Melbourne Observer. 121024A. October 24, 2012. Part A. Pages 1-18 by Ash Long

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■ Geoffrey Rush has started preview shows for A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum ahead of Saturday’s gala opening night to be held at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Rush stars alongside Magda Szubanski, Shane Bourne, Hugh Sheridan, Gerry Connolly, Christie Whelan, Mitchell Butel, Adam Murphy and Bob Horney.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Page 3

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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz ‘You know it makes sense’ Born To Perform

● Sam Kekovich

● Debra Byrne ■ Born To Perform appears to be the name of the new school that entertainer Debra Byrne will be opening at Werribee late this year. The school will focus on musical theatre performance, drama, singing and audition preparation.

■ Football identity Sam Kekovich is to be the ambassador for the Australian Sparkling Wine Festival to be held over the Melbourne Cup Weekend at Marysville. ‘Keka’ will be at Steavensons Falls for a Business Breakfast on Thursday, November 1 A Corporate Golf Day will follow at 11am featuring participants from the wine industry, tourism and visitors. The Lake Mountain Alpine Lodge will host an awards dinner on Monday, November 5.

Under The Clocks Keith’s tribute to Jane Holmes

COUNTDOWN TO PRINCE CHARLES

Oaks Day guest

● Keith McGowan with Jane Holmes ■ Having been retired from 3AW for more than a year, Keith McGowan is working as an occasional writer for the RadioInfo.com.au website. He currently has a tribute to Magic 1278 breakfast show co-host Jane Holmes, tracing the career of her father Lennie on 3KZ and 3AK, Jane’s early days at 3AW as a researcher, being part of the 3XY Zoo, Fox FM, TT FM, Gold 104.3, 3MP, 3AK and now back at 3AW-Magic 1278. Jane also had a stint as a TV presenter with Talk To The Animals.

Red Hot Summer Tour

● Kim Cattrall ■ Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall will be at Oaks Day at Flemington on Thurs., Nov. 8. Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones, will be a guest of Swisse for the Ladies Day.

Chow Town ■ Publicist Clemence Harvey says Big Day Out will also include a food festival, Chow Town. Big Day Out is scheduled for Australia Day (Jan. 26) at Flemington Racecourse. Ben Milgate and Elvis Abrahanowicz will be ambassadors.

■ The Red Hot Summer Tour presents the Aussie Rock Extravaganza with a line-up of Jimmy Barnes, with special guests Baby Animals, Ian Moss, Dragon and Chocolate Starfish. In Victoria, venues include Mildura (Jan. 13), Morning Star Estate Mt Eliza (Jan. 20), Ballarat (Feb.2) and Traralgon (Feb. 3).

Calvin competes for award

● Charles and Camilla ■ Prince Charles and wife Camilla will at the Melbourne Cup meeting to be held at Flemington in just under two weeks’ time. The Prince and Duchess of Cornwall will stay overnight at Government House, Melbourne on Cup Eve (Mon., Nov. 5), after their arrival at Tullamarine. On Cup Day, the Royals will visit the Australian Tapestry Workshop in South Melbourne, Cricket Victoria at the MCG, and the Cup. On the Wednesday (Nov. 7), Charles and Camilla will attend functions in Melbourne for Osteoporosis Australia, the Australian Ballet School and the Housing Melbourne Symposium. They will depart on Thursday, November 8. Prince Charles attended the race with former wife, Diana, in 1985.

Melbourne Moments

Kylie on Smooth

News Briefs

■ Camberwell girl Kylie Minogue will appear with Richard Wilkins on radio station Smooth 91.5 FM this Saturday (Oct. 27) to make three major announcements. She will also play her smooth favourites in the session between 10am and 12 Noon. DMG Radio Australia says Kylie Minogue, and Cameron Dado, will be guest stars on the station. Cameron Daddo is the latest high profile artist to join the Smooth FM line up on Sundays with his debut show last Sunday (Oct., 21) from 8am to 10am.

■ Melbourne comedian Richard McKenzie was attacked with a Taser before being robbed on his way home from the Lord Newry Hotel in North Fiztroy early Sunday morning. ■ Composer Stephen Sondheim will not be in Melbourne to see the premiere this Saturday (Oct. 27) of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum . Sondheim has fractured his right wrist and has been ordered by doctors to stay home in America and recover, He is schjeduled to now appear on November 5 with Ray Martin.

● Kylie Minogue

● Calvin Hannaford

■ Calvin Hannaford, from Camberwell, is one of six talented ballet dancers in the running to take home The Australian Ballet’s highest honour, being named the 2012 Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner. Victorians are being encouraged to show their support and vote for Calvin in the People’s Choice Award which will be decided by public vote, before entries close at midnight on Sunday, November 4. Votes may be cast through: telstra.com/ballet

What’s On In Melbourne

Pianist James Guan was winner of the $6000 Elisabeth Murdoch ★ Prize at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday. Runners-up for the $1000 Kantor Encouragement Award were Nathan Lay and Daniel Carter, voice and piano. Alex Lowen and her VivaRCH crew are holding a cocktail party at Mon Bijou tonight (Wed.) as a fundraiser for the Pain Management Programs at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Hair salon Meddlers South Yarra is holding a fundraising event between 7pm-9pm tonight (Wed.) at its Toorak Rd salon to assist the Fight Cancer Foundation. The event is being held with the support of Pony Wines. VIP is Tony Hancy of Prancing Horse Estate.

★ ★

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

HELENA DIX ENCHANTS AUDIENCES

■ If there were scholarships awarded to Australia's best shower singers, I would be in with a flying chance. My rendition of the 1988 Decore shampoo television commercial that used a parody of a classic Gene Chandler doo-wop hit Duke Of Earl would put me in serious contention. When I shampoo up, I believe I'm on-song because my family and neighbours urge me to hit the road for a long-winded overseas tour. With my shampoo bottle microphone in hand, I sought advice for my singing aspirations on the Porch of Opera ScholarsAustralia (OSA) 2001 'Scholar of the Year', Helena Dix, who in the Bayreuth Bursary Competition held in London last December qualified her to perform at Bayreuth this year and contend for the title of: Wagner Singer of 2012. Helena has returned to Melbourne to grace the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Monday (Oct. 29) in a tribute to Mozart and Verdi as part of the OSA's 15th year celebration. Helena, you've heard my singing, where is my career headed? I truly enjoy your writing. Opera Scholars Australia (OSA) is a not-for-profit program run by Music Events under the guidance of Graeme and Margot Wall. How does the program assist Australia's young classical singers? Since 1998, the program has offered more than 200 talented young

Operatic Porch Thoughts singers between the ages of 18 and 28 the opportunity of performing with various professional artists and orchestras to thousands of audiences around Victoria and South Australia. Past Scholars are now establishing careers in opera and theatre companies around the world. What opportunities did Opera Scholars open for you to be where you are now? Opera Scholars Australia is innovative and vibrant and provides all of us with the chance to learn in an environment that is nurturing as well as challenging. The opportunity to work with personalities from soprano Yvonne Kenny and conductors Sir Colin Davis, Simone Young and Richard Mills is an enormous honour. Richard Mills will conduct Wagner's Ring Cycle in Melbourne in 2013. You have enjoyed an exciting international singing career since leaving the OSA program. What operas have you performed with? I have enjoyed lead roles with the English National Opera, Scottish Opera and Garsington Opera. Since winning the Wagner Society's Bursary Competition in

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Guy Noble Conductor "There is something gratifying about waving a little stick in front of a group of highly trained musicians and experiencing their immediate and sensitive responses. I get the same feeling from the talented young Opera Scholars when they perform - they actually listen to each other. Maybe the Federal Government needs a conductor and not a speaker in the house."

the UK, just this month you performed in the 2012 Bayreuth Stipendiatenkonzert for members of Wagner's family as part of the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. What is the Festival? The Bayreuth Festival is a music festival held annually, at which performances of operas by 19th century German composer Richard Wagner are presented. Wagner himself conceived and promoted the idea of a special festival to showcase his own works. The festival has become a pilgrimage destination for Wagner enthusiasts, who often must wait years to obtain tickets. Where do the performances take place? In a specially designed theatre that opened in 1876, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus. Wagner personally supervised the design and construction of the theatre, which contained many architectural innovations to accommodate the huge orchestras for which he wrote as well as the composer's particular vision about the staging of his works. How was your Bayreuth experience? Bayreuth has such a magical charm about it. I was struck with tears on the opening chords of Lohengrin, and it reminded me just why we all work so hard and so passionately towards keeping Wagner alive. As a young opera singer, what do you appreciate most about the opportunity to have had involvement in Bayreuth? To experience opera in the company of people who are so passionate about being there is something that will stay with me forever. Singing Wagner for the gala concert in the Stadthalle is one of the most terrifying and wonderful experiences of my career thus far. To be given this opportunity to sing to this international audience and to touch their sacred heritage was indeed a blessing. I was just so excited at their wonderful reaction to my Sieglinde! What was the most nerve-racking experience at Bayreuth? Singing in the 7th International Song Competition for Wagner Voices with a panel of judges including Dame Gwyneth Jones, Hans Sotin, Eva Wagner-Pasquier and Professor Märtson. I sang the Sieglinde aria, along with Das war sehr gut, Mandryka, from Richard

● Helena Dix Strauss' Arabella. There were a few wonderful composers who both anxious days waiting to hear whether wrote music in different colours I had been chosen from the 36 sec- both in the orchestra and the voice ond-round participants to be one of over the entire dynamic range from the 18 singers to get through to the forte to piano. semi-finals. As such, to know that I It doesn't matter if you're a claswas chosen to compete made it so sical music lover or not, but there is rewarding. a sincerity and directness of comWhat do you love about being munication in both Mozart's and an opera singer? Verdi's musical languages that The chance to immerse myself touches everyone. in the rich tradition and culture of Why will this be a special peropera performance and to share this formance? with so many people, in so many Singing Mozart's and Verdi's different places around the world pieces will allow the audience the stimulates me. chance to witness past Opera ScholWorking hard with an inspiring ars of the Year blend their voices group of singers, musicians, artists with current scholars - beautiful and crew to bring a great work of voices coming together in this one vocal art to an audience, really is an amazing venue. incredible joy. What inspires you to keep goHow does it feel to be invited by ing? OSA to be a part of its 15th year To pursue the one thing that's alcelebration in your hometown, ways made me happy no matter Melbourne? what, and the only thing I ever knew It's an honour to be invited to cel- for sure I wanted to do with my life, ebrate Opera Scholars' success. The is singing. beauty of being a part of Opera What is your 'Porch' Thought Scholars is you are always a stu- of the Day? dent with the ongoing privilege of Aim for the truth and constantly playing a small role in its success. strive to improve as an artist, perWhat can we expect from the former or administrator. The rest is performance on October 29? dependent on so much - but if we Expect a thrilling and enchanting sing well and enjoy communicating concert that will see alumni and cur- to our audiences, this is a special rent scholars of OSA celebrating two offering!

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Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

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‘DON’T SELL DRUGS TO LITTLE Observer GIRLS’: BURGLAR TELLS VICTIM In This 56-Page Edition

Aida opens at Croydon ■ Burglar Joshua Denman yelled “You’re f-----, don’t sell drugs to little girls” at a man into whose house he entered. Denman, under the influence of liquor and the drug Xanax, pointed an object at his victim. The victim thought it was a gun. The Court was told Denman believed that the man in the house had been selling ‘ice’ to young girls, and then sleeping with them. The incident came to the attention of Supreme Court Judges Maxwell and Weinberg, sitting as the Court of Appeal. Denman, who had pleaded guilty in the County Court to aggravated burglary, successfully appealed his jail sentence having the non-parole of three eyears and eight months reduced to two years and six months.

‘Entirely innocent’ “As it turned out the information (that Denman) had been given was completely false,” Judge Weinberg said. “The victim was entirely innocent of any wrongdoing. “The sentencing judge noted that this illustrated the sheer folly of (Denman’s) actions. His Honour added that the law did not tolerate vigilante behaviour.” Denman was identified from DNA on a hat which he left at the scene. He had previously appeared in Court in 13 separate occasions, and convicted of intentionally causing injury, unlawful assault, kaing a threat to kill, and intentionally threatening serious injury. Denman, 31, a bricklayer, has five children, separated but living under the same roof as his former partner. Judge Weinberg said the prosecution’s ‘template submission’ was unhelpful in answering Denman’s claim that the jail sentence was manifestly excessive. Judge Weinberg noted that Denman had pleaded guilty and had opportunities for rehabilitation.

Melbourne People: In the picture ......... Page 10 News: Religious ed case lost ............... Page 11 Di Rolle: Rolling Stones return ............ Page 12 Melb. Confidential: ‘Looking so hot’ ...... Page 13 Long Shots: Two hour wait: too long? ... Page 14 Pictorial: A-listers at Crown ............... Page 15 Extra: Nick Le Souef, outback legend ... Page 16 Photo Feature: Hairspray first night ..... Page 17 Observer Readers’ Club: Birthdays, fun .. Page 18 Showbiz: Theatre, radio, TV, people ...... Page 39 Racing: Ted Ryan with the latest ......... Page 47 Movies, DVDs Local Theatre Radio, TV Mega Crossword

Observer Showbiz

Latest News

Best for Tony’s cancer fight

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION CASE LOST

■ Nine Entertainment Co. CEO David Gyngell has conveyed the best wishes of the network to veteran cricket commentator Tony Greig who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Calendar Girls at Rosebud

Briefs Service

● Audrey Bennett ■ A service for the late Audrey Bennett, known to 3AW radio audiences as ‘Audrey The Ballerina’, was due to be held in Brunswick yesterday (Tues.) as we went to press.

Accused ■ Marko Peselj, 41, of Reedy Lakes Rd, Leopold, cleaner, has appeared in Geelong Magistrates' Court accused of stealing $130,000 in property and cash. He faces 60 charges relating to burglary and theft.

Nursing ■ Observer columnist Yvonne Lawrence is playing the role of nurse, tending to her husband Peter Bedwell who has suffered a serious shoulder injury. We wish them well. Yvonne’s column will return.

● Yvonne Lawrence

■ A legal case about regligious education in state schools has been lost at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Vice-President Judge Timothy Ginnane last Thursday published his decision in a case brought against the Victorian State Government by Sophie Aitken and others. Three parents of children at three Victorian State primary schools, two in suburban Melbourne and one in country Victoria, brought the proceedings against the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The parents alleged that the method of providing special religious instruction in those schools involved direct discrimination against their children. A Christian special religious instruction class was provided in each school, and in one school a Baha’i faith program was also provided. In one school, the majority of students did not participate, and in two schools, the majority did. The parents complained that the children were discriminated against because those not participating were identified and separated from their classmates, and there was a lack of curriculum instruction during SRI classes for those not attending. Judge Ginnane said the parents had not established that the State of Victoria had engaged in any discrimination against the eight chuildren in the case. “Parliament authorised the provision of SRI in Victoria more than 60 years ago,” the Judge said. He said the evidence did not establish that nonattenders were treated in any discriminating manner.

● Southern Peninsula Players’ Calendar Girls opens on in Rosebud on November 8 and runs until November 18 at the Rosebud Memorial Hall under the direction of Trudi MacKenzie.. The Calendar Girls stepping out in style are from left: Lynn O’Callaghan, Colette Staunton, Lorraine Williams, Shirley Bowen, Jenny Scott, Lorraine Pollard and Linda Morgan. Tickets: $20 Full price, $15 Concession. Bookings: www.spptheatre.org or 5982 2777. The fund-raising calendars are available for $18.50 at the shows or for ordering online at www.spptheatre.org Photo: Evan Knoble of Knoble Arts

‘NOT FIT TO TEACH’ Your Melbourne Observer ■ Peter Barry Chappell has had his teacher’s registration cancelled by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Institute Disciplinary Proceedings Committee Chair Anne Sarros gave notice on Thursday that Chappell’s registration was being cancelled after he was last month found guilty of serious misconduct and not fit to teach. Under the the Education and Training Reform Act, the Institute may find a teacher has engaged in serious misconduct, has been seriously incompetent and/or is not fit to teach and may make a de-

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Anywhere in Australia - delivered by Aust. Post termination including the cancellation of the registration of the teacher. The cancellation took effect from September 10, Ms Sarros said.

The best way to secure your weekly copy of the Melbourne Observer is to pick-up your copy at your local Victorian newsagent - it’s only $1.95 each week. However, for some, it’s more convenient to have their weekly copy posted to them. We currently have a discounted offer of $99 for 45 copies. Send the coupon or ph 1-800 231 311

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Di Cheers for a beer

● Simon Coghlan, Kate Burrows, Tim Kearney and Lyndell Pond (Ballarat Beer Festival Directors) ■ I love a beer! I loved having a beer with my Dad. I remember one time sharing oysters and a beer with my Dad at Darling Harbour in Sydney when I lived there, many beers ago. So when I hear about a new beer I am always interested! I don’t drink it a lot, however when I do it’;s always cold and it usually involves a game of cricket. I was invited to attend the launch of the Ballarat Beer Festival to be held at The Golden City Hotel,Adelphi Room, in Ballarat during the week The Ballarat Beer Festival will return on January 19 after the enormous success of its inaugural year in 2012. The Ballarat Beer Festival 2013 promises an even greater range of craft beer and ciders from the best Australian microbreweries- with the number of represented breweries having doubled to more than 40. The entertainment line-up includes headline folk-rock band The Beards, local Ballarat bands Gold Fields, Tessa and the Typecast, The Sweethearts and Vince Peach to compliment the day’s liquid gold and local produce on offer, The Ballarat Beer Festival 2013 is not-tobe-missed. The success of year one has seen the day quickly establish itself as a highly anticipated annual event on the city’s entertainment calendar. Gorgi Coghlan’s husband, Simon, is one of the Festival organisers and much fun was had by all who attended the launch.

● Lyndell Pond, Steve Moneghetti, Kate Burrows, Tim Kearney

Top award for Melb. hotel

I love my job!

■ I love it when Melbourne wins big awards. This is no exception, it’s exciting news. The InterContinental The Rialto, Melbourne, has beaten Sydney’s Park Hyatt (which is a gorgeous hotel, I have stayed there!) and the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast (where I stayed years ago), to be named the best hotel in Australia in the travel industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. A lavish event was held in Singapore last week where The World Travel Award winners were announced for Australia and the Australasian region. Located on Collins St, the InterContinental The Rialto is one of the most beautiful buildings on the fashionable street. The hotel has a gothic façade with modern interior design. I recommend popping in and having a cup of tea and a look around. It is well worth it. Another Melbourne hotel – the Lyall Hotel and Spa - was named Australia’s best boutique hotel in the awards. And deservedly so. Nestled in South Yarra, it’s a hideaway for visiting celebrities when they come to town. Stephen Spielberg, Meryl Street and Robert de Niro have all stayed there!

For ROLLING STONES RETURN with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

■ Credit must go to Paul Dainty for his coup. Is everybody ready for the announcement? “Ladies and gentleman, the Rolling Stones are returning to live action with aq spectacular arena show on both sides of the Atlantic. “Ladies and bentlemen they are back! The most eagerly anticipated concerts of 2012 are announced as the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band, The Rolling Stones, confirm their long awaited return to the stage with four spectacular arena shows in London and New York. “Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood have at last revealed their return to live work via a video message at www.youtube.com/user/therollingstones. As the crowning glory of their on-going 50th anniversary celebrations, the rock icons will play to thousands of fans at London’s O2 Arena on November 25 and 29, and then across the ocean to perform at the Prudential Centre, Newark, near New York, on December 13 and 15. All ticketing information is available at www.rollingstones.com These sensational live shows will be the first opportunity for audiences to see the Rolling Stones perform on stage for more than five years. They will treat their generations of fans in a must-see, heart-pumping celebration of era-defining tracks such as Gimme Shelter, Paint It Black, Jumping Jack Flash, Tumbling Dice, It’s Only Rock and Roll, plus a few surprises and countless other classics from GRRR!, the multiformat compilation RS50 album coming out in November marking the Stones’ astonishing five decades at the top. Mick Jagger commented: “Everybody loves a celebration, and London and New York are two good places to do it in!” Keith Richards said: ”Sorry to keep you all hanging around but the waiting is over. I've always said the best place for rock and roll is on the stage and the same is true for the Stones. I'm here with Mick, Charlie and Ronnie and everything is rocking. See you very soon!" The Rolling Stones have always been at the forefront of technical innovation in their live appearances, and these dates will reaffirm their place on the cutting edge of concert technology. These 50th anniversary performances will see the band working once again with their acclaimed, long time collaborators, set designer Mark Fisher and lighting director Patrick Woodroffe. The new shows will be another groundbreaking visual landmark in Stones history. Fans can look forward to an all-new, custombuilt set design, with a stage based on the band’s ubiquitous and celebrated tongue and lips logo, which will reach out into the crowd and become a truly must see and hear experience, with integral video screens and effects enhancing the sort of high-octane adventure for which the band’s concerts have been famous for decades. The 2012 concerts will mark the first time that Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood have performed together as a band since three acclaimed nights at London’s O2 Arena, in 2007.

● Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Brian Jones, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman The Rolling Stones live shows will also mark cinemas across UK and Ireland. Crossfire Hurthe launch of a new venture in global touring - ricane will premiere in the US at the HBO preVirgin Live. miere at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York on Virgin Live sees the coming together of two November 13. globally respected brands - Dainty Group and Crossfire Hurricane will air on HBO in the Virgin Group - and promises to shake up live US on November 15, and broadcast on BBC touring by putting the fan's experience right at Two in the UK the same month. the heart of every show they promote. Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art in Richard Branson and Paul Dainty's history New York City will host The Rolling Stones: 50 with the Rolling Stones spans five decades - so Years on Film, a comprehensive film retrospecit is apt that these shows, which celebrate the tive that chronicles the band from the mid-1960s band’s 50th anniversary - marks them joining forces for the first time as Virgin Live to pro- until today. This exhibition will be open November 15 through December 2. mote the greatest band there has ever been. Also partnering with Dainty Group is global Paul Dainty said: “I’ve worked with the Rollproduction company Endemol which will coing Stones for many years and I still get a buzz every time I see them live, these four shows are manage the international digital rights to the without doubt a must-see event. I am extremely Rolling Stones 50 and Counting shows. Tim Hincks, President of Endemol Group, excited about this collaboration with Virgin. There will be a lot more to say about Virgin said: "We are extremely proud to be partnering Live soon but, for now, it’s all about the Stones.” with the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band and Richard Branson added: "Today marks the with the Dainty Group. beginning of Virgin Live and what a beginning! “50 and Counting is set to be a phenomenal “In the future Virgin Live plans to make a global celebration of the Rolling Stones and we’ll real difference to how fans experience, interact soon be announcing further plans to make it an and enjoy live events - Virgin Live gigs will be interactive experience for fans like no other." truly people driven. This partnership between Endemol and “It's great to join forces with Dainty Group Dainty Group will see the final Stones show, to launch Virgin Live with the Rolling Stones staged at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New 50th Anniversary shows. Who would have be- Jersey, on December 15, telecast live via paylieved, that a relationship with the band that per-view. started in the Sixties, would still be going strong The pay-per-view entitled One More Shot five decades later with us working together again will be distributed by WWE, the world’s preon these amazing shows." In celebration of five decades, The Rolling eminent provider of pay-per-view programming. Stones will release the GRRR! album on No- Further details of the partnership will be revealed vember 12-13, a Greatest Hits collection which shortly. WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon said: includes two new songs Doom And Gloom and One More Shot, recorded recently in Paris, "WWE is ecstatic to bring The Rolling Stones marking the first new recordings from the band into your living room, live on pay-per-view for One More Shot, the last date of their 50th annisince their 2005 album A Bigger Bang. A new film, Crossfire Hurricane, directed versary shows." by Brett Morgen, chronicling the key periods of www.rollingstones.com the Stones’ career, received its worldwide preThis is a fantastic deal that Paul Dainty has miere on Thursday (Oct. 18) at the London Film done and an exciting one for Australia audiences! Festival and was simultaneously screened in 250 ● More on Page 39

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Page 13

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Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

‘Looking so hot’

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Julian Assange lookalike

● Katut (Kadek Mahardika)

LEGAL CLAIM THROWN OUT

■ Fima Pekar’s claim to have $6303 legal costs refunded from Rickards Legal has been rejected by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers. Pekar took his claim to VCAT after being involved in numerous legal proceedings against a building manager. Pekar paid the $6303 costs bill rendered by Rickards, but then sought to have the money refunded because he felt there had been no real progress in the case. Pekar contended he should not have to pay because no results were

● Julian Assange with Suzanne Carbone? No, it’s Melbourne man John Parker ■ Whilst controversial WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is holed up in the Ecador embassy in London, he has a lookalike in Melbourne. Theatrical and food industry identity John Parker is being frequently mistaken for Australian journalist Assange. The double-glances have taken place at a number of locations including Eddie McGuire’s media anniversary lunch this month in St Kilda. At the weekend, Parker was sighted on the golf course at Barwon Heads. His club swings had fellow golfers taking a second look. Parker, proprietor of Format Furniture in Melbourne, is often seen as a regular companion of high-profile Postcode 3000 columnist, Suzanne Carbone, of The Age.

■ The actor who plays Katut in the AAMI television commercials works as a part-time forklift driver. Kadek Mahardika has become a cult personality since the TV ads show him with ‘Rhonda’ (Mandy McElhinney). The couple are expected to make public appearances at the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington. Mahardika now has a personal manager, former AFL player, Ricky Olerenshaw. One Facebook page, ‘The sexual tension between Katut and Rhonda’, has registered more than 113,000 ‘likes’.

achieved. He further contended that he had been defrauded by his former solictors, VCAT was told. Pekar has brought nine legal proceedings against Gough Partners Pty Ltd since 2008. The proceedings have been in the Magistrates’Court, VCAT and the Supreme Court. Pekar terminated Rickards Legal’s retainer in the matter in

FALSE PASSPORT BID BUSTED ■ A Victorian teacher has been legally able to continue working, despite pleading guilty to four indictable offences relating to false passports. The man has said he was inspired from Frederick Forsyth’s The Day Of The Jackal to emulate one of the ruses in the book. The Victorian Institute of Teaching heard that the teacher appeared at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court to face charges of making a false statement to obtain a passport, using an Australian passport issued to another person, and obtaining an Australian travel document dishonesty. The school principal where the man worked reported the charges to education authorities. The man graduated from Monash University, taught science at a secondary school, and had been involved at a boys’ school where there were 26 boys aged 12-17. His false passport renewal attempts were detected because of developments in photo technology. The Vice-Principal gave evidence that the behaviour was out of character for the man who was valued as a staff member. The Instutute panel, chaired by Terry Hayes, and also comprising Anna Farrelly and Paul Wilhelm, sitting earlier this year, said the illegal acts conducted over 20 years were not of a “continuing and persistent nature”. The man had an excellent reputation as a teacher, was remoreseful, and had access to counselling. He should be regarded as fit to teach and remain registered, the Panel found.

Changes at Ten Network ■ Programming executive David Castran quit the Ten Network ahead of yesterday’s 2103 launch. Irish-born Beverley McGarvey has been named as the new Chief Programming Officer. ● Julian Assange in London

July last year. At that stage he had paid $4500 of the $6303 bill. Pekar claimed the advice he received was wrong, his instructions were not followed, there was a failure to provide ongoing disclosure, and the service that he received was of no value at all. Mr Smithers said it was not a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement. Pekar’s contract with Rickards required that he pay their fees regardless of the outcome achieved. Mr Smithers said he rejected the contention that Pekar’s instructions were simple and consistent all the way through.

Rumour Mill

Whispers

Old Xavs

● Sam McClure ■ Xavier College is well represented at radio station 3AW. Sam McClure, who is studying his final year of communications at Melbourne University, joined the newsroom last year on general and sports rounds. He was Xavier ViceCaptain in 2009. Station manager Shane Healy (not tobe confused with his cousin Gerard Healy) joined the Xavier School Council in June. He holds a Masters in Educational Administration. Also at 3AW, Philip Brady attended Xavier from prep in the 1940s to the mid-1950s.

$100,000 Hear It Here First

Catriona Rowntree axed ■ Catriona Rowntree has been this week dumped from the Nine Network’s Getaway program. Rowntree, now the wife of a Geelong district sheep farmer, has been working at developing an income from the fashion side of the wool industry.

Bad recovery by PR co.

■ Media publicist Lauren Lazarus has been responsible for one of the worst campaigns this year. Lauren sent out e-mails to Melbourne journalists, in a bid to gain free space for her client, Melbourne physiotherapist Cameron Smith of Recovre. Lauren headed her e-mail: "What's it like to have the same name as someone famous?" But the news people’s names were wrong. In the case of Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long, she sent the e-mail to ‘Anthony’. We wonder if Recovre will pay.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Krystal Fraser ■ A $100,000 reward has been announced to establish the identity of the person responsible for the death of Krystal Fraser, who disappeared from her home in Pyramid Hill in June 2009. Dannye Moloney, Asistant Commissioner of Police, says the Director of Public Prosecutions will consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter. Phone Crime Stoppers on 1-800 333 000.

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

People Ticket winners named ■ The Melbourne Observer is pleased to announce the winners’ names for the More Sex Please, We’re Seniors competition. Each winner receives a double pass to the 1.30pm performance on Sunday (Oct. 28) at the Comedy Theatre, 250 Exhibition St, Melbourne. Claim tickets at the box office, 30 minutes prior to showtime: ■ Leonie McLachlan, 14 Station Ave, Ashwood ■ Sally-Anne Mooney, 150 Maribyrnong Rd, Moonee Ponds ■ Shirley Tangey, 1 Lt Graham St, Albert Park ■ M Sutherland, 9 Eaton St, Melton South ■ Bruce and Audrey Pointon. 2 Jade Ct, Hampton Park.

100 birthday wishes

■ Thanks so very much for a flood of birthday messages last Friday (Oct. 19). Your Editor received cards, phone calls, faxes, e-mails and Facebook messages and ‘likes’ from a range of friends including: Vanessa Allan, Angelika Anderson, Glenn Bear, Gerry Birkner, Tara Bishop, Philip Brady, Chris Brier Mills, Gai Brown, Geoff Brown, Kristi Bryant and family, John Buckland, Suzanne Carbone, Astrida Cooper, Don Crawford, Judith Dix, Tommy Dysart and family, Fran Duncanson, Helen Eastwood, Jenny Evans, Sally Freud, Toni Gianarelli, Warren Gibson, Mark Gillies, Tanya Green, Peter Greenaway, Deborah Gray, Natalie Grosby, Claire Halliday,Anthony Healey, Jacqueline Healy, Sheila Heath, Alex Hehr, Gigi Hellmuth, Frank Howson, Craig Huggins, Julie Hyne, Chris Ilsley, Larry James, Chris Keating, Andrew Kilpatrick, Yvonne Lawrence, Jim Lee, Dan Long, Greg Long and family, James Long and family, Linda Long and family, Lachlan Macdonald, Brad Matheson, Jane McLaren, Chris McColl, Mike McColl Jones, Keith and Angela McGowan, Jennifer McMahon, Denise and Ali Meikle, Kim Mercieca, Laura and Dakota Musial, Libby Nutbean, Eddie Olek, Mick Pacholli, Rhonda Palmer, John Parker, Simon Parris, Ann Peacock, Bob and Judy Phillips, Cindy Pritchard, Mark Richardson and family, Kaylene Rimbaldo, Chris Ryan, Pat Shelton, Glenys Sigley, Andrew Simmons, Judy Small, Craig-Lee Smith, Garry Spry,Artie Stevens, Natasha Stipanov, Liz Sullivan, John Tamb, Patrick Tan, Jenny Thompson, Isobell Tunzi, John Vertigan, Jan Walker, Dennis Wall, Paul Walsh, Marilyn Whitelaw, Nicki Wendt, Michael Wilkie, Gavin Wood, Ian Wright

Observer Treasury Thought For The Week ■ “Knowledge comes from taking things apart, but wisdom comes by putting things together.”

Observer Curmudgeon ■ “Psychiatry enables us to correct our faults by confessing our parents’ shortcomings.” - Laurence J Peter

Text For The Week ■ “He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” - Deuteronomy 10:21

Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash On Wednesday

2-HOUR WAIT FOR AMBULANCE

■ The advertising aimed at attending to possible stroke victims is ‘FAST’ (Face, Arm, Speech, Time). The National Stroke Foundation advises “time is critical” and “if you think someone is having a stroke, call 000”. The advice is ‘FAST’, but it horrifies that the response time can be painfully ‘SLOW’. A phone call to ‘000’ was made at approx 7pm Friday for a loved one in Ivanhoe, just 12 kilometres from the Melbourne GPO. The ambulance arrived two hours later, at about 9.15pm. The paramedics took our patient to Epworth Emergency, Richmond.

Melbourne

Our Doors are Open! The Future of Freemasonry

How have we changed and what will come next?

FILE PHOTO

● Victoria’s ambulance system under stress

Long Shots

Fix the mess Mr Ryan

editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

● Peter Ryan ■ There is something very wrong with the response times of the Victorian ambulance service ... and Peter Ryan, the State Minister for Emergency Services, needs to take responsibility and action. We cannot fault the professionalism of the paramedics who attended our loved one. The two women officers apologised for the delay in reaching us. Likewise, their Duty Team Manager ‘David’, attended to our second call politely and professionally when we dialled ‘000’ as a follow-up about 8.30pm. But obviously, something is very wrong when an ambulance takes 120 minutes to attend to a person whose health is on the edge.

Vital signs ■ As we go to press, our patient is still in hospital, receiving top care.

But this story isn’t so much about our patient, but the URGENT need for the Victorian State Government to fix a system that obviously isn’t working properly. Former Victorian Premier Jeffrey Kennett has made excuses for his mate Ted Baillieu, saying

● Peter Ryan

that the Liberal-National coalition did not expect to get voted into office. That excuse no longer washes. On December 2, Ted Baillieu will have been in office as Victorian Premier for two years. Plenty of time in anyone’s language to take control. Mr Baillieu has spent much of his time in office, fighting with nurses over pay, at war with ambulance officers over their wages and conditions ... it is time for less focus on the money, and much more focus on the humanity. Otherwise, the Baillieu Government might soon get another surprise: that it did not expect to get voted out of office in its first term. - Ash Long

The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. Copyright © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT COURT REPORTS Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Melbourne Observer shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt or innocence should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

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Major General Frank Poke AO RFD ED PGM, Past Grand Master of Freemasons Victoria Like most organisations embedded in history, Freemasonry is adapting to reflect the changing world around it. Major General Frank Poke AO RFD ED PGM held the office of Grand Master from 1992 to 1994, at a time when the pressures of changing lifestyles, working couples, technology and the increased pace of life coincided with a decline in those seeking to become Freemasons. Now, with new membership enquiries on the rise again, what does Major General Poke see for the future of Freemasonry? "I became a Freemason 62 years ago. I knew a lot of people in the town and especially admired the ones who were Freemasons; their good work and their commitment to the community. I “I was a member of the Church of England and knew of the Freemasons' good works. Many of my friends from WWII joined the Freemasons as well. “The values of service, voluntary work, skills, benefiting the community and doing good for others were all qualities that I saw in the Freemasons and reflected my reasons for serving in WWII. “I've been a part of the United Services Lodge since 1973. The members are all officers of the armed services," he says. "Freemasonry is on the path of adapting to appeal to young men in the community today. It's a wonderful organisation - it is important to get this message across to those young men. "I hope that future members make the importance of the ideals of Freemasonry and service to others known to young men, so that they can carry it forward to the next generation. “It has been suggested that Freemasons are a 'group of people having secrets', but those 'secrets' are just ways of identifying each other. Freemasonry is a group of people with trust and shared interest. “No matter where you are in the world, as a Freemason you know that there are other Freemasons to connect with, who will view you as an equal, no matter your background. I hope that we continue our strong link with community, making sure that charitable support is reaching the community."

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Page 15

Melbourne People

‘Photo Finish’ Exhibition Crown Melbourne

PHOTO FINISH RE-INSTALLED AT CROWN ■ Crown's Photo Finish exhibition has been reinstalled for this year's Spring Racing Carnival. The exhibition is a celebration of racing and style coinciding with Fashion on the Fields 50th Anniversary. New portraits of Jesinta Campbell, Ann Peacock, and Tom and Hoda Waterhouse are alongside 27 other portraits. They will be on display until Sunday, November 18 at Crown Metropol. Photo Finish is an unrivalled collection of modern images drawn from the dignitaries, prominent jockeys, trainers, breeders, owners, officials, bookmakers, racing identities and celebrities. Returning to the exhibition is Melbourne Cup legend Bart Cummings, champion jockeys Frankie Dettori and Glen Boss, internationally renowned trainers Luca Cumani, Dermot Weld

and Gai Waterhouse, and New Zealand breeder, Sir Patrick Hogan. The exhibition brings together the work of leading photoraphers in Australia and from around the globe, each specially commissioned for the exhibition by Crown. Earl Carter, Tyler Stableford, Julian Kingma, Megan Cullen, Ellis Parrinder, Stephen Langdon, Toufic Araman, Daniel Mahon and John Tsiavis are just some of the artists that have captured these portraits. Stationed throughout Crown's Level One retail precinct at Crown Metropol, the resulting series of larger-than-life, highimpact portraits illustrate a range of styles and techniques, providing an window to view the heroes and legends of the race that stops a nation.

● Candice Goss and Melody Lee

● Francesca Cumani with Tom and Hoda Waterhouse

● Travis Burns and Laura Peric

● Megan Cullen and Ellis Parrinder

● Melissa Jackson and Lisa Quittner

● Michael Barrett and Prue Mahar

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

■ When I worked as a ‘lolly boy’ at my local picture theatre we were allowed to see the films on a Tuesday night for free. It was pay night and after interval we were smuggled into the back of the theatre in the darkness. I was about 12, I had to go to school the next day and walk home by myself in the dark. (after we had all stood for God Save The King). One night I distinctly remember seeing Gary Cooper as the brave western Marshall in High Noon - what an impression he made on this young ‘lolly boy’ in 1954. By the time I saw Gary Cooper he was almost at the end of his career. Frank James Cooper was born in Helena, Montana, in 1901 and he had an elder brother. His parents were English immigrants and his father was a farmer who later became a lawyer and then a judge. Frank learnt to ride horses on the farm and when his parents moved to Los Angeles in 1924 he went with them. He got work as an extra in silent films and signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. In 1925 he changed his name to Gary Cooper. Gary made his first sound film in 1929 and was in continuous work as a supporting actor and then in leading roles. In 1933 he married Veronica Balfe and they had a daughter. His breakthrough role came in 1936 when he played the title role in Mr Deeds

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Whatever Happened To ... Gary Cooper By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Goes to Washington. I asked Joan Leslie about her memories of working with Gary Cooper in the film Sergeant York in 1941 and Joan said that she was nervous at first but he put her at ease and she loved working with him. Gary Cooper was in Brisbane in 1943 and then toured Australia with Hollywood actress Una Merkel entertaining the US troops. His films included A Farewell to Arms, The Plainsman, The Lives Of A Bengal Lancer, Beau Geste, For Whom The Bell Tolls, The Pride Of The Yankees, Bright Leaf, Friendly Persuasion and The Wreck Of The Mary Deare. Gary and his wife Veronica separated in 1951 over his various affairs but re-united in 1954. His role as Marshall Will Kane in High Noon

● Gary Cooper won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He appeared in eight films with character actor Walter Brennan and his close friends included Bing Crosby, James Stewart and Ernest Hemmingway. Gary Cooper was a smart dresser and this is referred to in the lyrics of the Irving Berlin song Puttin'On The Ritz Dressed up like a million dollar trouper

Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper) In 1958 Gary Cooper had a private audience with Pope Pius XII at the Vatican and in the following year he became a Roman Catholic. The late Diane Cilento was in his final film The Naked Edge which was shot in England. Diane told me she felt that Gary had lost his enthusiasm for film making at that stage. Gary Cooper was diagnosed with cancer in1960. He was to return to Australia to star in The Sundowners but he had to pull out due to his illness and was replaced by Robert Mitchum. In his career he made 107 films, winning two Best Actor Academy Awards and five nominations. James Stewart accepted a special honorary Academy Award in 1961 on behalf of his friend, but a month later Gary Cooper passed away at the age of 60. We all loved Gary Cooper in his films and the likeable, quiet, good looking characters he played on screen resulted in him being rated the 11th Greatest Actor on The 50 Greatest Screen Legends list by the American Film Institute. - Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts

CHEWIE ON YOUR BOOT, AL GORE

■ Last week I reported on my mate's filming of the fiery twister - now there's been a new twist! After Chris Tangey's capture of the willy-willy at Curtin Springs went viral, he was approached by Al Gore's office. They apparently wanted to use the footage during some of his promotions on environmental topics. However, Chris had other ideas! He reckons that using this to discuss and indicate climate change would be deliberately deceptive. "I am confused as to why you would offer to buy a licence to use it at all unless you had conducted even elementary research which might indicate that this Mount Connor event had direct linkage to global warming/climate change". He was supported in this by Joel Lisonbee, of the NT Climate Services Centre. "There is no link between this event and climate change", he said, "just a dust devil in a fire". I don't know how much Chris was offered, but it was certainly "thanks but no thanks!" "It's difficult for me to imagine a fire event less relevant". So there, Mr. Gore - in your boot! ■ Whenever there is an over-abundance of feral and introduced animals, there's always a cull afoot. This is often the case in the Northern Territory, because there are so many feral pests roaming around. This time it's buffaloes and pigs which are destroying parts of the Katherine Gorge. Initially a couple of hundred buffaloes, and as many pigs as they can get, will be shot from helicopters. Then, a few weeks later it will be horses and donkeys in the Gregory National Park, 250 kms west of Katherine. All of these creatures are a nuisance to the environment, trampling over and wrecking native flora, and eating everything willy nilly. And the buffaloes wallow away, destroying swamps. And, of course, there are always howls of protest at the culling. In this case there are two aspects -the culling itself, then the fact that it's done from a helicopter, where there is a higher risk of missing a shot, and merely wounding the animal. There have been buffalo hunting

The Outback Legend

bounty on the Thylacine. That sure worked! Maybe kids could go out and collect them, just like they do aluminium cans, for a bit of pocket money. And recently a wag suggested a "toad for a green can swap" ie a toad for a can of VB! That'd eradicate them in no time!

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au

■ The first time I went to Coober Pedy I was entranced. But probably the most exciting aspect of the visit was that I spied three creatures which I had never seen before. Firstly, a marsupial hopping mouse, which was scurrying along the track in the glare of our headlights one night. Then there was a Knob-tailed Gecko, which I located hiding in a foothold in the side of the 80ft shaft which I was clambering down. I have always loved geckos but I'd been accustomed to smaller local varieties - this was about six inches long, with magnificent markings. Finally, a flash of colour in the morning sunshine heralded the Gouldian Finch. One of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen, it's abdomen is bright orange, topped with a purple chest and a bright powder blue head and a crimson face, bordered with black - a magnificent sight! I haven't seen any around Coober Pedy for years - probably the insidious cats and foxes. However they are breeding in a place called Yinberrie Hills, near Katherine. And, of course, a mining company wants to claim about 120 hectares of land - 1.8 per cent of this habitat. Birdlife Australia is up in arms about this. Surely there is room to share, a winwin compromise.

safaris with paying customers for years now, and their numbers, out of national parks, have been reduced markedly. And there was a recent suggestion that we should introduce similar paying cat safaris for international hunters to get rid of these ferals. I'll go along with that! ■ Toads yet again! There is a place near Darwin called the Homestead Jungle, and over a couple of recent nights Frogwatch toadmaster Graham Sawyer and his mates have trotted down there to bag as many of the creatures as they can. This group has been at it for a few years, but it seems that while they may be slowing the increase down, they don't have much success on actual eradication. They're still hopping about everywhere. There is one solution I don't think has been tried yet - a bounty. Just like there's now a bounty on foxes in Victoria, and that seems to be working, and there was once a similar successful situation with dingoes. And, years ago, there was also a

■ There are many artists in Alice Springs and they would often visit my store in the hope of selling their wares. This happened daily, and still does, everywhere in town. Usually I was very happy with this, and welcomed them, although I didn't always buy their paintings; but some I did, and they were good friends. There were also instances which frustrated me - a wife would come in with her paintings, and if I, or one of the girls, had bought one, the husband would be lurking outside and immediately grabbed the cash from her, heading for the pub.

● Al Gore

Then there were a few who were not welcome! If they tried to shoplift, or if they harassed my customers for cigarettes or money, or belligerently demand that they purchase their paintings, or abused them when they didn't, their welcome ran out! And one young lady actually attacked some of my Swiss tourists late one evening. There was one gentleman, actually a good mate, and whose paintings I loved, and often bought, I had to ban. He came in with his wife, an altercation arose, and rocks were flying around the shop amongst the glass showcases. He was unfortunately arrested last week for attacking her, stabbing her repeatedly after an apparent session on the metho. He won't be around for a while. - Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ Crooked cyclists, crooked jockeys and crooked politicians are all symptomatic of our world today so what hope do many Australians have? How long will it take and what it will cost to repair the damage inflicted by the worst government in our history? A tarnished Prime Minister backed by a dodgy Attorney-General and a front bench of tricky dicks have Australians wondering what will happen next and to make matters worse, most of the media confirm its left-wing credentials by attacking Abbott and the Coalition. Patriotism is sneered at by the usual suspects but we need an Abbott Government with people prepared to really stand up and be counted. Too many Coalition MPs have travelled the same road - university to electorate offices then the scramble for a safe seat that insulates them from the real world but intelligent people can correct their past and chart new courses. Abbott PM will have the authority and the power to demand that his MPs listen to those who are outside the party system but know a lot about the real world. Quickly weeding out the bad eggs in the bureaucracy will be the first priority and then the really hard work will begin.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - Page 17

Melbourne People

‘Hairspray’ Opening Night Catchment Players Darebin Arts, Preston Photos: Malcolm Threadgold

● Hairspray co-production managers Beverley Meldrum and Jeff Maxwell

● Hairspray Musical Director Andrew Houston

● Front-of-house managers Fiona Miller (left) and Simon and Elly Foster

● Marcus Cassidy-Anderson and Mark Spencer from Williamstown Musical Theatre Company, with Matthew Bebbington from the Melbourne Theatre Company

● Ellie Frangos with her mother Judy Frangos

● Nathan Phillips who came to support leading lady Philippa Chalke, chats with Katie Weston

● Felix Stuart and Nathan Napper

● Zak Brown with Adrienne George, who opens this week in Nova Music Theatre's 42nd Street

● Dawn Griffiths with daughter Annie, a Catchment Players junior performer

● Paul Ash and daughter Lauren

● Angie Bedford (Purely Pensive Productions) with Shane Sanfilippo (Waterdale Players)

● Hairspray set designer Jacob Battista.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Observer Readers’ Club

■ Melbourne’s Federation Square is celebrating its 10th anniversary. There were close to 10 million visits to the City location in the past year. The Square remains as one of the top two leading destinations for domestic and international visitors. But it is not all tourists, 60 per cent of visitation is from fellow A Birthday Bash is planned over the October 25-28 period, with a concert planned between 10am-10pm this Saturday (Oct. 27). Events include: ■ 10 Things for 10-year-olds to do for 10 minutes ■ Big Screen Gaming. Try two-up with your friends ■ Stickwork by Patrick Dougharty ■ Melbourne Architectural Annual at BMW Edge ■ Fed Square On Tap. Beer tasting. Microbreweries showcase ■ Celebrating Artists. ■ Student Film Showcase ■ 74 ABC Radio In Residence ■ Disco, Laugh, Knit ■ Fashion Hub: Proportion Distortion ■ Behind The Scenes Tours ■ Car Club Showcase ■ Salvos Sausage Sizzle. Sunday (Oct. 28). ■ Zelman Symphony Orchestra. There have been 17,000 events held at Fed Square in the past 10 years, with more than 100,000 people attending the New Years Eve celebrations. A Work Choices rally in 2005 attracted 150,000 people around the precinct. Some world record attempts held at Fed Square include: ■ World’s biggest Zorba dance, 2004 ■ World’s biggest Salsa dance, 2009 ■ World’s biggest Rocky Horror Time Warp, 2009. ■ The longest toilet queue, 2010.

Melbourne Photo Flashback

● Federation Square is this month celebrating its 10th anniversary. There are many Melburnians who remember the space with the Gas and Fuel buildings atop Princes Bridge

Life’s Lessons

Reader Recipes

■ “The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.” - Hippocrates

ARIES (MAR 21 - APR 20) You are in need of a break and if you don't listen to your body then you must at least think about your reputation.Romance requires a small apology. The sooner it's made the better. TAURUS (APR 21 - MAY 21) It's time to make contact with that person from last month, especially if you want to keep that reputation intact. Doing things properly now makes up for last months dramas. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You may have given the impression that you did not care for the venue that friends had in mind. Show you can be a team player. It's the key to romance hotting up. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) You may think that you are being left out of the plans that close ones are making but you must understand that none of us always manage to invite everyone to everything. LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Family that you thought to be easy going on your relationships are about to prove otherwise with probing questions asked this afternoon. Honesty can see them backing off surprisingly.Go on, give it a go. VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEPT 23) The problem is that you seem to have two sets of friends that you don't want to mix, but that you are no longer able to keep separate. Relax, you're in for a pleasant surprise! LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23) Money may have to be spent on a friend that you require as back up this week. Just make sure you know what is a loan and what is a gift financially. SCORPIO (OCT 24 - NOV 22) The stars are sure to give you plenty of reason to continue with the party mood that you will be adopting this month. Just remember to get serious about love. Games come back on you. SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) At least give yourself a pat on the back for this month's efforts. You have come a long way my friend and financial rewards are just around the corner. Confirmation of which is coming today. CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) The difficult aspects may put you off wearing what you originally had in mind for tonight but take a chance Aries, the person you have been hoping to bump into is sure to be impressed. AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) You have a lot of new and very exciting characters that are about to enter your life but it is important that you don't get love and lust confused. Work them out before you make a move. PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) You're slowly but surely realising what and who you want out of life. Good news Pisces. All you have to do now is cut free the situations you don't want.

FAX: 1-800 231 312 E-MAIL: editor@ melbourneobserver.com.au

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■ Spotted in a certain Editor’s office: ‘Teamwork: a lot of people doing things my way’.

■ Batrachomyomachy. Making a mountain out of a molehill.

■ What is the name for a collection of frogs?

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Event Of The Week

● For the races: Chicken Finger Sandwiches. Courtesy: taste.com.au Ingredients 2 cooked chicken breasts, roughly chopped 150g (1/2 cup) whole egg mayonnaise 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/3 cup chopped fresh mixed herbs (see note) salt and cracked black pepper 8 slices white bread, crusts removed Step 1 Combine the chicken, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mixed herbs, salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture over half the bread slices then top with the remaining slices. Step 2 Slice each sandwich into thirds to make three fingers. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Kids: Knock Knock Jokes Knock Knock Who's there? Aardvark! Aardvark who? Aardvark a hundred miles for one of your smiles! Knock Knock Who's there? Abbott! Abbott who? Abbott time you answered the door! Knock Knock Who's there? Abe! Abe who? Abe C D E F G H...! Knock Knock Who's there? Acid! Acid who? Acid down and be quiet! Knock Knock Who's there? Ada! Ada who? Ada burger for lunch!

■ A man in southern Germany has been reunited with his car some two years after forgetting where he parked it. Still in the boot, just where he had left them, were $51,600 worth of tools, including power drills and electric screwdrivers.

Birthdays/Celebrations

■ Wednesday, October 24. Radio traffic reporter Caroline Ferguson has a birthday today. Etihad Stadium boss Ian Collins is 70. Singer Bev Harrell is 64. Entertianer Simon Gallaher is 54. Actor Lincoln Lewis is 25. ■ Thursday, October 25. Observer reader David Palmer is 39. Melbourne girl Helen Reddy is 71. Singer Chrissie Amphlett is 58. Actress Lenore Smith is 58. ■ Friday, October 26. Observer reader Eric Jackson of Ivanhoe is 76. Singer Guy Sebastian was born in Malaysia in 1981 (31). Singer Keith Urban was born in New Zealand in 1967 (45). Observer readers Jenny Thompson and Lisa Williams celebrate today. ■ Saturday, October 27. Singer Beccy Cole was born as Rebecca Thompson in 1972 (40). Cricketer Mark Taylor was born in Leeton, NSW, in 1964 (48). ■ Sunday, October 28. Actor Terence Donovan was born in London in 1937 (75). Actor John Stanton was born in Brisbane in 1944 (68). ■ Monday, October 29. Tennis player Frank Sedgman was born in Mont Albert in 1927 (85). Actres Carol Burns (she played Frankie Doyle in Prisoner) is 65 today. Eddie McGuire is 48. ■ Tuesday, October 30. Observer reader Joan Miles of Ormond is 71. Australian singer Doug Parkinson was born in 1946 (66). Actor Garry McDonald is 64 (1948). Actor Stefan Dennis is 54 ((1958). Observer subscriber Mrs J Hardman of South Geelong is celebrating today.

Cheerios ■ Hello to Pim O’Brien, on the ‘getting better’ list at Epworth Freemasons Hospital, East Melbourne. ■ Cheerio to Jude Richardson, 10, on being selected as a Ringwood Hawks Under 14's rep basketball player. ■ A special remembrance for the 39th KIA special forces soldier that paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia. ■ Cheerio to Don Crawford, back in Melbourne