9 - 2025 - The Local Paper

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Friday, September 19, 2025

ShowsLilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) Until September 27 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Katie-Jane Amery. Bookings: lilydaleatc.comFrankston Theatre Group: Emma (by Jane Austen, adapted by Michael Bloom) September 25 – October 5 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre97 Foot Street, Frankston. Director: Candice…

Observer

OBSERVER: Other Gods

The fantasy genre has seen a leap in popularity in recent years, thanks to being embraced by the Tik Tok generation.But it is rare that it translates to the stage, so playwright Simon Farley has decided to rectify this by staging his latest play, Other Gods, at the Motley Bauhaus next month as part of…

Observer

OBSERVER: Job

A dramatic immediacy opens Max Wolf Friedlich’s Job at Red Stitch Theatre.Short, sharp vignettes reveal Jane (Jessica Clarke) pointing a gun at Loyd (Darren Gilshenan), Loyd berating an imaginary individual, and a dynamic that the audience must interpret.We discover Jane is seeing Loyd in his professional capacity as a therapist who will determine if she…

Observer

OBSERVER: Rourke’s Reviews

Spinal Tap II : The End Continues(M). 83 minutes. Opens in cinemas September 25.Blessedly not as bad as one might have been expecting, this belated sequel to the 1984 cult classic doesn’t come close to hitting the heights of the original.The main players are back; band members David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (Christopher…

Council News

MURRINDINDI: Mayor returns from Canberra

Murrindindi Shire Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher (pictured), has returned from Canberra where he joined three fellow Victorian Mayors as part of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s inaugural Mayoral Delegation to the Federal Parliament.The visit provided an opportunity to put the concerns of local councils directly before Federal decision-makers.The advocacy campaign coordinated by the MAV is…

Environment

WHITTLESEA: Wetland Park opens at South Morang

Families can now enjoy a place to play, exercise and relax following the upgrade of Hendersons Creek Wetland Park and Playground in South Morang.Located next to The Promenade, the revamped park includes a new playground, outdoor fitness equipment, natural play features and a sheltered seating area.The upgrade also delivers improved pathways, including the shared user…

Environment

FEDERAL: Bushfire survivors respond

Bushfire survivors have responded to the Federal Government’s 2035 climate target announcement.“A weak target means my community faces more extreme weather events and the damage they cause,” said Janet Meade of Christmas Hills (pictured).Serena Joyner said: “This is a weak target – from a government that simultaneously claims to be proactive on climate.“It is a…

Local People

WHITTLESEA: Event for local heroes

The City of Whittlesea is inviting families to come together to honour the bravery and dedication of local emergency services at this year’s Emergency Services Expo, featuring the 29th Annual Blessing of the Emergency Services Fleet.Held on Saturday, October 4, from 10am to 12pm at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South…

Uncategorized

MURRINDINDI: Naturally cooler

Murrindindi Shire Council has released its draft Urban Tree Strategy and is inviting feedback before the final version is adopted.“The long-term Strategy includes a 10-year action plan to guide how the Council will protect and grow the Shire’s urban forest to enhance canopy cover, biodiversity and community wellbeing in the face of climate and development…

Environment

NORTH-EAST: Bush users locked out; Central Highlands query

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Long-term bush users are to be locked out of areas that the Allan Labor Government plan to create as more national parks, says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish (pictured).“Labor is forging ahead with plans to convert state forests in central west Victoria to national parks, introducing legislation into Parliament,” Ms McLeish said.The proposed new national parks…