Western Port News 29th October 2025

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER

Sportsbet Peninsula Cup returns to the picturesque Mornington Racecourse this spring. Offering more than just a day at the races. A vibrant celebration of fashion, food, family, and fun, this is your chance to experience the very best of the Peninsula in full bloom.

Little ones will love the Kidies Zone, with live shows by Charlie Silly Pants, soft play, face painting, a sensory corner, and more—plus a dedicated Parent Pod for comfort and convenience.

General admission offers classic carnival rides, lawn games, roving performers, and the Live & Local stage. Older kids can head to the Teen Zone with big rides like the Hurricane and Cha Cha, and a Silent Disco running all day.

For those wanting VIP treatment, the Highview Marquee offers allinclusive hospitality with trackside views, live music, a glam bar, photo booth, and more. Private pods and grandstand packages are also available, perfect for groups or corporate hosting.

With something for every kind of racegoer, from families and foodies to fashionistas and thrill-seekers, the 2025 Sportsbet Peninsula Cup is set to be the highlight of the spring racing season.

Step into the spotlight and soak up the glamour as Fashions on the Field returns with flair, energy, and serious style stakes.

Kick back at the effortlessly chic Baillieu Bar, sponsored by Baillieu Winery for a fashionable break. Think plush lounges, curated furniture, and your favourite glass of red or rosé — the perfect post-show winddown or Instagram moment.

Looking for a last-minute glowup? The Glam Bar by Salon Envy has you covered. It’s your goto for complimentary hair and makeup touch-ups.

Competition:

Strut your stuff and compete on the day in the Fashions on the Field competition, sponsored by Louvetrec Melbourne, for your share in a $5K prize pool. Back your style as Best Dressed Female or Best Dressed Male and win big.

Transparency, for some, with election data released

THE Australian Electoral Commission has released data on the battle for the seat of Flinders, showing substantial donations and expenditure for the Ben Smith campaign, but “zero” returns from Labor and the Liberal Party.

Under the AEC rules, the “Transparency Register” does not include the candidates from registered political parties who “may submit a ‘nil return’ and roll their reporting into the annual return for their party if those financial transactions were the responsibility of a party committee”.

That data is due to be released on 2 February 2026 but will only provide donation and expenditure for those parties overall and not split into electorates. The effect of the AEC’s approach is that while Smith discloses, the data released on Monday by both Labor’s Sarah Race and the Liberal Party’s Zoe McKenzie had “zero” donations and “zero” expenditure. Smith, on the other hand, disclosed the receipt of $1,786,645 in the form of donations from a total of 641 donors, and election expenditure of $1,712,798. The largest single donor to the Smith campaign was Climate 200 with donations totalling $1,024,700.

The eventual winner of the seat

of Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, took to social media on Tuesday (21 October) stating “We need to have a conversation about honesty, integrity and the Teals”.

“Yesterday, the Australian Electoral Commission revealed that Ben Smith was the second highest Climate 200 funded candidate in the entire country.”

Pointing out that Climate 200 and a number of other substantial Smith donors were Sydney based, McKenzie continued “Through conniving, deceiving and dodgy dealing over preferences, the ‘blow ins’ tried to use their big bucks to buy Flinders.”

Despite consistent efforts by McKenzie and others to frame Smith as a member of a “Teal” party, being in a party would have placed Smith in the same category as McKenzie; not having to disclose individual donations and expenditure at an electorate level.

Jason Smart, who began his campaign as a Trumpet of Patriots candidate before breaking away from the Palmer party over a disagreement regarding preferences, told The News that he believed that everyone should disclose.

“It is pretty simple. Everyone should disclose what donations they received, and from where. This is the only way to prove that candidates and political parties have nothing to hide.”

Continued Page 10

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

Raia Flinos: Email: raia@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 31 OCTOBER 2025 NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 5 NOVEMBER 2025

Port

Footpath fees waived for traders

By Brendan Rees

FOOTPATH trading fees will be scrapped for the next 12 months across the Morning Peninsula, giving businesses a huge boost as part of the shire’s new footpath trading policy.

The decision was endorsed at the council’s 14 October meeting, marking the first major update to the shire’s footpath trading policy since 2008.

The 12-month “amnesty period” means all application fees for outdoor trading will be waived as the new policy is rolled out.

According to the shire, the move aims to revitalise town centres, give street-front businesses more flexibility and encourage vibrant, welcoming public spaces.

“By waiving permit fees for the next year, we’re giving our traders a real boost to grow, attract customers and add to the buzz of our local streets. It’s great for business and great for the community,” mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said.

Shaped through community feedback earlier this year, the policy outlines how footpaths can be used for outdoor dining, seating, signage, planter boxes and displays, while keeping areas accessible and safe.

One key change allows traders to combine tables and chairs with an A-frame and other approved items within their trading zone, encouraging more creative and engaging street setups.

Restaurant manager Virgilio Sabanal from 400 Gradi in Main St, Mornington welcomed the announce-

ment saying it would be “very helpful and beneficial for the business”.

A shire report noted that previous fee structures and conditions were “inconsistent, leading to inequity between businesses of similar size or activity”.

“Further the current policy is detrimental to business outside shopping precincts, and there remains inconsistency depending on geographical and zoning location,” it said.

Cr Bruce Ranken said the policy was about “levelling the playing field

for local traders, making it fairer, simple, and in step with our neighbours”.

During the amnesty, current permit holders will be asked to complete a new application accepting the draft policy at their next renewal.

The shire said the initiative was part of a broader push to energise local shopping centres and help businesses and communities thrive.

The shire say they will “continue working with traders to make sure the new approach runs smoothly”.

Multiple cars damaged by pothole

By Raia Flinos

DRIVERS have been left facing costly repairs after a large pothole on Mornington-Tyabb Road caused significant damage to vehicles earlier this week.

The pothole located roughly 500 metres from the Coolart Rd roundabout, near Brideoake Racing, opened along a busy detour route. With freeway closures causing an inflow of traffic to the area, drivers say the road’s condition has become increasingly unsafe.

One driver, Phil Robertson, hit the pothole around 4:15pm on 22 October.

“I saw a crater. It wasn’t a puddle, it was a hole, which was about a metre and a half long, and it must have been 15 inches deep,” Robertson said.

“The front wheel went straight down the hole. I got out of the car and walked back to the hole and when I got there, there was another car with a young girl with a flat tyre.”

His Mercedes sustained extensive damage, with repair costs estimated at $3500.

“I drove my car straight down to Mercedes, and he says, ‘We’ll have a look at it in the morning’. This morning, he’s rung my wife and said he’s never seen anything like it before,” Robertson said.

Robertson attempted to file a report to VicRoads when he got home and ended up speaking to a representative over the phone.

“They said they haven’t got my report, and we’ve got to do it again. So, I’m just wondering how many people had vehicles damaged,” he said.

He is now attempting to pursue compensation from VicRoads. To claim compensation from VicRoads, drivers are required to lodge a Notice of Incident and Claim and cover the first $1680 worth of damage.

Robertson said at least four other cars were affected by the pothole at the same time as him.

Sam White, another affected driver, hit the same pothole around the same time.

“I saw the cars in front of me swerve and tried but didn’t manage to swerve enough and went over it,” White said.

“About a kilometre down the road, I realised my tyre pressure light had come on, so I had to pull over and call AAMI.”

White reported the incident to VicRoads immediately after it happened, not only because of the damage to her car but out of concern for other drivers. The hole was repaired early the next morning.

“I don’t know how many people would have done damage to their cars,” White said.

“I thought they would have got there straight away.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning confirmed crews attended the site and repaired the road the following morning.

They added that extreme weather events, including the heavy rain on 22 October, may have contributed to the damage.

For Robertson, the experience highlighted the lack of accountability and transparency in the damaged road reporting process.

“My main concern is that there isn’t a direct route, an easy way to get through to these people - there is something seriously wrong,” he said. “The first hurdle you’ve got is to figure out who’s responsible.”

Three dead in horror few days on the water

THREE people are dead after a horrors few days on the water last week.

Two men died in the water at Frankston Beach during a wild storm last Wednesday, 22 October.

Emergency services were called to the beach after two people were spotted in trouble in the water. Police believe that one of the men was surfing when his board snapped, prompting the second man to jump into the water to help.

At around 5pm, the police Air Wing helicopter located the two people unresponsive.

The men were winched back to shore, but could not be resuscitated. They were declared dead.

Frankston mayor Kris Bolam was among those to pay tribute to the

deceased; he said “it is with profound sadness that I acknowledge two people who have tragically lost their lives on Wednesday after being swept from the Frankston Pier during extreme wind conditions. On behalf of the entire Frankston City community, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones. We share in your grief and stand with you during this heartbreaking time.”

Winds at Frankston Beach ranged from 45 to 65 kmph on Wednesday afternoon. Bolam said “this devastating event is a sharp reminder of the power of nature and the real risk posed by severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology and other authorities have issued warnings of strong gusts, rough seas and dangerous conditions

along our coast and foreshore this week. We urge everyone in our community – residents, visitors, fishers, walkers and beach-goers – to heed these warnings.”

Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner. In a statement, it said “the male Tactical Flight Officer from Air Wing was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries following the incident and he has since been released.”

Tragedy struck again on Friday night with a man in his 20’s lost, presumed drowned, in the waters off Mornington Pier.

It is understood a small boat, with two people onboard, overturned around 1km from shore late Friday night, with emergency services called

to Schnapper Point Drive about 11.15pm.

One man was rescued by another boat. He was assessed by paramedics and was not seriously injured.

The second male occupant, believed to be 26-year-old Mornington man Sam Fowler, was unable to be located.

An immediate search commenced involving water police, the air wing and uniform officers, with assistance from Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, Life Saving Victoria and the coast guard.

A police mobile command unit was in place at the pier on Saturday, with a large group of family and friends of the missing man waiting for news.

Rescue vessels searched the area

offshore from Mornington Pier during Saturday, and police divers scoured the area around the stricken vessel.

Also present was a large contingent of television media, perched on the point above the pier waiting for news.

Trecherous weather had settled in on Sunday, and the presence at the pier scaled back, although the air wing was believed to be sweeping the waters north and south of the pier, searching for any signs of the lost man.

By Monday, the search had resumed using helicopters and a police drone.

Brodie Cowburn and Cameron McCullough

Somerville Rec Reserve set for revamp as draft master plan approved

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire

councillors have endorsed a draft Somerville Recreation Reserve master plan, paving the way for much-anticipated improvements to the community sporting hub.

The endorsement was approved unanimously at the 14 October council meeting.

Over the years, clubs have collaborated with the council as well as state and federal governments to explore the creation of a community sporting hub at the reserve.

In December 2022, the initiative received a boost with $250,000 in state government funding through the Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects Program. The funds were earmarked for the construction of new cricket nets and the development of a master plan for the reserve, with no council funding required.

The cricket nets were completed in August last year while work on the master plan began the following month. The shire also appointed sport and recreation consultants Simon Leisure to draft the plan, which included detailed research, site analysis, and extensive consultation with key user groups, the local community, and internal council teams.

By April 2025, further stakeholder meetings were held to better understand the site and its unique challenges. In addition, two pop-up consultation events - one at the reserve and another at the Somerville Recreation Centre - alongside an online survey,

THE proposed pavilion at Somerville Recreation Reserve. Picture: Supplied

were conducted to gather broad community input.

According to a shire report, the draft master plan addresses several key issues:

n Formal sealed parking will be provided, with options for informal overflow parking.

n A new two-storey pavilion is proposed to serve football, cricket, and netball, offering improved amenities and social spaces.

n The cypress hedge along Jones Rd will be removed and replaced with new plantings to enhance accessibility and parking for all users, including

netball clubs.

n One of the existing three netball courts will be removed to create two compliant courts aligned with council standards, improving accessibility and pavilion integration.

n The relocated pavilion will allow for the oval to be widened, meeting Australian Football League standards and council’s sports capacity plan.

n Sealed paths will connect the north and south of the Reserve, improving access for the community.

The draft master plan will be placed on public exhibition from 5 November to 3 December.

Speaking at the council meeting, Cr Michael Stephens said the plans “highlight a major step forward for the Somerville sporting and recreation future”.

“Thanks to funding from the community sports and recreation projects program with no cost to the council, this had already delivered new cricket nets and plans for major upgrades for the Jones St site,” he said.

“This masterplan creates a sporting precinct plan that caters for netball, football and cricket needs now and into the future. Through consultation with user groups, residents and

internal teams, our sporting team has created a plan that balances practical, accessible and long-term growth.

“Key improvements include a new modern two-storey pavilion that brings football, cricket and netball together under one roof with better amenities and social space.”

Cr Bruce Ranken echoed this sentiment, saying it was a “strong example of our strategic and community-led infrastructure planning designed to make Somerville’s sporting precinct more accessible and inclusive, and future proof”.

Record-breaking $61K raised at Mayoral Charity event

A PERFECT evening of sunshine, sea breezes, and community spirit set the stage for this year’s Mayoral Charity event, the Mayday Cruise, which raised a record $61,278.77 for local groups.

Hosted by mayor Cr Anthony Marsh aboard the MV Queenscliff, operated by Searoad Ferries, the 18 October event welcomed over 250 guests from across the peninsula for an evening of entertainment, dining, and fundraising.

They were greeted with canapés, fresh oysters, and sparkling beverages, complemented by a selection of

local wines, beers, ciders, and rum.

The Royal Australian Navy Band performed on the pier prior to departure, while The Baker Boys Band entertained attendees during the scenic cruise along the peninsula coastline, passing by the McCrae lighthouse and, delightfully, pods of dolphins along the way.

Proceeds from ticket sales, donations, and an online silent auction featuring prizes and experiences from local businesses were directed to 11 community organisations nominated by councillors.

The funds raised will benefit groups

including Gunnamatta Surf Life Saving Club, Kindred Clubhouse, Mornington Tourist Railway, Mount Eliza Men’s Shed, Projex J, Rosebud McCrae Life Saving Club, Rotary Club of Somerville Tyabb, Safety Beach–Dromana Men’s Shed, Capel Sound Community Hub, Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, and Sunshine Reserve Mount Martha.

Marsh said the evening surpassed expectations and “incredible showcase of community spirit”.

“From our sponsors and donors to every guest on board, the generosity and good energy were infectious. It

was a celebration of everything great about our peninsula - community, connection and kindness,” he said.

“To raise over $61,000 in one evening is a phenomenal result that will make a real difference to the local organisations supporting our residents every day.”

The event was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors, including Searoad Ferries (Platinum Sponsor), Mornington Peninsula Technology, Industry and Business Park (Gold Sponsor), Pt Leo Estate (Gold Sponsor), St Andrews Beach Brewery, Hotel Sorrento, Wittingslow

Amusements, and JimmyRum (Silver Sponsors), and Mornington Peninsula News Group.

Guests enjoyed dancing, spectacular sunset views, and a strong sense of community pride as the evening concluded with dolphins swimming alongside the ferry - a memorable highlight for many attendees.

A formal cheque presentation to the 11 beneficiary organisations will be held at the council meeting on 5 November, where each group will be officially recognised for their contribution to the peninsula community.

Shire adopts updated Road Management Plan

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has adopted its Road Management Plan 2025, a key strategy guiding inspection, maintenance, and repair of more than 1700km of roads.

Councillors unanimously approved the final plan at their 14 October meeting, which is in line with the Road Management Act that requires councils to review their Road Management Plan (RMP) by 30 June following a general election.

The plan, which includes footpaths and related infrastructure across the peninsula, ensures council can “con-

tinue delivering reliable and efficient road services, while working within available resources and maintaining transparency with the community”.

It also defines the minimum service standards for road inspections and maintenance interventions, providing council with protection against litigation risks where council has set reasonable minimum service standards in its RMP and met those standards.

The shire reviewed all feedback from a recent community consultation, identifying three main themes from responses.

This included proactive road maintenance which called for crews to prevent issues rather than simply

react to them.

Concerns were raised about road contractors failing to consistently meet performance standards, with suggestions that contract compliance should be more rigorously enforced.

Key maintenance priorities highlighted by the community include pothole repairs, line marking, drainage improvements, and vegetation management along road verges. Road safety concerns were also most frequently cited particularly near schools, childcare centres, and pedestrian areas. Respondents urged improvements to crossings and reduced speed limits in high-risk zones to better protect vulnerable road users

such as children, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Other feedback noted footpath and cycling facility upgrades with community members emphasising the need to support active transport.

Requests included expanding and maintaining footpaths and bicycle networks, particularly along routes to schools, parks, and town centres.

All community feedback was reviewed and shared with the shire to ensure concerns were addressed following community consultation between 18 June and 30 July.

“While valuable, the feedback did not directly relate to the documented minimum service standards for

road inspections and maintenance interventions and so no changes are proposed for the RMP,” a shire report said.

To maintain transparency, the council has launched a dedicated ‘Shape’ Project Page, which will provide a summary of key themes, outline how feedback on the RMP is being handled, and explain next steps for the community.

Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said, “This plan is essential to keeping our road network safe and functional. The updates make our standards clearer, more achievable and better aligned with how maintenance is delivered on the ground”.

Council makes move on erosion and landslide risk

Raia Flinos raia@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire

councillors have backed new measures to improve landslide and erosion management, including public access to data and stronger planning controls in high-risk areas.

At their 14 October council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to introduce an interim Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) across high-risk parts of the Mornington Peninsula.

An EMO is a planning control that identifies land vulnerable to erosion or landslides, allowing the shire to enforce stronger regulations on development to protect safety and stability.

As part of the new measures, the shire would make landslide susceptibility data from its Landslide Susceptibility Assessment publicly available. The move will help residents, developers, and community groups better understand risks and make informed decisions about land use.

As part of the approved motion, council will make existing landslide susceptibility data from the Landslide Susceptibility Assessment, which is currently only available on the shire’s internal system, public. A page will be established on the shire’s website which will have information for residents on whether their properties could be affected and provide updates on how the council is addressing erosion and landslide risks.

The shire currently has six EMOs in the Mornington Peninsula Plan-

WHAT’S NEW...

ning Scheme (MPPS), but these do not cover all areas prone to erosion or landslides. Updated landslide mapping is a process expected to take up to four years, so council will request the Minister of Planning to approve an interim EMO by the end of 2025.

This overlay would apply to all highrisk landslide areas highlighted in the shire’s existing data. Further expansion of the EMO is expected in early 2026 following advice from engineering and environmental consultants Stantec.

Cr Bruce Ranken said the proposal and EMOs were not about making life harder for property owners, but about improving clarity and transparency.

“I want to be clear that I’m not an advocate for unnecessary red tape regulations that unfairly burden property owners. What it is about is simplicity, certainty, and transpar-

ency,” Ranken said.

“We all know overlays can be confusing and intimidating especially for residents that are unfamiliar with planning jargon or the processes, but here’s the simple reality. Some parts of our shire are at real risk of landslides and erosions and right now our existing EMOs don’t cover all of these areas.”

This decision comes following the landslide which occurred in McCrae in January and the board of inquiry’s recent report findings and recommendations to the shire (Inquiry finds burst water main caused McCrae landslide, The News 10/10/25).

“As the mayor said in his statement last week the shire is welcomed the recommendations of that inquiry, and we are committed to acting upon them as soon as practically possible,” Ranken said at the meeting.

Somers open garden day

IF you love beautiful gardens, live music and talking about food, then be in Somers on Sunday 9 November. The Somers Open Garden Day has it all.

Tour five magnificent private gardens in Somers, not usually open to the public. Enjoy creative coastal and native gardens; be inspired by bountiful vegetable & flower gardens. Start your garden tour at Green Hedges, 71 Tasman Road, Somers, for maps and entry bands. Purchase entry tickets on the day at Green Hedges or book online. Gardens open from 9.30am to 1pm.

Then come along to Coolart Wetlands & Homestead for a free live concert at 12.30pm with the fabulous Anna Smyrk, whose powerful songs and music have been showcased at musical gigs in Australia and internationally.

If you haven’t experienced the magic of Coolart, this is a wonderful opportunity to see the flourishing Coolart Community Garden and the Homestead, which will be open to visitors. Bring a picnic or enjoy refreshments from the food truck & coffee stall.

A special feature of the day is A Conversation with Stephanie Alexander. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of her revered kitchen bible, The Cook’s Companion. Stephanie has inspired generations of home cooks and transformed the way we think about food. Her Kitchen Garden Foundation teaches children about growing, preparing, cooking and sharing fresh, seasonal food. Stephanie will be chatting with author, gardener and cook, Jaclyn Crupi, in the Coolart Observatory from 1.30pm-2.30pm. The Coolart Community Garden and Western Port Writes are delighted to host this special day. Funds raised go to the Coolart Community Garden at Somers, which helps support the local community.

Tickets:

Open Gardens Only $20 pp

Open Gardens + Conversation $65

To book or find out more:

Visit: www.westernportwrites.com.au

Contact: hello@westernportwrites.com.au

Benbenjie Ward councillor, Max Patton, also acknowledged the community’s ongoing hardship.

“The last year, and in some cases years, has been incredibly hard for residents with a lot of uncertainty, displacement and stress,” Patton said.

“I just want to acknowledge what they’ve endured and assure them that their situation remains front of mind as we work through these next steps coming out of the board of inquiry report.”

Patton praised council officers for their swift action and said the measures were an important step in improving the peninsula’s planning and safety.

“Tonight’s report shows that this work is well advanced. It’s making our erosion mapping more accurate and up-to-date and applying further planning controls in the places that need them the most. It’s an important step in protecting our community and improving how we plan for the future,” he said.

A council officer confirmed a project control group has been established who will oversee all investigations and reporting and will ensure there is a “coordinated and comprehensive response” to the different issues that have arisen.

Council also agreed to advocate to the state government to make changes to planning and building systems to help better address landslide and erosion risks.

A letter will be written to the Housing and Building Minister and the Planning Minister requesting changes to the Building Act 1993 and Building

Regulations 2018 to more effectively manage landslide and erosion susceptibility.

The council will express concern over the impact of the Townhouse and Low-Rise Code which have changed council’s ability to consider known environmental risks which are not included in the MPPS.

Cr David Gill expressed concerns over these changes and the impact they may have.

“The inability of council to consider known risk could have significant implications for the safety of land use and development outcomes,” said Gill.

Until broader changes are made, council will advocate for interim changes to the MPPS which will allow councils to consider known environmental risks when assessing planning applications.

The letter will also urge the minister to establish a new, more efficient method for introducing flood and erosion related overlays in planning schemes. This would help ensure the best available data can be translated into appropriate planning controls in a timely manner.

The motion, moved by Patton and seconded by Cr Stephen Batty, was supported by all councillors present at the meeting.

“The recommendation is not about adding barriers, it’s about making existing information public, providing clear guidance to residents and developers, and ensuring our planners can make informed consistent decisions,” Ranken said.

Brodie Cowburn brodie@mpnews.com.au

FRANKSTON and Kingston Councils are expected to maintain their arrangements with their contracted animal shelter, The Lost Dogs’ Home, despite recent criticism of the organisation.

The Lost Dogs’ Home, which provides animal shelter services for multiple councils including Frankston and Kingston, is under fire after it euthanised a young dog after he failed the shelter’s behavioural tests.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell has slammed The Lost Dogs’ Home for its decision to put down 12-week-old Murphy, and expressed concern for Murphy’s sister Milly who is currently in foster care. She said in parliament earlier this month that “it is currently not a requirement to document or to even declare any information about these decisions, such as what sort of testing was carried out, what other options were explored and whether an animal was assessed in a foster home or only in a scary pound environment. There is no accountability. There is no transparency.”

According to mandatory reporting

data, The Lost Dogs’ Home euthanised 4190 cats in 2024 with behaviour cited as the reason for 971 of them.

The Lost Dogs’ Home euthanised 1065 dogs in 2024, 611 for behavioural reasons. The Lost Dogs’ Home has defended its record, saying in a statement it is “one of the largest openintake shelters in Victoria - this means that unlike limited intake shelters, we do not pick and choose the animals that we help.”

“The Lost Dogs’ Home holds the contract to provide pound services for Frankston Council,” The Lost Dogs’ Home said. “Under that contract we are required to follow the code of practice for the management of dogs and cats in shelters and pounds in providing our pound services.

“Regarding published euthanasia rates, it’s important to note that during the reporting year we cared for 17,741 animals (11,445 cats and 6,296 dogs).

Behaviour-related euthanasia accounted for 8.5 percent of cats and 9.7 percent of dogs.

“We are required to categorise the reason that dogs are euthanised in a very detailed way to ensure there are no blanket statements for euthanasia.

Almost half those dogs (249) have: bitten a person, been euthanised under

council order, attacked or killed an animal, or been declared dangerous.”

Purcell said that the 2024 euthanasia figure “is a staggering and unjustifiable number.” She has called on the state government to investigate “appointing an independent oversight mechanism to approve euthanasia for behavioural reasons by open-intake shelters” and “mandating pounds and shelters to offer all animals set to be euthanised for behavioural reasons to authorised pet rehoming organisations except in instances where an animal has been legally declared dangerous.”

The Lost Dogs’ Home’s decision to euthanise Murphy sparked a wave of backlash; a petition calling for a formal investigation has garnered more than 1000 signatures. The Lost Dogs’ Home says Murphy “was assessed as unsuitable for rehoming due to antisocial behaviour and a high risk of developing aggression. Murphy displayed abnormal behavioural development for a puppy of approximately three months. This is highly unusual and rare.”

“In Murphy’s case, the behavioural risks identified were deemed too significant to safely and responsibly rehome him, whether by making him available for sale or by transferring

him to a rescue group. We made this incredibly hard decision based on decades of combined experience rehabilitating thousands of animals, and in accordance with our duty of care and public safety obligations,” The Lost Dogs’ Home said. “The Lost Dogs’ Home will continue to work to make sure that as many animals as possible can safely find a new and happy forever home. We are so grateful to all our staff, supporters and foster carers who help us do that every day. Most animals who come to the Home will be returned to their owner or rehomed with a new and loving family. Last year we did this for almost 12,000 animals across Melbourne - more than any other organisation.”

In a statement The Lost Dogs’ Home said that Murphy’s sister Milly is “safe and being well cared for in her behaviour foster carer’s private home.”

“We’ve listened to the community’s feedback and understand people want Milly to have more time to grow through her puppyhood. Fortunately, unlike her sibling Murphy, Milly is showing signs that mean she can continue her development journey,” the statement read. “We also want people to understand that assessments from

the LDH behaviour team and external vet behaviour specialists indicate that Milly exhibits poor impulse control and fear-related aggression and arousal. These are concerning behaviours that we are monitoring closely.

“We’re talking to rescue organisations that have capacity to support an intensive behavioural foster carer rehabilitation program. They will continue working closely with the same external veterinary behaviour specialist as LDH. Until we have a clear pathway for Milly, she will remain in the safe care of a behaviour foster carer.”

Frankston and Kingston Councils have each confirmed that they are not reconsidering their current arrangements with The Lost Dogs’ Home.

Speaking on the issue in parliament earlier this month, Labor MP Michael Galea said “it is appropriate for our colleagues in the City of Casey, in the Shire of Cardinia, in the City of Kingston, in the City of Greater Dandenong, and in the City of Frankston, to continue to have those conversations with their partners and for all councils who deal with this important issue to have these conversations with whomever it is that provides these services for them.”

Homelessness forum seeks to bring attention to growing crisis

THE Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) will be hosting Roundtable 2 this November - a forum that will bring together community leaders, service providers, and government representatives to discuss strategies to address the peninsula’s growing housing and homelessness crisis.

The Federal Government’s Housing and Homelessness Special Envoy, Josh Burns, will attend the event. He said he wants to hear directly from local organisations working to assist vulnerable residents. The discussion will focus on community concerns, current support efforts and both short and long-term possible solutions.

The peninsula has experienced an increase in homelessness over the past few years. According to SWAN, a volunteer-based organisation, the peninsula now has the highest number of rough sleepers across Victoria’s nine metropolitan local government areas.

SWAN Facilitator Diane McDonald said the upcoming meeting and Burns’ attendance is an important step in advocating for fairer funding and government support.

“We are really looking forward to having the Special Envoy Josh Burns MP visit the peninsula so he can hear and see first-hand from our hard-working local community agencies just how dire the situation is,” McDonald said.

“We want him to fully understand the urgent need for our region to receive a fair share of funding support.”

Despite the efforts of local community support agencies, many larger NGOs funded by the state and federal governments have limited “on-the-ground” presence on the peninsula. This often means vulnerable residents must travel to Dandenong or inner Melbourne to receive emergency relief and support.

The peninsula’s classification as part of met-

WHAT’S NEW...

ropolitan Melbourne has also created funding inequities. SWAN said this designation results in smaller funding allocations than comparable agencies in other regions.

Recently, due to a lack of emergency relief funds, the only local Assertive Outreach Service on the peninsula was forced to close its books due to overwhelming demand.

Belinda Rodman, president of the Southern Peninsula Community Support Board, said the need for help is urgent.

“With 65% of our centre’s 1600 clients currently at risk of becoming homeless the situation will only continue to get worse,” she said. “We urgently need recognition of the peninsula as a priority region for homelessness.”

SWAN began a series of meetings in early 2024 to push for stronger government action and assistance on the issue. This led to the first Roundtable in December last year, which was attended by the state’s Housing Minister Harriet Shing. The forum highlighted concerns about insufficient funding for social and emergency housing on the peninsula.

Since then, local conditions have worsened. In the past 12 months, three people living in makeshift shelters on the Rosebud foreshore have died. SWAN hopes the November roundtable and Burns’ attendance will lead beyond discussion and create tangible action.

“Our hard-working local organisations are at a breaking point and desperately need State and Federal funding to provide services and housing for our local community,” McDonald said.

“I am sure all the groups and organisations in the room will let [Burns] know the most urgent priorities, and what they can and will do to help address the immediate and longer-term needs, if given sufficient government assistance.”

Raia Flinos

Hill & Ridge Community

NESTLED among the rolling hills and towering gums, the Hill & Ridge Community Market is fast becoming a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the market brings together a variety of stallholders showcasing the very best of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

In 2024, the Red Hill Agricultural & Horticultural Society - proud custodians of the Red Hill Show since 1922 – embraced the opportunity to run the monthly market, ensuring it continues to thrive as a celebration of community, creativity and country life.

From artisan breads and cheeses to handmade jewellery, clothing and homewares, there is something to delight every shopper. You’ll also find gourmet street food, coffee and sweet treats to enjoy as you wander through the bustling

Market

avenues of stalls. And of course, no visit is complete without supporting the local Scouts at their legendary scone stall, or grabbing a bacon and egg roll freshly cooked by the Red Hill Football and Netball Club.

The Hill & Ridge Community Market is more than just shopping. It’s a place to meet friends, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy live music, and watch the kids’ faces light up with activities and entertainment. Families, foodies and curious browsers all find their place here.

With free entry, easy onsite parking, and the warmest of community welcomes, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday. As the organisers say, it’s all about “good things in the heart of Red Hill.”

The next Hill & Ridge Community Market runs from 9am–2pm on Saturday 1st November at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve.

Time lapse for vintage surf day

By Keith Platt

LAST weekend’s scheduled Point Leo Vintage Surf Day will now be held on Sunday 23 November.

The same deadly and damaging storms that caused the cancellation of the Sunday 26 October vintage surf day saw two surfers die off Frankston beach and calls for help made to emergency services across the peninsula.

“Due to a very bad forecast for our current vintage day and the grounds being underwater, we have had to move the day to Sunday 23 November,” event coordinator Phil Newman told exhibitors last Thursday.

He said the more than 40 exhibitors already booked for the day would be asked to contribute $20 “to help with the insurance and the running of the event”.

Attractions remained the same, including displays of vintage surfboards for sale as well as classic surfing memorabilia, classic surf wagons Kombis hot rods and other classic cars.

The day also raises money for the Disabled

Surfers Association’s Mornington Peninsula branch.

“Proceeds will help in supporting this worthy cause which has been allowing disabled kids and adults to experience the pure joy of surfing,” Newman said (Surfing’s global language, The News 14/10/25).

As originally planned, there will be food available, music, board auctions and a range of surf related items for sale and viewing.

Newman said the ranger at Pt Leo camping ground has agreed to transfer previously booked sites without loss of fees to the new November date.

Newman said the decision to move the vintage surf day was made after discussions with “the foreshore and all major organisations and support staff involved … we feel the current weather forecast and state of the event area would create a major risk to the public, hosts and exhibitors”.

For more information about the rescheduled event call Newman on 0490 555 836.

Frankston Shire Hall - Proposed New Building

Compiled by Cameron McCullough

THE proposal of the Shire Council to dispose of its present offices in Bay street and erect spacious new buildings on the Davey street site is agitating the minds of a section of the ratepayers who, not quite conversant with all the facts, have visions of additional loan burdens staring them in the face.

It is certainly a good sign to see the ratepayers on the alert to protect their own interests by applying the searchlight of public inquiry to all undertakings likely to involve them in financial responsibility.

In the past they have been too docile, or perhaps, indifferent. Had they been reasonably wide awake the painful experiences of the past might have been avoided, or at least minimised.

In the case under notice investigation by alert ratepayers holds no dread for the propounders of the new building scheme. On the contrary, the Council authorities are confident that the proposal has only to be thoroughly understood to prove its merits as a sound financial proposition.

An outstanding feature of the scheme and one the ratepayers will thoroughly appreciate, is the provision that no additional loan liability is to be incurred in carrying out the new building scheme.

Thus the objection raised to borrowing money for unproductive works is at once disposed of.

It is therefore all to the good that the Council’s proposal offers merits which might class it as a distinctly reproductive work.

In the first place, it will be admit

ted that the site at present occupied in Bay street is too valuable as a business proposition for public buildings. It is non-revenue producing. If sold at the present valuation it would produce at least £9 per year in rates, besides becoming a customer for electricity.

In the hands of a progressive business man the present building would quickly have a rate value to the Council of at least £20 per annum.

The Davey street site can never be a revenue-producer in the way of rates.

It was reserved to the Council in 1886 for “erection, of public buildings,” and cannot be used for any other purpose. The area of this land is 250 feet by 200 feet, thus affording ample scope for development and storage facilities.

The present site in Bay street is only 40 feet by 142 feet, an area quite inadequate for the municipal requirements of this rapidly-growing district.

The present building when it was purchased was only a makeshift, as is proved by the fact that the Council when borrowing the famous £10,000 loan some years ago, placed £1000 on the loan for Shire hall and £200 for sheds.

Thus £1200, less £100, is still available, and the money is laying in the bank. Being loan money it can only be expended for the purpose for which it was borrowed, viz., Shire hall and sheds.

The uncertain stability of the present ancient building would make it rather a foolhardy proceeding to expend any substantial amount in an endeavour to make it even reasonably habitable.

The Shire engineer estimates that to alter the lighting, put in partitions and new floor would cost £300, and then a Council chamber would have to be provided.

The engineer’s estimate of complete alterations, with Council chamber, would cost at least £850; but, of course, it is difficult to estimate the cost of alterations to old buildings, and the scriptural illustration of the new patch and the old garment is not inappropriate in this instance.

The engineer estimates that up-todate offices, strong room, Council chamber and sheds on the proposed new site in Davey street, sufficient for 30 or 40 years, would cost £2300.

The committee estimate the selling value of the present land and buildings in Bay street at about £1200, and if this price is obtained the amount required for the new buildings, under the engineer’s estimates, is available.

The recommendation of the committee appointed by the Council to enquire into the question was:

“That subject to a satisfactory price being obtained for the present site, steps be taken to build new offices on the Davey street site.”

The committee were unanimous that under no consideration should ordinary revenue be expended on the new buildings, and if the money was not available without requiring money from revenue, nothing further should be done for the present with regard to the new building proposals.

It will thus be seen that the erection of new Shire offices is contingent on the sale of the old building at a satisfactory figure. Such sale would be regarded by the majority as good

business in every way.

Whoever bought it would no doubt make the best use possible of such a valuable business site, situate as it is in the heart of the town.

Improvements effected thereon would increase the value of adjoining properties and thereby bring added income to the Council in the way of rates and other charges.

On the other hand the Davey street site would be put to the use for which it was intended. The erection of commodious new Shire offices would greatly improve the financial status of the Shire and prove to financial circles that the municipality is rapidly recovering from the financial troubles recently experienced.

Incidentally the new building would provide work for local residents, not only in construction work but also at the municipal quarry.

The proposed new structure, being of concrete, the stone necessary would be obtained from the Council’s own quarries.

Viewed broadly the proposal is one which should commend itself to ratepayers.

***

New motor garage for Frankston

Mr. A. R. Hardidge, who, from the motor repair work he has already done in the district, has become favorably known as a first-class mechanic, has taken the new garage in Playne street, just put up by Mr. Apthorpe, which is called the Palais Garage.

Mr. Hardidge is now prepared to take on repairs to any make of motor car or cycle, and intends creating a goodwill by giving customers the utmost satisfaction by charging fair and

honest prices and turning out good work, which will carry his guarantee. From enquiries received, Mr. Hardidge believes there is an opening for someone to take special interest in motor spray pumps and farm engines, and he authorises us to state that if anyone would like to consult him on these matters and will drop him a note he will call and inspect same without cost to enquirer.

***

Frankston Bowling Club - Croquet Lawn To Be Provided

A general meeting of the members of the newly-formed Bowling Club was held at the Mechanics’ Hall, on Monday night last.

The Shire President (Cr. F. H. Wells) presided.

Mr. J. A. P. Ham, hon. secretary, stated that General Grimwade had consented to act as president of the club. (Applause).

The secretary also reported that Mr Muntz (Shire engineer) and Mr. T. J. McMurtrie had pegged out the ground, and proposed to proceed with the clearing and levelling work by day labor.

Mr. Muntz was suffering from an attack of influenza, otherwise he would have been present to report personally.

The report was received on the motion of Mr. Moulder, seconded by Mr. Holman.

Mr. Amor moved and Mr. Quartermain seconded that the matter of the ground be left in the hands of Messrs.

***

From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 30 October 1925

Smith campaign spent over $1.7m in Flinders tilt

Continued from Page 1

Smart said he holds this opinion even though much of his expenditure was not disclosed due to being a party candidate with Trumpet of Patriots for an extensive amount of his campaign.

“After I broke away from Trumpet of Patriots and Clive Palmer, I returned all campaign materials including the chairs, umbrellas and eskys unused and unopened. After that I funded my own corflutes, fliers and a sausage sizzle at my own expense.”

Independent candidate Joseph Toscano received no donations and self-funded his $8250 in expenditure.

“The reality is you need to spend over a million dollars if you are an independent wanting to take on a major party candidate. It is a sad reflection on our current politics, but it is the reality,” said Toscano.

Mike Brown, who ran as a candidate for One Nation, confirmed he received no donations, and self-funded the entirety of his campaign to the value of $5250.

“I wasn’t in it for the money, nor did I want to be obligated to contributors. I believe in putting Australia and Australians first,” he said.

The News reached out to both the Liberal McKenzie and Labor’s Race, asking if they would like to provide information on their donations and expenditure during the election campaign.

While not providing the requested information, Race provided the following statement: “I ran a local grass roots community campaign for Flinders. We raised a modest amount from local members and I’m very proud of what we could achieve up against the eye-watering amount spent in other campaigns”.

McKenzie did not respond to The News’ request for information on donations and expenditure for her 2025 election campaign.

Smith told The News, “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. We came within just 2.3

per cent of winning in one of the safest Liberal seats in the country — and reduced their primary vote to its lowest level since World War Two.”

“I want to remind Mornington Peninsula voters that we turned a safe Liberal seat into a marginal one. That matters. A safe Liberal seat does not serve us — the Liberals don’t spend in Flinders because they think they can’t lose it, and Labor don’t spend here because they think they can’t win it. Whereas marginal seats attract funding — sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars.”

“Hopefully now the major parties will no longer take Flinders for granted. If this shift means we start to get our fair share of investment in local roads, schools, hospitals and infrastructure, it will dwarf whatever I spent on the campaign — and deliver real, lasting benefits for the people of the peninsula.”

Relaxed Luxury by the Sea

EFFORTLESSLY combining style, comfort and a superb beachside location, this beautifully presented three-bedroom home is your gateway to relaxed coastal living.

Positioned on a generous 582m² (approx.) corner allotment in Sandy Court, you’ll enjoy the ease of being just moments from the General Store, beach access and scenic coastal trails – everything you need for a laid-back lifestyle is within walking distance. Bathed in natural light, the open-plan living

HOME ESSENTIALS

and meals area is finished in a crisp, neutral palette with polished hardwood floors underfoot, creating a serene and welcoming space. A charming window seat captures the northern sun, providing the perfect nook to unwind with a good book or enjoy your morning coffee.

Wide timber stacker doors seamlessly connect the interior to a full-width, northfacing entertaining deck – cleverly oriented for maximum sunlight and protected from the sea breeze, making it ideal for relaxed

gatherings year-round.

The recently renovated kitchen is a true centrepiece, showcasing coastal-inspired VJ panel cabinetry, elegant stone benchtops and a generous breakfast bar. High-quality appliances, including a 900mm stainless steel cooker and Bosch dishwasher, offer both style and functionality.

All three bedrooms are fitted with new, premium floor and window coverings, ensuring comfort and style throughout.

ADDRESS: 90 Tasman Road, Somers FOR SALE: $1,200,000 - $1,300,000 DESCRIPTION: 3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car, 582m2

AGENT: Candice Blanch - 0447 188 469, Homes & Acreage, 45 Mount Eliza Way, Mount Eliza

The freshly renovated bathroom and combined laundry continue the home’s cohesive coastal aesthetic, offering modern convenience with a touch of warmth.

Set on a prized corner with easy double garage access via Sandy Court, this home is ideal as a permanent residence, stylish weekender or low-maintenance investment. With the General Store, coastal trail, beach and Yacht Club all within a short stroll, this is beachside living at its best. A true lifestyle property that’s ready to enjoy.n

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

FRIDAY

GARDENING

ABC TV, 7.30pm

THURSDAY FROM THAT SMALL ISLAND: THE IRISH STORY

SBS, 8.25pm

Let the smooth tones of Hollywood star Colin Farrell’s narration wash over you as the history of the Irish people unfolds in this rich four-part documentary. From Ireland’s first inhabitants to the Celts, saints, scholars and the modern-day global diaspora that now numbers more than 80 million people, this is the story of an island whose impact reaches far beyond its picturesque shores. Filmed on location in 17 countries around the world, it’s a truly inclusive narrative.

AUSTRALIA

With summer on the horizon, there’s no excuse for not getting out into the garden to spruce things up in the spring sunshine. Friday night’s episode is sure to provide plenty of inspiration. In this informative instalment, Jane Edmanson discovers a lush urban courtyard set amid the bustling CBD, while Josh Byrne joins an inquisitive research team tracking backyard biodiversity. Elsewhere, Hannah Moloney (pictured right) explores a flourishing cottage garden that pops with natural colour.

Thursday, October 30

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SATURDAY

MOVIE:

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

9GEM, 7.30pm, M (2011) Judi Dench (pictured right) and Maggie Smith lead a cast of UK actors on a trip to India, where the diverse group of characters find themselves after “outsourcing” their retirements. A widow (Dench), a retired High Court judge (Tom Wilkinson) and an unhappy couple (Penelope Wilton and Bill Nighy), among others, travel to the hotel on the promise of advertisements. Of course, not all is as hoped, with the ramshackle establishment run by a young entrepreneur (Dev Patel).

SUNDAY

GHOSTS AUSTRALIA

TEN, 8.30pm

One of the rare comedies that translated from a quirky UK series and found its stride as an American network sitcom, this fun franchise is now headed Down Under. Each version sees a couple inherit a rundown country estate and try to turn it into a hotel – not realising it’s already inhabited by several spirits who died on the grounds. Tamala and Rowan Witt (both pictured left) play Kate and Sean, who are surrounded by six housemates they can’t see – that is, until Kate hits her head and starts talking to colonialist Gideon (Brent Hill), publican Eileen (Mandy McElhinney), gold miner Joon (George Zhao), aerobics instructor Lindy (Michelle Brasier), heiress Miranda (Ines English) and bikie Satan (Jackson Tozer).

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 I Was Actually There. (M, R) 10.30 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Ml, R) 11.30 Mother And Son. (Final, PGdl, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.55 QI. (PG, R)

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

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Rye Cave. A man plans to build a home in Rye. 9.00 Long Lost Family. Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell.

9.45 Mystery Road: Origin. (Final, Mlv, R) The killers are exposed.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

12.00 Parliament Question Time. 1.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.25 Scotland: A Wild Year. (PG, R) 10.20 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.10 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Idea Of Australia. (PG, R) 3.05 Bollywed. (PGl) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Eternal Sky. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Seville And The Andalusia Region. (PGav)

8.25 From That Small Island: The Irish Story: From The Beginning. (Premiere) Looks at the history of the Irish. 9.25 Blue Lights. Grace grows exasperated by the limits of the job.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Davos 1917. (Mav) 11.55 The Shelter. (Ma, R) 2.20 Dance In Focus: Still Life. (R) 2.45 Best Australian Dance Short Films 2021. (PG, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.45 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen.

Blankety Blank. (PGas)

Bridge Of Lies.

The Chase.

Seven News At 4.

The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa)

8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+) Jim Jefferies reminisces about Aussie showbags. Featuring Tommy Little, Katie Wainhouse and Andrew Maxwell.

9.30 First Dates UK. (PGals) As Christmas arrives, Fred and his team are back and pulling out all the stops to make sure this year’s is one to remember.

10.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av, R)

11.30 Gatecrashers.

12.30 Life. (Malsv, R) 1.30 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, R)

8.30 Love Island Australia. (Mls) Hosted by Sophie Monk.

9.50 9News Late.

10.20 Confessions Of A Teenage Fraudster. (Ma)

Chicago Med. (MA15+am)

TEN (10)

Friday, October 31

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7) TEN (10) NINE (9)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Knowing The Score. (PG, R) 11.00 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Malv, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Mystery Road: Origin. (Final, Malv, R) 1.50 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 2.50 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.20 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 4.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.55 QI. (PGs, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson discovers an urban courtyard.

8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The body of an undercover police officer is discovered in the boot of a car.

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

9.50 Mother And Son. (Final, PGdl, R) Maggie throws herself a party.

10.20 The Assembly: Maggie Beer. (Final, l, R)

11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Silent Witness. (Malv, R)

12.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.25 Scotland: A Wild Year. (R) 10.20 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.10 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 No Maori Allowed. (Mal, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Scotland’s Riverwoods. (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 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Gunpowder Plot: Countdown To Treason. (PGa, R) A look at the story behind the Gunpowder Plot.

9.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Tutankhamun’s Secret Revolution. (PGa) Looks at Tutankhamun’s influence.

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)

11.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+v, R)

2.00 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry. (Mal, R) 3.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Battleground Texas. 2.15 The Bee Whisperer. 3.05 Bamay. 3.35 BBC News At Ten. 4.05 France 24. 4.35 PBS News. 5.35 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Women Who Rock. 9.35 Sex Unlimited. 10.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.25 Homeland. 1.20am The Amityville Horror. 2.10 Night Bloomers. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 12.55pm Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 2.25 Bea’s Block. 2.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 3.05 Play School. 3.55 Super Monsters. 4.35 Ariel. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.50 Room On The Broom. 7.30 The Ghastly Ghoul. 8.00 TBA. 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Dr Harry Cooper looks at a popular dog breed.

8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Ultimatum. (2007, Mv, R) A former secret agent is once again hunted by the agency that created him. Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathairn.

10.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGad, R)

11.20 GetOn Extra.

11.50 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

12.20 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG, R)

1.20 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. 1.00 DVine Living. 1.30 Weekender. 2.00 House Of Wellness. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia: Tangled Worlds. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.

8.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, Mv, R)

A group of scientists exploring the Marianas Trench encounters a giant shark. Jason Statham, Li Bingbing.

10.40 Race To The Melbourne Cup Carnival. (PGl)

11.40 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) 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)

11.30

6.00 10 News+.

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Dog House. (PGa) Looks at a flat-coated retriever. 8.30 House Hunters Australia. (R) Primrose and Brendon want to trade their suburban life for a home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Celebrity guests include Zoë Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Miranda Hart and Ncuti Gatwa. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R)

3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30

Warlords Of

6am The Movie Show. 6.35 Oink. (2022, PG, Dutch) 8.00 The Movie Show. 8.35 Poms. (2019, PG) 10.20 Cairo Conspiracy. (2022, M, Arabic) 12.35pm The Promise. (2016, M) 3.00 The Movie Show. 3.35 The Company. (2003, PG) 5.40 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 7.30 Truth. (2015, M) 9.50 The Moogai. (2020) 11.20 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 1.05am Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+) 3.40 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Seasons Of The Wild. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: The Moogai. (2020) 1.35 Closed Doors. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Seasons Of The Wild. 7.30 MOVIE: Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! (2020, PG)

9.00 The Moogai. 9.15 MOVIE: What We Do In The Shadows. (2014, M) 10.45 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Saturday, November 1

Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.25 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) 1.25 Professor T. (Final, Mav, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.00 Last Night Of The Proms. 4.45 The Assembly. (Final, l, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

5.55 Australian Story: Against The Odds – Lauren Huxley. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PGl, R) 10.55 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 11.55 WorldWatch. 12.55 Soccer. Australian Championship. Round 4. Canberra Croatia FC v Avondale FC. 3.00 Soccer. Australian Championship. Round 4. Sydney Olympic FC v South Melbourne FC. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Hitler’s American Battleground. (PGa, R)

6.25 I Was Actually There: The Dismissal. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG) A woman is found with an arrow in her back.

8.30 Return To Paradise. (Mv, R) A tense game of lawn bowls turns to chaos when a player is killed on the green in broad daylight.

9.30 Mystery Road: Origin. (Final, Malv, R) The killers are exposed. Jay and Mary are brought closer together.

10.20 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (MA15+l, R) Alice travels to the past.

11.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Royal Homes: Gatcombe Park. 8.25 A Year At Kylemore Abbey. (Premiere) Looks at a year inside Kylemore Abbey. 9.25 Japan: World’s Most Punctual Train: From Tokyo To The Sea Of Japan. (PG, R) Explores Japan’s Shinkansen.

10.20 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R)

2.55 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.30 Peter Rabbit. 3.55 Odd Squad. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Wiggly Big Day Out. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.

6am The Company. Continued. (2003, PG) 7.35 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 9.25 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 11.10 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, M) 1pm Tobacco Barns. (2022, M, Spanish) 2.55 Poms.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Golden Eagle Day and Brisbane Broncos Derby Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (PG) Chrissie Swan is joined by a fresh new team of expert presenters, covering food, home, money, health and travel.

8.00 MOVIE: A Few Good Men. (1992, Ml, R) Two lawyers defend a pair of US Marines who have been accused of murdering a fellow serviceman. Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore. 11.00 MOVIE: The Kingdom. (2007, MA15+av, R) A team of agents tracks down terrorists. Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper.

1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R)

5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R)

Noon Poirot. 1.00 Yes,

(1978, PG) 5.30 The

7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 Surfing Aust. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. 12.10pm MOVIE: Stalked By A Reality Star. (2018,

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Secret Life Of The Auction House. 8.30 MOVIE: Three Men And A Little Lady. (1990, PG) 10.30 TBA. 11.30 Poirot. 12.30am Late Programs. 9GEM (92)

6.30 A Current Affair. (R)

7.00 Weekend Today. News, current affairs and sports.

10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG)

A mix of highlights from the week in review. 11.30 Horse Racing. Melbourne Cup Carnival. Victoria Derby Day. From Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne. 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (PGls, R) 12.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (R) 1.00 Silvia’s

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Speed. (1994, Mlv, R) An LAPD cop is trapped on a runaway bus. Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock.

9.55 MOVIE: The Mod Squad. (1999, Mlsv, R) Juvenile delinquents are recruited by a cop. Giovanni Ribisi, Claire Danes.

11.50 Next Stop. (PG)

12.20 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (Ms, R)

1.20 Rugby League. Ashes Tour. Second Test. England v Australia.

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. A couple are desperate to sell their home. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mdlm, R) Ambulance crews attend to a woman who has fallen down the stairs and suffered a seizure.

9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

10.30 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) George’s day in court arrives.

11.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 6. Day 1. 5.10 France 24. 5.40 PBS News. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Kate Winslet: A Quest For Authenticity. 9.30 The Idea Of Australia. 10.30 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Fails. 11.30 Snowpiercer. 1.25am Nothing Compares: Sinead O’Connor. 3.15 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

Sunday, November 2

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 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 Miriam & Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 3.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 4.10 The Role Of A Lifetime. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (PG)

6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG)

8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (Premiere) Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits.

8.55 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Final, Malv) Cheryl and Alice join forces.

9.55 Mother And Son. (Final, PGdl, R)

10.25 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R)

10.50 MOVIE: My Brother Jack – Part 2. (2001, Mnsv, R)

12.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor. (R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.05 Beyond The Beaten Path. (PGal, R) 11.00 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 6. Day 2. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 Hitler’s American Battleground. (PGa, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 JFK: One Day In America: Assassination. (Premiere) 8.30 King And Conqueror. (MA15+v) Harold travels north to confront the Viking threat.

9.20 Dan Snow’s Greatest Discoveries: Atlantis. (R) Dan Snow travels to Greece. 10.15 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 11.20 Tutankhamun: The Last Exhibition. (PGa, R) 12.45 Europe’s Greatest Train Journeys. (PGaw, R) 3.45 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa, R) 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 12. Collingwood v Brisbane Lions. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 12. St Kilda v Western Bulldogs. From RSEA Park, Melbourne. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: America’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Voice. (Final, PG)

9.00 AC/DC: The World’s Greatest Rock Band. (M) Looks at AC/DC through long-lost footage and exclusive interviews with some of the band’s biggest fans.

10.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: What Lies Beneath. (Malv, R) Police receive a call from a young man.

11.00 Crime Investigation

Australia: Most Infamous: Death In A Heartbeat. (Mav, R)

12.15 The Long Song. (Final, Masv)

1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 The Golden Bachelor. (PGls)

8.35 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.35 9News Late.

10.05 Social Media Murders: The Murder Of Olly Stephens. (Malv) Looks at the death of Olly Stephen.

11.05 Mobsters: Santo Trafficante. (Madv)

12.00 World’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (Mv, R)

1.00 Drive: Driving Value. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Gogglebox Australia. (Final) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 Ghosts Australia. (Premiere, PGhl) A young couple inherit a centuries-old manor that’s haunted by six eclectic ghosts. 9.30 Matlock. (PGal, R) Matty works on a case with Julian involving a young woman taking legal action after experiencing severe symptoms from a clinical trial. At the company holiday party, Olympia learns a secret about Julian’s past. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.45pm Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 History’s Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 AK47: The Legend Behind The Gun. 9.25 Uncanny. 10.35 The Change. 11.35 Hudson & Rex. 12.25am Forbidden History. 1.20 Secrets Of America’s Shadow Government. 2.10 Normal People. 3.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.50pm Wiggle And Learn. 3.05 Play School. 3.35 Isadora Moon. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Super Monsters. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Artie: Our Tribute To A Legend. 2.40 Stockman’s Strategy. 3.40 The Point. 4.40 Dance Rites 2023. 6.15 Bigger & Blacker: Steven Oliver, My Life In Cabaret. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.30 MOVIE: Contact. (2009, PG) 9.55 MOVIE: The Pelican Brief. (1993, M) 12.20am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Harry’s Practice. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 The Marlow Murder Club. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe. 11.30 Late Programs.

Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.00 The Company. (2003, PG) 10.05 Truth. (2015, M) 12.25pm The Report. (2019, M) 2.35 The Movie Show. 3.10 The Big Steal. (1990, PG) 5.00 The Darkside. (2013, PG) 6.40 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 8.30 To End All Wars. (2001, MA15+) 10.40 The Last Emperor. (1987, M) 1.40am Easy Love. (2019, MA15+, German) 3.20 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, M) 5.35 The Movie Show. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

Monday, November 3

6am The

Time. 3.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.25 Scotland: A Wild Year. (R) 10.20 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.10 The Adriatic Sea. (Premiere, PGaw) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Airport: Back In The Skies. (Ml, R) 2.55 Bollywed. 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Wild Slovakia With Nigel Marven. (PGaw) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

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

7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Jokes. Hosted by Jimmy Carr. 8.30 King And Conqueror. (Final, Mlv) Harold rides to battle William.

The Business. (R) 11.10 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Ml, R) 11.40 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Mal, R) 12.30 Parliament. 1.30 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 2.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

9.30 Sydney’s Super Tunnel: Countdown To Launch. (R) The project is nearly complete. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (Mal, R) 11.55 The Man Who Died. (MA15+as, R) 2.35 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.10 Growing A Greener World. (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.45pm Vida The Vet. 2.15 Thomas And Friends. 2.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 3.05 Play School. 3.55 Stan Can. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Mosley. (2019, PG) 7.55 The Movie Show. 8.30 Leap Year. (2010, PG) 10.20 Operation

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) 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. (PG) Eden is at a loss.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.

9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) When anti-LAPD billboards emerge throughout the city, the team searches for those responsible.

10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) A renowned playwright vanishes. 11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Tan finds himself on a one-man mission. 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)

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 The Golden Bachelor. (PGls, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

9News Afternoon.

Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 9News.

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 To Be Advised. 8.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals) A weekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring a monologue roasting the news of the week. 9.30 Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (PGls, R) Hosted by Anne Edmonds, with team captains Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Anisa Nandaula. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 3.10pm History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. 3.35 Bamay. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Sue Perkins: Into Alaska. 9.25 Buzzcocks. 10.10 Warren’s Vortex. (Premiere) 11.10 Tell Me What You Really Think. 12.10am Everyone Else Burns. 1.10 One Night In... 2.05 Planet Sex With Cara Delevingne. 2.55 Late Programs.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Golden Bachelor. (PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

8.40 To Be Advised.

9.40 Race To The Melbourne Cup Carnival. (PGl) A preview of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 The Equalizer. (Mv)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

Tuesday, November 4

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00

Whitlam: The Power And The Passion. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies. (Final, Malv, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 2.55 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 QI. (PG, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 I Was Actually There: Fairlie Arrow Abduction Hoax. (Mns)

8.35 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Final, Ml) Tony Armstrong completes his UK journey.

9.25 The Art Of. (Ml)

9.55 The Assembly. (PG, R)

10.40 Media Watch. (Mdl, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 Four Corners. (Final, R) 12.10 Keating: The Interviews. (R) 1.10 Parliament. 2.10 Grand Designs. (R) 3.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 3.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Scotland: A Wild Year. (PG, R) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (PG, R) 11.00 The Adriatic Sea. (PG) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 The Australian Wars. (Mav, R) 3.00 Bollywed. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 New England’s Wildlife Wonders. (PGa) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

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

7.30 Great British Railway Journeys.

8.30 Tell Me What You Really Think: Menopause. (Mal) Looks at how a new generation of women are smashing taboos.

9.25 The Cancer Killers. (Premiere) Two scientists develop a revolutionary cancer treatment.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 The Point. (R) 12.00 Safe Home. (Malv, R) 1.00 The Unusual Suspects. (MA15+l, R) 2.00 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 2.50 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.45pm Vida The Vet. 2.15 Thomas And Friends. 2.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 3.05 Play School. 3.55 Stan Can. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Shark With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

SEVEN (7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) The latest news and views. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Big Dance On Cup Day and Melbourne Cup Raceday. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Contestants race to answer quiz questions correctly to avoid being caught by The Chaser.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Harper and Tane reach a stalemate.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) Bradford receives a strange message, launching a larger investigation into the dark web.

10.10 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Michelle Buckingham. (Malsv, R) Ron Iddles revisits notable cases.

11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Mas)

12.10 MOVIE: A Family’s Secret. (2022, Mav, R)

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

NINE (9)

6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

10.00 Horse Racing. Melbourne Cup Carnival. Melbourne Cup Day. From Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne. 5.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Three contestants go head-to-head against a mesmerising machine with one lucky participant playing for the jackpot.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Elephant Special. (PGm)

8.30 Bump. (MA15+dls) Oly and Santi come to a realisation. 9.50 9News Late.

10.20 Wild Cards. (Mav)

11.20 Black Widow: The Killing Of David Jackson. (Mav, R)

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

TEN (10)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (Final, PGdls) Hosted by Anne Edmonds. 8.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) The team investigates a series of fires. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55

6am Morning Programs. 2.05pm Dreaming Whilst Black. 2.45 MH370: The Lost Flight. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Hoff Roading. 9.25 Go Back To Where You Came From UK. (Premiere) 10.25 Hoarders. 11.20 Dark Side Of The Ring. (Return) 12.15am The Nine Lives Of. 1.05 Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.55 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.

12.05pm God And Country: Christian Nationalism. 1.40 Songlines On Screen. 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 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 The Point. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding USA: World Team Series. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.30 MOVIE: What We See. (2023, M) Midnight Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Movie Show. 6.35 A River Runs Through It. (1992, PG) 8.50 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 10.45 Alcarràs. (2022, M, Spanish, Catalan, English) 12.55pm Manon Des Sources. (1986, M, French) 3.00 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PG) 4.25 A United Kingdom. (2016, PG) 6.30 The Emperor’s Club. (2002, PG) 8.30 Comandante. (2023, Italian, English) 10.45 Late Programs.

Wednesday, November 5

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (Final, R) 10.55 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 QI. (PG, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00

7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 Crime Night! (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Julia Zemiro. 9.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 9.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R) 10.15 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Planet America. (R) 11.40 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+n, R) 12.10 Parliament. 1.10 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 One Road: Great Australian Road Trips. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Hornby:

Programs.

(34)

9GEM (92)

6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 2.00 Wild Moments. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Sands Of The Desert. (1960) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 The Chelsea Detective. (Return) 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30 Jeannie. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon MOVIE: National Lampoon’s European Vacation. (1985, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.15 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip. (PGal, R) 10.10 Confucius Was A Foodie. (R) 11.00 The Adriatic Sea. (PGaw) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tell Me What You Really Think. (Mal, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Incredible Canals. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 The Idea Of Australia: Creative Nation. (Final, PG) 8.30 JFK: The Home Movie That Changed The World. (Mav, R) A look at the assassination of JFK.

9.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. (Mdns, R) The story of The Beatles. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 I Am Scrooge. (Mals) 12.00 This Town. (MA15+dl, R) 2.15 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) 3.05 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (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. (PG) 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) Sonny lets a friend down gently.

7.30 RFDS. (Ma) Wayne attends his clinic’s fundraiser.

8.30 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu. (Mal) The guys return to Auckland, where they experience the traditional method of cooking a hangi.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Mel Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Dr Ahmed Kazmi where no topic is off limits.

10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mav)

11.30 The Amazing Race. (PGl)

1.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, 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 The Golden Bachelor. (PGa, R) 1.00 Great Australian Detour. (R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Bold.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Budget Battlers. (PGl)

8.40 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators: Unmasking A Monster. (MA15+asv) Revisits a 1970 double murder.

9.50 The Grand Tour. (Ml) 11.15 9News Late.

11.45 Resident Alien. (Mas) 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.25 Explore. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Celebrity Traitors UK. (PGa) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. 8.50 Jamie’s Air-Fryer Meals. (R) Jamie Oliver demonstrates how to prepare dishes for a range of occasions using an air-fryer. 9.50 The Gilded Age. (Final, PGa) Ada and Aurora rush to stop Marian. 11.10 10’s Late News. 11.35 10 News+. (R) 12.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

PUZZLE ZONE

ACROSS

1. Made minor adjustments to 4. Sentry’s spell of duty

7. Barber’s clip

8. Cobra or boa 9. Patched

12. Confectionery covers 15. Crushed underfoot

17. Stuck down (envelope)

18. Recorded 21. Sloping typeface 22. Bravery decoration 23. Later

1. Slimmest 2. Trophies 3. Pack of cards 4. Winery fermentation tanks 5. Regarded smugly 6. Medieval guitar 10. Resided 11. Attacks

Poorer quality 14. Tasted 16. Waltzed 18. Those people 19. Clock face 20. Buggy

www.lovattspuzzles.com

See page 24 for solutions.

‘THE

ROY ORBISON STORY’

EXPERIENCE the wonder of Roy Orbison in this brilliant theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice, and his life. Only the Lonely…Crying…You Got It…Penny Arcade…Working for the Man…Pretty Woman..so many more…

Mark Shelley is simply brilliant in his characterisation of Roy. He not only has the vocal range and tone to honour his songs, he also has the sensitivity and artistic ability to ‘be’ Roy. His seven piece live band are the finest of Australia’s musicians.

“I am both a massive fan and admirer of Roy’s immense talent, singing and song writing ability. There has been no one like him before or since. It is an absolute privilege to perform his songs, share stories, and take the audience on a wonderful journey. His music is timeless” said Mark.

From his initial success in the 1960’s to the resurgence of his career in the 80’s, Roy Orbison’s voice remained remarkable, communicating an emotional intensity not experienced in popular music before or since. His songs conveyed vulnerability, love, loss and fun. His performance was unique, simple and powerful.

Orbison’s life was littered with personal tragedy, and career highs and lows. His wonderful resurgence in popularity in the late 80’s through to his legendary ‘Black and

McCrae Landslide Debacle

I AM gobsmacked after reading the outcome (if you could call it an outcome) of the inquiry into the McCrae landslide on January 14 earlier this year (Inquiry finds burst water main caused McCrae landslide, The News 14/10/25).

It appears that 40.3 million litres of water, the equivalent to approximately 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools leaked undetected from a burst water main owned (but obviously not managed) by South East Water. I had to re-read the article to make sure I was fully comprehending.

The facts became even more shocking as I read on.

The article revealed landslide risk was, and still is, largely forgotten when undertaking slope management. Apparently it does not feature in SEW’s procedures for detecting leaks?

You have to be kidding.

Having witnessed the sophisticated slope management of slopes in Hong Kong where 40 level plus high-rise buildings sit on sheer cliffs all over that densely populated city, and where heavy tropical rain and typhoons deliver enormous amounts of water, landslide is always a possible risk with suitable engineering in place to circumvent disaster.

Where there is a slope there is landslide risk full stop. Non negotiable.

Why and how this amount of water leakage went undetected, and why it wasn’t treated as a matter for urgent address by both the shire and South East Water is alarming.

My heart goes out to the McCrae residents, the injured council worker and the owners of the destroyed property. I hope all impacted will be suitably compensated.

Tori Potter, Flinders

Corporate indifference

We are greatly disappointed, that in spite of community objections and determination by the majority of Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors and planning, not to grant a permit in June 2025, Optus are now going to appeal the decision through VCAT.

This proposed tower and ancillary equipment, twenty five metres high, is to be sited on land at the Lonsdale Street freeway on- ramp. This will dominate fifteen metres (almost the height of a four storey building) above the tree canopy and Lonsdale Street bridge, and present an eyesore to those entering and leaving our beautiful McCrae.

We must preserve the sightline across McCrae to the bay, including the iconic McCrae Lighthouse.

Surely the residents and the Mornington Peninsula Shire, being the responsible authority, must know what’s desirable in their own backyard.

Keith & Anne Brien, McCrae

Transparency in council

Cr David Gill’s notice of motion calling for improved scrutiny, transparency, and accountability, is timely and essential for restoring public confidence in our council’s meetings (Councillors vote down ‘transparency’ motion, The News 21/10/25).

Residents on the Mornington Peninsula have witnessed too often how debate is stifled, legitimate questions dismissed, and decisions pushed through by a voting bloc that seems to value control over collaboration.

This pattern of behaviour is not democracy - it’s dominance. And when six votes can routinely silence reasoned discussion, it sends a troubling message about who holds power in the chamber.

Gill’s proposed amendments seek fairness. Councillors should have the right to ask policy questions of officers, the chairperson should be required to record clear reasons for rejecting any question, and dissent motions should not be buried under convenience or politics. These are fundamental safeguards of an open and accountable council, not obstacles to good governance.

If such basic measures of fairness are resisted, we must ask why. Transparency should never be viewed as a threat. These reforms will ensure that future councillors, especially those considering standing in the next election, do not come in believing that this kind of bloc voting and

procedural suppression are “normal.” They are not.

A healthy council should thrive on robust, respectful debate and decision-making that reflects a diversity of voices, not just the will of a majority acting as one.

This is an opportunity to reset the tone of local government on the peninsula and show residents that integrity still matters and that open governance is not an inconvenience but a duty. Anne Kruger, Rye

McKenzie confused

I watched Zoe McKenzie’s Facebook video post dated 21 October, with accusations against Ben Smith.

McKenzie and Smith are operating on different definitions of what a “Teal” is.

McKenzie has used her broad definition to manufacture a baseless “gotcha” moment following the release of AEC candidate disclosures.

Smith is working from the generally accepted definition of “a woman Independent elected at the 2022 federal election on a climate/integrity/ gender platform who the media colloquially/ lazily began referring to as a group for convenience”.

McKenzie appears to be working from another definition: “anyone who receives Climate 200 funding”.

By that definition, she should also be calling Andrew Wilke, Adam Bandt, Rob Oakeshott and Senator David Pocock “teals”.

Smith never denied receiving Climate 200 funding. It was on his website and social media, and indeed in this very publication.

Smith does, for reasons that should be obvious, deny being one of the women Independents elected in 2022 and so naturally, does not identify as a “teal”.

This doesn’t mesh with McKenzie’s version of the media-generated hype label but she continues to use it to grasp at straws in attacking his character.

Given the vast majority of those who voted for the “teals” were disenfranchised Liberal voters, she would do well to move on from this obsession with mis-indentifying Smith a “teal”, and address the 4.4% swing away from her this year in Flinders.

I suspect this style of policking may have something to do with it.

Karli Baker, Dromana

Transparency reforms?

Zoe McKenzie, in her scathing rebuke of Ben Smith’s funding transparency is right about one thing - we deserve to know who funds campaigns in our electorate.

Party-level data releases in February but this will not show what was spent specifically in Flinders on Zoe McKenzie’s re-election or exactly where those funds came from, nor will it include the eye watering estimated $600,000 - $800,000 spent on smear campaigns against Ben Smith.

Will McKenzie call for integrity reforms that show dis-aggregated funding to the electorate level to match the Independents’ transparency and meet community expectations, or will she continue to distract from the real issue with petty Facebook reels? Our community deserves better.

Kiran McLennan, Sorrento

Sydney spend

The AEC’s latest disclosures show Teal candidate Ben Smith spent more than $1.7m on his campaign in Flinders, with over $1m funnelled in from Climate 200 in Sydney. So much for a local grassroots campaign. I did the maths, and that’s about $70 for every first preference vote. I’m glad our community saw through it. I hope this makes future candidates who think they can parachute in with Sydney cash realise their money would be better spent elsewhere.

Di Kleinert, Blairgowrie

Sign of the times

Congratulations to the fine voters of Flinders electorate. We were not to be swayed by the wads of cash bestowed on “Independent” Ben Smith.

As predicted, but never confirmed until now, Smith received nearly $1.8m in donations, and spent a little over $1.7m. I suggest he uses part of the leftover to remove the signage on the premises he rented in Main Street Mornington. It is still there.

I wonder if that contravenes the shire’s policy which requires “they are not displayed longer than 14 days after the event (i.e. the election) is held, or three months, whichever is sooner”.

Jack Wheeler, Mornington Nomenclature

I presume Barry Rumpf was referring to me in his letter (What’s in a name?, Letters 21/10/25).

As he asked, my qualifications include a double degree in Science and Education, a Master of Science, and a PhD in chemistry education. I taught senior chemistry for over 30 years and later spent a decade in science education research. I therefore feel qualified to comment on science-based issues such as climate change, as I understand the theory and measurements – particularly regarding CO₂ and global temperature.

I am not a climate scientist, but my training leads me to trust those who are. Just as we go to a doctor, not a mechanic or some Joe Blow on Facebook for medical advice, I rely on scientific experts rather than radio shock jocks or politicians with no science background. My comments are grounded in data, analysis, and peer-reviewed conclusions, not assertions.

Rumpf claims there are equal numbers of scientists on both sides of the debate. That is simply untrue. Tens of thousands of scientists worldwide recognise the reality and urgency of climate change, while only a small minority dispute it. I prefer to side with the overwhelming majority of experts.

Finally, I cite my qualifications only when they are relevant to the issue at hand – in this case, climate change.

Dr Ross Hudson, Mt Martha

Science denial

Scientists are, if saddened and frustrated, mostly pretty undaunted by the persistent denial of established climate science by a few die-hards determined to rely on their own version of “common sense” and the “pithy assertions” of others. (What’s in a name?, Letters 21/10/25).

Some psychologists have even taken the challenge and investigated and published on the psychology of climate change denial itself.

Of course, “down-to-earth” correspondents are, like everyone, entitled to their own opinions. But they should not be offended when other people, sometimes with titles and relying on proven and verifiable statements from reputable sources, (aka facts), have different opinions to theirs.

If they’re genuine truth-seekers they’ll look at the psychology papers, maybe via Wikipedia’s very readable summary, and identify which of the seven varieties of denier they are.

Lesley Walker, Northcote

Tell it to our firefighters

Climate change is worsening but Barry James Rumpf claims it is “just a scam and does not exist” (What’s in a name, Letters 21/10/25).

Some believe climate change is a conspiracy due to distrust in governments or scientists, or the misinformation and disinformation they receive.

The 2025 Global Risks Survey ranks misinformation as the top short-term danger the world is facing.

While Trump is a climate misinformation powerhouse, there are long-term vested interests in the fossil-fuel sector who have been actively undermining science for decades.

And who can forget our own former PM, Tony Abbott who infamously said, climate science is crap.

Sadly, research has shown that no amount of measurement or evidence will change the mind of the people who believe climate change is a scam or a hoax. Fortunately, surveys consistently show they are in a small minority.

Most global citizens, from all walks of life, understand that burning fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases that are warming the world at a dangerously fast rate.

As former Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, said after the Black Summer bushfires, “Hotter temperatures and drier conditions, driven by climate change, are the root cause of these fires. It is a dangerous

distraction to suggest otherwise.” Telling Mullins it’s a scam and does not exist would not go down well.

Chris Cook, Essendon

Support fossil fuels

Imagine your life with no more barbecue gas, or shampoo, or a car without plastics, and no more concrete.

As you drive on bitumen roads, you are driving on the by product of the fossil fuel industry.

A barrel of Saudi crude contains a blend of just about everything you use daily; from gas, through fuels and lubricants, detergents, plastics, and tar.

About three percent of the barrel is tar, and that makes about a square metre of bitumen road.

Alternately, two 50 litre tank-fulls of fuel in your car contribute a square metre of road, or two potholes worth. Over a ten year life, your car contributes 250sqm of bitumen.

As we electrify our road fleet towards allelectric by 2050, each electric car sale removes about 35 metres of dual bitumen road from the Australian network, which at the moment is amazingly huge. A million electric cars remove 35,000 km of road, and we are predicting five times that many.

If like me, you are planning to buy an electric car, make sure its 4WD, and expect lots of potholes.

Just tell yourself you are saving the planet; one pothole at a time!

John Dusting, Mornington

Respect nature

As a member of the Sunshine Reserve Conservation Group, I was devastated to discover the reckless damage to native trees and shrubs in the reserve (Vandals trash Mt Martha’s Sunshine Reserve, The News 21/10/25).

Sadly, this is all too common. Mountain bikers also make jumps, disrupting delicate ecosystems; others take to the vegetation with chainsaws or pull out plantings that members of the conservation group have toiled to establish. Like all reserves across the peninsula, the Sunshine Reserve offers a rare sanctuary for wildlife.

These special places are home to endangered species that need protection and care from all of us. Please respect them.

Amy Hiller, Kew

Hospital experience

I am anxious that others do not have to experience what I did at Frankston Emergency.

I am 82 years of age and presented to Frankston Emergency at 7:30am last Thursday.

I was in extreme pain with nausea. We were triaged very speedily and I saw a doctor a couple of hours later.

I had a CT scan which confirmed that I had acute appendicitis. I was then asked to take a seat in the waiting room, which was filling up fast.

I remained in that seat until my husband tried to get me transferred to Pensinsula Private. After 14 hours I was finally transferred and was operated on immediately.

All those hours in a hard chair with acute pain should not occur.

We chose Frankston because we were advised that the best doctors and surgeons were on hand.

Ann Brown, Mt Eliza

Get tougher on kids

WHOEVER wants to lead Victoria next year will need to do more about youth crime. We all hear about how bad it is but where are the plans to remedy it?

They will need to listen to the people; those dealing firsthand with these youths, the families, social workers, Magistrates, lawyers and all parts of the system that can be part of future actions.

My ideas are: bring in bonds to be paid for those that are not first offenders. Break that bail condition they forfeit the money which can be spent on more facilities for these offenders. Bring in ankle bracelets for recidivists and take away all their social media appliances such as mobiles, tablets and computers.

Curfews for night, and if they commit car theft then each offence is points against them getting a licence or owning a car.

Try prison mentors; people to talk to first offenders and give them an experience of life in prisons, and what their future will look like if they continue.

Meet with parents and access their home environments, if the parents cannot be part of the solution, then they become wards of the state for a stipulated period in which counselling, classes, education, and skills training are given to keep them away from the negative environments that reinforce their criminal behaviour.

Only my thoughts but none of these are in place now so time for the dogooders to step aside and try stronger measures. Sending them to facilities to mix with more young criminals is not the answer either, make them more responsible for their actions.

We deserve better as we are ones who suffer because of their lack of change, and the government needs to be more proactive and we will vote for those who listen and support us.

Rhonda Cooper, Mornington

Truce headlines

I might have predicted that history would repeat itself in my letter last week. Some headlines to the point!

Israel reinstates ceasefire hours after deadly strikes on Gaza. killed at least 26 people in Gaza, including at least one woman and one child. At least one strike hit a former school sheltering displaced people.

Israel announced a halt in supplies.

Since the ceasefire went into effect on October 11, Israel has reportedly killed at least 97 Palestinians and injured 230 others, and violated the truce agreement 80 times – 21 of those violations and 45 deaths occurred on Sunday, October 19, including massacres at a school, café, beach, and refugee camp.

Israel Defies Ceasefire With Heavy Wave of Airstrikes Across Gaza.

US officials travel to Israel as new strikes threaten to unravel progress towards achieving peace in Gaza.

Israel unleashes airstrikes across Gaza Sunday, killing at least 45.

Death zone: Israel implementing ‘shoot (civilians) on sight’ policy at Gaza “Yellow Line”.

Israel says ceasefire and aid to resume after airstrikes kill 26 in Gaza.

Masked Israeli Settlers Assault Palestinians, Torch Cars in West Bank. Israeli forces suspiciously “sped off” away from the area shortly before the assault began.

On Sunday, Israel said it was suspending humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Lebanon’s health ministry has reported more than 270 people killed and around 850 wounded by Israeli military actions since the ceasefire.

Israel launched waves of lethal airstrikes yesterday and cut off all aid into Gaza “until further notice”.

Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach

Angry Lenzo

Joe Lenzo is a very angry, vituperative man. His bitter rants are getting more desperate over the last few

weeks and have become increasingly filled with hatred towards Israel.

He is talking absolute nonsense when he states that “Israel will find a reason to create a false-flag event to violate (the truce).” The only such events have been created by Hamas – think the hospital missile strike that supposedly killed 500, which turned out to be a terrorist misfire that killed 50 misfortunate souls. Since the truce started Hamas have been executing Palestinians and killed two Israeli soldiers. A truce generally means a cessation of hostilities. But how easy is it to blame Israel? Retribution will be swift from the IDF every time Hamas violates the truce and seeks to provoke Israel’ something they are doing on a daily basis.

He also talks about Palestinians returning to their homes so that Israel can initiate a “cost reduction initiative to kill more people per bomb than

Support Local Independent

ever before” when searching for their dead. Wow, Joe, you can’t get much lower than that, can you?

There is more garbage in this letter about Israel violating other “phases” of the truce now that the hostages have been released. Try not to forget that Israel has released around 2,000 Palestinians, its’ people are celebrating the truce and are awaiting the return of bodies of murdered hostages (many of whom Hamas now cannot locate).

I am betting that Hamas is doing their best to re-arm themselves and launch another murderous attack. I have no doubt that Joe Lenzo will be cheering them on and justifying any horrors they commit in the future, including concealment behind their own people. Let him stand with Hamas. I stand with Israel.

Kevin Cahalane, Mornington

Barley-Charlie@89

Kevin Rudd, the pinnacle of self righteousness, up there with Donald Trump on the scale of self love. Trump “I don’t like you” to Kevy, me too. Another, Bob Hawke’s third term as PM, walking on water, put downs of our Pauly Keating, not good. Albanese a different kettle? Again, a need to be loved, living in his yellow submarine? Our Treasurer (Jimmy) for mine, the need to watch his back?

The Opposition suggest considering Liberals (kids) university students, surely a diamond in their ranks? Did somebody say The Greens? Silly billies; speak when you’re spoken to, other than the moody Sarah HansonYoung. Politics the world “Aceh isn’t Aceh anymore” Ludwig Donath, The Jolson Story 1946.

Suggest equally attributed to USA politics, particularly the President and his like band of yes men and women,

his authoritarian leanings, (Albo’s new mate?) perhaps in everyday terms, tickets on himself?

Qantas; Spear-phishing, a cyberattack using “fraudulent electronic communications” emails, texts, phone calls to trick into revealing information, asked to pay tax from/to the ATO. Funny really; the ATO as crooked as the cyber mob.

Also funny, an honest politician; by and large, (maybe?) 5% crooks, 5% honest, the remainder more concerned with a good feed at the dinner table. Finally one: Israeli forces, airstrikes, closed off territory to aid supplies, starving, innocent Palestinians?

Finally two: Rye closing in on “upmarket” reputation, renters begone; same as first 20 years Westgarth, Merri Creek bridge to North Fitzroy? It’s not the same anymore, for the better? Just saying...

We have been fighting for the residents of the Mornington Peninsula for nearly two decades. We aim to bring the best coverage possible to inform and connect your community. We ask for your support to continue producing weekly newspapers to

scoreboard

Kangas climb a mountain, Long Island walk it in

By Brodie Cowburn

PROVINCIAL

LANGWARRIN batted brilliantly to claim a hard-fought win over Sorrento at David MacFarlan Reserve on Saturday.

The Kangaroos headed into day two with a tall mountain to climb. Sorrento set them a target of 269 to chase down to win on day one.

Langwarrin opener Jack Marget set his side on the right path with a patient half-century. Number three batter Matthew Prosser came in and dealt a huge blow, going on to score 97 runs from 178 deliveries.

Langwarrin’s run chase was nearly brought down by a few shaky middle order performances, but Taylor Smith kept the ship steady. Smith blasted an unbeaten 70 from 131 balls to guide his side to victory with stumps looming just moments away.

Langwarrin emerged victorious by three wickets.

Dromana came close to chasing down Pines’ total of 272 on Saturday, but fell short.

Dromana’s skippers Sam Fowler and Bobby Wilson each made good contri-

butions on Saturday, scoring 49 and 48 respectively before being dismissed. The middle order kept chipping away at the target, but each batter was dismissed before making a big dent.

Pines’ bowlers kept fighting, and eventually got on top. They bowled out Dromana for 244 runs to secure the win.

Ricky Ramsdale was a workhorse on Saturday - he took 3/70 from 27 overs.

Billy Humphrey took 3/35.

Baden Powell comfortably defended its day one total of 275 against Heatherhill on Saturday. Heatherhill was bowled out for 151.

A good partnership between Simon Dart and Lincoln Toy helped Red Hill wrap up a scrappy four-wicket win over Mornington last weekend.

PENINSULA

LONG Island dominated Moorooduc on Saturday to claim a comprehensive outright win.

Long Island had already wrapped up the win on day one, chasing down Moorooduc’s first innings total of 98 with ease. They ended up declaring at 8/175, sending Moorooduc back in to bat on day two.

Moorooduc’s second innings went even worse than their first. None of their batters managed to reach doubledigits; Cooper Huggard was their best performer with a gritty nine runs not out from 48 deliveries.

Moorooduc was bowled out for a paltry total of 44, dooming them to outright defeat.

A five-wicket haul from Lucas Cross helped Old Peninsula grab a dominant win over Somerville on Saturday.

Somerville was tasked with chasing down Old Peninsula’s day one total of 272. They didn’t get close, and scored just 43 runs before their innings came to a close.

Cross was fantastic, taking 5/16 from his 10 overs of bowling. Jamin Barron-Toop took three wickets for just nine runs.

Somerville was sent back in to bat, and finished the day at 6/90.

Balnarring successfully defended their day one total of 234 against Seaford last weekend. Rosebud bowled very well to beat Mt Eliza.

DISTRICT

CARRUM Downs’ good start to the 2025/2026 season continued on Satur-

day with a hard-fought win over Boneo.

Boneo was bowled out for 137 on their home deck on day one. Number three batter Eli Halliday made a dent in the target for Carrum Downs before stumps on the first day of play. Both openers were dismissed without making much of an impact on the scoreboard.

Carrum Downs didn’t finish the job easily on day two. Good knocks from Michael O’Driscoll, who scored 22 from 100 deliveries, and Ryan Lynch, who scored an unbeaten 31 from 73, helped guide Carrum Downs over the finish line.

Carrum Downs clawed over the line for a two-wicket win.

At Roy Dore Reserve, Carrum also battled hard for a close win. They beat Main Ridge by three wickets.

A good partnership between Waide Symes and Jason Manby helped Crib Point grab a three-wicket win over Seaford Tigers last weekend. Rye closed out the weekend with a win over Flinders.

SUB DISTRICT

A FANTASTIC knock from Udara

Ravindu was the difference on Saturday as Tyabb knocked off Delacombe Park.

On day one, Delacombe Park was bowled out for 162 runs. Brock Regan took four wickets to keep Delacombe Park’s total down.

On day two, Udara Ravindu was the star. He smashed 81 runs from 206 deliveries, and finished not out.

Tyabb won with four wickets left to spare.

Tootgarook had a great day on Saturday, beating Pearcedale across two innings.

On day one Pearcedale was bowled out for just 119, a target Tootgarook reached with ease. Tootgarook ended up declaring for 263 runs.

Pearcedale narrowly avoided an innings defeat, and was bowled out for 151 on day two. Jett Williams dug in for an impressive 53 runs.

Tootgarook came in for a second innings and wrapped up the result in less than two overs.

Mt Martha beat Ballam Park by one wicket in a thriller on Saturday. Mt Martha chased down 197 to win; opener Travis French was man-of-thematch with an unbeaten knock of 127.

PENINSULA Surfriders Comp #1 for the 2025/2026 season was held on Saturday 25 October at Gunnamatta and showcased the immense surfing talent that the Mornington Peninsula has.

Recently crowned Vic State Champion Lucas Hickson from Rye demonstrated some of the amazing manoeuvres that have taken him to the state's number one spot.

Pictures: Paul Churcher

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Webb, Bates in, Macphee out

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

LANGWARRIN has signed Northcote City aces Alun Webb and Zac Bates but has lost star striker Archie Macphee to Dandenong City.

Macphee has proven himself at the second and third tiers of Victoria’s NPL set-up and wants a chance to test himself at the top NPL level.

Webb, 31, and Bates, 25, will prompt a tactical change to Langy’s game style and one that could excite the local side’s supporters.

Webb played for Rhyl and Llandudno in Wales before a stint with Chattanooga FC in the USA.

He arrived here to play with Adelaide Croatia in the pandemic-ravaged 2020 season then came to Victoria to play with Melbourne Knights the following year before joining South Melbourne for the 2022 season.

He has been at Northcote for the past two seasons and was its leading scorer this year.

Langwarrin gaffer Jamie Skelly is confident that he’ll prove to be a very good signing.

“He can play anywhere across the front line,” Skelly said.

“Webby’s a consistent scorer and we are expecting him to come in and score for us.

“He’s different to Archie in that he’s probably more dynamic and loves to get in behind defenders whereas Archie’s strength was receiving the ball and bringing others into play.

“Webby’s more likely to play off the shoulder of defenders so we won’t have a real target man like Archie.

“This gives us a chance to change our style a little bit and we’ll potentially play through our midfielders then try to get the ball to Webby in behind.”

There was little trouble luring Webb to Lawton Park.

“He was keen to come and it was a relatively simple process discussing roles and contract details.

“He knows a few boys in our squad and received positive feedback about the environment, the team and what we are about so he made the decision fairly quickly.”

Bates had been on Langy’s radar for some time.

“We’ve been speaking to Zac for a number of years,” Skelly added.

“He used to live locally and we’ve always tried to get the best local players but he was at South Melbourne then Northcote.

“Although he’s moved closer to the city he knew that this has always

been an option for him but it’s just been an issue of timing and he felt the time was right.

“He’s big and strong, a hard worker and a really good finisher.

“Zac primarily plays wide but he can play as a 10.

“He loves to receive the ball and drive at defenders and he’s very good technically.”

Webb and Bates will officially join their new teammates on Thursday 6 November for the start of pre-season training.

The squad will have seven sessions before a block of games pre-Christmas.

For those of you missing your regular football fix you can watch Langwarrin in action against the following opponents (kick-off times TBC):

Saturday 22 November v. UK tour squad, Lawton Park; Saturday 29 November v. Dandenong Thunder, TBC; Saturday 6 December v. Altona City, TBC; Saturday 13 December v. Melbourne City, Lawton Park; Saturday 20 December v. Nunawading City, Lawton Park; Tuesday 23 December v. Skye Utd, Lawton Park.

Langwarrin is likely to play a friendly on Tuesday 9 December but opponent, venue and kick-off time are yet to be confirmed.

Skelly plans to build a fitness base for his squad before managing game time and fine-tuning game style during the pre-season itinerary.

“We’re trying to build the squad and to improve every year and I think the players coming in will definitely improve us.

“There’s a real enthusiasm around the squad to understand why we started so badly last season and to rectify that next season.

“The players are keen to ensure that doesn’t happen again and to be ready when it all starts up next year.

“We’ve had discussions with them about where they need to be when they come back to training.

“Some are running, some are in the gym and some are doing injury prevention work.”

Skelly could make another couple of signings during the off-season so his squad remains a work in progress.

In State 6 news Mount Eliza has reappointed Gerry McDonagh as head coach with Graeme Ferguson as his assistant.

Tyler White is reserves coach.

To retain the services of the highly regarded McDonagh is no mean feat.

The former NPL head coach guided the senior squad to its best ever finish in a one-off year where the State Leagues restructure meant every club that didn’t finish in the top two in State 5 was relegated.

“That definitely put a dent on what we achieved by finishing third,” McDonagh said.

Mount Eliza dropped five points in its last four games to relinquish

second-spot and safety to Seaford United.

“We went into the season lacking depth and losing a couple of boys in the back half of the season didn’t help.”

Midfielder Noah Green joined the club this year and had an outstanding season drawing praise from his coach.

“Noah’s a terrific footballer with a phenomenal workrate and how he’s blended and reacted to the players has been excellent.

“He came here because he wanted to enjoy his football again and thankfully we were able to give that to him.”

Green won the players’ player award at last weekend’s presentation night with Austin Mcewen winning the best and fairest and top scorer awards.

Callum Hope won the coach’s award.

McDonagh is likely to start preseason next month and is keen to see what impact the leagues restructure has on his club.

“The challenge for us is to attract players to State 6 so we’ll have to see how that pans out.”

Assistant coach Ferguson also is the club’s head of youth development where he focusses on the under-15s to under-18s and mentors the reserves.

He’s in his third year at Emil Madsen Reserve and is bullish about

Sudoku and crossword solutions

Mount Eliza’s prospects next season.

“We might lose one or two as we have a very young squad and some of them are finishing uni so they don’t know yet where their placement might be,” Ferguson said.

“But I’m expecting most of them to stay and I don’t see why we wouldn’t be pushing for promotion and hopefully win the league after last season.”

In other news Seaford United last week announced the appointment of Paulo Pinheiro as head coach.

His assistants are Jason Alizzi and Steve Keenan.

Pinheiro and Alizzi were in charge of Seaford’s reserves this year missing out on the title on goal difference.

Pinheiro has also coached at Skye United and Frankston Pines and last was in charge of Seaford’s senior team 10 years ago after taking over from Darren Roberts.

“I got a call about the job and I thought about it and decided to go for it,” he said.

“The seniors played really well this year and I want to keep that momentum going.

“I have talked to the players and everyone seems to be onboard and I expect the bulk of the squad to stay.

“I want to bring energy and fun to this group – they deserve it.

“I’m really happy with where things are at the moment and I want to continue that into the new season.”

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER

Step into style and excitement at the Highview Marquee this Sportsbet Peninsula Cup.

Positioned in a prime trackside location, this all-inclusive experience brings together the very best of racing, entertainment and indulgence.

Enjoy a steady flow of beverages and bites from local food trucks, while soaking up all-day music and entertainment headlined by a dynamic DJ Vocalist and Sax. Pamper yourself at the Glam Bar by Salon Envy, capture memories in the photo booth and enjoy one of Mornington’s most vibrant days on the calendar.