow

■ Mukhtalif, Extragalactic, Meridius, Blind Raise

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, April 15: Sandown Lakeside

■ Thursday, April 16: Echuca, Pakenham

■ Friday, April 17: Stawell, Cranbourne

■ Saturday, April 18: Mornington, Kilmore, Yea

■ Sunday, April 19: Sale, Terang

■ Monday, April 20: Wodonga

■ Tuesday, April 21: Swan Hill Rod Basto

MILDURA CUP TO JILLIBY NITRO

■ Giant killer 9Y0 Bettor’s Delight-Kiewa Valley gelding Jilliby Nitro once again outgunned his rivals to land last Saturday’s $40,000 (Listed) CA Fitness Mildura Pacing Cup over 2600 metres.

Trained by the in-form Ecklin South stable of Marg and Paddy Lee who claimed the two rich slot’ races in Cambridge on New Zealand’s North Island the night before, Jilliby Nitro with regular reinsman Lochie Cook aboard overcame a check on the first turn to settle five back in the running line as local hope and heat winner My Ultimate Jimmy led from gate three with Aaron Dunn’s tough Forty Love (outside the front line) joining him before gaining cover mid-race after the favourite Captain Perfect (gate three second line) which was checked on the first turn to settle one/two went forward to park in the open keeping the leader honest.

The race was on when Captain Perfect’s stablemate Fox Dan took off three wide in the last lap with Jilliby Nitro trailing.

Taking care of the pacemaker which couldn’t stay the journey on the final bend, Captain Perfect led momentarily with Fox Dan in hot pursuit and Jilliby Nitro following him home.

Angling wide in the straight, Jilliby Nitro finished brilliantly to blouse a game Fox Dan by 5.3 metres, with Forty Love third 2.2 metres back 3.3 metres away third.

In quarters of 29.8, 29.3, 28.3 and 28.9 after a lead time of 73.3 seconds, Jilliby Nitro recorded a 1-57.4 mile rate seven tenths of a second outside Phoenix Prince’s 1-56.7 record set in 2022.

In winning Jilliby Nitro chalked up his 21st victory in 113 outings which include 36 placings and over $600,000 in stakes.

Pacing Cup

■ The racing week began on Tuesday April 7 with heats of the time honoured Mildura Pacing Cup over the short trip of 2190 metres.

Once one of Victoria’s major prestige races on a par with the likes of Shepparton, Bendigo and Ballarat, the Mildura Cup week consisted of two cup heats on the Tuesday, an additional meeting on the Friday mainly dedicated to the trotters and the Mildura Cup on the Saturday attracting visitors by the score with hotels and motels booked out weeks in advance.

But with the meeting being reduced to two nights (Tuesday and Saturday) and a severe drop in stake levels, the fields mainly consisted of locally trained horses in lower grades with Friday’s Cup valued at $40,000.

The two Cup Heats on Tuesday went to the heavily backed 4Y0 Downbythe-seaside-Romance The Stone gelding My Ultimate Jimmy ($3.60) for Mildura trainer Andrew Vozlic in the first, while quality 4Y0 Art Major-Jodila entire Fox Dan ($1.30) took out the second for the Emma Stewart/ Clayton Tonkin stable.

My Ultimate Jimmy driven by Alby Ashwood led throughout from gate three and was untroubled after being rated a treat to account for Isthisjustfantasy (gate two second line – one/three – four wide home turn) and a death-seating Forty Love which raced exposed from outside the front line. The margins 2.3 by 1.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.7.

■ Heat two saw Fox Dan a prohibitive $1.30 favourite, just last after racing uncovered from outside the front line before crossing the early leader Santa Casa Beach (gate four) in the straight on the first occasion.

Joined mid-race by stablemate Captain Perfect which had been restrained to the rear from inside the second line, Fox Dan after having things all his own way was joined by Captain Perfect in the shadows of the post, but held on by a head in a thrilling finish, with Geelong and Terang Cup winner Jilliby Nitro (one/one from the extreme draw) after going forward to race exposed before taking cover on Fox Dan third a head away. The mile rate a much slower 2-

■ Mildura Harness Racing Club President (breeder/part-owner) Allan (Pudd) McDonald enjoyed a thrill when his 7Y0 Bling It On-Angel In Flight gelding Bizzness Class trained at the Charlton H/ R Centre by Michael Gadsden and driven by regular reinsman Luke Dunne snared the 2190 metres Park Douglas Printing

Pace over 2190 metres. Enjoying a sweet passage from gate two trailing Modern Ginger (gate three), Bizzness Class was able to squeeze past Modern Ginger which galloped in the back straight on the final occasion to allow Jaxon Beach (extreme draw) which had gone forward from three back mid-race to join the leader racing for the bell and cross to the front.

Easing outside Jaxon Beach on the final bend, Bizzness Class was too strong in the run home to prevail by 5.6 metres returning a mile rate of 2-00.2. Polemarker Im Blingin It (three pegs) used inside runs for third 3.5 metres back.

Ex New Zealander G B Brave, a 4Y0 Bettors Delight-Georgia’s Belle gelding has found the company a lot easier in Sunraysia since being transferred there and after two recent placings, broke through for a win when taking the 2nd heat of the Zilzie Wines Pace over 2190 metres.

Trained at Red Cliffs by part-owner Kate Attard, G B Brave driven by 35 year old ex-Queenslander Luke Sutherland led throughout from gate three to score easily by 5.9 metres in advance of Rubbleonthedouble (outside front line) which trailed giving driver Sutherland his first Victorian winner. Our Master Play after racing exposed from inside the second line was third 15.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-00.4.

■ Sixty-nine-year-old Robinvale owner/ trainer Noel Walsh who has had his share of health issues over the years loves his harness racing and was successful with 7Y0 Sportswriter-Ronzel Gem mare Ronzel Micky in the Club Merbein Pace (2nd Division) over 1790 metres.

With Bendigo based Jack Laugher in the sulky, Ronzel Micky was given an easy time from the pole, defying all challengers to record a 1.4 metre margin in two minutes even over Always On Safari which trailed from inside the second line, with Glitzy All Over (gate two – one/one) third 3.5 metres back.

Bendigo

■ Bendigo was Wednesday’s fixture and one of harness racing’s ‘good guys’ Carlsruhe part-owner/trainer Jack Sullivan was victorious with home bred 6Y0 Majestic Son-Sullanders Pride gelding Sonnyboy in the 1650 metre VHRC / GBL Properties Trotters Mobile.

Driven on this occasion by Jodi Quinlan, Sonnyboy began safely from the pole to trail the speedy Christmas Babe which began with a wing on every foot from gate six to lead with ease and bowl along at her leisure.

Using the sprint lane on turning, Sonnyboy finished full of running to record a 3.1 metre margin in advance of Christmas Babe which battled on gamely returning a mile rate of 2-01.1. Allwatfunjingles (gate five) ran on late after being buried five back along the markers for third 1.1 metres back. It was Sonnyboy’s 9th victory in 89 outings.

■ In what was a great night for the small stable, 8Y0 Majestic Son-Nicky Newky gelding Major Max snared the 2150 metre Oxley Feed Mill Trotters Mobile in a 2-02.8 mile rate.

Again with Jodi Quinlan driving, Major Max (gate three) began cleanly to settle one/one on the back of Azalea Mae (gate four) before being restrained to four back the markers after Azalia Mae crossed the poleline leader Kalarney Prince.

Easing away from the markers in the last lap to race exposed, Major Max quickly put pay to the leader and raced clear on the final bend to greet the judge by 4.1 metres from Kalarney Prince along the sprint lane, with Azalea Mae holding third albeit 14.4 metres away. Jack’s wife Glenis is a partowner of both horses. The mile rate 2-02.8.

■ It’s an old adage that whenever you’re hot you’re hot and Jack provided another winner at Maryborough on Friday when Majestic Son-Nicky Newky filly Chantilly Lass a full sister to Major Max scored in the first heat of the Maryborough Golf Club Graduation Series for Three Year Olds over 2190 metres.

At juicy odds of 25/1 with Jodie Quinlan driving, Chantilly Lass (three pegs) despite being checked at the judge on the first occasion when three pegs from inside the second line by polemarker Itz Classic Gold following the leader Heir Jaudon galloped.

Regaining her composure, Chantilly Lass dropped back a spot to be four pegs. Coming off the markers to race exposed approaching the bell, Chantilly Lass gave plenty on turning to defeat Pastor Dunbar (gate two second line) one/three at the bell after an early break by 2 metres, with Heir Jaudon third albeit 19.2 metres away in a mile rate of 2-03.6.

■ Two first starters 3Y0 Lather Up-Insidious Charm gelding All Over It and 4Y0 The Storm Inside-Twindet gelding Parini ran the quinella in the VHRC / Rich River Golf Club Maiden Pace over 2150 metres with All Over It an impressive winner.

Trained at Elmore by Keith Cotchin for members of the Cotchin family, All Over It driven by Alby Ashwood settled three back in the running line from gate two on the second line before letting rip within a lap with a dazzling burst of speed to cross the pacemaker Major Orion (gate six).

Travelling kindly, All Over It raced clear approaching the final bend to register a most convincing victory 18.8 metres clear of Stephen O’Donoghue’s Parini (gate two - three pegs) which ran home along the sprint lane to nab Major Orion out of second by a neck in the last couple of strides. The mile rate 1-56.5.

■ Bowenvale trainer Gerard Jamieson’s 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Somebeachsomeflare gelding Lougle brought up four wins in succession when victorious in the VHRC / Woodlands Stud NMW Pace over 1650 metres after returning to the mainland after spending time in Tasmania since the start of the year.

Driven confidently by Jason Lee, Lougle was quickly away from an inside second line draw to surge forward and park outside the front runner Dressed In Gold (gate four) and when asked for an effort on turning, responded to record a 1.8 metre margin over Rabada (gate five – one/one) which followed the winner all the way. Dressed In Gold held third 2.7 metres away in a slick 1-54.8 mile rate.

■ Cobram owner/trainer Adam Rudd’s Kiwi bred 7Y0 Hes Watching-Bliss gelding Elated scored a tough victory in the 1650 metre VHRC / Renown Silverware Pace to bring up two wins in succession and six in total.

Driven by Hannah Parish, Elated from gate two on the second line settled three back in the moving line as the speedy Hes Harrywho led from gate three.

Angling three wide solo in the final circuit, Elated sustained a long run to gain the day by 1.7 metres from the Hes Harrywho, with Madam Reactor (three pegs from the pole) using the sprint lane for third 2.5 metres away. The mile rate 155.1.

Ballarat

■ Ballarat was the venue on Thursday and popular Bullengarook owner/ trainer/driver Freddy Spiteri took the honours for the night with a double – first starter Rosenlil, a 5Y0 daughter of Tennotrump and Lu Lu Lola taking the Mega Jumps 4Y0 & Older Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres and 8Y0 Love You-I Am Majestic gelding Te Amo the 1710 metre Harwood Grains Trotters Mobile.

Rosenlil led throughout from gate three, defying all challengers to score by 2.2 metres from Aldebaran Brianna (one/one from gate two), with Island Rubee (gate four) third 5.4 metres back after racing uncovered. The mile rate 2-05.2.

This Week

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

Te Amo starting inside the second line spent most of the race three back along the markers as Ridethelightning led from gate two.

The race was to change direction running into the home turn when Ridethelightning galloped dropping back through the field allowing Chillhoneybunny which had followed the pacemaker to take over with Te Amo now on her back.

Extricating away from the markers in the straight, Te Amo ran home best to grab Chillhoneybunny in the last few strides to score by a half neck in a mile rate of 2-01.9.

Whats The Tea (four pegs from gate five) was third 4.4 metres back after using inside runs.

■ Twenty-five-year old Scotts Creek partowner/trainer/driver Nicholas O’Connor landed the Book Now Members Night 30/4 4Y0 & Older Maiden Pace over 2200 metres with 4Y0 Betting Line-Roman Abbey gelding Roman Charlie returning a 2-00.2 mile rate.

Not quick away from gate two as both Seaside Lady (gate four) and Whirily Maurz (gate five) rushed across the face of the field, Roman Charlie possied one/ one, but not for long as Nick eased him three wide to park outside the leader Seaside Lady to race uncovered for the final circuit.

Outstaying his rivals, Roman Charlie gained the upper hand in the shadows of the post to register a 1.8 metre margin in a mile rate of 2-00.2 over Seaside Lady and polemarker Hart Of Cyprus which had followed the pacemaker all the way finishing 12.9 metres away.

■ Melton based owner/trainer Arthur Wood’s 10Y0 Alta Christiano-Miss Feelgood gelding Aveiro was successful in the ballarattrottingclub.com.au Pace over 1710 metres.

Driven by Huntly reinswoman Lauren White, Aveiro was given the run of the race from the pole trailing the odds-on leader Allgood Vinnie (gate two).

Angling to the outside on turning, Aveiro finished best returning a 1-54.7 mile rate to defeat the leader by 1.7 metres, with Woodlea Diego (one/one from gate three) 19.8 metres away third.

Waikato

■ Brilliant, Superb. Outstanding, Sensation – that’s the only way to describe Australia’s outstanding pacer Leap To Fame’s mind boggling victory in New Zealand’s (Cambridge) $1,000,000 The Race By Sport Nation Mobile Slot Race last Friday night in the Waikato District. Trained and driven by Grant Dixon , Leap To Fame was trapped four wide after going forward from gate seven to eventually park outside the leader NSW hope Kingman (gate eight) which began like a gazelle.

Relishing one of his favourite spots, Dixon applied the pressure to the leader approaching the final bend to dash away on turning and win by a seven length margin over the roughie Akuta (gate nine) and NSW visitor Swayzee (gate two) who after being caught wide was restrained with both ran on strongly from the rear. The margin between second and third being one and a half lengths. The mile rate in a gross time of two minutes and thirty four.5 seconds being 1-53 (last half mile 55.8 – quarter 28.3 seconds).

Len Baker

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We acknowledge source material in ths edition:

•Alice Springs School of The Air: Welcome to Central Australia

•Devilee: Sunraysia Daily

•Encore Living: Gippsland Farmer

•Lovestone Cottages: Sunshine Coast Visitor Guide

•Mikkira Station: Eyre Magazine

•The Carrington: Shepparton News

•VHC Fabrication: Seymour Expo Program