The Local Paper

Observer

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

ShowsBeaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (Nancy Harris) Until June 6 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.auStrathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) Until June 6 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre@outlook.com or 0419505231Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, Until June 6…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Songs of John Farnham

Terms such as ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ are overused these days. However both epithets fittingly apply when describing the Australian singer John Farnham.Timely then that a benefit concert The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend has been announced.A launch announcing the September 20 concert event was held in the foyer of Rod Laver Arena where…

Observer

OBSERVER: Mr Big

Monday, June 1, 2026

The Tayo Tayo Collective and fortyfivedownstairs present Mr Big: aka Tatay, a Trans Woman and that Tiring Tune written by Dax Carnay-Hanrahan from June 24-July 5 at fortyfive-downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.Set between 1990s Manila and contemporary Melbourne, Mr Big follows Diana, a trans Filipina woman juggling her upcoming wedding and the funeral of her…

Observer

OBSERVER: From All Sides

The conventional view of life in Western Sydney as boring and suburban was given a shake-up by the low-budget independent feature From All Sides with its portrayal of a multiracial sexually liberated family living there.Unfortunately the film’s promising premise was only partially realised as direction, editing, script and acting all suffered from shortcomings.A married multi-racial…

Observer

OBSERVER: The Forest – Lucy Guerin Inc.

The Forest by Lucy Guerin Inc. will be presented by Rising with University of Melbourne Arts and Culture from June 4 – 7 at the Union Theatre, University of Melbourne, Carlton.The new dance work reflects the many identities that forests hold in the human imagination.Our deep connection to trees has existed throughout history, alongside the…

Police News

KNOX: Probe into Lysterfield crash

Highway Patrol officers are investigating a motorcycle crash in Ferntree Gully on Monday morning (June 1).The rider was travelling south along Lyserfield Rd when he crashed into railing before rolling down an embankment about 9.20am.The rider, a 32-year-old Narre Warren man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital.At the time of the incident, Highway…

Uncategorized

MELBOIURNE: Police officer assaulted

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two boys following the assault of an off-duty police officer in Southbank on Friday night (May 29).The 32-year-old was walking south along Whiteman St, after finishing his shift, when three unknown boys approached him and became verbally abusive about 11pm.It is alleged the trio then physically assaulted the…

Emergency Services

WYNDHAM: Fatal Werribee fire

Police are investigating a fatal house fire in Werribee on Monday morning (June 1).Emergency services responded to reports of the fire at a Newbury St residence just after midnight.Crews extinguished the blaze, which had fully engulfed the home, before locating a child deceased inside.A 39-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.A 40-year-old woman…

Sport

YARRA: $12.8m boost for Brunswick St Oval

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Local sports clubs in Fitzroy can look forward to a new home ground advantage with major upgrades underway at Brunswick St Oval.Community Sport Minister Ros Spence (pictured) visited the oval to mark the official start of works, made possible by a $12.8 million investment.A new two-storey sports pavilion will include two female friendly change rooms,…

Community News

MORNINGTON PENINSULA: Concern over local roads

Ongoing concerns about the safety atMornington-Tyabb Rd and Racecourse Rd intersection in Mornington, have been raised in State Parliament by Chris Crewther MLA (pictured).“The issue has been raised repeatedly by locals over many years, yet meaningful action has still not occurred,” Mr Crewther said.“Despite repeated correspondence to the State Labor Government’s Minister for Roads and…