Western Port News 25th February 2026

Ian raises the bar in his honour

Ian has also been the unofficial historian collecting archives of the club’s history.

Johnson, whose immune system has been compromised by his battle, invited people to attend the wake but only if they were not ill, as he “wanted to make it to next Saturday’s Tyabb Airshow”.

Nepean by-election date set

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

THE voters of the Nepean electorate will head to the polls on 2 May to elect a replacement for retired MP Sam Groth.

The date was announced on Tuesday 17 February by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Maree Edwards. Crucially, candidates currently have less than 10 weeks to be selected, and run their campaigns to be elected. That timeframe narrows to only 23 days if they wait until the final nomination day for candidates on 10 April. Voters have until 20 March to update their enrollment, if required, to be eligible to vote in the by-election.

Five preselection candidates remain in the battle to be the Liberal Party’s candidate in Nepean; Anthony Marsh, Nathan Conroy, David Burgess, Briony Camp (nee Hutton), and Bree Ambry.

The Liberal candidate will be decided at a meeting at Liberal Party headquarters on Tuesday (24 February).

Contentiously, the decision has been taken out of the hands of local members, with the preselection being run as a “hybrid” model where 24 will choose the candidate, comprising 18 members of the state executive and only six from the local Nepean executive.

In other news, long-time Liberal

Party member Peter Angelico has been endorsed as the Libertarian candidate for Nepean. Angelico’s Facebook pages states he is the “successful founder of an Australian manufacturing company and 2023 Greater Dandenong Corporate Citizen of the Year”. The News believes Independents for Mornington Peninsula are still undertaking a candidate search (‘Independents’ fast-track Nepean search, The News 16/2/26), but intend to field a candidate, while Labor appears set to sit the by-election out with a party insider saying that it is long-held party policy not to contest by-elections in seats they don’t hold.

Push to reduce speed on Westernport Hwy after koala deaths

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A LOCAL koala conservation group is calling for urgent action after multiple koalas have been killed on the Westernport Hwy this year.

Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation (MPKC) committee member Sue Boggan said since the start of this year an estimated ten koalas had been killed on the road.

She said the area of concern along the highway was between Thornells Rd and the intersection of Oneills Rd and Mckirdys Rd.

“We’ve lost two females who would have had joeys with them. The koalas were left to the side of the road, and we couldn’t find the joeys.”

Since 2024, more than 45 koalas have died across main hotspots, she said.

“Last year we lost 25, including a joey. This year we’ve lost about 10.” Boggan said the Mornington Peninsula Shire was working with MPKC to submit information to the state government aiming to reduce the speed limit to 70kph and improve wildlife safety.

She added, “In road safety planning it would be even more beneficial if underpasses could be installed as has been achieved under other councils. The report from the state hearing on wildlife strike confirms the importance of wildlife being included in road safety planning.”

A 2025 inquiry was held into wildlife road strikes in Victoria with a final report tabled late last year.

MPKC has raised the issue with Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh whose office confirmed the Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne was “still looking on how to best implement the recommendations from the inquiry”.

A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said, “Preventing collisions with animals is an ongoing challenge as wildlife are unpredictable and enter our roads at any time regardless of roadside conditions”.

“When driving in areas where wildlife may be on the move, we encourage motorists to ensure they stick to safe speeds, leave plenty of space between them and the car in front, remain aware of their surroundings and take extra care at dawn and dusk,” the spokesperson said The DTP said its “top priority is safety, including minimising threats to animals crossing our major roads and the impact of wildlife on the safety of drivers”.

A Mornington Peninsula Shire spokesperson said the council had been working with MPKC and community wildlife groups to support their advocacy where possible for road environment changes that reduce wildlife being hit by vehicles across the peninsula.

“Notably, council recently requested and secured approval from the DTP for the temporary use of virtual message signs, which are now live on the Westernport Hwy.

“A speed limit reduction was also

requested but was not supported by DTP for this trial period from late January to early April.”

Councillor David Gill said he believed “that we should always take every opportunity to protect our dwindling number of koalas as a result mainly of roadkill and illness”.

“This section of road has been dramatically reducing koala numbers and other wildlife species, and along with other roads, but urgently needs sensible planning or we won’t see wildlife on and around the peninsula for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

“The next step should be a state sponsored peninsula wildlife management plan and an investigation of a wildlife hospital to assist voluntary wildlife carers, who are undermanned and under-resourced.”

MPKC has financed a flashing alert sign with the shire though Boggan said it has not slowed traffic enough.

“Unfortunately, and from recent personal experience, this is not having the desired effect of slowing the traffic.”

The conservation group is urging the Minister and the community to support the reduction of the speed limit and other protective measures, including visual signage for drivers and long-term infrastructure solutions.

Anyone who comes across injured native animals on the road network should call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.

To report any hazard on the road network, contact 13 11 70.

RENDERS of the redeveloped Arthurs Seat Eagle. Pictures: Supplied

Eagle greenlit as opponents vow to fight

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

THE state government has approved a major redevelopment of Arthurs Seat Eagle, finding the project acceptable on planning grounds - a decision that has sparked backlash from some on the Mornington Peninsula.

In a statement issued on February 19, Arthurs Seat Eagle (ASE) announced it had received approval from the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) “for a landmark upgrade that will, once completed, establish the attraction as one of Australia’s premier year-round tourism destinations”.

The approved project includes a new observation tower, Victoria’s first mountaintop luge ride, a café expansion and a purpose-built indoor immersive experience centre.

The statement said the project “will significantly elevate the experiences provided to the Eagle’s visitors” and that each addition “will breathe new life into Arthurs Seat Eagle, encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore all that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, and support stronger yearround visitation beyond the summer season.”

Construction is now expected to start this year with a completion date of December 2028.

The observation tower, inspired by the original summit lookout, is designed to offer 360-degree views across Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the peninsula coastline. The luge ride will operate between the base station and summit station, described as an “exhilarating, family-friendly ride through the bushland”.

The expanded café will “become a

vibrant, welcoming hub with an enhanced menu, expanded seating, and a revitalised outdoor terrace”.

ASE CEO Matthew Mulkearns said the vision was to create a landmark experience.

“We’re pleased to have received approval for the Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade and to move into the next chapter for this iconic peninsula attraction. While we know the project has prompted strong views, it also reflects how much people care about this special place,” said Mulkearns.

“Our focus now is on delivering new experiences that enhance what’s already here, creating new reasons for families to visit, supporting local jobs and encouraging year-round tourism, all while respecting the unique character of Arthurs Seat.

“We’re excited about what this means for the future of the Eagle and for the broader Mornington Peninsula and look forward to continuing to collaborate with the local community and stakeholders to deliver an attraction everyone will feel proud of.”

In approving the expansion at 795 and 1085 Arthurs Seat Rd, the DTP, a letter to an objector dated 19 February, said the “application was assessed against all relevant planning controls, including matters relating to visual impact, noise, vegetation and wildlife, erosion and landslide risk, bushfire safety, traffic and parking, and heritage”.

“After considering the above matters and all matters raised in submissions, the proposal was found to be acceptable on its planning merits, subject to conditions,” it read.

“Design changes and permit conditions address visual impact, including controls on materials, landscaping and glare. Noise will be managed through

required acoustic measures, with daytime operation only for the luge.”

The DTP’s letter also noted landslide and erosion risks were assessed by a qualified geotechnical expert, and the “proposal was assessed to meet the guidelines subject to conditions, and alignment changes were made to avoid higher risk areas”.

“Conditions secure further erosion and landslide risk management measures to further ensure risks are mitigated,” it said.

However, community group Save Our Seat has condemned the approval and vowed to continue opposing the luge development within Arthurs Seat State Park.

Save Our Seat said it was “shocked and dismayed” by the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s decision to approve the “rollercoaster-style luge development in Arthurs Seat State Park”.

Group spokesperson Kylie Greer said Kilkenny had “sold out” the environment and the interests of the local and Victorian community in favour of a totally inappropriate commercial development in a state park.

“Minister Kilkenny will go down in history as the person who signed off on the destruction of the natural heritage and beauty of one of Victoria’s most treasured places,” Greer said.

“But it’s important to state this clearly: while planning approval may have been granted, this project does not have the social licence to proceed. This fight is not over.”

The Eagle’s project and finance director Sunayana Addanki said environmental considerations had shaped the design.

“We’re custodians of a unique natural environment, and we take that responsibility seriously. This upgrade

has been shaped by careful design, minimal-impact construction and long-term environmental care. Our commitment is clear: protect the land, enhance the landscape, and ensure the Eagle remains a sustainable experience for years to come.”

The project has been recognised by the government as a “project of importance” and comes as the region’s visitor economy continued to grow.

Environment and Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the development would deliver long-term benefits.

“The Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade project will offer new ways for people to enjoy the outdoors, support local businesses and enhance one of our most popular regions. It’s a smart, balanced investment that delivers for visitors, for nature and for Victoria’s long-term visitor economy.

“The upgraded Eagle shows exactly how Victoria can create new tourism and recreation experiences while protecting the natural environment that defines our state. When done well, development and environmental care aren’t opposites, they strengthen each other.”

Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the expansion would also strengthen the peninsula’s tourism appeal.

“Victoria’s strength as a visitor destination lies in the breadth and quality of the experiences we offer.

We know visitors to the Mornington Peninsula are looking for experiences that help them connect with nature and discover new perspectives on the places they visit,” he said.

“By combining adventure, natural beauty, education and family-friendly attractions, the Arthurs Seat Eagle upgrade project enhances one of the

state’s most iconic locations.”

Save Our Seat, in vowing to oppose the development, said ASE “does not have the confidence or consent of a significant portion of the local and Victorian community and a wide range of environmental, heritage and wildlife groups”.

The group said objections had been lodged by several community and environmental organisations and cited concerns including landslide and bushfire risk, vegetation loss, wildlife habitat fragmentation, traffic pressures and visual impacts.

“The Minister’s decision fails to reflect the depth and breadth of community concern about introducing a large-scale commercial luge into an environmentally sensitive state park setting,” Greer said.

“Minister Kilkenny didn’t even give us the courtesy of holding an expert panel hearing as we requested so that the developer’s claims could be tested in public.

“It’s a disgraceful decision that shows this state Labor government simply doesn’t give a damn about the environment.”

In response, ASE said community feedback “has been central to refining the upgrade”.

“Feedback from the public, community groups and the community reference group led directly to key changes, including the shortened luge alignment, increased tree retention, adjustments to visual impacts and the decision to expand the existing café rather than build a new restaurant,” it said.

“Engagement remains ongoing through newsletters, social channels, suggestion boxes and direct consultation, ensuring the project continues to reflect local expectations.”

Mt Eliza set for ramped-up pavilion

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire council have given the green light to a ramped-up redevelopment of the Emil Madsen Reserve Western Pavilion, against the recommendation of council officers.

The examination of options for the redevelopment was touted at the 22 July 2025 council meeting, in response to a report considering expenditure options for remaining underspend from Commonwealth Government grant funds at Emil Madsen Reserve. At last week’s meeting (Tuesday 17 February), officers came back with three recommendations to consider.

Option one was the original design, in accordance with council’s endorsed facility standards. Option two included amending the concept design to expand the netball change rooms and amenities to four AFL sized change rooms, and expand and redesign the social space, kitchen and servery. Option three included amending the design four AFL sized change rooms and two netball sized changerooms, and further expanding and redesigning the social space, kitchen and servery.

The officer’s report stated that option two and three “provide a much larger social space, kitchen, additional/larger change rooms and a meeting room that are beyond what council’s facility development standards recommend. It is not clear what these additional spaces will be used for”. It is understood that option three, pushed for by Cr Stephen Batty whose

ward covers Emil Madsen Reserve, would require a significant amount of extra funding, and the motion placed before councillors stipulated that money would not be provided by council. The News understands the intention is to privately fundraise the extra funds.

“I strongly support this amended recommendation,” said Batty.

“I sincerely acknowledge the significant work undertaken by council officers in developing the recommendation for option one. And that option provides a consistent approach to sporting facilities across the shire, maintains standards in line with state sporting guidelines, and supports equitable distribution of facilities.

“However, while consistency is important, equity does not mean uniformity. Facilities must respond to scale, demand, and context. The circumstances at the 16-hectare Emil Madsen Reserve are unique.

“For decades, volunteers have fundraised and built facilities by continuously reinvesting to support participation. And their dedication has helped create one of the largest sporting communities in the state. At the end of last year there were approximately 2400 registered players. Sixty-seven per cent male and 33 per cent female.

“This proposal isn’t merely about replacing a 50- or 60-year-old building that is outdated and non-compliant, and no longer fit for purpose. It is about delivering a pavilion that meets the needs of all tenant clubs, supports future growth, and responds to the unprecedented rise in junior and female participation.”

Cr David Gill was not convinced

that the proposal represented equity across the peninsula.

“This is going to be a fantastic addition to the facilities for the sporting clubs in Mt Eliza,” said Gill.

“But I’ve got 20 villages and not one soccer pitch. What we’ve got here is the best facilities in the shire getting better all the time. So, what we should be doing is looking at whether it has had its fair share. And, of course, the answer is yes.”

Cr Kate Roper raised concern about the intention to privately raise the extra funds required.

“I’m really torn about this one. We’ve been told the club will fundraise the difference. I’m not allowed to say the amount, but it is a significant amount.

“There is no guarantee. We still don’t have permission from the federal government that we can allocate the leftover money from the other pavilion to this pavilion.”

Cr Patrick Binyon agreed with Roper stating “I think we need to be prudent. I think that the risk is too great”.

“I’m not here to talk about pitting regions off against each other. But there are clubs and sporting groups that really lack facilities. We’ve got sporting groups using transportables and portaloos,” said Binyon.

“It has got to be equitable. At this stage, I haven’t been convinced to go with option three.”

The motion was put to councillors and passed six votes to five, with Crs Marsh, Pingiaro, Allen, Williams, Ranken and Batty in favour, and Crs Roper, Gill, Patton, Stephens, and Binyon against.

Principal jailed for child abuse crimes

FORMER Langwarrin Park Primary School principal Richard Barren will spend at least three months in prison for possessing child abuse material.

Barren was sentenced in the County Court last Wednesday, 18 February, after pleading guilty to one count of possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service and one count of transmitting child abuse material using a carriage service. The 50-yearold Mornington resident was handed a 16-month prison sentence, but also received a recognisance release order with a minimum non-parole period of three months.

Barren was found to have possessed two child abuse videos of children aged between 10 and 13. He also used dating app Grindr to discuss young children in a sexual manner. His offending occurred between 2023 and 2024.

Barren was arrested on 26 January, 2025, after returning to Australia from

a trip to the United States. Australian Federal Police officers allegedly discovered child abuse material on his phone during a bag search.

Langwarrin Park Primary School parents were informed of the arrest the following week, with a letter from the Victorian Department of Education stating that no students from the school had been identified as victims (Langwarrin Park principal charged, The News 31/1/25).

After the sentencing, AFP detective superintendent Ray Imbriano said “children are some of the most vulnerable members of society, and the AFP is fiercely committed to protecting them from harm.”

“For those producing, possessing or sharing this kind of abhorrent material – the AFP is working tirelessly to identify you and place you before the courts to face justice for these vile crimes,” he said.

Did you experience child sexual abuse in a Victorian government school or certain nongovernment school prior to the year 2000?

The Forum is a safe space for you to share your experience and contribute to the public record.

Help Victoria better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in schools now and into the future.

The Forum is open until 18 March 2026.

Journalists: Brendan Rees: Email: brendan@mpnews.com.au

Brodie Cowburn: Email: brodie@mpnews.com.au

Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni

Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578

Real Estate Account Manager: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578

Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne

Publisher: Cameron McCullough

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie.

ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915

Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1 PM ON FRI 27 FEBRUARY 2026

NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 4 MARCH 2026

Ezra’s giant show stopper

By Brendan Rees

EIGHT-year-old Ezra Calabrese has his sights set on a big win, and an even bigger pumpkin, at this year’s Red Hill Show on 7 March.

The young Mornington Peninsula grower is nurturing a giant pumpkin that’s already measuring an impressive 500 millimetres in diameter - roughly the size of two basketballs side-byside, and it’s still growing.

Ezra will enter the juniors’ largest vegetable category, hoping to go one better than last year when he proudly claimed second prize.

And he’s determined to claim first prize, dad Lee said.

Lee said they are a gardening family who grow a wide range of vegetables. For Ezra, it’s more than just a hobby, it’s a passion.

“I like picking and eating the fresh vegetables,” he said.

The pumpkin has been carefully tended and is being fed with an organic liquid fertiliser made right at home.

Two years ago, Lee quietly launched EE-SEA, an organic fertiliser business that turns ocean fish by-products into a high-analysis liquid fertiliser, the only product of its kind manufactured on the peninsula.

The family uses it across their garden, including on Ezra’s prize hopeful. With the show just weeks away, the plan is simple: let the pumpkin grow as long as possible before show day and hope it reaches peak size in time for judging.

Win or lose, Ezra’s already proving that big things can grow from small seeds especially when a little patience and some family know-how are involved.

Eight-year-old Ezra Calabrese shows off his giant pumpkin.

McKenzie remains in shadow ministry

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

WITH the change of leadership for the parliamentary Liberal Party came the inevitable reshuffle of portfolios.

Member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, remains in the shadow ministry after the ditching of Sussan Ley in favour of Angus Taylor, but in different roles.

On 28 May last year, McKenzie announced that she had been asked by new leader Ley to serve in the capacity of Shadow Assistant Minister for Education and Early Learning and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health.

At the time McKenzie stated she was honoured at the elevation into the shadow ministry stating “I have a deep passion for these areas of public policy.”

McKenzie was then appointed Shadow Cabinet Secretary by former Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on 13 October last year, adding to her responsibilities.

After the ouster of Ley as the Leader of the Opposition, McKenzie has announced she has retained a position in the shadow ministry, albeit in different roles being appointed as Shadow Assistant Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, while continuing to serve as Shadow Cabinet Secretary. McKenzie will also take on the role co-chair of the Coalition Policy Development Committee.

“As Shadow Cabinet Secretary, I will continue working closely with the Coalition’s leadership team to ensure a disciplined, unified and policy-focused alternative government,” said McKenzie.

“The Shadow Cabinet Secretary not only supports the Leader in managing the day-today procedural and operational matters of the Shadow Cabinet, but also helps shape the policy agenda of the Coalition.

“I look forward to working closely with Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial

Relations, Senator Jane Hume, to develop a modern, pro-productivity workplace agenda that backs workers and supports businesses.

“Make no mistake: this new role comes at a critical time. Labor has turned Australia’s industrial relations system into a playground for union powerbrokers and backroom deals.

“Instead of standing up for workers and small businesses, Labor has stood by while militant unions have been empowered and accountability has been ignored.

“Australia needs an industrial relations system that looks forward, not backward: one that works for workers and businesses alike, not vested interests.”

With the resignation of Sussan Ley from federal parliament, there are now only five Liberal Party women in the 150 seat House of Representatives.

New Peninsula Men’s Shed revives historic sailboat

By Brendan Rees

A PIECE of maritime history has returned to the Mornington Peninsula thanks to the dedication of the New Peninsula Men’s Shed.

The Mount Martha shed has completed a four-year restoration of the 12ft Classic Cadet Dinghy, “Bunyip”, a historic Tasmanian sailing boat with a documented 30-year racing history.

Bunyip was discovered in Tasmania by a Men’s Shed member and brought to Mount Martha for a complete rebuild. The dinghy, made from cedar, mahogany, and Huon pine, is currently on display in the foyer of New Peninsula Church, Mount Martha, and will later feature at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally before being made available for display at yacht clubs and maritime museums.

“The team at New Peninsula Mount Martha Men’s Shed took four years to painstakingly

rebuild Bunyip which had fallen into disrepair including completely stripping back to bare timber and replacing some of the starboard side planks,” Men’s Shed member David Coyle said.

“Now completely rebuilt the Men’s Shed would like to see her appreciated and admired, as the traditional boat building skills used in the construction and restoration of Bunyip are now quickly disappearing from today’s boat building industry.”

Built in 1962 by renowned Tasmanian boat builder Bruce Darcey for a private client, Bunyip has long been regarded as a work of art. The restoration team can be visited at the Men’s Shed at 370 Craigie Road, Mount Martha, on Tuesdays from 9am to 12 noon.

If you are interested in displaying Bunyip at your organisation contact David Coyle on 0411 118 352 or davidcoyle000@gmail.com

RED HILL SHOW

98th Red Hill Show; the peninsula’s country day out

If you’re planning a Peninsula weekend, the Red Hill Show returns on Saturday 7 March with a full day of country spectacle and family entertainment.

Held at the Red Hill Showgrounds, the 98th Red Hill Show brings together the energy of the Woodchop Arena, livestock judging, working dog demonstrations and colourful pavilion competitions, alongside carnival rides, pony rides and hands-on animal experiences for children.

Assistant Secretary Kerri Egan says the Show offers something increasingly rare, a genuine country show experience close to home. “It’s a chance to see real competition in the arena, from woodchop to livestock, while the kids enjoy the rides and animal encounters. There’s movement and atmosphere everywhere you turn.”

Beyond the arena, visitors can wander through displays of baking, preserves, produce and craft, meet native wildlife, or settle in to watch the action unfold across the day.

Long-time exhibitor Bev Laurissen, now 90, has been attending since childhood. “It was always something you looked forward to,” she says. “And it still is.”

Whether you’re a local or visiting the Mornington Peninsula, the Red Hill Show remains a highlight of the autumn calendar, a day where tradition, entertainment and rural skill come together.

Gates open at 8.30am. Tickets are on sale now. www.redhillshow.com.au

So, mark your calendars, gather your crew, and don’t miss out on a spectacular day of country charm, family fun, and unforgettable moments at the Red Hill Show!

New home for hospital fundraisers

THE Pink Ladies Auxiliary has opened its new gift shop at the redeveloped Peninsula University Hospital.

Since its inception in 1968, the Pink Ladies Auxiliary has fundraised more than $11 million for the hospital. The money has been spent on vital medical equipment.

The new Pinkies Gift Shop and Pinkies Cafe opened on level one of Peninsula University Hospital last week. Bayside Health Peninsula Care Group chief executive, associate professor Helen Cooper, said “the Pinkies Gift Shop looks amazing and it means a lot that we have a Pink Ladies presence here in the new building. Thank you to Karen, Janine and all of the Pink Ladies volunteers for your work setting up the new store and your ongoing support of Peninsula University Hospital.”

“All of the money raised has gone to clinical equipment, education, training and in recent times to support some of our research positions,” Cooper said.

Aero club gets national nod

THE Peninsula Aero Club (PAC) has been announced as the 2025 Australian Aero Club of the Year. This prestigious National Wings Award is given by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Association and Australian Flying.

In addition to having flight training schools located across four locations (Tyabb, La Trobe Valley, Barwon Heads and Warrnambool), PAC also provides valuable flight transport infrastructure for its members, guests and critical emergency services operations across the Mornington Peninsula.

As home to Australia’s

first Air Ambulance service, the Angel of Mercy, PAC continues its strong heritage of putting a culture of safety and community first.

PAC’s focus on community engagements in 2025 was recognised with signature events

such as the annual Toy Run, Fun Flight and the award winning Tyabb Airshow providing in-kind and financial donations and services to those most in need.

The 2026 Tyabb Airshow is on 1 March.

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

MONDAY

MATLOCK

TEN, 9pm

SUNDAY SOCCER: ASIAN CUP –AUSTRALIA V PHILIPPINES

TEN, 7pm

Having inspired the nation with their stellar semifinal run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when it was held Down Under, the Matildas return home ready to take on the world. Held across three host cities – Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast – the AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicks off at Optus Stadium with a sold-out crowd cheering on our Tillies. It’s a high-stakes homecoming for returning captain Sam Kerr, as Australia face a Filipinas squad packed with rising stars.

It’s almost beyond belief that Kathy Bates (right) was contemplating retirement before taking the lead in this smash-hit legal series. Inspired by the 1980s drama of the same name, this revival has garnered the star both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Monday’s instalment couldn’t be more topical: when the client in an injunction case is detained by ICE agents, Matty (Bates) and Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) must shift gears to prevent his deportation.

TUESDAY INSIGHT

SBS, 8.30pm

Last year, 53 per cent of Australians surveyed by thinktank the Lowy Institute said they believe the number of migrants arriving in Australia is too high. Amid cost-of-living and housing pressures, migration remains a hotly contested political concern, making it the perfect starting point for Australia’s leading forum program to begin its 2026 season. Host Kumi Taguchi (above) goes beyond the statistics to explore the human stories and lived experiences behind the issue.

WEDNESDAY

TONIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

ABC TV, 8pm

The brainiacs behind quirky quiz show QI will be kicking themselves for not thinking of this format first: in a museum after dark, four comedians compete in a series of cheeky but clever challenges. Filmed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart, it’s hosted by Alex Lee and even borrows QI stalwart Alan Davies for its inaugural episode. Each week’s winner will earn the honour of having their personal treasure placed on display at TMAG in perpetuity – be that an actual treasure or just a seriously strange object they’re keen to get out of their house. Zoë Coombs Marr, Tegan Higginbotham and Brett Blake join Davies in Wednesday’s premiere.

Alex Lee hosts Tonight At The Museum

Let our family help your family

Thursday, February 26

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv, R) 11.30 QI. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 3.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

Seven News With Alex Cullen.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. Spring break brings a surge in passengers.

Amanda and Alan renovate the last two rooms.

9.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) The handlers and their pups perform assessment tasks. 10.30 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. (PG) Robson Green heads to southern Poland as he explores the legendary Trail of the Eagle’s Nest.

9.20 A Spy Among Friends. Lily knows Elliott will never reveal his secrets.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 In Memoriam. (Malsv)

11.50 The Hollow. (Malv, R) 1.50 Silent Road. (Mav, R) 4.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Leah comforts Lacey.

8.30 MOVIE: Notting Hill. (1999, Mls, R) The life of a bookshop owner changes after a Hollywood celebrity enters his shop in Notting Hill while promoting her latest movie. The unlikely duo soon face all manner of obstacles to make their romance work. Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Rhys Ifans. 11.05 To Be Advised.

12.35 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Mdl) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Murder Down Under: Byron Bay Murders. (Mav, R) Takes a look into the cases and the people involved in some of Australia’s most notable and gruesome killings.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 The Equalizer. (Ma) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

TEN (10)

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted

Friday, February 27

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mals, R) 2.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 Professor T. (Ma) Professor T must make a tough decision.

9.20 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

9.50 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)

10.20 Dog Park. (Ml, R)

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 Smother. (Mal, R)

12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.05 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (Ma, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Robson Green’s British Adventure. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo.

8.30 Fukushima: Days That Shocked The World. (Premiere) Chronicles the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

9.25 Fly With Me. (PGal, R) Looks at the first stewardesses.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Return, Ma)

12.00 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+as, R) 1.50 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 3.45 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Mysteries From Above. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. (Final) 9.25 Stacey Dooley: Rape On Trial. (Final) 10.25 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.15 Homeland. 1.10am WWE Legends. 2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 ScoobyDoo And Guess Who? 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Johanna Griggs and Pete Colquhoun visit a home in Sydney’s Mosman Bay that’s making waves.

8.30 The Marlow Murder Club. (Mav) After a revered member of the sailing club is brutally bludgeoned to death, Judith, Becks and Suzie must navigate simmering grudges within the tight-knit community in a hunt for justice.

10.30 To Be Advised.

12.10 GetOn Extra.

12.40 Dare Me. (MA15+asv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Sea Lion Surprise. (PGm) A koala is treated after being struck by a car.

8.30 MOVIE: Olympus Has Fallen. (2013, MA15+lv, R) After the White House is taken over by terrorists, a former secret service agent must save the president. Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman.

10.50 MOVIE: Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv, R) Tom Cruise.

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Lynda’s rental cottage in Sunshine West is in bad shape. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Ange and Sonia bought their Daisy Hill home in a rush and now Ange is suffering buyer’s

New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 4. (1998, MA15+) 11.10 The Equalizer. 12.10am Late Programs.

5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 MOVIE: Legend. (1985, PG) 9.15 MOVIE: The Golden Child. (1986, M) 10.55 Late Programs. NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 7.50 Bushwhacked! 8.15 Motown Magic. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 9.10 Spartakus. 10.00 Great Blue Wild. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Sing About This Country. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

6am

Discovering Film. 6.30 Love And Friendship. (2016, PG) 8.10 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PG) 10.10 The Conference. (2022, M, German) 12.15pm The Bridges Of Madison County. (1995, M) 2.45 Boychoir. (2014, PG) 4.40 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 6.40 Driving Miss Daisy. (1989) 8.30 The Departed. (2006, MA15+) 11.15 Late Programs. 5.55am The Movie Show.

Saturday, February 28

ABC TV (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PGadhlnsv) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.25 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R) 1.25 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.15 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 The ABC Of... (PG, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PG, R) 5.00 Australian Story. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kim gives up smoking.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. Takes a look at the top stories of the day, including coverage of developing stories and events.

7.30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026. (Mln) Coverage of Australia’s largest celebration of diverse LGBTQIA+ communities from Sydney.

10.00 This England. (Ml, R) Looks at Britain during COVID-19. Cabinet discusses setting up a temporary hospital in East London.

10.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

(3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (PG, R) 10.05 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 3. Melbourne to Warrnambool. Men’s race. 4.00 Stories From The Cities. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 What Are We Fighting For?

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage.

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: Australia. (R) Sir David Suchet follows Agatha Christie to Australia. 9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Lizzy Hoo. (PGa, R) Shaun Micallef heads to Ireland. 10.20 Highclere: The Real Downton Abbey. (PG, R) 11.15 Outlander. (MA15+av, R) 1.35 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 3.30 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and Australian Guineas Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger tries negotiating a deal.

7.30 MOVIE: Fast X. (2023, Mv) A terrifying threat from the past surfaces and is determined to destroy everything and everyone Dom loves. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez. 10.30 MOVIE: Baby Driver. (2017, MA15+v, R) A getaway driver gets involved in a doomed heist. Ansel Elgort, Lily James. 12.50 Devils. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R)

5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 My Way. 12.30 Destination WA. (R) 1.00 Find My Beach House Australia. (PG, R) 1.30 Great Australian Detour. (R) 2.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGm, R) 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 Epic Builds. (Premiere, PG) 4.30 Journey To Japan. (Premiere)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (Return, PG)

8.30 MOVIE: Runaway Bride. (1999, PGls, R) A columnist searches for the woman who cost him his job. Julia Roberts, Richard Gere.

11.00 MOVIE: Something Borrowed. (2011, Mls, R)

1.05 Find My Beach House Australia. (PG, R)

1.35 Great Australian Detour. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGl) Megan and Justin are on the hunt for a home.

8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Graham Norton is joined by Sir Idris Elba, Martin Freeman, Erin Doherty, Wunmi Mosaku and singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (PGa, R) The team takes on a harassment case. 12.00 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.10pm Hoarders. 2.30 Heroines. 3.35 BBC News At Ten. 4.00 France 24. 4.30 PBS News. 5.30 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Round 3. Day 1. 7.00 Mastermind Aust. 7.35 Engineering From Above. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Marvel.

Sunday, March 1

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (Ml) Penny announces Farty Marty has to be put down.

9.00 This England. (Ml) Looks at Britain during COVID-19.

9.45 MOVIE: Shine. (1996, PGav, R)

A pianist suffers a nervous breakdown. Geoffrey Rush.

11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.40 Ragdoll. (MA15+av, R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.30

A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation. (R) 10.10 Vintage Voltage. (R) 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 PBS News Compass Points. 12.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Women’s. Round 3. Melbourne to Warrnambool race. 4.00 Steady. 4.25 Entanglement. (PGa, R) 5.25 Her War, Her Story: WWII. (PGa, R) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Love Blossoms. (2017, PGa) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.45 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R) 4.00 Surf Patrol. (PG, R) 4.30 Weekender. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Rome: Secrets From Above. (Premiere) Sweeping drone footage reveals the sights of Rome.

9.35 Ancient Empires. (MA15+av, R)

Looks at the life of Julius Ceasar, who is notorious for destroying the Roman Republic and bringing about the Roman Empire.

11.40 Powerful Women.

12.30 MOVIE: Fiona Clark: Unafraid. (2021, Malns, R) 2.00 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022, PGal, R) 3.35 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.25pm Mister Maker Around The World. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Super Monsters. 4.10 Dino Dex. 4.35 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.00 Thomas And Friends: Sodor Sings Together. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Dreaming Big. 2.30 Tiwi Islands Football League. Grand Final. Imalu Tigers v Muluwurri Magpies. Replay. 4.00 MOVIE: Category: Woman. (2022, PG) 5.20 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 6.50 Great Blue Wild. 7.40 Most Endangered Species New Zealand. 8.30 Tree Kangaroos: Ghosts Of The Forest. 9.30 MOVIE: Finding Forrester. (2000) 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

8.20 The Mystery Of The Lady In The Lake. (Mav) Takes a look at how a forensic breakthrough helped to crack the 35-yearold unsolved murder of Shani Warren.

9.50 The Hunters: The Car Bomb And The Underworld War. (Madv, R) Takes a look at the murder of John Furlan.

11.20 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Norfolk Narco Cartel. (Madl, R) 12.20 Temple. (MA15+alv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72)

6.00 9News Sunday.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Soccer. AFC 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia v Philippines. From Optus Stadium, Perth. 10.30 MOVIE: The Italian Job. (2003, Mlv, R) A gang of thieves brings Los Angeles traffic to a standstill to steal millions of dollars worth of gold. Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton. 12.45 10 News+. (R) 1.10 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 3.45pm Fashionista. 4.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 PBS News Compass Points. 5.30 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. 7.00 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.55 Abandoned Engineering. 8.50 Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. 10.30 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity. 11.30 Secrets Of Miss America. 12.20am While The Men Are Away. 1.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Mia And The White Lion. Continued. (2018, PG) 7.35 Discovering Film. 8.25 My Girl. (1991) 10.25 The Tunnel (Part 1) (2001, M) 12.05pm Argo. (2012, M) 2.25 The Assassin. (2015, PG, Mandarin) 4.25 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 6.25 Charade. (1963, PG) 8.30 Parasite. (2019, MA15+, Korean) 10.55 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 1.25am Petrol. (2022, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.

Monday, March 2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 MOVIE: Shine. (1996, PGav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Except The Dying. (2004, Mdnsv) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. Looks at the Epstein files.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Planet America. A look at American politics.

10.05 Foreign Correspondent. (R)

10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R) 11.40 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Except The Dying. (2004, Mdnsv, R) 1.05 Parliament Question Time. 2.05 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

2.35 Ragdoll. (MA15+v, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (Ma, R) 11.55 Edward Van Gils: Street Football. 12.10 WorldWatch. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Inside The Tower Of London. (PG) The Tower of London is alive with summer activity.

8.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Hosted by Jimmy Carr.

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.35 The Old Man. (MA15+v, R) 2.45 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (R) 3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls)

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: The Devil Comes To Utah. (MA15+asv)

11.15 The First 48: Cover Story. (Mav, R)

12.05 Wild Cards. (Mv, R)

1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Australia: The Story Of Us. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.40 The Amazing Homemakers. 3.40 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.40 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 5.40 Escape To The Country. 6.40 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers. 11.30 Getaway. Noon Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.15 MOVIE: Hobson’s Choice. (1954, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Night Boat To Dublin. (1946, PG) 5.30 NRL Sunday Footy: Las Vegas Post-Match. 6.00 Midsomer Murders. 8.00 Planet Earth III. 9.10 Paramedics. 10.10 Emergency. 11.10 Late Programs. 9GEM (92)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 9.30 Aust Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 10.10 IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Portland. H’lights. 11.20 IndyCar Series. Milwaukee Mile. H’lights. 12.30pm English Premier League. Tottenham v Arsenal. 2.30 LEGO Masters. 4.00 WNBL. Playoffs. Grand Final

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. John accepts his limitations. 7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.15 9-1-1. (Masv) Hen’s attempts at keeping her health issues private start to impact more than just her physical wellbeing.

10.15 Granny Killer: The Unsolved Murders. (Mav, R) Takes a look at John Wayne Glover. 11.50 Autopsy USA: Frank Sinatra. (Ma, R) 12.50 Conviction. (MA15+av, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls, R)

My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Family and friends week begins. 9.00 Epstein: Making Of A Monster. Tara Brown investigates the powerful people who were part of Jeffrey Epstein’s network.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Love Cheats. (Return, Ma) 11.30 Sight Unseen. (Return, Mv)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGa) Presented by David Genat. 9.00 Matlock. Olympia and Matty each put together their own collateral for Julian, hoping to regain his trust after he makes a shocking discovery. 10.00 10’s

(R) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm The Swiping Game. 2.50 Stories From The Cities. 3.25 WorldWatch. 4.20 PBS News Compass Points. 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: G.I. Jane. (1997) 10.55 Australia’s Greatest Conman? 12.50am Dark Side Of The Cage. 1.45 Normal People. 2.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Orator. Continued. (2011, PG, Samoan) 7.10 Charade. (1963, PG) 9.10 Discovering Film. 10.05 Man Up. (2015, M) 11.40 Michael Collins. (1996, M) 2.10pm Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PG) 3.55 Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 5.40 Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 8.30 Blood Diamond. (2006, MA15+) 11.05 Late Programs. 5.55am The Movie Show. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Light From The Shadows. 1.30 Nganampa Anwernekenhe. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30

Tuesday, March 3

ABC (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Nick Cave And Warren Ellis At Hanging Rock. (PG, R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Mission To Space With Francis Bourgeois. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Poor Tom Is Cold. (2004, MA15+) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.25

8.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R)

8.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? Doomsday Preppers. (Ma) Hosted by Todd Sampson. 9.00 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (R) 9.35 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R)

11.05 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. (R) 12.20 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.40 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Poor Tom Is Cold. (2004, MA15+, R) 2.05 Parliament. 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 9.15 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.10 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.00 Wonderland: Lewis Carol To JRR Tolkien. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Legends Of The Pharaohs. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav, R)

8.30 Insight. (Return) Kumi Taguchi looks at the issue of immigration. 9.30 Dateline. (Return) 10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa)

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 11.55 Syndrome E. (MA15+s, R) 1.55 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 2.50 Greenland: Survival At The Edge. (PG, R) 3.45 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Cash’s investigation bears fruit. 7.30 Australian Idol. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 Doc. (Mav) After receiving tragic news, Jake refuses to give up on a beloved patient, landing himself in conflict with several Westside surgeons. 10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (MA15+al) Follows the work of an ambulance service. 11.10 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 MOVIE: Taken Again. (2023, Mav, R) Storm Reid. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(9)

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) A bombshell is dropped about one bride. 9.05 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+lsv) Jed considers a run for governor. 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 Wild Cards. (Mv) 11.30 Next Stop. (R)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PGls) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented by David Genat. 8.45 NCIS. (Mv) A prison break by an inmate who had just three weeks left on a sentence compels the team to reopen the case of a naval officer’s death. 9.45

8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Courier. (2020) 10.25 MOVIE: Run Lola Run. (1998, M) 11.55 Out Of Bounds. 1.20am WWE Legends. 2.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Steve Backshall Vs The Vertical Mile. 9.25 Meet The Hedgehogs. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Discovering Film. 7.25 Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 10.20 Eiffel. (2021, M, French) 12.20pm First Snow Of Summer. (2023, M, German) 2.10 The Orator. (2011, PG, Samoan) 4.10 Charade. (1963, PG) 6.10 Wings Of Desire. (1987, PG, German) 8.30 Memoirs Of A Geisha. (2005) 11.10 Shakespeare In Love. (1998, M) 1.25am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Great Blue Wild. 11.00 Karla Grant Presents. 11.30 Audrey Napanangka. 1pm Reclaiming The West. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Faboriginal. 8.00 House Of Blak: Miss First Nation. 8.30 MOVIE: Philadelphia. (1993, PG) 10.50 Late Programs. NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Homicide. 2.30 Kars & Stars. 3.05 BBC News At Ten. 3.35 France 24. 4.05 PBS News. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35

6am Home In WA. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Australian Idol. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency.

Wednesday, March 4

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Diabolical: The Epstein Files. (R) 11.15 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 4.00 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Under The Dragon’s Tail. (2005, Mv) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 9.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGal, R) 11.10 The Toy Hospital. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 The Wonders Of Europe. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Tonight At The Museum. (Premiere, PGa)

8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) A satirical news program.

9.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) Penny announces Farty Marty has to be put down.

9.30 QI. (M) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

10.00 Planet America. (R)

10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Live At The Wireless. (Final, MA15+, R) 11.50 MOVIE: Murdoch Mysteries: Under The Dragon’s Tail. (2005, Mv, R) 1.20 Parliament.

2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Social Schism. 8.30 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (Premiere) Presented by Professor Alice Roberts. 9.25 Prisoner 951. (Premiere) Looks at the 2016 arrest of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Face To Face. (Return, Malv) 12.00 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Return, Mav) 1.50 Divided We Stand. (Mal, R) 3.40 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGa) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 The Front Bar. (Return, Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Marching In. (Premiere, PG) A behind-the-scenes look at the St Kilda Football Club.

11.00 On The Inside: Collingwood’s 2025 Season.

12.00 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The couples attend the fourth dinner party.

9.00 Naked City: Hitmen. (Premiere, MA15+dlvv) Presented by John Silvester.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented by David Genat. 9.00 Gogglebox Australia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 2.35pm The Swiping Game.

The Social Schism. 10.20 MOVIE: The 355. (2022, M) 12.35am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.30 Tales From The Territories. 2.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.55 Adv Time. 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.15 My Adventures With Superman. 10.40 Late Programs.

The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem

5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40

Vistas. 7.30

Animals.

USA. (Premiere) 9.30 Over The Black Dot. (Return) 10.00 MOVIE: Rhymes For Young Ghouls. (2013, MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs. NITV (34)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Sometimes Always Never. (2018, PG) 7.40 Discovering Film. 8.35 Wings Of Desire. (1987, PG, German) 10.55 Moving. (1993, M, Japanese) 1.10pm Metropolis. (1927, PG, German) 4.05 Hotel Salvation. (2016, PG, Hindi) 5.55 Tokyo Story. (1953, PG, Japanese) 8.30 Thelma & Louise. (1991, M) 10.50 Arcadia. (2024) 12.45am Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Bigger & Blacker: Steven Oliver, My Life In Cabaret. 1.45 The Drover’s Boy. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen.

Welcome TO THE WORLD

Parents: Jenna & Christian Birth date: 16.2.2026

Parents: Cloie & Charlie

16.2.2026

Parents: Milan & Binal

Birth date: 15.2.2026

Birth weight: 3250gms

Born at: Peninsula University Hospital

Parents: Hailey & Lachlan

Birth date: 17.2.2026

Birth weight: 3140gms Born at: Peninsula University Hospital

Parents: Courtney & Ceri

Birth date: 17.2.2026

Birth weight: 3800gms Born at: Peninsula University Hospital

EX-MP Brayne weighs in on Nepean by-election

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

CHRIS Brayne, who was the Member for Nepean between 2018 and 2022 before being ousted by Sam Groth, has re-emerged from self-imposed exile with some pointed commentary about the upcoming by-election.

Brayne was a shock winner in the 2018 state election when, at just 25-years-old, he snatched the seat retiring MP Martin Dixon had held for 16 years. Brayne pulled off an 8.5% swing in his favour, albiet holding the seat with a tenuous 0.9% margin.

Brayne faced an uphill battle in 2022 against high-profile Groth and was ousted at the poll.

Brayne retired into the background and has been reluctant to make comment on the affairs of the Nepean electorate before making a statement last week.

“Sam’s resignation, and the resulting costly by-election was an entirely predictable outcome,” said Brayne.

“With many interactions across the 2022 Victorian Election year, including two full weeks of prepoll, it became evident to me that he was going to struggle being a local Member of Parliament.

“When I lost in 2022, I called him and genuinely wished him the best, and hoped he would do well for the electorate. While I wish him all the best for his future, it’s hard not to feel very frustrated that Nepean voters now have to vote twice in a year.

“For the sake of our democracy, all political parties should redouble their efforts to ensure selecting good quality candidates for this by-elec-

tion and the upcoming 2026 Victorian Election. We need candidates who are in it for the long haul, who will weather the good and bad days.

“A by-election now means only more people dissatisfied about the electoral process. The Nepean electorate deserves better.”

The rumour is that Labor appears unlikely to field a candidate with a party insider saying that it is long-held party policy not to contest by-elections in seats they don’t hold.

Flinders Fringe Festival 2026: A coastal celebration of the arts

THE Flinders Fringe Festival is back for 2026, offering over 50 events on the Mornington Peninsula from 26 February to 1 March.

In its fourth year, this year’s line-up celebrates local artists, featuring a diverse mix of new works, returning favourites, and emerging voices that showcase the depth and character of creativity across the region.

Audiences can look forward to an inspiring program of visual arts, live performance, music, literary events, hands-on workshops, and community gatherings, ranging from locally inspired storytelling and contemporary cabaret to Australian premieres and intergenerational experiences.

This year’s program continues the festival’s commitment to providing a platform for new work by local artists.

Artistic director Melissa Jackson said, “The festival remains true to its purpose, to celebrate the creative community, nurture new works, and give local artists and audiences the space to connect and grow.”

“This is our fourth year, and as always, the program is proudly bold, local, and inclusive, with numerous free and low-cost options available.”

Festival highlights include:

Soapboxed: World premiere by Neighbours writer and award-winning political cartoonist, Megan Herbert, starring Lucinda Cowden and Ryan Moloney (Neighbours’ Melanie Pearson and Toadie Rebecchi), followed by Q&A with broadcaster Tracee Hutchison.

Continental Guitar Trio: Sergio Ercole, Vladimir Gorbach, and Ken Murray will perform guitar masterpieces from the Americas, Europe, and Australia.

95 & Still Alive: Liz Hicklin was 93 when she first tried stand-up comedy. Now, at 95, she’s returning to the Fringe to mark nearly a century of life, love, and laughter!

From Arthur to Martha: Satirical cabaret about peninsula life starring local duo Arthur and Martha. Created by Sally Bourne, featuring

Lucinda Cowden (Neighbours), with music by award-winning composer John Thorn.

You & I: Intergenerational exhibition celebrating queer identities and creative expression, led by local artists Noa Wolf Smith Fletcher and Roe Bonnici.

The program also features opera performances, First Nations-led walks, family comedy games, visual arts workshops, and everything from flamenco guitar to string quartets.

“The sweeping green landscapes, bushland, and coastal views around Flinders have always been a place of connection where creativity thrives,” Jackson said.

“This festival is about celebrating that spirit,

First Peoples festival continues to shine

THE ninth Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee will take place on Saturday 14 March 2026 at Emu Plains Reserve. The event is family friendly, entry is by donation and the entire program is organised and realised by a dedicated group of community volunteers.

Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee continues to be an event where the community can gather to share, begin conversations and walk with First Peoples. One of many of its goals is to “honour and celebrate First Nations Peoples cultures, celebrating where First Nations peoples have come from and all they have achieved and continue to achieve”.

The festival is presented by Balnarring Preschool, joint winners of the 2021 Narragunnawali Award which recognises outstanding reconciliation initiatives in schools and early learning centres. Boon Wurrung Elder N’arwee’t Professor Carolyn Briggs AM has been working with the teaching team and children at Balnar-

ring preschool for more than 12 years and she provides guidance to the festival development.

The Ngargee promotes cross cultural awareness in a vibrant, family-friendly outdoor space. First Peoples cultures are shared through music, dance, language, art, conversations and first hand experiences.

Headlining the 2026 event is Dan Sultan. One of Australia’s most loved singer-songwriters Sultan boasts numerous accolades to his name, including seven ARIA Awards, NIMA Awards, Top five ARIA-charging albums, and an ARIAcertified gold record.

Also appearing at the festival is Melbournebased artists Candice Lorrae, Canisha ClemmetKennedy. Kiwat Kennell and the Boon Wurrung Ngargee Dancers will also be performing. The event will also feature workshops, market stalls and food trucks.

More information on the festival can be found at: balnarringfestival.com.au

N’AWEE’T Carolyn Briggs with the Boon Wurrung Ngargee Dancers. Picture: Supplied

giving artists a platform to experiment, unite, and inspire, while inviting audiences to experience something new or unexpected.”

Sunday afternoon’s Fantastic Flinders Fringe Finale at St John’s Church Grounds will bring the festival to a close, gathering artists and audiences for an afternoon of live music, delicious food and celebration. Whistle and Trick will entertain the kids, and Jack Howard and The Ambassadors of Love will add groove and nostalgic charm with their Burt Bacharach and Beyond show.

The festival runs from 26 February - 1 March 2026. Tickets and complete program at: flindersfringe.com.au

Australian theatre history on display at Beleura House

MORNINGTON’S Beleura House and Garden is hosting a unique glimpse into Australia’s theatrical past with the new exhibition Djin Djin: The Art Behind the Costumes.

The showcase highlights the surviving artwork from the lavish 1895 pantomime Djin Djin, a production credited with rescuing J.C. Williamson’s theatre company from financial collapse. Premiering at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre on 26 December 1895, Djin Djin was described at the time as “an orgy of splendour”.

The exhibition presents 23 of the 24 surviving watercolour costume designs by Geelong artist William Barnes, celebrated for work that is both original and visually striking.

These pieces were generously donated by Isla Baring and were originally part of the Tait Collection in London. For the exhibition, three of the iconic costumes have been recreated exclusively for visitors to see.

The pantomime itself was an extravagant spectacle. Its story followed Prince Eucalyptus, an Australian royal who washes ashore in Japan with his mischievous servant, Tom Wallaby, only to fall for a disguised Japanese princess.

Alongside an arch-astrologer villain, emperors, princes, fairies, and magical encounters, the narrative was brought to life with elaborate sets, intricate stage machinery, and dazzling special effects, including simulated earthquakes and erupting Mount Fuji scenes.

A cast of 200, complete with singers, dancers, acrobats, orchestras, and comedians, performed a wholly original score.

Sadly, a devastating theatre fire destroyed most of the production. Today, only a few set designs, the watercolour costumes, and select programmes with the script and photographs remain.

Djin Djin: The Art Behind the Costumes offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry and imagination of one of Australia’s most spectacular theatrical moments.

For more information visit: beleura.org.au

Engagement vs Endorsement

Recent discussion of the Mount Martha Village project highlights a key community issue: the difference between engagement and endorsement.

The consultation attracted strong participation, with 488 survey responses and five written submissions on three key elements: a carpark upgrade, centre island works, and a proposed footpath.

The results reflected a divided community. The carpark upgrade received 51.9% support, largely conditional on keeping the design simple and natural, while 40% opposed it. The centre island works were opposed by 55.97% of respondents, with only 31.62% in support. The footpath proposal had 48.82% support and 44.34% opposition. For a full-length footpath along Watson Road, 44.86% said it was not required, while only 38.86% supported the full length. When prioritised by score, the carpark ranked first, the footpath second, and the centre island third.

Despite mixed outcomes, council endorsed all three elements, with some design revisions including tree retention, planting, and accessibility improvements. When introducing the item, the mayor stated that feedback on the footpath was “almost evenly split,” citing 56.25% support, 46.46% not supporting, and 7.29% selecting “other.” These figures differ from the published survey results. While this may not have changed the outcome, accuracy in presenting consultation data is important, especially when engagement is high and margins are close.

This case shows that strong participation does not automatically translate into clear endorsement. When survey results are closely divided or show majority opposition, the community reasonably expects those nuances to be reflected in the final decision. Councils must balance strategic, technical, and long-term planning considerations, while also demonstrating transparently how community input shaped the outcome. When engagement is strong, clarity matters. Residents should see not only that their voices were heard, but also how they were weighed in shaping the final decision, especially if the decision does not fully reflect the feedback.

Anja Ottensmeyer, Mt Martha

Letter to Marsh

I am writing to express my disappointment and frustration regarding your recent decision to take a leave of absence from council to pursue a state political candidacy.

Over time, you have repeatedly assured the community that you had no interest in pursuing a political career beyond local government. You have been vocal in your concerns about the influence of major political parties, stating that there were “too many Liberal/Labor political types and not enough genuine independent community people.” You also criticised other councillors who stepped away from their duties to pursue higher office, remarking that “it was all about them and their political careers.”

Given these statements, your decision to do the same has come as both a surprise and a disappointment. It directly contradicts the commitments and values you publicly promoted and leaves the community questioning the sincerity of those earlier remarks.

Your departure has also left residents without direct representation on council and has created the possibility of an unnecessary by-election. This disruption places avoidable strain on both the democratic process and the community you were elected to serve.

Our community deserves clarity, consistency, and accountability from its elected representatives. At the very least, we deserve an honest explanation that acknowledges the impact of your decision and the trust that many residents placed in your leadership.

I hope you will reflect on the commitments you made to this community and communicate transparently about the reasons behind your decision and its consequences.

Alison Coates, Mount Martha

Anthony Marsh

That Anthony Marsh has “officially” joined the Liberal party and put his hand up for the safe seat vacated by Sam Groth must be a surprise to absolutely no one.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha

Science not the problem

Surely no one would suggest that because today is cooler than January’s statewide 40-plus temperatures that global warming doesn’t exist.

Similarly, I wonder how your correspondent (Cooler earth in 2025, Letters 3/2/26) can suggest that because 2025 is “only” the second or third hottest year on record, that climate scientists must explain themselves.

But in fact they have. And, in spite of your correspondent not seeing them, the articles were pretty common. (In short, the Il Nino weather phenomenon made 2023 and 2024 particularly hot in some regions.)

Even the conservative Murdoch websites reported that 2025 “was the UK’s warmest since records began (and) four of the UK’s top five warmest years have occurred in the current decade”.

There is some speculation that US bodies like NASA and NOAA have been quiet about last year’s phenomenal temperatures because, in Donald Trump’s America, government agencies have banned mentions of global heating and even fired researchers involved in a legally required report on the subject.

So your correspondent might be sort of correct that something is fishy.

But it’s not the climate science.

Lesley

Walker, Northcote

Climate language

It’s tiring to keep reading phrases like “climate hysteria” and being dragged back millions of years to times when CO₂ levels and temperatures were higher, as if that proves we shouldn’t worry about today’s climate change (Climate hysteria, Letters 17/2/26).

First, life as we know it did not exist then. Such correspondents ignore the Holocene, the current geological epoch that began about 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age and spans modern human civilisation.

During this Goldilocks period, Earth’s average temperature has remained within a “just right” band – roughly 11°C to 15°C – allowing glaciers to persist, agriculture to develop and societies to flourish. Now, however, seven months of the year consistently exceed 15°C. We are pushing beyond the human climate niche and risk leaving this safe zone altogether.

While Homo sapiens has existed for 200,000–300,000 years, ice-core records show atmospheric CO₂ has not been this high for at least 800,000 years – effectively the span of our species.

Equally concerning is the unprecedented rate of increase. Sceptics could consult the evidence compiled by NASA or take the free, 20-hour online course from the University of Tasmania. They might then understand why concern about climate change is widespread — not hysteria, but a rational response to risks facing humanity and the living world.

Ray Peck, Hawthorn

Make polluters pay

Your correspondent is of course absolutely correct that we need to be concerned about the way humans have polluted our unique and beautiful planet (Climate hysteria, Letters 17/2/26).

But our pollution isn’t limited to the awful visible cigarette butts and plastic bags. It includes the greenhouse gas pollution (CO2, NO2 and CH4/methane) that is dangerously warming our Goldilocks climate.

And yes, human overpopulation makes the pollution and climate problems more challenging. However, we must surely acknowledge that it is the overconsumption and the greed of certain polluting companies that really makes the most difference.

The Make Big Polluters Pay alliance; groups like Oxfam, Uniting Church in Australia and the Catholic Church’s Caritas Australia, argues that coal, oil and gas corporations should be paying more towards the $38b that pollution-driven climate change is adding to Australians’ collective cost of living - each year. They want funds raised through the Levy to support our community to deal with the crisis they didn’t cause.

There is a petition at www.makebigpolluterspay. org.au but an email to your MP saying you endorse this idea might be even more effective. Linda Marks, Thornbury

Australia Day’s history

Referencing the letter from Ian Lyons (Australia Day, Letters 3/2/26).

The history of Australia Day started in the early 1800s as Foundation Day, which was first celebrated by politicians and businessmen in private dinners. Australians called it Anniversary Day in 1836 and commemorated the day with the first Anniversary Regatta (which continues to be a part of Australia Day celebrations today).

The first official celebrations of Australia Day were held for the first time in 1838, with New South Wales declaring it the first ever national day.

So no, it has nothing to do with the Australian citizenship laws being enacted on that date in 1949. They were enacted on that date because the date was already “celebrated” as a national day.

Ian notes, correctly, that Phillip entered Botany Bay earlier in January 1788 but he did not raise the British flag at Warrane until 26 January, formally claiming the colony on the lie of terra nullius.

A simple question for those who still believe holding Australia Day on 26 January is not hurtful to Indigenous people. If Australia was invaded today, if a foreign power pushed us all from our homes, forced us to speak another language, killed us en masse, then chose to celebrate that fact year after year, would you want to join the party?

Glenda Bray, Dromana

Poo problem

I found some dog poo all securely wrapped in plastic at the beach in Mt Eliza. Left on the sand. Duh. What were you thinking?

Ian Cayzer, Frankston

Demerger support

I must absolutely agree with the letter from A. Barling of Bittern regarding the merging of the three local councils in 1998 (Shire demerger, Letters 10/2/26).

I too would love to see Hastings Shire back again and our lovely town back to its former glory.

Joan Wood, Hastings

Injured wildlife

We all are aware of the injured animal rate on the peninsula and the appeal to report same.

It is unlikely that there will be a sign at that exact spot with the required phone number when we come across injured wildlife.

If the shire were to print a card with the required information and included with rate notices, the animal concerned would get faster attention. Just a thought.

John Hodgson, Bittern

No ANZAC Day holiday?

So, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan reckons Victorians shouldn’t get a public holiday to commemorate Anzac Day, yet Jacinta Allan will be all for an AFL Grand Final public holiday, day off?

This bloke, wonders what the CFMEU, has to say about that!

Howard Hutchins, Wantirna

Immigration debate

The Sustainable Future Association (SFA) states net immigration “should be drastically reduced to much lower levels-40,000” apparently they do not have a clue about what Net Overseas Migration (NOM) is. The SFA 40,000 goal is naive and absurd.

The reference is to Net Overseas Migration numbers - Key categories driving NOM include temporary, permanent, and humanitarian migrants, with major groups being international students, skilled workers, working holidaymakers, and returning Australian citizens/New Zealanders of which 75% are temporary visas who will, at some point, have to return home.

Like all anti-immigration’ers he is long on words and short on substance, and once again, has not addressed the issues outlined (Immigration levels, Letters 10/2/26).

What I would like to see from any antiimmigration’er is how their target numbers would be allocated between the NOM categories and how that will solve the problems he mentions. Then we could have an intelligent conversation about it. I continue to put this challenge out there and never get a response.

A couple of his comments concern me and maybe are really what they want, a return to the

Immigration Restriction Act 1901, “Each culture comes with its own values and bonds, which I believe has its own set of problems...respect for others.”, “we will see a fracturing in our society and a rise in cruel and radical anti-immigration elements, like in many other countries, and pay the price for it”

No worries, the new Coalition will fix the problem by taking pages out of The Trumpocalypse United States of Anarchy handbook and the return to PeterDuttonism and his interpretation of Trumpism.

Also wondering how Albo’s social cohesion program is coming along?

Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach

Kindness of strangers

I would like you to pass on my thanks to a young lady - Larinda - who kindly, using her phone, rang the RACV for me when I was recently stranded with a flat tyre in Beach Street. A lady from a nearby clinic also offered help, water, whatever I needed. The RACV mechanic Joe, was quick and cheerful. My mechanics at BJK cars fixed the tyre in their usual quick, efficient manner.

The kindness of strangers. Thank you.

Zillah Carlin, Seaford

The joy of letters

Oh I’m so looking forward, as ever, to the next letters page.

First will come the outrage upon the ungenerous interpretation of the typo in printing John D’s (excellent) letter.

Then Brian’s assertion that my good neighbour Andrew, anchors a news desk (Peta being beyond the Pale).

Dale’s confabulations about climate, counterpoised by concern about population All rounded off by Cliff’s neo-cryptic peregrinations.

Wonderful stuff. Can’t wait.

Richard Kessling, Somers

BarleyCharlie@Almost90

The “We know best” Society, aka letter writers to The Age, running at full throttle; quaint no! The estimated $15 billion loss, and Isaac Herzog’s Australian holiday. No mention of how the billions personally affect them, if at all?

Jacinta Allan to explain, crooks in the CFMEU, time will tell, or not, recalling the sacking of John Setka?

New Opposition leader referring to us as “Everyday Australians.” adding in accessible housing and wage justice on Labor’s watch?

Darling Sussan gone when going in hard against Isaac Herzog, joining Josh Frydenburg, thus her decision to take her bat and ball home, leave it to the right wing mafia, sensible in her situation, (erratic at best) not to mention Jane Hume’s undercover work. Comedy; TV commercial? “At the Herald-Sun we are committed to the stories that matter to our readers.”

On calmer matters the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, apparently carrying some 4,500 sailers a day; imagine the cook, the 100 cooks, the size of the cafeterias, and the daily showers, latrines?

Passionate supporters, in football, in politics, the wide world; why? Loyalty, as in clear thinking, on a long break? And our Albo? A royal commission into antisemitism and the Bondi attack, both (sadly) inevitable, for months, proving nothing. Recalling 2022 national risk assessments for climate breakdown, under the carpet? Yes, I could refer to the obvious wealth disparity and Taylor’s take on capital gains tax (No!), and our newspapers’ right wing style of reporting and Albo coming up trumps again and again, but at almost ninety, 30 days to go, the philosophy of “Nothing matters” is fast gaining traction.

BUT it matters when Woolworths have large vita brits, corn flakes, others, on special (too big for my scooter) and the smaller packs near enough to the same special price? Crooks? Not forgetting 8 March - Go Pies.

Cliff Ellen, Rye

YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Level Crossing Death - Inquiry Held At Mornington

Compiled by Cameron McCullough AT the Mornington Court on Friday last Mr. D. Berriman, the Coroner, held an injury into the death of George Cook, who was well-known in the Peninsula, and who was killed in a collision at Pt. Nepean crossing, between a motor car driven by himself and the 8.30am motor train from Frankston on January 5.

Mr. C. J. Walker, an accountant of Essendon, who identified the body of Geo. Cook, said that deceased was a careful driver and had never drank.

Dr. Somers stated that he attended to the victims of the accident on 5th January. George Cook died on 6th January.

Mr. G. H. Hallum said that deceased and his father called at his garage at Mornington at 8.30am on January 5, and obtained some petrol. Deceased informed him that they were going to their work at Leongatha.

Witness examined the car after the accident and found that the brake band on the near off side was missing. This would cause the car to skid. The other brakes were in good order.

Gordon Willis, labourer, stated that he lived near the crossing concerned. At the time of the accident he was outside his father’s front gate looking towards the crossing.

He heard the motor train coming at the usual pace and saw the wig-wag signal working and heard the bell.

Next he saw a motor car come past his place towards the crossing with two occupants at a medium pace. He then saw the two of the motors meet and a smash resulted.

He noticed the car swerving to the side of the of the crossing before the

accident. Then he could see nothing for some time and the smash sent up a cloud of dust. He hurried to the scene and found the car wrecked. One person was thrown clear and he could not see deceased till the car was lifted off the line.

Witness knew Geo. Cook well as he had often used this crossing.

Arthur Davies gave corroborative evidence. He added that he heard Wm. Cook say: “Don’t blame the man on the motor train.” The driver of the car, when he saw the motor train, appeared to swerve to the side to the cattle pits.

He said that it was difficult to see the motor train coming because of an adjoining house and trees. He thought that if a car driver kept a good look out he could see the train approaching. He said the motor train came over the crossing like a “shot.”

Annie Cecilia Chenneworth, married, living in a railway residence a few feet from the accident scene, said that she was standing in her garden at the time of the smash. She saw a motor car coming from the intersection of Main and Pt. Nepean Roads with two occupants at a good speed.

She then saw the rail motor train coming by Hurley’s crossing (about 400 yards away). The warning bell and signal were operating at the crossing. The car was travelling at about twice the speed of the train.

When the occupants of the car saw the difficulty in front of them they desired to make a dash to get over the crossing. The car was caught on the centre of the line and hurled against her garden fence and completely wrecked. The train stopped about 15 yards further on.

William Cook was pinned underneath the car.

Both of them spoke and said: “It was our fault as we saw the train coming. All we want to do is to pay the damages.” Geo. Cook was conscious. She also said that the bell was a good warning sign and could be heard a good distance away. The trees on the side of the line would obscure the view of the rail motor driver.

Albert Geraghty, motorman of the rail motor, said that on January 5 he was approaching the Pt. Nepean crossing at 8.30am. He sounded the horn incessantly from about 500 yards away. He saw a motor car coming towards the crossing when it was about 25 yards away. The car was travelling at 35 miles an hour. He saw the accident was likely to occur and applied the brakes. The warning signal and bell were both in action at the time.

When the car driver saw the train he tried to steer on to the side near the cattle pits. The next he knew was that the train had struck the car and hurled it aside, carrying with it a large post. The train travelled further on for ten yards before stopping. He got off the train and looked for the injured and sent the guard for assistance.

He saw William Cook near the house. Some men lifted the car and found George Cook underneath the wreckage. The motor train was running to schedule time and was travelling at 25 or 27 miles per hour near the crossing. The car was travelling faster than the train. The average speed of the train near Hurley’s was 35 miles per hour.

He usually came over Pt. Nepean crossing cautiously. Previous to the

accident, he had been driving on the Frankston-Mornington line for a week. Witness had been driving rail motors for three years on busy lines. There were hand and foot brakes on the rail motor and others, on the trailer, all of which were applied at the time of the accident.

He considered the wig-wag signal a good device for warning the public.

John Hedley Fawkes, the guard on the motor train, gave similar evidence. He added that when he had applied his brakes, he felt the impact caused by the smash. He noticed the wigwag signal working when the train was at Hurley’s crossing and heard the bell ringing about 100 yards away.

Constable Carey stated that in response to a telephone call on January 5th, he visited the scene of the accident and saw the motor train derailed and a smashed car. From marks on the side of the line he considered the car was struck 9 feet from the side of the crossing.

J. J. Montgomery, railway engineer and chairman of the Victorian Railways Level Crossing Committee, said that he visited the crossing in question on January 13. He stated that at 400 feet from the crossing (south) a driver of a motor car could see the train coming past Hurley’s crossing. At 117 feet there was an open space also. When the motor car was 65 feet away the driver could see a train when it was 204 feet along the line. In 1924 this crossing was inspected and it was decided to erect a wig-wag signal, and standardise the crossing.

This level crossing is well defined and for users of the road there is adequate indication of it being a railway

crossing and also of the approach of a train. It is the duty of the public to take its share of the responsibility. It is a safe crossing for careful drivers.

If the wig-wag signal fails it shows a red light at night and a “Stop, Danger” at daytime.

Mr. Wilbur Anderson, appearing for the deceased and relatives, said that unfortunately William Cook could not appear owing to injuries received in the accident.

The Coroner adjourned the inquiry until Mr. Cook could appear. He predicted a verdict of accidental death. ***

Bush fire at Langwarrin - A night of terror

At about 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening a bush fire was noticed to start in the dense scrub some distance back from the main road.

With a strong north wind the fire soon reached alarming proportions, and was dangerous to many homesteads along Cranbourne Road.

During the night most strenuous efforts had to be resorted to in checking the fire at many danger points, and it was not until 3 o’clock in the morning that the workers had any respite from their labours.

One unoccupied house and outbuildings (Cain’s) were destroyed, together with much fencing and 100 tons of firewood.

Much exasperation is felt at these fires being started during hot weather when the bush is so inflammable.

***

From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 26 February 1926

PUZZLE ZONE

Scoreboard

Langwarrin has a strong start, Mt Eliza bring the pressure

By Kennedy McCullough

PROVINCIAL

ON the first day of their two-day clash against Pines, Langwarrin won the toss and elected to bat first, making 10/212 and having a strong start against the top of the ladder team.

Opener and captain Jack Marget was the best batter for Langwarrin, achieving 68 runs, followed by Riley Davie with 36 and Aaron Bardwell with 35 not out.

Pines then took to the crease, with openers Lachlan Jackson and Declan Jackson on three and four runs respectively, leaving them at 0/7, prepared for the next day of their game on 28 February.

Mornington took to the crease first in their game against Baden Powell, ending up on 10/109 while Baden Powell managed 2/74 so far.

For Mornington, vice-captain and opener Hayden Cummings got the highest score of 15 runs, followed by Ryan Smith and Matt Foon who both scored 14 runs.

Baden Powell’s best bowler was Dale Elmi, who managed 4/22.

Baden Powell then begun their batting with openers Luke Long 44 not out and Travis Kellerman 28 runs the best. They ended the day on 2/74.

Heatherhill won the toss ins their game and elected to let Dromana take to the crease first, which turned out to be a great choice. Dromana managed a final score of 10/92 while Heatherhill are at 5/80 so far.

Only three batters got into double digits for Dromana, with Kierran Voelkl managing the highest score of 34 runs and Sam Fowler following close behind with 23 runs.

Tyler Neal had an outstanding

bowling performance for Heatherhill, achieving an amazing 7/32 and carrying the team immensely.

For Heatherhill, Tahsinullah Sultani currently has the highest batting score of 30 runs, followed by Samuel Mullavey, who is currently on 22 not out.

Sorrento chose to bowl first after winning the toss in their game against Red Hill, who managed 10/179.

Simon Dart was the best batsman for Red Hill with 66 runs, followed by Matthew Gray on 53 runs.

Sorrento then came into bat, with their openers Corey Harris and Jedd Falck on eight not out and 15 not out respectively.

PENINSULA

MT Eliza have had a very strong start against Balnarring, who are second on the ladder compared to Mt Eliza at sixth.

Mt Eliza achieved a score of 10/140, with their best batsman being Nicholas Strickland with 61 runs.

Both captain Luke Hewitt and Patrick Nickeas got four wickets for Balnarring in their bowling.

Balnarring then took to the crease and in a disasterous start, ended the day on 3/4, with Rueben Higgins taking 2/2.

Rosebud elected to bat first in their two-day game against Somerville, making an impressive 8/219.

Captain Patrick Nagel got the highest batting score for Rosebud with 57 runs, with Scott Hayes on 42 runs.

Chris Brittain performed well in his bowling for Somerville, taking four wickets.

Old Peninsula won the toss and elected to bat against Long Island, eventually declaring with a score of 5/289.

Elias Karageorgiou got the highest

score in the batting innings for Old Peninsula, with 95 runs.

Vice captain Sam Holland-Burch got four wickets for Long Island. Moorooduc won the toss and sent Seaford to the crease, and Seaford ended up on a score of 10/277.

Opener Jacob Foxwell achieved the highest score for Seaford by far, with 117 runs off 153 balls.

Michael Whincup had a great performance for Moorooduc with the ball, taking five wickets for his team.

DISTRICT

T

HE pressure was on for Flinders, as they’re currently on the bottom of the ladder, but they still managed to win the toss and post 10/132 before beginning to shut Boneo down.

Finders’ best batsman was Luke Reynolds, who achieved 33 runs not out, followed by Shaun Cairns on 29 runs.

Sean Spencer did very well in the bowling for Boneo, with four wickets.

Boneo then took to the crease to start their innings, with Jake Bell currently having their highest score of eight runs.

Charlie Beggs has held down the fort amazingly for Flinders so far in the bowling, making a great start with 3/2. Boneo ended the day with 4/23.

Main Ridge chose to bat first in their game against Rye, finishing off with a score of 10/139.

Main Ridge’s stand out batter was Charlie Banks, who got the highest score by far of 50 not out.

Rye then came into bat for 16 overs and are currently on 1/27.

Crib Point won the toss and elected to bat against Carrum, and this turned out to be a great decision after they finished their 80 overs on 8/228.

Angus Cripps got the highest score

batting for Crib Point, with 60 runs not out, followed by opener Matthew Blake on 50.

Jake D’Atri performed very well bowling for Carrum, taking five wickets out of the eight total.

Seaford managed to beat Carrum Downs in the first day of their two day match, getting a score of 6/103 after Carrum Downs elected to bat first but only got 10/78.

James Quarmby was the best batsman for Carrum Downs with 23 runs, followed by Michael O’Driscoll on 15 runs.

Julian Walton had an exceptional time bowling for Seaford, managing 7/43.

Seaford then took to the crease, with Amandeep Singh getting their highest batting score of 40 runs followed by opener and captain Jon Plakourakis with 30 runs.

SUB DISTRICT

BAXTER’S position at second on the ladder was reinforced in their clash against Ballam Park, with Baxter winning the toss and eventually declaring for 3/324 after only 69 overs.

Captain Mark Cooper had an excellent batting performance, achieving 150 runs not out. Priyantha Kumara followed with another great score of 118 runs.

Ballam Park then took to the crease, with Pubudu Edirisinghe currently holding the highest score for the batsmen with 17 runs not out.

Dale Irving has started the bowling well for Baxter, with 2/10, with the day ended for Ballam Park at 2/35. Skye won the toss and elected to bat against Tyabb, managing a score of 10/151 in 42 overs.

Captain Jake Prosser notched up 34 runs, making him the highest scorer

for the batsmen for Skye, followed closely by Daniel Polson on 32 runs.

Captain James Holland-Burch had an outstanding bowling performance for Tyabb, achieving 7/41.

Tyabb are currently sitting comfortably at a score of 6/96, with Udara Ravindu leading the batting on 45 runs.

Trav Campbell is also having another week of impressive bowling performance, currently sitting at 4/30.

Delacombe Park have had a respectable start against Frankston YCW after YCW won the toss and elected to bowl, leaving Delacombe Park at 10/222.

Delacombe Park took to the crease confidently, with their opener Jonny Guthrie getting 76 runs, which was the highest score for the team.

WOMENS DIV ONE

UNFORTUNATELY, most of the women’s games were either cancelled, forfeited or abandoned due to the weather, but one game managed a result.

Tooradin won the toss and elected to bowl in their one-day clash against Balnarring, which turned out to be a poor decision after Balnarring managed 5/195.

Captain Jemma Reynolds had the highest score in the batting for Balnarring, with 62 runs, followed by opener Catherine Donlon who managed 36 runs.

After their 30 overs were done, Tooradin took to the crease, with opener Aimee Mellford getting their highest score of 82 not out.

Tooradin finished their 30 overs on 7/142, the win being secured for Balnarring.

Scoreboard

Four new ’Buds, Langy wins it

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

NEW signings for Rosebud, a first win of the season for Langwarrin while Peninsula Strikers and Baxter are on a Cup collision course.

These were the main stories to emerge in the last week as Rosebud gaffer Jason Symonds put his men through their paces twice in 48 hours with friendlies against Skye United on Thursday night and Mount Eliza on Saturday evening.

On Thursday night Rosebud went down 4-2 to its State 1 host.

A stunning free kick from Charlie Gunning and a fine finish from Connor Wharton enabled Rosebud to go in 2-2 at the interval but Skye proved too strong in the second half.

Skye’s goals came from Mitch Blake (2), Shameit Sharma and a triallist.

On Saturday it was a different challenge posed by State 6 visitor Mount Eliza with Rosebud winning 3-0.

Despite the scoreline Gerry McDonagh has done a great job with a young Mount Eliza side that is well organised, energetic and works very hard.

It was a good test for Rosebud, who for its part played some great combination football and dominated possession for long periods.

Rosebud’s scorers were Elliott Craig (2) and Barney Johnson.

The big news at Rosebud is the influx of four newcomers to the senior squad: Elisha Davies (from South Melbourne), Ben Craig (Mornington), Sam Timuska-Carr (Aspendale) and Jack Heseltine (Mornington).

Davies and Craig can play on the wing or in midfield, Timuska-Carr can play at full-back or in midfield and Heseltine is a central defender who can also play up front.

“They’re a versatile bunch and good footballers and, most importantly, great people,” Symonds said.

In VPL1 news Langwarrin overran FC Melbourne Srbija 3-1 at Lawton Park last weekend.

Much of the first 45 minutes was played inside Langy’s attacking half and the host had the better of the few clear-cut chances created.

Langwarrin’s Charlie Fry, who had come into the starting 11 as a replacement for the injured Lucas Portelli, was not just doing his job as a central defender he also posed an aerial threat to FC Melbourne from set pieces.

It was Fry who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when he was at the back post to head home a curling corner from the left by Alun Webb.

But four minutes later the ball bounced about the Langy area and eventually fell into the path of Owen Sheppard for a tap-in from close range.

Sheppard went from hero to villain with a second yellow card and mandatory dismissal in the 71st minute.

Langy gaffer Jamie Skelly had aces up his sleeve and played two of them in the second half with Tom Youngs and Joe Tweats coming off the bench in the 56th and 67th minutes respectively.

Youngs set about doing his thing wide left and teasing and tormenting defenders while Tweats was a bundle of energy in midfield.

Luke Adams was at the back post in the 82nd minute and headed over the keeper where the incoming Webb finished off the move from point-blank range to make it 2-1.

Five minutes later came the goal of the game.

Tweats surged forward from midfield then played a one-two with Youngs before slotting the ball home and putting an end to FC Melbourne’s faint hopes.

In Cup news Peninsula Strikers and Baxter are on a collision course at Centenary Park on Saturday and their second preliminary round clash looks certain to draw a big crowd.

Not only is this the venue of Baxter’s remarkable Cup success in 2019 against Altona North it also is the

Sudoku and crossword solutions

venue that many Baxter players once called home.

Jai Power, Kyle Eichenberger, Cody Storton-French, Jordy May, Jacob Pay, Michael Millar and Calvin Delaney know every centimetre of the manicured Centenary surface. Storton-French is injured but the others are expected to be in Baxter’s matchday squad.

Both Strikers and Baxter lost friendlies last weekend in the lead-up to Saturday’s Cup clash.

Strikers went down 3-1 to visitor Heatherton United while Seaford beat Baxter 2-1 at Baxter Park.

Heatherton’s first goal was from the penalty spot but its next two exposed an aerial threat that Strikers didn’t deal with.

The home side’s reply came after a Danny Brooks free-kick fell to Harry Zervos who converted from inside the box.

At Baxter Park the home side had 10 players unavailable.

But an important recent signing in goalkeeper Colby Jones lined up for Baxter.

Jones, 24, has played for Langwarrin, Beaumaris, Doveton and Berwick City and joined Baxter because he was keen to work under head coach Billy Armour.

“I joined Baxter because it felt right at the time as I have a young child and I know that Baxter is a good family club,” Jones said.

“I’ve also wanted to work with Billy for a while so I’m excited to see what he has in store for us this season.”

Jones made a series of first-half saves to deny Seaford striker Zain Ahmad and when Seaford got caught trying to play out from the back Charlie O’Connell made it pay.

Jones was forced off through injury at half-time and was replaced by Kyle Johnston.

Seaford pressed hard in the second half but had to wait until late in the game before equalising.

From a goalmouth scramble the ball fell to Mitch Lander who tapped home from close range.

Minutes later Seaford nabbed the winner.

A well-played ball down the right picked out new Seaford signing Madhi Hazara (ex-Endeavour Hills Fire) and his cross found the ever-dangerous Ahmad who made no mistake.

In other friendlies Frankston Pines beat Somerville Eagles 3-1, Nasha Hussainy scored for Skye in its 1-1 draw away to Knox City, James Kelly scored for Mornington in a 1-1 draw away to Ballarat City while Daniel Vella scored for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw with Waverley Wanderers.

Pines’ goals came from new striker Kenan Akalan.

He played for Berwick City as a junior then was in the under-21s at Dandenong Thunder and Oakleigh

In the news: Sam Timuska-Carr (left) has joined Rosebud from Aspendale while Charlie Fry opened the scoring for Langwarrin on Saturday. Pictures: Paul Seeley and supplied

Cannons.

His senior career has been at Dingley Stars, Keysborough Cardinals, South East United, Tullamarine FC and for the last two seasons he’s been on the books of Dandenong South. Pines led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Akalan’s opener in the 41st minute.

Adam Steele played a superb ball over the full-back for Alec Keisoglu to fire across goal and Akalan was at the back post for a tap-in.

It was 2-0 in the 64th minute when Akalan was the quickest to react following a good save from a Howie Anderson shot.

Two minutes later Somerville youngster Will Doughton showed good strength then smashed the ball past Pines keeper Caleb Parr to make it 2-1.

In the 70th minute Akalan completed his hat-trick with a shot that the Somerville keeper spilled into the net.

Pines assistant coach Chris Sanderson has high expectations for Akalan. “Kenny’s going to be a big player for us,” Sanderson said.

At Knox on Saturday Skye took the lead against the run of play after a well-taken free-kick from Hussainy.

Knox equalised in the second half after a slick interpassing move. Both teams had a chance to win it in hot conditions but it ended all square.

Here is this week’s VPL1 match: Friday 27 February

Langwarrin v Northcote City, Lawton Park, 7.30pm

Here are second-round Dockerty/ Australia Cup matches involving local clubs:

Saturday 28 February

Peninsula Strikers v Baxter, Centenary Park, 3pm

Somerville Eagles v Yarra Jets, Westernport Secondary College, 3pm Hampton Park Utd v Chelsea, KM Reedy Reserve, 3pm

Sale Utd v Frankston Pines, Godfrey Baldwin Reserve, 5.15pm

Here are some upcoming friendlies: Friday 27 February

Knox City v Mornington, Egan Lee Reserve, 7.30pm

Saturday 28 February

Lalor Utd v Skye Utd, HR Uren Reserve, 3pm

Prize Includes:

• Lakeside Villa 2-Night Stay*

• Crittenden Restaurant Mid-week Lunch*

• Crittenden Cellar Door VIP Tasting*

• Crittenden Wine Of Your Choice To Take Home*

• Peninsula Hot Springs $200 Bathing Voucher*

*Terms and Conditions apply. See website for details,

A Crittenden package valued at $1,840*

Enter at visitmp.org/win or scan the QR code Entries close 11.59pm Thursday, 26 February 2026. Winner announced 9.30am Friday, 27 February 2026.