Melbourne Observer. June 17, 2015

Melbourne

Observer

TOP VALUE

$2

95

116 PAGES

8-DAY TV GUIDE INSIDE

NEW WBIZ ★ LIFES TYLE ★ TR AVEL ★ FEA TURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT NEWSS ★ SHO SHOWBIZ LIFESTYLE TRA FEATURES

Melbourne

Observer

Ph 1800 231 311 Fx 1800 231 312 ISSN 1447 4611

S TATE EDITION Vol 47 No 1602 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

$2.95

WINTER WARMER TRAVEL AD FEATURE

including GST

STRANGE JOURNEY

June 2015 specials: see Page 2

www. darwinsbarrabase.com.au

Mattresses Galore

Cnr High St & Tooronga Rd, Malvern Phone: (03) 9822 9057.

Fax: (03) 9822 9821 www.mattressesgalore.com.au info@mattressesgalore.com.au 10% EXTRA DISCOUNT FOR MENTIONING MELB. OBSERVER Details: see ‘Observer Trader’

PHOTO BY: ASH LONG

● Melbourne Observer columnist Kevin Trask interviewed showbiz legend Bert Newton on the Comedy Theatre stage for the opening of The Rocky Horror Show for a four-week season.

Report on Page 5. Opening night photos are on Page 8.

BEACH BOYS

MERIMBULA, NSW

2015 VACANCIES AVAILABLE

BEACH ST APARTMENTS 1 Beach St, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 2205 w w w.beachs tr eetapartments.net.au treetapartments.net.au .beachstr

TURN TO ‘OBSERVER TRADER’

Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments

Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!

Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au

or ring 1800 629 179

THE GREA T GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s T O ‘60s TO Streaming through the Web PHONE: 6 9572 146 1466

goldenda ysr adio goldenday sradio adio..com

See Observer Trader

TILCO

WHOLESALERS TO FARMERS AND CONTRACTORS

Manufacturers and distributors of an extensive range of tillage equipment and components Phone: (07) 4633 0624 Mobile: 0422 399 544 www.tilco.com.au barry@tilco.com. au

See ad in ‘Observer Trader’

● Melbourne promoter Denis Smith is bringing the Beach Boys to the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on November 18. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, 136 000.

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 3

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 5

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Complaints file followed Observer teacher: Tribunal hears In This 116-Page Edition

Theatre: A bit of Shush!, please ........... Page 6 Travel and Wine: David Ellis reports ...... Page 10 Tribunal: Builder reprimanded ............. Page 11 Hollywod: Gavin Wood reports ............. Page 13 Kevin Trask: Larry Parks profile .......... Page 14 Showbiz: On This Day ...................... Page 36 Sport: Greyhounds latest news ........... Page 42 Harness Racing: Len Baker’s column ... Page 44 68-page Observer Trader liftout 8-day TV liftout, starts Page 15 Observer Classic Books, starts Page 19 Radio Confidential Country Music Local Theatre Mega Crossword

‘It is a night out we are going to remember for a very long time’

● The Rocky Horror Show opened at the Comedy Theatre on Sunday ■ The Rocky Horror Show returned to Mel- the interviews Bert acknowledged the supbourne with a stunning opening night ath port of the Melbourne Observer.

As we stood onstage Bert told me it was a Comedy Theatre on Sunday night.

I have been attending media calls for stage joy to perform in this wonderful theatre and shows here in Melbourne for the past 25 years fondly remembers when his sister Alice used and it was a pleasure to also be at the call on to bring him as a young boy to see shows at the Comedy.

Friday.

We talked about how Graham Kennedy It was just great to watch the cast do the Time Warp and other numbers from the show loved stage musicals and Bert told me that he as the television cameras and newspaper pho- was surprised that Graham did not take up the offers that were made to him to appear in tographers captured publicity images. \ This is a return season for the show and shows such as Sugar Babies and How To SucCraig McLachlan was in fine form as Frank ceed In Show Business Without Really Trying.

N Furter.

On reflection Bert thinks that perhaps GraCraig has two doctors in his life these days - Dr Frank N Furter and Dr Lucien Blake. ham was more comfortable in a television The Dr Blake Mysteries is one of my favourite studio.

Bert is looking great and said that although TV shows and has been renewed for 2016.

Amy Lehpamer is playing Janet and has the costumes in the show are wonderful, he just been cast as Maria in the forthcoming sometimes looks out into the theatre and is amazed to see what is being worn by the audiproduction of The Sound of Music.

Stephen Mahy (Kenickie in Grease) plays ence.

Let’s all put our hands on our hips and take Brad and there is a strong supporting cast in a step to the right … as The Rocky Horror this production.

Highlight of the media call was to have a Show returns to Melbourne for a limited seachat with the man I have admired for many son.

Bookings can be made at years - Bert Newton.

Bert plays the role of the narrator. During ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 111 011.

- Kevin Trask

Writing award for Barry

■ Australian writer Barry Creyton has won a Noel Coward Society award.

Creyton, who now lives in Los Angeles, was awarded the £1000 prize for his parody, Private Wives, a sketch written originally for his Australiantelevision show in the 1980s.

It was the first Coward writing competition since an essay contest in 1932.

● Barry Creyton

Creyton received the award from Stephan Duckham at a ceremony in London.

The Society is the largest international organisation celebrating the life and work of Noël Coward, English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise".

Observer Showbiz Showbiz

■ Victorian teacher Geoffrey Stewart assumed that a complaint file against him would not be circulated after he reached a settlement with the Department od Education and Training.

Stewart lost his victimisation allegation against the Department, when it went before Noreen Megay, Senior Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Stewart sought monetary compensation.

Stewart was employed as a teacher. at an independent school.

“It seems there were some complaints made in relation to his conduct at that school and the matter veentually found its way to a formal disciplinary hearing panel,” Ms Megay said. He is understood to have been dismissed from that position.

Stewart was employed at a government school in the Goulburn Valley. The Victorian Institute of Teaching had determined in 2005 that he was “fit to remain as a teacher”, and although eight out of nine allegations against him were substantiated, the teacher’s behaviour did not amount to serious misconduct.

Stewart maintained that no finding had been made against him.

Stewart commenced at Ballarat Secondary College, and his personnel file which included details of some earlier formal proceedings. Complaints were later made about Stewart’s conduct.

Stewart went on extended sick leave and never returned to the school.

Stewart later transferred to Upwey Secondary College, where complaints were also lodged. Stewart alleged harassment, bullying and victimisation at the hands of some of his colleagues.

It was alleged that Stewart behaved in a “disgraceful, improper and unbecoming manner”, failed to maintain professional boundaries with students, failed to observe professional confidentiality, and failed to provide proper order and discipline.,

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Punched 2 women ■ Alex Hernandez, 38, of Geelong. punched his two adult stepdaughters in the face after they told him off for swearing in front of their elderly grandmother. He has been fined $2500, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Cop assaulted ■ A Heyfield policeman assisting Sale colleagues was taken to hospital with a fractured nose after he was allegedly assaulted by a 45year-old local man, reports the Gippsland Times.

Drugs: 44 accused ■ The number of people charged in a multimillion dollar drug operation running out of Wangaratta last year has now risen to 44, reports The Chronicle. A Wangaratta man, 28, was charged with trafficking and conspiracy to traffic methamphetamines. A Beechworth man, 31, was charged with trafficking drugs of dependence including cocaine, methamphetamines and cannabis.

Historic charges ■ Anthony James Pitt, 58, has has appeared in court accused of a series of historic violentassaults and sex offences in Mildura and Frankston, reports the Sunraysia Daily.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Showers. 9°-14° Thurs. Showers. 7°-12° Fri. Partly cloudy. 7°-12° Sat. Partly cloudy. 5°-13° Sun. Partly cloudy. 7°-13°

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE T OP 5 C OMMENT S TOP COMMENT OMMENTS HEARD A T THE AT EDELSTEN WEDDING 5. "He looks like Mr Whippy".

4. "Sportsbet has offered 100 bucks back if there's no score tonight.”

3. "I reckon she's shampooed in Fanta.”

2. "She said 'I do', he said "I'll do the best I can".

1. "Room Service ...Yes certainly ... one bottle of Moet, two serves of strawberries, and a set of jumper-leads".

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Honoured

● Grant Alley ■ CLOC Musical Theatre’s Grant Alley was recognised in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), for his service to the performing arts, particularly theatre.

Grant has dedicated 46 years to CLOC Musical Theatre, including being a member of the production team since 1969, a Committee member since 1970, CLOC’s Technical Director since 1974, and company President between 1990 and 2015.

He is currently serving as CLOC’s Treasurer.

Grant’s many years of time and expertise dedicated to the theatre community at large has been acknowledged by this honour.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Premiere

■ Human Sacrifice Theatre will present the Australian premiere of Brett C. Leonard’s The Long Red Road, from July 29-August 9 at fortyfive-downstairs.

The Long Red Road is a powerful story of addiction and its lasting effects on the addicted and those that love them.

The Long Red Road is a journey through the desert of selfdestruction and six tormented souls that charter these dark territories. It features Lee Mason, Mark Diaco, Liza Meagher, Marissa O'Reilly and Anjelica Angwin.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer

Ash

The Showbiz Bible

Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula

A bit of Shush, please

Melbourne

Observer

The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, 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 Ash Long.

Copyright © 2015, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN) 096 680 063).

■ Mike Brady will be special guest at the Australian Marquee Entertainment Luncheon Club to be held at the Marquee Lounge Bar, Toorak, on Wednesday, June 24. The luncheon is an invitation-only event,

Niteart in Melbourne

● Josh Robbins (pictured) will be part of artist interactions and live music at Flinders Lane Gallery while working on his signature birds, inviting visitors to create their own blind contour drawing on paper sheets that drape the gallery walls. Cheryl Threadgold has more details on Nite Art on Page 43.

● Hayley Lawson-Smith, Janis Schneider, Jodie Sibley, Jeanne Snider and Carol Shelbourn in Shush!.

Photo: Deryk McAlpin ■ In Dublin, Breda (Jeanne dialogue is predictable and folSnider), about to be made re- lows a well-worn path.

Set designer Steve dundant from her job, sits at Karandais provides a great set home depressed.

Her husband has run off to work with, but there is no use with the temp and her only child, made of it.

There is no real action, the Colm, has moved to New York.

The last thing she wants is play unfolds from the two sofas vertically placed facing to celebrate her birthday.

Despite her protestations each other from where the acher friends, Marie (Carol tors, seated, deliver their lines.

For most of the play the auShelbourn) and her daughter dience sees some of the actors Clare (Hayley Lawson-Smith), Irene (Janis Schneider) and and the backs of the others.

That said, there are many Ursula (Jodie Sibley), are dethings to like about Peridot’s termined to mark the occasion production of Irish playwright, arriving with cake and a copi- Elaine Murphy’s Shush. ous amount of alcohol.

The Irish accents were exOver the course of the cellent. The ensemble cast are evening, and many Bacardis all fine actors who work hard and vodkas, the mood changes to bring the play to life and, on from cajoling and happy ban- the whole, they succeed. ter to squabbling and tears as a Janis Schneider and Jodie few home truths are traded.

Sibley, in particular, both While it is refreshing to see brought humour and empathy a contemporary play featuring to their roles. an all-female cast, it is disapPerformance Season: Unpointing that its focus is such a til June 27 tired theme: women as victims Venue: Unicorn Theatre, once again and defined by their Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley male partners.

Bookings: 1300 138 645 or No new insights are re- www.peridot.com.au vealed; we are firmly placed - Review by in familiar territory. Most of the Kathryn Keeble

In town

■ Normie Rowe will perform at a special black-tie RACVAnniversary show and seafood dinnerat 501 Bourke St, Melbourne on Saturday, July 4.

■ Victorian Opera’s Sweeney Todd will open on Friday, July 17 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse.

■ The opening night of The Production Company’s West Side Story will be celebrated at the State Theatre, Arts Centre, Melbourne, at 7.30pm on Saturday, July 11. It is the company’s 50th show.

Fool For Love ■ Part of the experience in attending a Q44 Theatre production is wending your way through the artists’ gallery and storage facilities on the upper floor of an old converted warehouse.

It is here that you will find a simple and basic theatre where dedicated actors of the Q44 method acting studio exercise their craft.

Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love, directed by Gabrielle RoseCarter, is as primitive and raw as the simple set and makeshift seating.

May (Rebecca Fortuna) and Eddie (Mark Davis) are caught in a destructive relationship to which both are bound and both compelled to return.

The reason for this is linked to the presence of the Old Man (Sam Allen) whose take on reality challenges the audience to question the truth behind May and Eddie’s relationship.

The hapless Martin (William Prescott) provides a simple counterpoint as he struggles to understand a couple caught by their past, their passion and their delusions.

This is not a play for the faint-hearted. The intensity between May and Eddie is relentless and a challenge for any actor.

Obsessive passion, insecurity and physical threat have to be balanced in the character portrayals, on top of the demands of theAmerican accents and idiom, but Rebecca and Mark fulfilled their roles admirably.

William, as an innocent interloper, had to be both bemused and a viable presence. In many ways he is us, the audience, caught trying to interpret the truth behind the story.

Sam’s guilt ridden alcoholic character united the threads of the play as his character’s past explains the present.

Q44 provides an opportunity to see performers grapple with the challenges of their craft and hone their skills.

Shepard’s Fool for Love, provides them with the perfect opportunity to do so.

Fool for Love is on at Q44 Theatre, 550 Swan St, Richmond until June 28.

Tickets: $35/$27.

Bookings: www.q44.com.au/foolforlove - Review by David McLean

Around Melbourne

■ A media call will be held this morning (Wed.) at the Circus Oz Big Topat Birrarung Marr ahead of the But Wait…There’s More season.

■ A new exhibition to mark the centenary of Australian Red Cross will be held at the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders St, Melbourne from July 1 to October 25. General Museum Admission: $12 for adults and free for children up to 16 years.

● Mark Davis (Eddie) and Rebecca Fortuna (May) in Fool For Love.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 7

Showbiz News

‘Funny Girl’ in Ringwood Briefs Debate

● Gillian Triggs ■ Federal Parliament Speaker Bronwyn Bishop clashed with Human Rights Commissioner Gillian Triggs on ABC-TV’s Q&A. Bishop accused Triggs of being a “political puppet”.

Ice-cold

■ Mountain District Music Society presents Funny Girl at the Karralyka Theatre, Mines Rd, Ringwood East until Saturday (Juen 20) at 2 pm and 8pm.

Funny Girl is a semi-biographical musical based on the life and early career of Broadway film star Fanny Brice.

The story opens backstage at the New Amsterdam Theatre during the early 1920s, where Ziegfeld Follies star Fanny Brice waits the release of her husband, entrepreneur and gambler, Nick Arnstein, from prison.

This can only be described as a fabulous show with all the glitz and glamour of more expensive shows, performed admirably by the cast of MDMS and designed and directed by Tyler Hess who also costumed the production with lavish costumes the like of which you very rarely see in the suburbs.

Jaclyn DeVincentis (Fanny Brice)and NickArnstein (Daniel Mottau) were superb in their roles.

Lindy Yeates (Mrs Brice), Liam Kilgour (Eddie Ryan), Dot Parker (Mrs Strakosh) and Phil Lambert (Florenz Ziegfeld) all gave excellent portrayals of their roles.

The whole cast of this show needs to be applauded for their great performances.

Congratulations Tyler Hess for another great show.

Funny Girl, continues each Thursday – Saturday until June 20 at 8pm, and a matinee on Saturday (June 20) at 2pm.

For bookings call Karralyka Box Office on 8979 2933, Monday- Frida,y 9.30am to 4.30pm. ● Daniel Mottau (Nick Arnstein) and Jaclyn - Review by Brian Amos, DeVincentis (Fanny Brice) in Funny Girl, in Radio Eastern 98.1Theatre Program Ringwood.

Quirky, silly Spamalot

● Julia Gillard ■ Ex-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has accused Julia Gillard of agreeing to a deal, but only minutes later deciding to force him from office. The accusation was made in the second episode of the Killing SeasononABCTV.

Seriously

■ Foxtel is investing $77 million to obtain a 15 per cent share in the Ten Network.

Ten will become a 10 per cent shareholder in the Presto video-ondemand service, subject to the approval of theACCC.

■ Monty Python fans should definitely not miss MLOC’s Spamalot, playing at the Pheonix Theatre until June 20.

Even those unfamiliar with the Python’s ridiculous retelling of King Arthur’s search for the holy grail and his encounters in Camelot will find much amusement from this (practically) laugh-a-minute show.

A confident and capable company have been well cast to present true-to-Python-humour puns and silly jokes, and the cute, quirky choreography by Keir Jasper brings out the best in singable musical numbers like Not Yet Dead, Knights of the Round Table, and Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

Director Jane Court makes great use of a small-scale stage and, showing her love and understanding of Monty Python, manages to wring every aspect of Python humour out of each moment in the show without killing it.

The set, designed by Jane Court and Sally Fleming, is also well utilised.

Melbourne Observations

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Sir Bevedere (Daryl Stevenson) at left, King Arthur (Sam Marzden), Sir Galahad (Ben Moody) and Sir Lancelot (Matt Bearup) in Spamalot.

Photo: Trevor Lowther Whilst the orchestra is not quite One, sung by the men, sounds amazing. tight in all places, and the ensemble Lisa Nightingale as Lady of the members are always difficult to Lake doesn’t quite reach the largerhear, the outstanding performances than-life-character you expect, and of the actors in their lead roles more her spectacular voice is often a little than make up for any small hitches off pitch, but this could have been that might, and do, arise. opening night jitters.

Sam Marzden, as King Arthur, She does a good job. Her rendiis fantastic from the first moment. tion of What Happened To My Part He fills the character with naive is funny. charisma, is very funny, and has a Performances: Thurs June 18 – wonderful voice.

Fri June 19, 8pm; Sat ., June 20, 2pm Nick Rouse (Patsy), Ben Moody and 8pm (Sir Galahad), Matt Bearup Venue: Phoenix Theatre, 101 (Lancelot) and Matthew Hadgraft Glenhuntly Rd, Elwood (Sir Robin) are each fantastic in Bookings: www.mloc.org.au/ their differing roles, also with good spamalot/ or 03 9551 7514 comedic timing and great voices.All For - Deborah Marinaro

Abuse in the showbiz arena ■ The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse would like to hear from anyone who has experienced, or has information regarding, child sexual abuse in institutions in the entertainment industry.

Institutions within the Royal Commission’s scope may include television networks, film and television production companies, theatrical production companies, dance, drama and performing arts schools or colleges, casting agencies or any other company, agency or organisation, public or private involved in the entertainment industry.

THE BARREL ‘Never pick a fight with a man who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the ton.’

VCAT ‘holds no truck’ FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

● A Foton truck ■ A Foton short wheel base truck purchased from Preston Motors for just under $30,000 did not come up to the owner’s expectations, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribubal has heard.

The purchase, Australian Rong Hua Fu Pty Ltd, said it made it known to Preston Motors that it wanted a reliable truck to deliver stone.

There were problems for about a month and Preston Motor repaired problems, with assistance from Foton Trucks, a division of AtecoAutomotive Pty Ltd. Later problems included clutch failure, radiator damage (due to stone), and battery failure.

Australian Rong Hua Fu Pty Ltd told Preston Motors that it wanted to return the truck, but this was refused.

Ateco and Preston Motors were asked for a full refund and $1099 compensation Tribunal Senior Member Ian Proctorheard there were brake prfoblems, a loose dashboard and gearstick, a collant leak, faulty steering, and needed a replacement seatbelt stalk.

Mr Proctor said none of the issues were a “major failure” requiring a full refund.

“The reasonable consumer in business is aware such failures will be repaired under warranty and takes the risk.

“Neither do any of these individual failures make the truck substantially unfit for purpose.”

Jekyll and Hyde

● Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Jemma Rix ■ Teddy Tahu Rhodes will star in Jekyll & Hyde, which will play from December 8 at the Princess Theatre , followed by a season in Sydney.

Jemma Rix, who was catapulted to stardom in the role of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) in the Australian production of Wicked, will portray Lucy, the star of the Red Rat brothel’s burlesque show.

Lucy Maunder, nominated for a Helpmann Award for her roles in both Dr Zhivago and Grease, will play Jekyll’s fiancée Emma Carew.

Other lead performers will include Keala Settle as Nellie, Barry Langrishe as Sir Danvers Carew, Jennifer Vuletic as Lady Beaconsfield and Philip Dodd as Spider and Poole.

The ensemble includes Annie Aitken, Bianca Baykara, Damien Bermingham, Andrew Broadbent,Tony Farrell, Courtney Glass, Georgina Hopson, Joe Kosky,Andrew Kroenert,Adam Lyon, Noni McCallum, Adele Parkinson, Chris Scalzo, Karla Tonkich, Dean Vince and Sophie Wright.

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Melbourne People

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Opening Night The Rocky Hooror Show. Comedy Theatre Photos: Ash Long

● Promoter John Frost and Tim McFarlane

● Natalie Williams, Erica Mofat and Rosie Moffat

● Kess Huggins and Hayden Andiras

● John and Laurel McTeienan

● Barbara Harper and Alfie Duran

● Raija Reissenberger and Frank Howson

● Fiona Byrne and Julie Kiriacoudis

● Luke Dennehy and Alice Villella

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 9

Love This City! with with

Fiona Byrne Guest Columnist

Jurassic Park opens

■ The Jurassic Park dinosaurs have eaten up the film competition to score the biggest worldwide box office opening weekend ever with the latest episode in the franchise.

Jurassic World raked in a whopping $661 million globally in its debut weekend, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

Jurassic World takes viewers back to the island theme park where scientists first revived a band of dinosaurs for paying customers more than two decades ago.

Jurassic World earned $130 million in China and $264.9 million in North America, and topped the box office in 66 countries.

A red carpet premiere for the film was held in Melbourne last week with guests including Nicky Buckley, Catherine McClements, Simone Callahan, Janet Roach and Gamble Breaux.

● Far left: Jackson Warne with his mum, Simone Callahn at the Jurassic World red carpet. ● At right: Nicky Buckley and son Baxter Bingham Photos: Fiona Hamilton

Rocky Horror

Reno Rumble at Seddon

■ With winter arriving with gusto and the early fall of night, thank goodness there has been some decent television to watch of late.

I have been particularly enjoying Channel Nine's renovation show Reno Rumble - a clever format that brings together experienced reality renovating couples from The Block and Channel Seven's House Rules.

The contestants are divided into two teams, he Redbacks and the Bluetongues, and set about renovating a house each, every week, for six weeks.

Each week an elimination whittles down the ● Jess and Ayden Hogan, with Nicole, number of contestants until there is just one Harriet, Charlotte and Robert Byrne at couple from the Redbacks and one from the the Reno Rumble grand final brunch.

Bluetongues left to renovate their grand final Photo: Fiona Hamilton houses.

The inner-west suburb of Seddon has been make-over.

The workload was enormous, the challenge he site of the grand final match off between Redbacks Ayden and Jess and Bluetongues presented to both couples was extraordinary, and as seen so far on the show, the results have been Leighton and Carly.

Identical houses in a small street not far from outstanding.

Channel Nine hosted a Reno Rumble grand Seddon village were chosen for the weeklong

Anything goes with Anything Goes ■ I raved about the stage show Anything Goes a couple of weeks ago and I am going to keep on raving about it.

This is a brilliant show and so worth seeing. It is a classic show done with class by producer John Frost and Opera Australia.

Key cast members Todd McKenney, Wayne Scott Kermond, Clair Lyon, and Alex Rathgeber took part in an `’in conversation'’ afternoon tea hosted by 3AW's David Mann at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins last Tuesday.

The four shared some behind the scenes insights from the hit production, with McKenney reflecting on why it was a success.

“The cast of the show is the real key to the success of it. We have as much fun backstage as on stage,'' he said while paying particular tribute to the show's brilliant leading lady Caroline O'Connor. ``The other secret is Cole Porter. This has been around since 1936 and a show does not hang around that long unless it is a good show.''

McKenney plays Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, and with glasses, a hat and impressive wig is well disguised - possibly too well disguised for some audience members.

McKenney revealed an audience member had complained following a recent show

● Alex Rathgener, Claire Lyon, David Mann, Tood McKenney and Wayne Scott Kermond Photo: Fiona Hamilton that she had come to see the production because of him and was disappointed he was not on stage that day.

“Where's Todd?'' she asked, only to be told he had performed in character as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. McKenney celebrated his 50th birthday on the show's opening night.

“I thought it was nice that John Frost put on a party for 2000 people for me,'' he joked, adding ``50 is the new 49. It is just a number, I love it.''

final brunch at the grand final houses on Monday, with the homeowners opening up their stunning renovated properties to the media.

It was a real treat to be taken through the home renovated by Ayden and Jess and to hear of the challenges they faced as they battled to transform the property in a crushingly tight time frame.

I do at this point need to declare a personal interest in this show. The house renovated by the Redbacks is my brother's home.

His daughters Charlotte, 3, and Harriet, 18 months, were particularly excited by the grand final brunch.

They think the world of Ayden and Jess and are quiet taken with Scott Cam, or Scotty The Cam as they call him.

Reno Rumble is genuine family friendly TV, that has brought together a cast of lovely, clever and talented contestants who perform miracle home makeovers in a matter of days.

The results are life changing for many of the homeowners.

Farmer’s Wife

■ Casting is underway for the rebooted Channel Nine production The Farmer Wants A Wife.

The rural dating series had great success as an TV matchmaker, producing eight marriages, nine babies and three long-term relationships during the eight series that it ran.

Now after an extended break, Nine is bringing the show back with a new group of farmers searching for love.

Producers FremantleMedia Australia are now casting for single women seriously looking for love, with the opportunity to perhaps find the man of their dreams.

Finding genuine and everlasting love could be as easy as logging on to The Farmer Wants A Wife website and checking out the video profiles of the farmers.

Some of the lonely hearts on the land include Adam, 25, a dairy farmer in Drouin South, who adores his three dogs and spending time with his three sisters; Scott, 36, from Culcairn in NSW who owns a sheep and crop property and loves playing sport; and Darren, 33, who grew up in Perth but now lives on a crop and livestock farm in Bakers Hill, Western Australia.

To apply go to www.farmerwantsawife. com.au Applications close on Sunday, June 28. ● Fiona Byrne is a former journalist and is the Public Relations Manager at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.

Fiona@fionabyrne.com.au

■ What an absolute delight it was to see Bert Newton back on stage, holding the spotlight and receiving rousing applause from the audience at the opening night of the return season of The Rocky Horror Show.

Sunday night's performance proved two things - Melbourne loves Bert and Craig McLachlan has made the role of Frank N Furter his own.

He plays with the audience with his cheeky adlibs and he works banter with the crowd into his role with complete ease.

But back to Bert. As the show's narrator, the Bert has just enough to do.

He appears on stage a number of times, knitting scenes together and directing the flow of the story.

He grooves with the ensemble cast on several occasions and let's just say for a 76-yearold he has a great set of pins.

Bert's most recent stage role, prior to Rocky Horror, was as Vince Fontaine in last year's revival of Grease.

This role suits him better, giving him more to do, along with more of a sense of authority.

It appears to be a winning casting move too, with the opening night audience very much on his side.

And Bert looks as though he is loving being part of such a fun, crazy, over-the-top show. The Rocky Horror Show is playing at the Comedy Theatre with tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 1300 111 011.

Strictly Ballroom

■ Strictly Ballroom The Musical will close in Melbourne in August.

The show's final performance will be Friday, August 28, before it heads to Brisbane for a season that opens in September.

The show opened in Melbourne at Her Majesty's Theatre on January 17 to rapturous reviews and a thrilling opening night party at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins that starred Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin.

The stage show was developed by the original creative team behind the classic 1992 film, including director and co-writer Luhrmann, set and costume designer Martin, choreographer John ‘Cha Cha’ O’Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce.

Playing the pivotal roles of ‘Scott Hastings’ and ‘Fran’ are Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos who lead an outstanding Australian cast of 43.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart and features songs such as Love Is In The Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and Time After Time.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Travellers’Good Buys

with David Ellis

Two billion ways to spread the word

■ WHEN a couple of quiet commercial travellers were forced to share a room in the Central House Hotel in Boscobel in Wisconsin in late 1898 because it had been over-booked for a gathering of boisterous lumberjacks, they weren’t to know that it was to result in the formation of one of the world’s most extraordinarily pro-active Christian groups, and yet conversely its most publicity-shy.

Because after those two men, John H. Nicholson and Samuel E. Hill realised they shared strong Christian beliefs and values, they went on to found an organisation of support for others in their profession who spent long and lonely hours away from families, living from hotel room to hotel room as they flogged their wares along the highways and by-ways of America.

And in July 1899 that small but growing group met to formally create an organisation they would call the Gideons. And five years later, to provide spiritual comfort for all travellers – be they commercial, professional, holidaymaker or otherwise – they agreed that each man would contribute towards the cost of a Bible to be placed at the Reception Desks of every hotel at which they stayed.

Then in 1908 when meeting in Louisville, Kentucky they voted to go even further than a Bible at every Reception Desk – they would put one in

● The first 25 of the world’s 2-billion Gideon Bibles to go into hotel rooms were placed here in the Superior Hotel in Montana in 1908.

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

Tasie’s ripper riesling ■ A ripper Riesling out of Tasmania’s Pipers Brook Vineyard is their 2014 that’s a great match now with Thai pork stir-fry – or give it a little more bottle age through to the end of the year, and you’ll find it marvellous in the party room with Festive Season finger-foods such as salt and pepper squid or whitebait fritters.

The company’s flagship white, this elegant drop with its intensity of aroma and flavour reflects all that is so rewarding about the cool, maritime climate of the West Tamar sub-region of Tasmania’s north. And for Pipers Brook in 2014 conditions were nearperfect for flowering and fruit set in December, to be followed by a long warm Summer and mild Autumn that resulted in small bunches of berries loaded with ripe and concentrated fruit flavours.

This is a wine for true Riesling buffs, steely and awash with flavours of green apples and nectarines, lemon notes, and with minerality, slate and great acidity. A buy-now, enjoy-now drop, it will equally reward with some time in the cellar.

Pay $34 and match with those food suggestions above, or anything Asian with a light spiciness to it. Go to www.pipersbrook.com for help with finding local suppliers.

One to note ■ When Aussie beef lovers make a Cabernet Sauvignon one of the country’s most sought-after reds to go with their favourite cut, it’s saying something when the winemaker says he’s let-loose his “most accomplished release to date...”

But that’s what Hamish MacGowan’s had to say of his 2013 Angus the Bull Cabernet Sauvignon, a drop made from fruit hand-selected off some of the most outstanding vineyards in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley (69%,) Heathcote (15%,) Strathbogie Ranges (10%) and Central Victoria (6%.)

Medium to full-bodied, this is a cracker red that’s all about overflowing blackberry and mulberry flavours and firm tannins, and at a $22 made purely to put on the table with whatever’s your favourite steak.

Pictured ■ Great match with Thai pork stirfry.

■ Made purely to put on the table with whatever’s your favourite steak.

in every room, of every hotel in America. The first 25 went into the rooms of the Superior Hotel in the boisterous little mining town of Superior, Montana and were paid for by one devout Gideon, Archie Bailey.

Today, 117 years since that fateful night on which Nicholson and Hill found themselves thrown together in September 1898, the Gideons now comprise over 300,000 Christian business and professional men and their wives in 193 countries world-wide.

And they’ve placed over 2-billion free Bibles and Testaments in 93 languages into places as diverse as 1- to 5-star hotels, motels and hostels, in hospitals and nursing homes, military camps, Polar-exploration bases, aboard cruise ships… and in police and prison cells housing those from overnight drunks to others awaiting the death sentence.

And currently at an extraordinary two Bibles every second.

Initially members of the Gideons met the costs of the Bibles themselves, but later Christian churches began contributing to the cause as well.

And in our own lifetime of travel scribbling, we’ve found only three hotels in Christian countries that did not have a Gideons Bible in their rooms.

The first was on Vancouver Island in Canada, where our hotel GM said he’d told the Gideons they could put a Bible in every room – if they also gave a book of worship for every other major religion.

“They didn’t of course. But we relented,” he said. “And while not in each room, we do have Gideons Bibles available at Reception.”

The second was in New York City where our hotel offered us a complimentary pet goldfish in a bowl during our stay, but not a Gideon’s Bible… the hotel’s remarkable explanation being that “society evolves.”

And more-bizarrely, at Cunnamulla in Queensland a local hotelier said that while there may not be a Bible at every bedside, they did have one for every room.

“But they’re kept in the office,” she told us. “At weekends when cattle station blokes come into town, some would rip the rice paper pages out of our Bibles because they reckoned they made the best roll-your-owns… now there’s a note in rooms saying they can borrow a Gideons from the office if in spiritual need.”

The press-shy Gideons neither seek publicity, solicit funds publicly, nor promote themselves commercially, and while it took 93 years to 2001 to distribute their first 1-billion Bibles it took only 14 years from 2002 to 2015 for their second billion.

And the big question so many ponder is: Do people actually read those Gideons’ Bibles placed in so many diverse places around the world?. The answer, the Gideons tell us, is Yes – some 25% of those who find themselves in establishments with a Gideons actually picking-up and reading some part of it.

(If you are wondering the name, it was chosen after Gideon who, in the Bible was willing to do all that God wanted him to do, regardless of his own thoughts as to its subsequent re-

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 11

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

ASIC bans promoter of non-existent fund

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

Luke Jacobz charged

■ The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has banned Paul Duncan from providing financial services for four years after an investigation found he had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.

ASIC's concerns related to false or misleading representations that appeared on the website of Active Captial Managers Pty Ltd in relation to 'Exalt Managed Futures Fund'.

Duncan has been the sole director of ACM since February, 2011.

ASIC was concerned that the representations were false or misleading because they were likely to give the impression that: ■ the 'Exalt Managed Futures Fund' existed, and was issued by Exalt Global Fund Limited, the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licensee, ■ was fully regulated, and ■ was trading at low risk whilst generating high returns.

ASIC says, that n fact: ■ the fund did not exist, nor was it ever in existence, ■ the fund did not operate under any financial services licence,

VCAT’s correction ■ The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has issued a varied determination about lawyer Dean E. Jones.

Senior Tribunal Member Jonathan Smithers said the reasons were corrected at the request of Jones and Michael McGarvie, the Legal Services Commissioner, after the decision was handed down because “there are two practitioners in Victoria named ‘Dean Jones’.

“The correction is to confirm that this decision refers to Mr Dean Eastwood Jones.”

Dean E. Jones was brought before the Tribunal on allegations of professional misconduct, with the claim that he had acted for six related defendants in Supreme Court litigation for a six month period having only received instrictions to act for two of them.

The debt recovery legal action had been brought by the Bank of Queensland. Jones did njot take authority sufficient steps to gain appropriate authority from Andrew Young, Pet Stylez Australia Pty Ltd, Neville Young and Cheryl Young..

Dean E. Jones was found guilty of professional misconduct, reprimanded, and was ordered to pay the Legal Services Commissioner’s costs on a standard basis.

Happy

Scoop for Craig Bennett

■ the fund was not regulated, and ■ the fund was not trading.

The ACM website did not contain any statements that the fund did not exist, the Commission said.

ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said, 'The law requires that financial products and services be offered by licensed businesses and that the promotion and advertising of financial products does not mislead or deceive investors.

“ASIC will act to remove any individuals or companies from the financial services that do not abide by these obligations.”

Duncan has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC's decision.

Vic. builder reprimanded ● Luke Jacobz ■ The X Factor compere Luke Jacobz gave a breath test reading of .116 at 11.20am, Police allege.

Thje Channel 7 star was charged after being tested by Police in the Sydney subujrb of Moore Park.

Jacobz was driving a Toyota four-wheel driver.

He was charged under his real name Luke Jacob Ashwood.

He blamed a late-night dinner with friends.

Jacobz is due to re-appear in Court next month.

Whispers

■ A decision by the Builders Practitioners Board to reprimand Peter Shaw has been upheld by Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Eric Riegler.

Shaw has to pay $8691.73 of the costs and an inquiry, but an earlier decision to apply a $2000 fine to Shaw has been reversed.

The Tribunal heard two allegations, about the issuing of a building permit for domestic building work carried out at a Hawthorn residential property, and protection works at an adjourning property.

Mr Riegler found that Shaw breached the Building Act and the Building Regulations.

The Building Practitioners Board alleged that Shaw demonstrated a lack of contrition, but was co-opeartive.

“The fact that (Shaw) cointested findings of guiklt is not to be taken as a lack of remorse but rather, (Shaw’s) misunderstanding of the way in which the Act and the Regulations are to be administered.”

Shaw has faced two previous inquiries. In the first he was fined $2000 plus $500 costs. The second inquiry saw him reprimanded, fined $500 plus $350 costs.

Newspaper in action ■ Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd has requested a Registrars’ Hearing at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court Tomorrow (Thursday) at 10am when it is due to allege a civil claim against Paul Davidson Smith for “monies due”.

● Brynne Edelsten and Craig Bennett

■ TV showbiz journalist Craig Bennett pulled off a scoop yesterday (Tues.) with a Studio 10 interview with Brynne Edelsten, who was able to respond to last week’s wedding between her former husband Geoffrey and Gabi Grecko.

Rumour Mill

Hear It Here First

Age shall not weary ■ Hollywood actress Lucille Ball said “the secret of staying younger is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age”.

John-Michael Howson has dropped the nickname ‘Hollywood’ but it looks as though he may be taking Lucy’s advice.

The Rumour Mill sees that JMH lists his birthdate on Facebook as August 8, 1946.

It would follow that he ● John-Michael was age 8 when he started Howson working as a reporter on Mildura’s Sunraysia Daily newspaper. But the 3AW can feel as yioung as he likes. His Bobby Darin production, Dream Lover, will hit the stage next year.

Nil interest ■ Which Melbourne scribe, famous in their own mindset for having more than 10,000 Twitter followers, has only received about five ‘likes’ for their commentary and photos on their European vacation? No-one cares.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Natasha Chadwick ■ Derryn Hinch’s ex-partner, Natasha Chadwick, appears to have happily resettled in Sydney, working at a cider bar and as a photographer. The former detective is also appearing on a Sydney radio station, 98.1, after moving from Melbourne.

Sausage

● Derryn Hinch and Bob Hart ■ Meanwhile, Derryn Hinch was spotted at the former Belgian Beer Garden last week, tucking into a barbecue sausage cooked by scribe Bob Hart for the launch of the Jayco J-Pod. Hinch received an encouraging Facebook message from Chadwick: “You look like such a spunk in your jeans and blazer.”

To Court

■ Padua College has requested a Registars’ Hearing session at Dromana Magistrates’ Court on Monday (June 22) when it is due to allege a civil claim against Marc Zielinski for “services provided”.

Scoop ■ Photographer Fiona Hamilton scooped the world with her Edelsten wedding photos.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

No such thing as ‘dropping out’ Pallets of food to 3BA Christmas in July Appeal

● Helping hand: Sturt Buninyong Lodge's Charlie Pruis hands over 12 pallets of food to 3BA Christmas in July Appeal Director Peter Caligari.

Photo: Jeremy Bannister, The (Ballarat) Courier ■ Freemasons Victoria's Sturt-Buninyong United Lodge has dug deep this winter to help the city's most vulnerable people.

After raising $1000 through packing and selling apricots sourced from a grower in Shepparton, members of the Lodge bought hundreds of food items that they donated to the 3BA Christmas in July Appeal last week.

Funds raised by the Lodge were doubled by the Freemasons Foundation, allowing Lodge members to buy $2000 worth of groceries and pack them onto 12 food pallets.

Sturt Buninyong Lodge's Charlie Pruis said the Lodge had been donating to the appeal for the past three years.

“We realise that there is a growing need and we are trying to help where we can," Charlie said.

"Everything is packed in there, from Vegemite to cereal and everything you can imagine in between."

The food pallets will be distributed to four of Ballarat's most important charity organisations; the Salvation Army, Anglicare, UnitingCare and St Vincent de Paul.

This year's goal for the Christmas in July Appeal is to raise $225,000.

Charlie said he hoped the donation would help to feed the thousands of Ballarat residents struggling during the coldest months of the year.

Cash donations and items can be left at 3BA, 56 Lydiard Street North.

■ Children in the sout- east region of Victoria who might be struggling with school, no longer need to 'drop out', with the help of the Operation NewStart program.

The program, aimed at 14, 15 and 16 year olds helps children by providing them with confidence building exercises that will put them in better stead to re-enter the classroom.

Director of the Freemasons Foundation Public Charitable Trust, Frank Fordyce, saw first-hand how the Program benefits these children, when he visited Dandenong High School last week to present a cheque for $36,000.

"Each and every one of these children has grown enormously having completed the program. They now have the skills and maturity to keep learning in a class environment, when before, they may have lost all motivation," he said.

Operation NewStart conducts

● Director of the Freemasons Foundation Public Charitable Trust, Frank Fordyce, presents a $36,000 cheque to Executive Director of Operation NewStart, Phil Wheatley, at the Term 2 graduation. group activities that include rock The contribution that the Freemaclimbing, snorkelling, camping and sons Foundation Public Charitable caving as well as meet-n-greet ses- Trust made last week will help supsions with the CFA and Emergency port the program and ensure its conServices. tinuation.

Executive Director of Operation The program has been running NewStart, Phil Wheatley, said that the since 1997 and has so far assisted thouprogram enables children who may sands of children to re-enter schooling. have had a rough start, to grow perJai Johnstone-Devere, a graduatsonally, mentally and emotionally by ing student of the Term 2 group said challenging themselves. that he didn't realise how his behaviour "The kinds of activities that Op- was affecting others. eration NewStart offers challenge the "Not only was the program fun, but kids to conquer their fears, to speak I learnt a lot and am now looking forup and to work as a team," he said. ward to going back to school," Jai said.

Sensory room for Dandenong

Ballarat Hospice thanks Freemasons ■ In providing a home based palliative care service to patients with life limiting illnesses, Ballarat Hospice relies heavily on the local community for support.

Carita Potts, Executive Officer said that Ballarat Hospice, does not charge patients and families for specialist palliative care or for the hire of equipment.

"Since its inception Ballarat Hospice has never charged for its service. This means that patients requiring palliative care, and their families, can focus on their quality of life and wellbeing and not worry about financial issues to pay for care and equipment," Carita said.

On Monday Ballarat Hospice received a donation of $1000 from the Freemasons Masonic Social Club.

The Freemasons Foundation matched this donation dollar for dollar.

Carita said, "This $2000 donation will go towards the purchase of a number of electric hospital beds with alternating air mattresses - equipment that will enhance the comfort of patients and ease the care for their families and health care workers".

● Alan Glasson, Carita Potts CEO Hospice, Heather and Charlie Pruis, hand over the cheque to Ballarat Hospice.

Photo courtesy: The Miner newspaper pice, money has been donated to man, Charlie Pruis, said that once a "Without the overall community Cops n Kids and the 3BA Christyear they held a fruit sale to raise support that we receive, Ballarat mas in July Appeal. funds.

Hospice would find it a challenge "The money from the fruit sale "We go to Shepparton and buy to continue to offer this service withgoes entirely to charity. It's not used the apricots and we distribute them out cost to those requiring our serfor restoration of buildings," Charlie from Hewitt and Whittys, we then said. vice and we sincerely express our distribute the profits to charities," For further information on how thanks to the members of the Mahe said. home based palliative care may assonic Social Club and to the wider "This has been done for at least sist you or a family member, concommunity," Carita said. tact Ballarat Hospice on 5333 1118.

50 years that I know of."

Social Club Committee Chairwww. ballarathospicecare.org.au Aside from the donation to Hos-

● Able Australia CEO, Kaye Collard receives a cheque for $15,000 from Foundation Director David Gibbs ■ Work on a new sensory room a the Able Australia family suppor house in Dandenong is set to go ahead thanks to a very generous donation from the Freemasons Foundation.

During a visit to the house, Foundation Director David Gibbs presented Able Australia CEO, Kaye Collard, with a cheque for $15,000 which will go towards the conversion of the site's unused garage into a sensory room.

Sensory rooms are known to make a significant difference to the lives of people who have limited or non-responsive sensory nerves, with a range of experiences that stimulate their sensory responses.

Work is expected to be complete before the end of the year.

Able Australia aims to create a community where people with multiple disabilities including deaf-blindness are seen heard, respected, valued and connected.

For further information about Able Australia visit: www.ableaustralia.org.au

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, 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

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 13

West Hollywood

Horse racing history in California

■ From my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Pharoah’s Triple Crown

■ American Pharoah can add its name (and stories) to the historic list. Part of winning the Triple Crown of horse racing is having the right name. Even in its misspelled form, American Pharoah seems to have the proper ring.

The Triple Crown has been won by, in order, Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), WarAdmiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978). Now American Pharoah (2015) can be added to that elite list of horse racing champions.

Celebrating the Triple Crown win by American Pharoah was Past Chairman of the RACV Club and leading racehorse owner Ross Herron, pictured at right with Hoteliers International Managing Director Alan Johnson.

40-year old bottle of beer

● American Pharoah ● Hoteliers International Managing Director Alan Johnson celebrating the Triple Crown with Past Chairman, RACVClub and leading racehorse owner, Ross Herron.

■ How about this for a celebratory tipple? A 140-year-old bottle of beer is set to go up for auction after being discovered unopened in a British garage in Shropshire.

The bottle of Allsopp's Artic Ale was specially brewed in the village of Burton-upon-Trent for the ultimately unsuccessful 1875 expedition to reach the North Pole by Sir George Nares.

It is expected to fetch as much as £600 when it goes up for sale later this month, with the auctioneers Trevanion and Dean saying they're not sure of it's full story.

"We can only assume this bottle was surplus stock that was brought back to England," a spokesman said.

The unfortunate expedition ended in failure when a combination of poor equipment and scurvy forced the explorers to turn back.

"What is incredible is that this bottle of beer made it all the way to the Arctic and all the way back again without being drunk," the auctioneers marvelled.

Leonardo donates

■ Leonardo DiCaprio will be donating a large-scale installation by artist John Gerrard to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a spokeswoman for the museum has confirmed.

‘Solar Reserve (Tonopah, Nevada)’ is a digital simulation of a solar thermal power tower that offers dynamic, changing views of the Nevada site ‘Solar Reserve’ was on view outdoors at Lincoln Centre in New York last year as part of a display in partnership with the Public Art Fund.

It is scheduled to be on view in the unlimited section of Art Basel in Switzerland this month.

Michael Govan, the director of LACMA, said that DiCaprio is acquiring the piece through a gallery and that the transaction is expected to take place within weeks. He offered no timetable for when the work will be shown at LACMA. DiCaprio "saw the work and thought it was fantastic and then thought of us," Govan said.

"He has been an incredible friend to the museum. He's growing into a force in terms of thinking about culture in the broad sense."

He is also a vocal environmentalist and has addressed the United Nations on global warming and conservation.

The actor said in a statement that bringing Gerrard's ‘Solar Reserve’ to LACMA and its exhibition at Art Basel is "something I'm honored to be part of."

DiCaprio "saw the work and thought it was fantastic and then thought of us," Govan said. "He has been an incredible friend to the museum ... He's growing into a force in terms of thinking about culture in the broad sense."

DiCaprio, an LA native, has been active with LACMA, particularly with its annual Art + Film Gala, which he has co-chaired since its inception.

He recently supported the museum's exhibition Haunted Screens, which explored German expressionism.

He added: "Whether it is through art or other venues, we must work to promote a healthy and sustainable future for our planet and I hope to continue to bring additional exhibits to Los Angeles and beyond that promote this message."

The solar site outside Las Vegas is expected to have thousands of mirrors arranged in a gigantic circular formation to direct sunlight toward a central tower to produce steam and create energy.

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Los Angeles Film Festival ■ With a new programming team and revitalized sense of purpose, the Los Angeles Film Festival launched its 21st edition with a reinvigorated mission.

As a challenge to organisers and audiences alike, the festival is regrounding itself as a showcase for new, untested work.

In part due to its place on the calendar, the festival has in the past struggled to maintain a firm identity, fighting for titles between earlier launching pads such as Sundance and Cannes but before the fall circuit that includes Telluride and Toronto.

Rather than feel stuck with second-tier choices or other fest's castoffs, organizers this year have chosen to dig deep in discovering fresh voices and undiscovered talent.

The festival is presenting 45 world premieres - more than half its feature slate - with more than 80 per cent of the program by first- or second-time directors.

Looking to give further voice to diverse perspectives, nearly 40 per cent of the films in the festival were directed by women and nearly 30 per cent directed by people of color. There is also a deepened emphasis on films exploring the layers of experience in the city itself.

'That Wild and Crazy Guy' ■ It was hard not to get a case of happy feet at the 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award gala for Steve Martin at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

In fact, the wild and crazy spirit of the evening recalled the raucous atmosphere of Martin's old stand-up comedy shows.

The star-studded crowd whooped its appreciation with a standing ovation as the 69-year-old actor/writer/songwriter/ playwright was introduced on stage with his 1978 novelty hit King Tut. Interspersed with terrific clips from his stand-up days and his numerous feature films, including 1979's The Jerk, 1987's Roxanne and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 1988's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and 1991's L.A Story, were thoughtful and funny interviews with Martin about his career, as well as testimonials from Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep and Ron Howard discussing the modern-day Renaissance man's comedy genius.

And a who's who of comedy took the stage to have some fun with Martin.

Amy Poehler conducted an auction of Martin, with his good friend and Three Amigos and Father of the Bride costar Martin Short winning the comic actor for a bid of $51.

Tina Fey, who worked with Martin when he guest-hosted Saturday Night Live and in the film Baby Mama, discussed the advice he gave her over the years: "If you are going to pick up Marty Short, remember to support the neck."

She said she was thrilled that Martin had married a younger, smarter and thinner version of herself as the camera panned to Martin's wife, writer Anne Stringfield, who indeed looked like she could be Fey's younger sister.

As a 16-year-old, comedian Sarah Silverman recalled, "I didn't just love Steve. I wanted to be him. You are my inspiration."

"I have spent the majority of my life doing a pale imitation of Steve Martin, and I resent him for that," said Steve Carell, adding that Martin is "my Chaplin. I desperately wanted to be him. Steve Martin impacted me in a deep and lasting way. I owe everything to him."

The legendary Carl Reiner, who directed Martin in 1979's The Jerk, 1982's Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, 1983's The Man with Two Brains and 1984's All of Me, said he was thrilled to participate in the evening.

"I'm so happy I can stand up," noted the 93-year-old. "I'm the oldest person in this room."

Short delivered a brilliant comedy routine. "I'm going to make this quick, because my Uber is waiting -- and you know how testy Randy Quaid can be."

Special Holiday Offer ■ If you are considering a move to Los Angeles or just coming over for a holiday then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific Holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book and you will receive the 'Special Rate of the Day'.

Please contact: Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com - Happy Holidays

www.gavinwood.us

● Steve Martin

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

■ Samuel Klausman Lawrence Parkswas born in Kansas on December 13, 1914.

He was of German and Irish descent and grew up in Joliet, Illinois.

Larry was not a healthy child and suffered from several illnesses including rheumatic fever.

He attended University and majored in science. Larry had intended to be a doctor but was bitten by ‘the acting bug’ after performing in stage plays.

He worked as an usher in New York at Carnegie Hall before landing a small acting role in the Broadway play Golden Boy. Larry Parks was signed to a film contract with Columbia Studios and made his debut in the B-grade adventure Mystery Ship in 1941.

He married actress Betty Garrett who he met at The Actors Studio in 1944; Lloyd Bridges was best man at the wedding.

It was a very happy marriage and the couple had two sons.

Larry continued to play supporting roles in small budget films such as Three Girls About Town, Blondie Goes to College, The Deerslayer and The Racket Man. His big break came in 1946 when he was cast as Al Jolson in The Jolson Story.

This was the role of a lifetime, miming the recordings of Jolson's songs and portraying one of the greatest American singers of the 20th Century.

Whatever Happened To ...

Larry Parks

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Al Jolson wanted to play himself but the studio executives thought he was too old to play the role.

I had the great opportunity to interview Evelyn Keyes who co-starred with Larry in the film.

Evelyn told me that Larry sang as loud as he could against the Jolson recordings during the filming.

The Jolson Story turned out to be a box office smash and Larry became a major film star. He reprised the role in Jolson Sings Again in 1949.

Larry was interviewed during the hearing of the Un-American Activities Committee into infiltration into the film industry.

He admitted that as a youth he had joined the Communist Party but at that time did not see

● Larry Parks that he had done anything wrong. He was ‘blacklisted’ as a result of his testimony and his film career was ruined.

Larry only made a few films in the 1950s and guest starred in television shows such as The Untouchables and Dr Kildare.

Larry Parks began asuccessful career on the stage.

Betty and Larry starred in variety shows in Las Vegas, Canada and Europe.

Johnny Lockwood was a comedy support act with them at the Empire Theatre Finsbury Park, London.

They also performed together in plays such as Any Wednesday, Plaza Suite and Cactus Flower.

In later life Larry got involved in building apartment complexes. His final film was Freud in 1962.

Larry Parks died of a heart attack at his home in Studio City, California in 1975 at the age of 60.

Danny Thomas helped Betty get back into show business with guest roles in television shows such as All In The Family and Laverne and Shirley. Betty Garrett passed away in 2011 at the age of 91.

If you are a Jolson fan you might enjoy attending the next Jolson Society meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 29, at the Collingwood Community Meeting Room, 11 Stanton St, Collingwood.

Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce and Phil Sundays at 9.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

Farewell to the Darwin stubbie

■ I would often visit the casino in Alice Springs with my mate Danny, a Walpiri artist and elder.

Whilst I would sip on my scotch and soda, he would satiate himself with his own addictions - coffee and endless Marlboros.

We would chat away, and I often asked him about his culture, but sometimes he would interrupt me:

"Hang on Nick, I'm just trying to get the Keno numbers."

However, there is now a move to curb the consumption of tobacco smoke amongst aboriginal inhabitants of the Northern Territory.

This has been motivated by ‘World No Tobacco Day’.

I have always noticed that it wasn't only Danny, but most aborigines I ever

For $99 a year, have the Observer home delivered to your letterbox Observ er Melbou rne

Don’t miss a single issue of the Melbourne Observ er Observer er.. For a discount ed pric 9 (a ounted pricee ooff $9 $99 (avvailable for a short time only only)) w wee will mail your oown wn ccop op o yyour our lett erbo opyy tto letterbo erboxx (an us tr alia). Or ganise (anyywher wheree in A Aus ustr tralia).

Organise by phone or mail ttoda oda odayy.

Phone 1800 231 311 and pay by Credit Card Or mail to Observer Subs, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 and pay by cheque, money order or Card (V, M, AE) Yes! Please or ganise a Melbourne Observ er mail subscrip tion ffor or organise Observer subscription 45 is sues ffor or $99 (normally $213. tand the subscrip tion $213.775). I unders understand subscription issues will be automatically rolled over unless I advise otherwise.

Name: ..................................................................................................................................

Postal Address: .............................................................................................................. ............................................................ Postcode: .......................................................

Phone: ..........................................................................................................................

Cr edit Car d (V Credit Card (V,, M, AE): .......................................................................................

Expiry: ..................................................

Subject to standard subscription terms and conditions

encountered would be smokers, and the most common random request any aborigine would ask of me in the street would be: "Got a smoke, bros?"

So now the Cancer Council CEO Kathy Sadler has begun a concentrated effort concerted to reduce this rate.

"People as young as 10 are smoking," she stated.

But then again, I've often wondered whether our concerns are misdirected.

Tobacco smoking was always the habit of the American Indian, who used this particular leaf as healing agent.

There's never been one case of any Indian having been struck down by any ailment as a result of smoking, statistics claim.

Google up the chemicals in tobacco smoke - 4000 of them - to see the horrible additives which we've added to this possibly innocuous leaf.

Any connection to chemicals and disease, rather than the leaf?

■ Typical of NT folklore and habits is one outrageous product - the Darwin Stubbie.

It's a two-litre bottle of beer, which has been brewed for 57 years. And has been sold in bottle shops in the NT pubs ever since.

Now, horror of horrors to a Territorian, CUB has decided it's no longer economical to brew and bottle, so off it goes.

So Kraftie, the archetypal Territorian, who owns the Overlanders' Steakhouse in Alice Springs, has decided that such a momentous event mustn't go unsung.

So there's a Darwin Stubbie wake at the restaurant.

He's got together with his, and my, and the late Keith McGowan's mate, Ted Egan, to organise the event.

They've gathered the last 42 bottles of the beverage to be brewed, and are thawing out a 42 kg leg of camel, ready for a 12-hour roast, to help with the event.

I've spent many a happy hour in Kraftie's company in his illustrious establishment, and would dearly love to be joining this festivity.

I don't drink beer, but I'd surely force a sip down as a chaser to my whisky. And I do love a camel steak.

The Outback Legend

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

And my passion was shared by most other inhabitants with whom I regularly mixed and socialised.

But I was also aware, as was every other resident, of a darker, less salubrious side.

There was violence, both out on the streets and in the houses - most aboriginal women who were seen out and about wore fresh wounds, or scars from past wounds. This is always accepted, and lamented, by aboriginal leaders throughout the NT. As I have noted before, there is an entrenched belief amongst aboriginal girls that "if he doesn't hit me, he doesn't love me".

And this belief and extends far beyond teenage years. And as they age they begin to fight back.

And then there is vandalism. Currently this is costing ratepayers $2000 a week. Windows are regularly smashed, cars broken into, and sprinklers wrecked, and graffiti and general vandalism abound everywhere.

It's been nearly 30 years since I first set foot in the town, and nothing ■ I resided in Alice Springs for about has changed in those decades.

18 years, on and off, and grew to love I just wish that I can see the soluthe town and its wild desert surrounds. tion at the end of the tunnel, but I can't.

■ And then there's another issue rubbish strewn around the town in parks and on roadsides.

Driving along any of the roads in the NT, either the Stuart Highway north and south for a long way, or the Lasseter's Highway out to the Rock there is a perpetual glinting in the bright sunlight from discarded bottles and cans.

It never lets up. For hundreds of kiolmetres these containers form one solid carpet beside the bitumen.

And another kind of rubbish discarded either from wandering individuals walking through town, or thrown from cars are used disposable nappies.

"It's a shocking example for parents to be setting for the children," Keep Australian Beautiful Council NorthernTerritoryCEO Heimo Schobersaid.

I don't know what can be done to encourage parents to responsibly dispose of these articles, just as us southerners have to do on the Blairgowrie dog beach when our pooches soil the sand.

But to see such litter of objectionable articles often festooning the town doesn't do much for tourism either.

■ But then to counteract this negativity are the joys of the unique and welcoming desert.

Locals would often say to me: "How can you drive down along the Stuart Highway so often - it's so boring." Never.

From the Flinders Ranges veering off to the right, north of Port Augusta, and on to the mesas and buttes on the left, and then on up through the everchanging desert.

There are plateaus of endless gibber plains, from where the road dips down into red sand hills and straggly Mulga trees.

And magnificent salt lakes, and stands of desert oaks, and spiky Spinifex all over the rich red sand-hills.

And if you're fortunate enough to encounter the aftermath of a desert downpour, there will be the brilliant reds and purples and yellows of the wild flowers sprouting forth.

And, around Alice itself the magical and mystical purple glow of the distant Macdonnell Ranges at sunset.

This is what the Outback is all about - it's sad that a few glitches can besmirch this beauty, but fortunately it's but a small downside upon the overall wonder of the spectacular Northern Territory.

- Nick Le Souef

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 15

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 17

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 19

Observer Classic Books

‘Such Is Life’ by Joseph Furphy

Chapter 4 - continues This good man — he probably never had a sovereign which he regarded as his own; and, rest his soul! he needs no money now — this good man afterward told me, with tears of gratitude and sorrow in his eyes, that he got a fine collection in the Mia-mia, but no souls; and both clauses of his statement seemed to have the ring of truth.

Stewart sullenly avoided this gathering of the clans. He knew he was n’t wanted there; and, as the paddock consisted chiefly of purchased land, he felt that the conventionalities were, in a sense, violated. But what could the people do? It was a miserable business altogether.

At last, moved by the report of the Mia-mia boundary rider, he drove slowly along the river frontage, and saw five miles of wagons, wagonettes, spring-carts, buggies, tents, women, children, dogs, cooking-utensils, and masculine laundry. He saw fellows patching tarpaulins, mending harness making yokes, platting whips, fishing, pig-hunting, reading Ouida, yarning round fires, or trying to invent some new form of gambling; but he only saw their backs, and they did n’t see him at all. He took a tour round the paddock, and found a racecourse duly laid out in a suitable place, with a few fellows training their bits of stuff for a coming event. Others were duck-shooting in the swamps, and others after turkeys on the plains, whilst a few diverted themselves by coursing rabbits on the sand-hills.

And as for bullocks and horses — why, they were as grasshoppers for multitude.

A closer examination brought to light his own sheep. Wild and shy, as paddocked merinos always are, these had withdrawn to the quietest places they could find, and were there making the best of a bad job. Stewart lost his temper, for once; and he that is without similar sin among the readers of this simple memoir is hereby authorised to cast the first stone.

He allowed the sun to go down upon his wrath.

Next morning, he rallied up all his station hands; mustered the Mia-mia Paddock; distributed the sheep elsewhere over the run; and thus washed his hands of all responsibility touching the welfare of his guests.

Toward spring, he drove round the camps again, pausing here and there to give the trespassers a bit of his mind: ‘Now, boys; I must get you to shift. Lots of perishing teams not able to get down out of the back country till now, and all making for this paddock. Must leave a bit of grass for them when they come.’ And more to the same effect. So the settlement gradually broke-up, and things returned to their normal monotony.

But not altogether so. Some of the nomads wanted land, and had means to back their desire. Rambling leisurely over the station paddocks, with the county map for reference, these people saw where the most eligible allotments were, and presently picked the eyes out of the run; in some cases, shifting straight from their camps to their selections. Such is life.

Saint Peter, I should imagine, had narrowly watched the squatter’s attitude when the Assyrian came down like a person flying from perdition. Afterward, he had noted with approval that the new selectors were treated with the same forbearance and benevolence they had formerly experienced as refugees. But not until he saw Stewart pounce on the incident of the mammoth surprise-party as a clinching argument against land-monopoly, did that austere janitor hang his keys on his thumb, to hunt-up, far back in his book, the page reserved in case of rich men.

And still the metaphor of the camel and the needle’s eye stands unimpaired. The difficulties vanish only when you attain some conception of what the Kingdom of God is — how much more to the purpose than pearly gates or jasper seas; how accordant with the Ormuzd in man; how premeditated in design; how indomitable in patience; and how needfully and inexorably guarded by the diminutive portal above referred to.

“Good morning, Collins.”

“Good morning, Mr. Stewart. An early stirrer, by the rood.”

“Yes; I have a (sheol) of a long stage before me to-day. Been travelling all night?”

“Only since about twelve. I camped yesterday

Joseph Furphy (Tom Collins) in the Dead Man’s Bend, on Mondunbarra. I’ve been kept on the move since dinner-time, or so.

Tell you how it came. I was lying in the shade of a tree, having a smoke, and thinking about one thing or another, when I heard some one calling from the other side of the river. It was Mosey Price; and he told me” &c., &c.

Stewart sighed, glanced toward the south-east, produced a cigar-case, took thence three cigars, handed one to me and another to Mungo Park lit the third himself, then smoked listlessly and mechanically.

“Good,” he remarked, throwing away the inchlong stump of his cigar, and gathering his reins.

“What’s your name?” he continued, turning to the swagman.

“Bob Stirling,” replied the African explorer. “I worked on Kooltopa, many years ago, but I don’t suppose you remember me.”

“I’m not sure. However, I’ll find a nice comfortable week’s work for you, at all events.

Collins, I give you credit. You should have gone into politics. You’d have made a d —— d good diplomatist.”

“I’m glad you think so, Mr. Stewart. But the main body of the story has to come. You see, I was, in a sense, no farther forward than at first.

Alf’s bullocks were only respited, and briefly at that. So, as I was telling you, I left them against the boundary fence, and walked across to interview this Terrible Tommy. He was my last resource. I just met him carrying home a couple of buckets of water from the lagoon. ‘Evening, sir,’ says I, as sweet as sugar” &c., &c.

Stewart glanced at the blazing orb, now slowly climbing the coppery sky, sighed again, lit another cigar, and smoked impassively.

“D——d if I approve of your action in that in-

stance, Collins,” he remarked gravely, throwing away his second stump, and groping for something under the buggy-seat.

“Indeed, Mr. Stewart, I don’t defend the action.

I only endeavour to palliate it on the plea of necessity. And, if Adam fell in the days of innocency, what should poor Tom Collins do in the days of villainy?”

“Shakespear,” observed the squatter approvingly, as he drew a bottle and glass from a candlebox under the seat. “Misquoted, though, unless my memory betrays me. But I look at the thing in this way —— The Poondoo people put a couple of bottles of Albury into the buggy; and I think we can do one of them now, early as it is.

When shall we three meet again? Eh? How is that for aptness? A Roland for your (adj.) Oliver.

— I look at the thing in this way, Collins — But you mustn’t take anything on an empty stomach. I have some sandwiches here.” He handed a couple to me, a couple to Bob, and reserved a couple for himself. —“I look at the thing in this way. I put myself in Tommy’s place. Now, if any man presumed to play such a trick on me — why, d — n me, I should take it very ill. Now, Collins”—— “O, stop, please! don’t fill that glass for me! I’m very sensible of your disapproval, Mr. Stewart.

I’m more sorry than I can express — not in the way of penitence, certainly, but that I should be unfortunate enough to have incurred your displeasure. I wish you could put yourself in my place, instead of Tommy’s. — Well, long life to you, Mr. Stewart, both for your own sake and the sake of the public.”

“Thanks for the good wish, Collins, and to (sheol) with the flattery. I may tell you that I do put myself in your place, as well as in Tommy’s.

r

e rv se US N Ob N IO BO CT SE

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

But, d —— n it, you don’t seem to be alive to the principle of the thing. —— You’re not a blueribboner, I suppose?” And he tendered the replenished glass to Bob. “Bad hand you’ve got, poor fellow. Severe accident apparently?”

“Sepoy bullet at Lucknow, sir. I was a lad of nineteen then; just joined.”

“You’ve been a soldier?”

“Yes, sir; I was an ensign in the Queen’s 64th.

We formed part of Havelock’s column of relief.” The placid, unassertive, incapable face told the rest of the poor fellow’s story.

“You don’t seem to be alive to the principle of the thing,” repeated Stewart, turning again to me. “Your cosmopolitanism is a d —— d big mistake. Every man has a nationality, remember; and though you’ll find many most excellent fellows of all races, yet, if you want the real thing, you must look”—— “May God bless you, Mr. Stewart!” murmured Stirling of Ours, raising the glass to his lips.

“Thank you, my friend. —— You must look to Scotland for it. And, d —— n it, man, this is the very nationality you have been fleering at. Of course, I don’t dwell on the subject because I happen to be a Scotsman myself; only, I must say I should never have expected — But what do you think is the matter with Alf Morris?”

“Difficult to say. Some sort of arthrodynic complaint, I fancy; at all events, he’s badly gone in most of his joints.”

“Poor devil!” soliloquised the squatter, filling the glass for himself. “He’s a bad lot — a d —— n bad lot — a d —— nation bad lot. Bitter, vindictive sort of man. You’re familiar, like myself, with Shakespear; now, Morris reminds me of Titus Andronicus. — Better luck, boys.”

“Thank you, Mr. Stewart.”

“Thank you, Mr. Stewart.”

“This Titus, as you may remember, was expelled from Athens by the people, after they had elected him consul. They could n’t stand his d —— d pride. He took up his abode in a cave, and, for the rest of his life, met every overture of friendship with taunts and insults. Even in his epitaph, written by himself:— Here rests his head upon the lap of earth —— “Now, d —— n it, I committed those lines to memory — ay, forty-five years ago. I wish I could recall them.”

“I think I can repeat the passage, Mr. Stewart,” said I modestly:— Here lies a wretched corse, of wretched soul bereft; Seek not his name. A plague consume you wicked catiffs left.

Here lie I, Timon, who, alive, all living men did hate.

Pass on, and curse thy fill, but pass, and stay not here thy gait.

“Good,” replied the squatter — all his hurry forgotten in the fascination of profitless gossip.

“Now there you have Morris to the very life.

Hopeless d —— d case!”

“But the misanthropy of the Shakespearean hero was not without cause, Mr. Stewart,” I urged.

“Given certain rigorous circumstances, acting on a given temperament, and you have a practically inevitable sequence — perhaps a pious faith; perhaps a philosophic calm; perhaps an intensified selfishness; perhaps a sullen despair — in fact, the variety of possible results corresponds exactly with the variety of possible circumstances and temperaments. In the case of the Greek misanthrope, the factor of temperament is first carefully stated; then the factor of circumstances is brought into operation; then the genius of the dramatist supplies the resultant revolution of moral being, in such a manner as to excite sympathy rather than reprobation. Reasoning from cause to effect, we see the inevitableness of the issue. But in Morris’s case, we must reason from effect to cause. We see a certain outcome”—— “D——d unmistakably,” muttered the squatter.

——“And it rests with us to account for this from prior conditions of temperament and circumstances. Then we shall have, so to speak, the second and third terms; and from these it won’t be difficult, I think, to calculate the term which should antecede them, namely, temperament. Morris is a widower. His wife was a mag

Continued on Page 24

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Observer Classic Books From Page 19 nificent singer, and, in a general way, one of those tawny-haired tigresses who leave their mark on a man’s life, and are much better left alone”—— “Has he any children?” asked Stewart.

“Well, no; these tawny-haired tigresses don’t have children. Anyway, she died some ten years ago; but at the time of her death they had been separated for about three years.”

“They could n’t have been living long together; or else he married young,” suggested Stewart.

“No, they were n’t long together: but Alf is a man of peculiar moral constitution; he frets a lot over her memory; loves and hates her at the same time. Secondary to this, is a misunderstanding with his father, which caused Alf to clear off, leaving the old man to mind everything himself. Of course, I’m only giving you the heads; and my information is derived from no random hearsay, but is obtained by an intransmissible power of induction, rare in our times.”

“Thought as much!” muttered Stewart.

“It remains, then,” I continued, “to determine the temperament which, acted upon by these circumstances, has given the result which is already before us. Now, I think that that temperament, though, perhaps, tending to the volcanic, must have been a sensitive and an amiable one; however it may have soured and hardened into misanthropy and avarice. We can’t all be philosophers, Mr. Stewart.”

“If there’s one thing I hate like (sheol)” replied the squatter gravely, “it is the quoting of Scripture as against my fellow-creature; but, d — n it, we are told that ‘when the righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity all the days of his vanity which God giveth him under the sun, he shall be likened unto a foolish man that built his house upon the sand.’You know the rest. If we take upon us to judge Morris at all, we must judge him as he is.

Your judgment is generous, but nonsensical; mine is rational, but churlish — d ——— d churlish.” He paused, in evident discomfort, flicked a roley-poley with his whip, and continued. “You know, I had him on Kooltopa for a couple of months, bringing in pine logs, when Barker’s sawing-plant was there. Well, without going into details —— Capable fellow, too; fine combination of a cultivated man and an experienced rough-and-ready bushman. Strictly honest, also, I think — only for his d — nable disposition.”

“Doctor Johnson liked a good hater,” I suggested sadly, for it was evident that my unfortunate protégé had already, in his own peculiar way, recommended himself to Stewart.

You can imagine, by that circumstance alone, what a strong tincture of venom was held in solution by this feeble tenant of an hour. Indeed, if the matter had rested with the squatters, they would have starved him out of Riverina by industrial boycott. But the in-transport of wool, and the out-transport of goods, are cares that, as a rule, fall to the lot of the forwarding firms; and these resemble George IV., in having no predilections (though, let us hope, the similarity ceases here). Hence, the jolly good soul of a carrier, with lots of spring in him — the man who seldom buys any groceries, whose breath often smells like broached grog-cargo, and who makes a joke of camping for a few weeks with a load on his wagon — is very naturally passed over in favour of the misanthrope who neither asks nor gives quarter. And the personal popularity of the latter with his own guild is not enhanced by this preference.

“Doctor Johnson be d —— d!” replied the squatter warmly. “What is his dictum worth? What the (sheol) entitled him, for instance, to sneer at the very element of population that has made Britain a nation? You know what I allude to?

Now, speaking with strict impartiality, it strikes me d ——— d forcibly that the finest prospect England ever saw is the road that leads from Scotland.” He checked himself, and continued in a gentler tone. “That just reminds me of a very able article I read some time ago — I think it was in Blackwood’s. The writer proves that your Shakespear must have imbibed his genius, to a great extent, in Scotland. He grounds his argument partly — and I think, justly — on the fact that the best play in the collection is a purely Scottish one. He makes a d ——— d strong point, I remember, of the expression, ‘blasted heath.’ ‘Say from whence, upon this blasted heath you stop our way, making night hideous?’—— and so forth.”

“Yes,” I replied mechanically. And then, avoid-

ing the eye of the grand old saint, and hating myself as a buffoon, I continued, “My own conjecture is that something must have occurred to irritate the dramatist whilst he was writing that passage, and the expression slipped from his pen unawares.”

“Never!” replied Stewart. “No man under the influence of petty irritation ever wrote anything like the passage where that expression occurs.

Criticism is not your forte, Collins. The writer I’m speaking of sees a landscape photographed in those two words. Pardon me for saying that your talent seems to run more in the line of lowcomedy acting. I don’t like referring to it again, but d — n it all, my interest in you personally makes me feel very strongly over your interview with this Tom Armstrong.”

“Indeed, Mr. Stewart, I can’t tell you how sorry I am to have fallen in your estimation. But you were speaking of Alf Morris when I unfortunately drew you from the subject.”

“Ay. To return to Morris. Do you know how he came to leave the Bland country, some five or six years ago?”

“Well, yes,” I replied reluctantly; “rates are a lot higher here than there.”

“Did you ever hear that he shot anyone? A boundary rider, for instance?”

“The kernel of truth in that report, Mr. Stewart, is that he spoke of a certain boundary rider as a man that deserved shooting.”

“How do you know?”

“Well, in the first place, I’m only allowing for fair average growth in the report; and in the second place, when a person shoots a boundary man, he’s not allowed to just change his district, and go his way in peace.”

“Sometimes he is. I’ll tell you how it happened with Morris.” And the man who had a profanely long stage before him settled into an easy position, his heels on top of the splash-board, and his arms behind the back of the seat, whilst Bob held the reins. “It was on Mirrabooka. O’Grady Brothers had owned the place for a few years; but they were careless and intemperate, great lovers of racehorses, and d — d extravagant all round”—— “Familiar faults with people named O’Grady,” I remarked.

“You’re perfectly right. They got involved, and had to sell the place. Prescott bought it; and it was about a month after he had taken possession that the thing occurred. During the O’Grady’s time, the bullock drivers had made a d —— d thoroughfare of the run, zigzagging from one tank to another, and passing close to the home station. Prescott determined to put a stop to this. He locked all the gates on the track, and secured the tanks with cattle-proof fences, and kept his men foxing the teams day and night; and along with all this, he prosecuted right and left. D——d hard on the bullockies, of course, and far from generous on Prescott’s part; but it acted as a check; and in a couple of months the track was closed for good. However, just in the thick of the trouble, Morris crossed the run, and, of course, fared neither better nor worse than the rest. One evening he was seen taking down a fence and camping at a new tank, a couple of miles from the homestead; and at nine or ten o’clock that night he rode up to the station, and asked to see Mr. Prescott. When Prescott appeared, Morris drew him aside and told him, as cool as a d ——— d cucumber, that he wanted to make a deposition before him, as a magistrate, to the effect that he had just shot a man for attempting to remove his bullocks. Prescott refused to take the deposition just then; but he had a pair of horses put in a wagonette, and took the storekeeper with him, to accompany Morris to where the thing had happened. When they got there, d — n the sign of a body could they find; but Morris showed them the spot, and strictly charged them to note it well. Then he refused to have anything more to do with the d — d business, and went after his bells, while Prescott and the other fellow returned to the station, cooeeing and listening as they went. They overtook the man on the way, with a revolver bullethole through his arm, and the bullet lodged in his side. Of course, he was one of the station men — I forget his name at the present moment, but it’s no matter. When they got the chap home, and found there was nothing dangerous, Prescott had his horse saddled at once, and followed the track till he came to Morris’s wagon; from there he went to the bells, and found Morris minding his bullocks. They had a long conference, and Prescott went home. Next morning, Morris continued his journey; and when he unloaded —

about sixty miles this side of Mirrabooka — he came right on to Riverina. Now, Collins; you put a d —— d big value on your acumen, and your sagacity, and your penetration, and all the rest of it — What do you make of that story? Mind, I vouch for the truth of it.”

“There’s a hitch somewhere, Mr. Stewart.”

“Confess you’re at fault, d — n you!”

“I am at fault — for once.”

“Good,” replied the squatter complacently.

“Now I’ll give you the key. When the O’Gradys sold the station, there was a £200 tank nearly finished, but not paid for; and somehow (d —— d if I know how people can make such blunders!)— somehow this tank was overlooked in the valuation. Prescott considered that the terms of sale included the tank, the liability being still on the O’Gradys; while they imagined that the whole transaction was taken off their hands. If the truth must be told, Prescott tried to do a sharp thing, under the cloak of an oversight; and the O’Gradys checkmated him with a d —— d sight sharper thing. In this way. Their last action, while the station remained in their power, was to transfer the tank to the Department, on condition that a section of land should be reserved round it.

The Department accepted it on these terms, and struck the section off the Mirrabooka assessment; but Prescott got wind of the thing before it was gazetted, and was moving heaven and earth to secure the reserve, just at the time Morris camped there. How Morris came by this information beats the devil; but, of course, all he had to say to Prescott was, ‘I caught some d —— d scoundrel stealing my bullocks by night off the Government reserve close by here. I tried without effect to get them from him peaceably; and I was compelled to stop him by force. I was careful to ask him if he was a Government official; but, d — n it, he gave me an insulting answer; then, knowing him to be a cattle-thief at large, I shot him in the act of felony.’ It did n’t suit Prescott to stir-up the question of the reserve just at that time-so what the (sheol) could he do? And, in any case, Morris was within his legal rights; the reserve was as free to him as to Prescott; and, d — n it all, stock must be protected. Curious case altogether. Of course, Prescott afterward got the land secured quietly.

But just think of the cold-blooded calculation and d —— d unscrupulousness of Morris. He’s a man to be avoided, Collins.”

“Well,” I replied, baffled and hopeless, “I’ve nothing more to say, except that, generally speaking, the man who ought to be avoided is just the sort of person that my own refractory nature clings to with the fellow-feeling which makes us wondrous kind. Therefore I’ll go away sorrowful — not because I have great possessions, for I certainly have n’t — but because my last hope for Alf was that you might interest yourself in his present difficulty.”

A half-inquiring, half-incredulous look crossed the frank face of the fine old believer, followed by one of his evanescent frowns.

“Why, d — n it, man, have n’t I arranged that already with Bob here?” said he, resuming a normal position on the seat, and taking the reins from his companion’s hand. “We’re going straight to the Dead Man’s Bend. Never you fear; I’ll see Morris through.”

“I’ll never forget your kindness, Mr. Stewart.”

“Nonsense. But is n’t it a most remarkable thing — what we’re too apt to call a mere coincidence? Here I find Bob footsore, through walking in bad boots; and while I’m wondering what in the devil’s name to do with him, you tell me of Morris; and I see immediately why Bob was placed in my way. It’s the legislation of an unsleeping Providence, Collins-nothing short of it. We meet with these Divine adjustments of circumstances every day of our lives, if we only choose to recognise them. Thinking over these things makes me feel devilish small in my own eyes, but all the more confident, knowing that not a sparrow falls to the ground without —— Oh, d — n it! look where the sun has got to!

Good-bye! I mightn’t see you again. I’ve sold Kooltopa.”

“Surely not!”

“Ay. Crowded-out. Going to Queensland. They’ll tell you about it at Poondoo. Good-bye.”

“Good-bye, Mr. Stewart.”

Chapter v WED. JAN. 9. Trinidad Pad., per Sam Young. Conclave.

Introductory. — On the evening of Tuesday, the 8th, I had called officially at Mondunbarra homestead. No one was visible except Bert Smythe,

the managing partner’s younger brother, who was leaving the store, with a ring of keys on his finger. His icy response to my respectful greeting revived certain memories connected with the Chinese boundary man, and Warrigal Alf’s bullocks, as related in last chapter. In the fewest words possible, Bert informed me that Mr. Smythe was in Melbourne, and would n’t be back for another week. If I chose to leave the K form with himself, it would be filled up and posted to our Central Office immediately on Mr. Smythe’s return. Which would save me the trouble of calling at the station again for some time. I gave him the K form, and he was moving away toward the barracks, when I asked him if he could let me have a bob’s worth of flour and a bob’s worth of tea and sugar. Without a word, he turned back to the store, and supplied the articles required, whilst I monologued pleasantly on the topics of the day. When I inquired where I would be likely to find a bit of grass, he glanced at my half-starved horses; and I honoured him for the evident accession of sympathy which dictated his ready reply. He informed me that the only available grass was to be found in the near end of Sam Young’s paddock, and proceeded to give me directions that a child might follow. Fixing these in my mind, I went round by the slaughter-yard, to solicit from the Tungusan butcher a pluck for Pup; and, altogether, by the time I reached Sam Young’s paddock, night had imperceptibly set-in. The atmosphere was charged with smoke — probably from some big fire among the spinifex, far away northward — and a nucleus of brighter light on the meridian showed the position of a gibbous moon. Yet the hazy, uniform light, disciplining the eye to its standard, seemed rather like a noonday dulled to the same shade. The temperature was perfect for comfort, so I fared well enough; whilst with respect to my horses, I could only hope that Bert had been unfaithful to his chief and clan.

Now for the record of Wednesday, the 9th:— Just at sunrise, one glance round the vicinity brought me out of my possum-rug with an impression that there was nothing but roguery to be found in villainous man. The country on all sides was as bare as the palm of your hand; and my horses, a quarter of a mile away, were nibbling at the stumps of cotton-bush. Breakfast, however, was the first consideration, as I hadn’t bothered about supper on the previous night — though filling my water-bag at a tank on the way.

Whilst baking a johnny-cake of such inferior quality as to richly deserve its back-country designation, and meanwhile boiling my quart-pot on a separate handful of such semi-combustibles as the plain afforded, I found myself slowly approached by a Chinaman, on a roan horse.

And though it is impossible to recognise any individual Chow, I fancied that this unit bore something more than a racial resemblance to the one from whom I had recovered Alf’s bullocks. Moreover, he was riding the same horse.

“Mornin’, John,” said I condescendingly. “You scoot-um long-a homestation big one hurry.”

“Lidee boundly,” replied the early bird, in his mechanical tone “Borak this you paddock, John?”

“My plully paddock, all li.”

“You name Sam Young? ” “Paul Sam Young,” corrected the boundary man.

“You wantee glass you holse? — two-tlee daygoo’ glass? Me lay you on, all li.”

“It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!” I replied. “Have-um drink o’ tea, Paul? Have-um bit o’ du-pang? Where me find-um grass?”

“Tlinidad Paddock, all li-plully goo’ glass.”

“How me fetch-um that peller?”

Paul dismounted, and, declining my meagre hospitality, gave me copious information respecting the Trinidad. The nearest corner of this paddock was only eight miles away; but it would be expedient to go round by certain tracks, making the distance twelve or fourteen miles. It was a small paddock — five by two-being portion of a five by ten, recently divided. There was no water in it. It was crossed by a shallow billabong which had been dammed when the dividing fence was erected; but the first flood in the Lachlan had burst an opening in the embankment, so that even at the end of the previous winter there was no water in the paddock, except a drop of sludgy stuff in the excavation.

Hence the grass. There was no stock in the Trinidad, and no one in charge. There were two station men, with a team of bullocks and scoop, cleaning out the dam and repairing the bank; but they would n’t see anything. Also, Mr. Smythe.

Continued on Page 29

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 21

Winter Warmer Travel Planner

Gladstone Palms Motor Inn Fact File NAME: Gladstone Palms Motor Inn ADDRES S: Cnr Far St & Dawson Hwy, Gladstone, Qld 4680 ADDRESS: PHONE: (07) 4971 3000 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Doug and Rene Banks WEB: www.gladstonepalmsmotorinn.com.au E-MAIL: info@gladstonepalmsmotorinn.com.au

Gladstone Palms Motor Inn is conveniently located seven minutes from the airport and a few minutes to city centre. Shopping centres, parks and recreational facilities are all within easy walking distance.

Gladstone Palms offers you the best in comfortable accommodation in a sought after location. Whether your planning a much needed holiday or combining family and business, Gladstone Palms Motor Inn is the place to stay.

Quality Motel Style Accommodation in Gladstone ■ 36 Units ■ Wireless internet ■ Self contained units ■ Family units ■ Rooms all non-smoking ■ All rooms with toasters, hairdryers, iron/ironing board and tea and coffee making facilities

■ Rooms with balconies and views ■ Undercover car parking ■ Close to Gladstone central shopping centre, airport, hospital, racecourse, sports ground, theatre and other hotels ■ Friendly country service ■ Managers on site ■ Foxtel ■ Salt-water pool ■ Spacious rooms with reverse cycle air con ■ Complimentary Guest laundry ■ Conference facilities ■ Licensed Bar and Restaurant ■ Side street parking for larger vehicles ■ Recently refurbished units ■ 3.5 star property ■ minute drive to airport and CBD

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

2015-16 Travel Planner

Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments 1 x Queen Bed, 2 x Single Beds, 1 x Sofa Bed Facilities: NAME: Hastings Cove Holiday Apartments Bed linen included (all beds triple sheeted), Non-smoking only ADDRESS: 2 Creek St, Hastings Point, NSW 2489 Air conditioning, Balcony / courtyard, Opening windows PHONE: (02) 6676 3999 Open plan lounge/dining, CD player, DVD player CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Anne Worsley Alarm clock, TV, Full kitchen, Dishwasher WEB: www.hastingscove.com Refrigerator - full size, Tea/Coffee Making E-MAIL: info@hastingscove.com Separate shower & bath, Laundry, Washing machine Dryer, Iron & ironing board, Clothes line / airer Great for couples and families, Hastings Cove Waterfront HoliUnder cover parking, with extra car parks available for your day Apartments are the quiet family getaway on the Tweed second car or boat (by arrangement) Coast, with fully furnished 2 bedroom self catering holiday units in landscaped grounds.

A short 150 metres stroll to the beach, with direct access to a sheltered estuary, you and the family can enjoy great fishing, and activities like swimming, snorkeling, sand castles, kayaking and surfing.

Stay for 2 nights or longer, with affordable 2 night to 7 night deals from $105 per night.

Longer stay packages of 2 weeks or more are also available, just ask.

We have four apartment options to choose from.

Our ground floor and upstairs garden view apartments overlook our landscaped gardens and swimming pool, upstairs estuary view units, have water views overlooking the estuary from the balcony, and our stand alone apartments have no units above them.

Just 25 minutes drive to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, you can relax and enjoy uncrowded beaches, explore national parks, visit neighbouring coastal villages and local markets, or go bush walking, cycling, fishing or surfing.

Hastings Cove 4 star rated holiday apartments offers four family holiday unit accommodation options.

Ground floor and second floor garden view apartments overlook our landscaped gardens and swimming pool, great for watching the kids having a splash in the pool as you relax.

Or you can choose a "stand alone" garden view apartment with no upstairs unit above.

Upstairs estuary view units have a wide balcony overlooking Cudgera Creek, perfect for an alfresco breakfast or a romantic sunset dinner.

Apartments 2 Bedroom Apartments Sleeps 2-6 people

Fact File

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 23

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Pet Friendly Accommodation

Drift Away Villas Fact File NAME: Drift Away Villas ADDRES S: 59 Best St, Yorkeys Knob, Qld 4878 ADDRESS: PHONE: (07) 4081 0236 CONT ACT ONTA CT:: Genevieve WEB: www.driftawayvillas.com E-MAIL: genevieve.ogrady@bigpond.com

Driftaway Villas are a small set of villas set one street back from beautiful Yorkeys Knob Beach, 10 minutes north of tropical Cairns.

Owners John and Gen pride themselves on being able to provide comfortable holiday home style accommodation at very reasonable prices.

Each air-conditioned villa has 3 bedrooms and sleeps 6 very comfortably. All of the villas are totally pet friendly, each with their own generous sized private yard and entertaining area so children and dogs are safe and everyone can relax.

The Villas are tiled throughout and all on ground level creating a wheelchair friendly environment as well.

Each villa is fully self contained with all your linen provided; they even have dvd’s, books and games to help you have a lazy holiday.

The beach is less than 100 metres away and has an enormous area where the dogs are allowed off their leads.

Yorkeys Knob BeachAdair Cottage is a gorgeous fully self contained one bedroom cottage perfect for romantic getaways. Fully fenced making it safe for pets, and just a short stroll down to beautiful Yorkeys Knob Beach. Perfect for 1-2 people, there is also a fold out couch for extra visitors if required.

Adair House in Yorkeys Knob is Affordable and spacious!

This four bedroom, two bathroom holiday home is perfect for family getaways. Walk across the quiet street and along the melaleuca pathway to the sandy beach.

Adair Cottage - just next door is available for larger families requiring additional accommodation and for group bookings. Adair House and Adair Cottage offer excellent value for money. Pets and children are very welcome. They have their own fenced yard to play in.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 24 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Pet Friendly Accommodation

Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages Property Hire. 30 treed private acres.

5 sottages. Great for groups.

In the real Australian bush. Noosa hinterland.

Noosa A arm C ottages R etr Avv alon F Farm Cottages Retr etree aatt and Sanctuary ffor or yyour our Queensland holida y holidays in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland.

Fully self contained holiday accommodation. Eco farmstay Sunshine coast accommodation with mountain views.

Avalon is great for families, honeymooners, romance, child and pet friendly and business groups in the real Australian bush.

Close to Lake Cootharaba, Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Fraser Island and Cooloola enjoy national parks, kangaroos, lake and native animals, butterfly and bird watching, walking and horse riding trails, Eumundi markets, art galleries, museums, Majestic Silent movie Theatre, antiques, restaurants, fishing and swimming.

We are environmentally friendly since 1986 and do not use poisons on Avalon.

We have a wondrous array of wildlife at Noosa Avalon Cottages, from green tree frogs to kookaburries and koala’s there is always something to see and do while staying at Noosa Avalon Cottages.

Imagine the kangaroos on the farm playing with their Joeys.

It’s the perfect private getaway for families, honeymooners, romance, family or business groups in the real Australian bush.

Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages Retreat and Sanctuary features two exclusive 1920s Queenslander cottages, Bottlebrush our rustic mountain cottage and 2 Country Homesteads.

The cottages and Avalon Homestead are nestled on 30 acres

Fact File NAME: Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages ADDRESS: 292 Pomona Kin Kin Rd, Pomona, Qld 4568 PHONE: (07) 5485 1959 C ONT ACT ONTA CT:: Linda WEB: www.noosacottages.com E-MAIL: linda@noosacottages.com

of regenerated forest, Avalon Noosa Retreat is breathtakingly beautiful. Located near Mount Pinbarren at the entrance to the Kin Kin Valley – Noosa’s hidden paradise of the Hinterland.

It borders the scenic Noosa Trail, a network of bushwalking, horseriding and bikeriding trails that traverse the Wapunga Range.

Centrally located in the Noosa playground Queensland near the beach. Holiday at the Award winning eco farmstay close to the historic country towns of Noosa, Cooroy, Pomona, Lake Cootharaba and Eumundi only 90 mins to the beautiful river city of Brisbane.

Romantic and fully self contained. Come see the spectacular views of the nine mountains from this secluded and peaceful place, enjoy the beautiful clear night skies, the stars and the moon, marvel at the mists on rainy days that linger around the 9 mountains, valleys and lake.

Peaceful holiday accommodation with kangaroos and native animals, birdwatching, walking and horse riding trails.

The cottages and Homesteads are fully restored in the uniquely Australian style by Linda to totally complement the environment.

Whether you are bushwalking or just relaxing, you are surrounded by nature. The Cottages and Homesteads offer the opportunity for romance, closeness and the best in intimate accommodation and you are just minutes from renowned local and Noosa restaurants and boutique shopping.

The cottages and Homesteads are private and fully self contained with stunning views of the countryside and mountains.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 25

Pet Friendly y Accommodation

Mount Warning Forest Hideaway FACT FILE NAME: Mount W arning F or es way Warning For ores estt Hidea Hideaw ADDRESS: 460 Byrrill Creek Rd, Uki NSW 2484 PHONE: (02) 6679 7277 C ONT AC T eesa Schuh ONTA T:: L Leesa es thidea w ay.com.au WEB: w w w.for ores esthidea thideaw ww or es thidea w ay.c om.au E-MAIL: inf o@f info@f o@for ores esthidea thideaw

Vision into Reality Vision into - and PPeac tion,Reality Healing eac e Finding T orma Trransf ansforma ormation, eace Just over three years ago Leesa Schuh and Andrew Hinsch Findingproud TTrroud ansf orma tion, Warning Healing and PPeac eac eaceeway. ansforma ormation, became the pr o wners of Mt W arning F o rre e sstt Hidea owners Fo Hideaw Theover property manifested reality twoHinsch years Just three was years ago Leesainto Schuh and after Andrew of dr eaming of a lo ving, healing en vir onment tto o hold W ork dreaming loving, envir vironment Work ork-shops and became theRetreats. pr oud oowners wners of Mt W arning FFor or es proud Warning ores estt Hidea Hideaww ay.

The 'Hideaway', as it is often referred to, is affordable, The property was manifested into realitywith after years pet and family friendly accommodation, six two self-contained studios and 2 self-contained suites. Situated on 18 of dr eaming ofo rreea sst, lo ving, healing en vir onmentWarning) ttoo hold W ork dreaming loving, envir vironment Work ork-acr es of rrainf ainf t, near W ollumbin NP (Mt W arning) in the acres ainfo Wollumbin Northern ers of NS W, the Hidea w a y boas ts its o wn cr eek, Rivers NSW Hideaw boasts own creek, shops andRiv Retreats. waterholes, varied species of birds and Australian wildlife, The as'Hideaway', it is often referred to, ismuch affordable, such W allabies,asE chidna, Bandic oot, and mor e.

Wallabies, Echidna, Bandicoot, more This is an idyllic retreat from the busyness of city life. pet and family friendly with six self-conMany return visitors loveaccommodation, the peace and tranquillity the valley offers, enabling to relax and connect with themtained studios and 2them self-contained suites.

Situated on 18 selves, and nature.

As as the holiday accommodation, areinalso acr es well of rrainf ainf or es t, near W ollumbin NP (Mtretreats W arning) the acres ainfor ores est, Wollumbin Warning) available on a frequent basis. These include: 7 Day Juice Northern Riv ers ofeNS W,ethe Hidea weenagers' ay boas tsW itsorkshop oown wn cr eek, Rivers NSW Hideaw boasts creek, F a sst, t, 5 Da y Silenc R etr a t, THE T and Day Silence Retr etre at, Teenagers' Workshop 5 Da y Spiritual P urifica tion R etr ea ebirthing T Day Purifica urification Retr etre att and R Rebirthing Trrainwaterholes, varied species of birds and Australian wildlife, ing. Customised and personal healing retreats are also popular popular. such as. W allabies, EEchidna, chidna, Bandic oot, and much mor Wallabies, Bandicoot, moree .

Rebirthing/Breathwork has become the focus of the This transformational is an idyllic retreat fromtechniques the busyness city life. many healing usedof during the retreats. This technique uses the breath to bring awareMany return visitors love thethe peace and tranquillity valnes s tto o the body , and uses ener gy of br ea th tto o the rrelease elease ness body, energy bre ath past traumas, and create a sense of peace, happiness and ley offers, enabling them to relax and connect with thembliss in your life.

Th e e x citing ne w s is tha ounder of R ebirthing, ex new thatt the ffounder Rebirthing, selves, and nature.

L eonar d Orr w a y in Dec ember ffor or an eonard Orr,, will be a att the Hidea Hideaw December As welle 9asDa the holiday accommodation, retreatsTThis areeevvalso int ensiv y R ebirthing/Br ea w ork T his ent intensiv ensive Day Rebirthing/Br ebirthing/Bre att h hw Trraining. will truly bring the Vision that Leesa and Andrew had for available on into a frequent basis.theThese include: 7 and Day transJuice the property Reality with amazing healing will occur this event.W Fformations as t, 5more Da Silenc e tion RRetr etr ea t,during THE TTeenagers' eenagers' orkshop and ast, Dayye that Silence etrea eat, Workshop F or mor inf orma go tto o w w w.f o rre e ssthidea thidea w ay.c om.au informa ormation ww thideaw Rebirthing and 5 Da PPurifica urifica tion RRetr etr ea and RRebirthing ebirthing TTrrainDayy Spiritual9 Day urification etrea eatt Spiritual P urifica tion T eonar d Orr urification Trraining with L Leonar eonard ing.

Customised and personal are also L eonar d Orr om US A) the healing F ounderretreats of R ebirthing is eonard Orr,, (fr (from USA) Founder Rebirthing currently touring Australia. popular . popular.

Leonard is considered one of the originating pioneers of the New Age movement and He Rebirthing/Breathwork hasProsperity become Consciousness. the focus of the has devoted over 40 years of his life to spreading his ideas many transformational techniques used during the and the healing powerhealing of Rebirthing/Breathwork around the globe, covering six continents and circling the globe retreats. technique uses the breath to bring awaredozens ofThis times.

Leonard 20 books inea more than nes s ttoo the has body , and usesover the ener gy of br th ttoo rrelease eleasea ness body,authored energy brea eath dozen languages. He has mentored many of the current popular lifestyle motivational offers pracpast traumas, andandcreate a sense speakers. of peace, He happiness and tical tools to enhance the quality of your daily life. bliss in December your life. 6-15 Dates:

7 Day Juice Fast The intention for this retreat is to take time out to start the healing pr oc e ssses ses in y our body e ffa a ssting ting giv es y our body pro ce your body.. Juic Juice gives your the time to rest and heal while providing your body concentrated nutrition.

Our program will empower you with experience, knowledge and tools to move forward in health and aliveness.

Benefits of this Retreat can include: Balancing Cholesterol Levels, sugar levels, Blood Pressure, and pH Detox - bowel cleanse & improved liver function Boosted Immune System Weight L o sss, s, R elief fr om cr a vings ((cigar cigar ett es, sugar ohol et c) Lo Relief from cra cigarett ettes, sugar,, alc alcohol etc Increased mental clarity and sensory awareness P ain and aller gy rrelief elief eleases7 Da y s of: allergy elief,, Emotional rreleases7 Day ■ Fresh Juice Feasting ■ Health & W ellbeing Seminars Wellbeing ■ Yoga ■ Exercise & Rituals ■ Meditation ■ Detox Baths ■ 'Camp' Fires ■ Group Support Including a Session of: ■ Breathwork ■ Massage ■ Lifestyle Coaching Dates: January 11-18

Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 27

Seniors

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 28 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Real Estate

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 29

Observer Classic Books From Page 20 was away in Melbourne, and would n’t be back for another week. Of course, it took me about half-an-hour to Champollion all this information from the cryptical utterances of the friendly Asiatic.

“You allee same Christian,” I remarked, packing away my breakfast-service. “You go long-a good place bimeby.”

“Me Clistian allee same you,” he replied, not without dignity “Convelt plully long time. ‘Paul’ Clistian name. Splink’ wattel, all li.”

With this he bade me a civil good-bye, and went his way. Then I saddled-up and started for the Trinidad; mentally placing Mr. Smythe, Bert, and myself, in one dish of the moral scale, and this undesirable alien in the other, with an unflattering upshot to the superior race.

And this conclusion was more than verified when I reached my destination. The grass was something splendid. Any island or peninsula of plain among the tall lignum would do for a camp; and there was a good waterhole about a mile away, with only a low, slack fence to cross.

Between one thing and another, it might have been about three in the afternoon when, with Pup reposing by my side, I finally settled down to an after-dinner smoke from the sage meerschaum often deservedly noticed in these annals.

The two greatest supra-physical pleasures of life are antithetical in operation. One is to have something to do, and to know that you are doing it deftly and honestly. The other is to have nothing to do, and to know that you are carrying out your blank programme like a good and faithful menial. On this afternoon, the latter line of inaction seemed to be my path of duty — even to the extent of unharnessing my mind, so that when any difficulty did arise, I might be prepared to meet it as a bridegroom is supposed to meet his bride. Therefore whenever my reasoning faculties obtruded themselves, I knapp’d ’em o’ the coxcombs with a stick, and cry’d ‘Down, wantons, down.’ Briefly, I kept my ratiocinative gear strictly quiescent, with only the perceptive apparatus unrestrained, thus observing all things through the hallowed haze of a mental sabbath.

There is a positive felicity in this attitude of soul, comparing most favorably with the negative happiness of Nirvana “Taking it easy, Tom?” conjectured a familiar voice.

“No, Steve,” I murmured, without even raising my eyes. “Tea in the quart-pot there. What are you after? Or is someone after you?”

“Prospecting for a bite of grass.”

“Well, you’ve bottomed on the wash. Thought you were out to Kulkaroo, with salt?”

“Just getting down again, with a half-load of pressed skins. Bullocks living on box-leaves and lignum. Rode over to get the geography of this place by daylight. Saunders, the fencer, told me about it this morning. He’s got a ten-mile contract away on Poolkija, and he’s going out with three horses and a dray-load of stores for himself. Dray stopped on the road for the last week, with his wife minding it. Horses supposed to be lost in the lignum on Yoongoolee, and him hunting them for all he’s worth. Keeps them planted all day, and tails them here at night. He would n’t have laid me on, only that he’s going to drop across them to-morrow morning, and shift.”

“Anyone coming with you to-night?”

“Baxter and Donovan. It’s a good step to travel — must be ten or twelve mile — but this grass is worth it. Safe, too, from what I hear. Might get two goes at it, by taking the bullocks out at daylight, and planting them till night. However, I must get back, to meet the other chaps with the mob.”

“Well, I’ll be here when you come.”

Thompson turned his horse, and disappeared round a promontory of lignum. By this time, the sun was dipping, dusky red, toward the smoky horizon; so I addressed myself to the duties of the evening, which consisted in taking my horses and Pup to the water, and bringing back a supply for myself. Also, as a concession to the new aspect of things, I took the bell off Cleopatra.

Daylight had now melted into soft, shadowless moonlight; and the place was no longer solitary.

Dozens of cattle were scattered round, harvesting the fine crop of grass; and Thompson, with his two confederates, joined me. During daylight, I had made it my business to find a secluded place, bare of grass, where a fire could be kindled without offending the public eye; and to this spot the four of us repaired to see about some supper.

One of these was Stevenson, a tank-sinker, now on his way northward with twenty-two fresh horses — fresh, by the way, only in respect of their new branch of industry, for the draft was made-up entirely of condemned coachers from Hay, and broken-down cab-horses from Victoria.

The other arrival was a Dutchman, who brought his two ten-horse teams. A thrifty, honest, sociable fellow he was; yet nothing but the integrity of narrative could possibly move me to repeat his name. It was Helsmok, with the ‘o’ sounded long. The first time I had addressed him by name — many years before — a sense of delicacy had impelled me to shorten the vowel, also to slur the first syllable, whilst placing a strong accent on the second. But he had corrected me, just as promptly as Mr. Smythe would have done if I had called him Smith, and far more civilly. He had even softened the admonition by explaining that his strictness arose from a justifiable family pride, several of his paternal ancestors having been man-o’-war captains, and one an admiral — in which cases, the name would certainly seem appropriate. But some Continental surnames are sad indeed. The rollcall of Germany furnishes, perhaps, the most unhappy examples. There are bonâ fide German names which no man of refinement cares about repeating, except in a shearers’ hut or a gentlemen’s smoking-room.

“Shadowed you chaps,” remarked Stevenson, replying to the bullock drivers’ look of inquiry.

And he also applied himself to the kindling of a small fire.

“Jis’ missed my ole camp by about ten chain!” cheerfully observed Saunders, entering the arena with a billy in one hand and a small calico bag in the other. “I was makin’ for her when when I heard you (fellows) talkin’. More the merrier, I s’pose.” And he set about making a third little fire.

“Gittin’ out with loadin’, Helsmok?” asked Donovan, while we waited the boiling of the billies.

“Yoos gittin’ dan mit der las’ wool,” replied the Dutchman. “I make der slow yourney; but, by yingo, I mus’ save der horses.”

“Ought to change that name of yours, Jan,” remarked Thompson, with real sincerity. “It’s an infernal name for children to hear.”

“Literally so,” commented Stevenson.

“Alter it to John Sulphur–Burnin’,” suggested Baxter.

“How’d Jack Brimstone–Reek do?” asked Donovan.

“Give it the aristocratic touch,” proposed Stevenson. “Sign yourself Jean Fumée de l’Enfer.”

“Why not the scientific turn?” I asked. “Make it Professor John OxySulphuret, F.R.S. — Foreigner Rastling for Selebrity.”

“My idear’s Blue Blazes,” put in Saunders bluntly.

“Tank you, yentlemen,” replied the genial Mynheer. “Mineself, I enyoy der yoke. Bot I am brout of my name. Mit mine forefadders, it have strock der yolly goot fear of Gott into der Spaniar’ und der English.”

“No wonder,” sighed Thompson, purposely misconstruing the honest vindication. “And it’ll have the same effect on anybody that considers it properly. But for that very reason, it’s not a decent name.”

“It is ein olt name, Domson,” argued the Dutchman.

“Old enough,” rejoined Thompson gloomily. “It was to the fore when Satan was slung out of heaven; and it’ll be going as strong as ever when we’re trying to give an account of ourselves. It won’t be a joking matter then.”

Nor was it any longer a joking-matter for our assembly. Soon, however, the billies were taken off the fires, and spiritual apprehension forthwith gave place to physical indulgence.

After supper, we adjourned to the open plain.

The night was delicious; and for half-an-hour the congress was governed by that dignified silence which backcountry men appreciate so highly, yet so unconsciously. Then the contemplative quiet of our synod was broken by the vigorous barking of Saunders’ dog, at a solitary box tree, indicating a possum tree’d in full sight.

“Gostruth, that ‘on’t do!” muttered the fencer, hastily starting toward the dog. “That’s visible to the naked eye about three mile on a night like now.”

“Recalls the most perfect pun within my knowledge,” remarked Stevenson. “A lady, travelling by coach, had a pet dog, which annoyed her fellow-passengers till one of them remonstrated.

‘I’m surprised that you don’t like my dog,’ says the lady; ‘he’s a real Peruvian.’ ‘We don’t object to your Peruvian dog,’ says the passenger, ‘but we wish he would give us less of his Peruvian bark’.”

Before our company had recovered from the painful constraint induced by this unfathomable joke, Saunders resumed his place, holding the dog by a saddlestrap taken from his own equator.

“Dead spit of my poor old Monkey,” remarked Thompson sadly, as he caressed the dog. “Never felt the thing that’s on me more distinctly than when I lost poor Monkey.”

“Well, I offered you a fiver for him,” rejoined Donovan. “Never know’d a man to have luck with a thing that he’d refused a good bid for.

Picked up a bait, I s’pose?”

“Monkey would never have stayed with you,” replied Thompson. “That dog would have broke his heart if he’d been parted from me. Tell you how I lost him. Last winter, when I was loadedout for Kenilworth — where I met Cooper — you might remember it was dry, and frosty, and miserable, and the country as bare as a stockyard; and mostly everybody loafing on Kooltopa.

Well, I dodged round by Yoongoolee, stealing a bite of grass here, and a bite there; and travelling by myself, so as not to be worth orderingoff the runs; and staying with the bullocks every night, and keeping them in decent fettle, considering.

“So, one evening, I left the wagon on that bit of red ground at the Fifteen-mile Gate, and tailed the bullocks down in the dark to sample the grass in Old Sollicker’s horse-paddock. About eleven at night, when the first of them began to liedown, I shifted the lot to an open place, so as to have them all together when they got full. I was in bodily fear of losing some of them among the lignum, in the dark; for it’s a hanging-matter to duff in a horsepaddock on Yoongoolee. I knew Old Sollicker was as regular as clockwork, and I was safe till sunrise; so I intended to rouse-up the bullocks just before daylight, to lay in a fresh supply. In the meantime, I settled myself down for a sleep.”

“Where was the (adj.) dog?” asked Baxter.

“Rolled up in the blanket with me, I tell you; and we both slept like the dead”—— “Owing to having no fleas on you?” suggested Stevenson.

“Don’t know what was the cause; but the thing that woke me was the jingle of a Barwell horsebell on one side, and the rattle of a bridle on the other. Sure enough, there was the sun half-anhour high, and Old Sollicker about thirty yards off, and here on the other side was his two horses dodging away from him; and me in a belt of lignum, half-way between; and my twenty bullocks, as bold as brass, all feeding together in the open, a bit to the left of the horses. It was plain to be seen that the old fellow hadn’t caught sight of the bullocks on account of the belt of lignum where I was planted; but he was making for an openish place, not twenty yards ahead of him, and when he got there it would be all up. So I grabbed hold of Monkey, and fired him at the horses. He was there! He went like a boomerang when I let him rip, and in two seconds he had the blood flying out of those horses’ heels; and, of course, they streaked for the clear ground near the hut. As soon as I let the dog go, I turned my attention to Sollicker. At the first alarm, he stopped to consider; then, when the horses shot past him, with the dog eating their heels, he rubbed his chin for about two minutes — and me trusting Providence all I was able — then he gave a sort of snort, and said, ‘Well, I be dang!’ and with that he turned round and went toward his hut. That was the signal for me to clear; and in fifteen minutes I had all my stock in safetybar poor Monkey; and I never saw him from that day to this.”

“You (adj.) fool! why did n’t you hunt for him?” asked Donovan.

“And did n’t I hunt for him till I was sick and tired? I spent half that day hunting for him; and next morning I went back seven mile, and called at the hut to ask Mrs. Sollicker if her old man had seen a magpie steer, with a bugle horn, anywhere among the lignum; and when I got clear of the hut, I whistled till I was black in the face; and still no dog. I hunted everywhere; and still no dog. Vanished out of the land of the living.

That dog would never leave me while he had breath in his body; and when he did n’t come back, after he had chivied the horses, I might have”—— “Sh-sh-sh!” whispered Stevenson. And, follow-

ing the direction of his look, we discerned the approaching figure of a man on horseback.

“Ben Cartwright,” observed Baxter, after a pause. “Anybody else comin’, I wonder? Seems like as if people couldn’t fine a bit o’ grass without the whole (adj.) country jumpin’ it.”

“I move that all trespassers ought to be prosecuted with the utmost vigour o’ the (adj.) law,” remarked Donovan aloud, as the new-comer dismounted and liberated his horse, a few yards away.

“We should certainly be justified in taking the opinion of the Court on a test case,” added Stevenson. “Suppose we make an example of Cartwright? Oh, I beg your pardon!” For the intended sacrifice was just collapsing into an easy position beside the speaker.

“Been scoutin’ for you (fellows) this last halfhour,” he remarked sociably, but in the suppressed tone befitting time and place. “Seen samples o’ your workin’ plant, an’ know’d who to expect. Heard the dog barkin’ jis’ now. Sof collar we got here — ain’t it?”

“How did you find it?” asked Thompson.

“Know Jack Ling — at the Boree Paddick, abou four mile out there? Well, I worked on his horsepaddick las’ night, an’ he follered me up this mornin’, an’ talked summons. But I ain’t very fiery-tempered, the way things is jis’ now; an’ I got at the soft side o’ the (adj.) idolator; an’ he laid me on here. Reckoned I’d mos’ likely fine company.”

“One good point about a Chow boundary man,” observed Thompson. “So long as you don’t interfere with his own paddock, he never makes himself nasty.”

My own experience of the morning led me to endorse this judgment; wherefore, if John didn’ exactly rise in the estimation of the camp, he certainly reduced his soundings in its destestation.

“Comin’down with wool?” asked Baxter.

“Comin’ down without wool, or wagon, or any (adj.) thing,” replied Cartwright. “Jist loafin loose. Bullocks dead-beat. Left the wagon tarpolined at the Jumpin’ Sandhill, a fortnit ago Five gone out o’ eighteen since then, an’ three more dead if they on’y know’d it. Good for trade I s’pose.”

“Had any supper?” asked Thompson.

“Well, no. Run out o’tucker to-day, an’ reckoned I’d do till I foun’ time to go to Booligal tomorrow.”

While three or four of the fellows placed their eatables before Cartwright, Thompson remarked: “You gave me a bit of a start. When I saw you coming, it reminded me of one time I go snapped by Barefooted Bob, on Wo–Winya while M’Gregor owned the station. For all the world such a night as this-smoky moonlight, and as good as day. I’d had a fearful perisher coming down with the last wool, and I was making for the Murray, by myself; stealing a bite of grass every night, and getting caught, altogether, five times between Hay and Barmah. Well, I knew there was rough feed in the Tin Hut Paddock; so I crawled along quietly, and loosed-out after dark in that timber where the coolaman hole is. Then I sneaked the bullocks through the fence, and out past that bit of a swamp; and they had jus settled down to feed, when I saw some one riding toward me. “‘I’ve got possession of some bullocks close handy here,’ says he ‘Do you own them?’ “‘Yes,’ says I; ‘and, by the same token, I have possession.’ “‘Right you are,’ says he. ‘Court job, if you like Your name’s Stephen Thompson. Good night.’ “‘Hold-on!’ says I. ‘On second thoughts, I haven’t possession. But I think I know your voice. Are n’t you Barefooted Bob? Where’s Bat?’ “‘Laying for Potter’s horse-teams to-night,’ says Bob. ‘He’ll get them, right enough.’ “‘Come over to the wagon, and have a drink of tea,’ says I. “‘No, no,’ says he; ‘none of your toe-rag business. I’ll just stop with these bullocks till it’s ligh enough to count them out of the paddock.’

“So we stayed there yarning all night, and in the morning we settled-up, and he saw me out of the paddock. Nicest, civilest fellow you’d meet but no more conscience than that kangaroo-dog of Tom’s. He and Bat had been four or five years away north toward the Gulf, and had just come down. M’Gregor used to keep them up to their work. Sent them away somewhere about the Diamantina, shortly after this affair; and now Bob”—— Continued on Page 30

Page 30 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books From Page 29 “Speak o’ the divil,” growled Baxter. “You done it, you blatherin’ fool! Look behine you! Now there’s a bob a-head, or a summons, for every (individual) of us. Might ‘a’ had more sense!”

Thompson (as you will remember) had heard of Bob’s decease, but had since learned the fallacy of the report. I was therefore, probably, the only person present who took for granted that M’Gregor’s obnoxious familiar was so removed from further opportunity of mischief as to leave him a safe subject of conversation among people situated as we were. Hence the well-concealed disquietude of the company was nothing in comparison with my own perplexity — which, I trust, was no less successfully disguised. For it was Bob himself who had just ridden round a contiguous cape of lignum, and now, dismounting and throwing his reins on the ground, joined our unappreciative group. After folding his interminable legs in two places, and clasping his hands round his shins, this excrescence on society remarked, in basso profundo: “Evenin’, chaps.”

“Evenin’,” came in sullen, but general, response.

Then Baxter queried indifferently: “Same ole lay?”

“Not me,” replied the deep, low voice. “Every man to his work. My work’s mullockin’ in a reservoy, with a new-chum weaver from Leeds for a mate, an’ a scoop that’s nyther make nor form, an’ the ten worst bullocks ever was yoked.”

“Well, Bob,” said I; “though you gave me a fright, I must congratulate you. I heard you were dead.”

“Would n’t mind if I was dead, Collins.”

“Where’s Bat?” I asked.

“Gone to a better billet”— and the leonine voice deepened to hoarseness. “Restin’ in the shadder of a lonely rock, as the Bible says. I buried him by my own self, way out back, eight or ten months ago. Many’s the time I wish I was with him, for I’m dog-tired of everything goin’. Besthearted feller ever broke bread, Bat was; an’ the prittiest rider ever I seen on a horse. Yes; pore ole chap’s gone. You’d ‘a’ thought he was on’y asleep when “—— No further word was spoken for a couple of minutes. Then Stevenson asked:

Melbourne

“How long since you came down?”

“Five months since I left the Diamantinar. Grand grass there, an’ most o’ the road down. I come with some fats as fur as Wilcannia; an’ a drover took charge o’ them there; an’ my orders was to come on to Mondunbarra. I been here goin’ on for three weeks, rasslin’ with that reservoy, an’ cursin’ M’Gregor an’ Smythe for bein’ man-eaters, an’ myself for bein’ a born fool.”

“Then why don’t you leave?” asked Thompson.

“How can I leave without a settlin’-up?”

“An’ why the (sheol) don’t you git a settlin’up?” asked Donovan.

“How’m I goin’ to git a settlin’-up, when M’Gregor don’t know me from a crow, an’ says Smythe’ll represent him in the meantime; an’ Smythe says his hands is tied on account o’ M’Gregor, or else he’d dem soon give me the run. Nice way for a man to be fixed, after me breakin’ my neck since I was fifteen, to make M’Gregor what he is. Eighteen solid years clean throwed away!”

“How did you fine us here, unless you was (adv.) well after somebody?” asked Baxter, still suspicious of the dog with a bad name.

“Well, I am after somebody. I’m after ole M’Gregor — at least, I’ll be after him as soon ‘s I git this reservoy off o’ my mind. Daresay I’ll git you to understand by-‘n’-by. See: Jist when Smythe wanted this job fixed-up, he got a slant o’ fourteen bullocks, sold at a gift, for debt; an’ he thought that would be the cheapest way to git the work done; for he did n’t want to engage any o’ your sort, knowin’ you’d loaf on the grass, an’ most likely make a song about it, an’ be the instigation of no end o’ trouble watchin’ the place.

Well, them fourteen was put in Sling Ho’s paddick for a fortnit before I come; an’ I could on’y muster ten; an’ me an’ this mate o’ mine we made a start with that lot — not knowin’ which was nearsiders, nor off-siders, nor leaders, nor nothing. Nice contract. Anyway, jist before dark this evenin’, I seen two o’ the missin’ ones in the ‘joinin’ paddock, so I rooted-up one o’ my horses, an’ fetched them in here. Then I heard a dog barkin’ out this way, an’ I thought I’d come across to kill time, an’ then I happened to hear a lot o’ laughin’ where them other blokes is camped”—— “Which other blokes?” asked Saunders.

ObserverLooking for a

Professional to run the show? ★ Compere/Host ★ Auctioneer ★ Promotions ★ A-Grade Journalist ★ Voice-Over Commercials ★ Race Caller All Sports, Race Nights ★ TV, Radio, Press ★ Respected Member of the Media

Ted Ryan Phone 9876 1652 Mobile: 0412 682 927 E-Mail: tedryan@australiaonline.net.au ted.ryan@optusnet.com.au

“Dan Lister an’ three Vic. chaps. Be about halfa-mile out there. Dan’s as sulky as a pig with these coves for foxin’ him; an’ they’re laughin’ at him like three overgrown kids. They got twelve bullocks each. Dan tells me he dropped two out of his eighteen, comin’ down from Mooltunya.

Says one o’ the Chinks laid him on to this bit o’ grass. Two other fellers I met in the plain-strangers to me — they had the very same yarn. Them heathens think I’m in charge here; an’ they’re workin’ a point to make me nasty with the chaps on the track. An’ if I was in charge, that’s jist the sort o’ thing would put a hump on me. Sort o’ off-sider for a gang o’ Chinks! My word!”

“Bin many people workin’ on this paddick lately?” asked Saunders innocently.

“Well, besides your three horses, there’s been an odd team now an’ agen for the fortnit or three weeks I been here. Good many last night.

Rallyin’-up to-night. No business o’ mine. Too busy shiftin’ mullock to know what’s goin’ on.

Way o’ the world, I s’pose. Anyway, Smythe’s gittin’ a slant to come to an understandin’ with M’Gregor about me; an’if it ain’t satisfactory, there’ll be bad feelin’ between us. I want to be kep’ at my own proper work, or else sacked an’ squared-up with — not shoved into a job like this the minit I show my face; with that young pup cheekin’ me for callin’ him ‘Bert.’ ‘Mr. Smythe, if you please,’ says he! Hope I’ll live to see him with bluey on his back.”

“Well-matched pair — M’Gregor an’ Smythe,” remarked Donovan thoughtfully. “Wonder which of the two (individuals) is worst in the sight o’ God?” “Toss-up,” replied Bob. “Same time, there’s a lot o’ difference in people, accordin’ to the shape o’ their head. There’s Stewart of Kooltopa; he don’t demean his self with little things; he goes in for big things, an’ gits there; an’ he’s got the heart to make a proper use o’ what money travels his road. Comes-out a Christian. Then there’s Smythe: his mind’s so much took-up with the tuppenny-thruppenny things that he can’t see the big thing when it’s starin’ him in the face. Can’t afford to come-out anything but a pis-ant. Then there’s M’Gregor: he goes-in for big things an’ little things, an’ he goes-in to win, an’ he wins; an’all he wins is Donal’ M’Gregor’s. Comesout a bow constructor.”

“Do you think he’ll shift Smythe from

Mondunbarra, as he did Pratt from Boolka?” I asked.

“Ain’t he doin’ it all the time?” replied Bob. “He’s got Smythe frightened of him now, an’ beginnin’ to hate him like fury, besides. That’s M’Gregor’s lay. By-‘n’-by, Smythe’ll be dreamin’ about him all night, an’ wishin’ he was game to poison him all day; an’ when he feels enough haunted, M’Gregor’ll make him an offer, an’ he’ll sell-out like a bird.”

“I should be inclined to reverse the situation,” remarked Stevenson. “I should make him glad to sell-out to me.”

“My word, you’d do a lot,” replied Bob. “I seen smarter men nor you took-down through tryin’ to work points on the same ole M’Gregor. Tell you what I seen on Wo–Winya, about three year ago — jist before me an’ pore Bat was put on the Diamantinar Feller name o’ Tregarvis, from Bendigo, he selected a lot o’ land on Wo–Winya, an’ made-up his mind he’d straighten M’Gregor.

Bit of a Berryite, he was. Well-off for a selector, too; an’ he done a big business back an’ forrid to Vic. with cattle. Mixed lots, of course, with stags an’ ole cows that no fence would hold. North of Ireland feller, name o’ Moore, was managin’ Wo–Winya at the time; an’ M’Gregor was a good deal about the station, takin’ a sort o’ interest in this Tregarvis. Well, things was so arranged that the Cousin Jack’s cattle was always gittin’ into our paddicks; an’ the rule was that his people had to come to the home-station to get leaf to hunt ’em; an’ a man was sent along o’ them as a percaution. An’ generally, by the time they foun’ the cattle, there was one or two o’ the fattest o’ them short.”

“Remedy for that game,” remarked Stevenson.

“I should have laid a trap.”

“Jist what Tregarvis done,” rejoined Bob. “One day there was a stranger among our cattle — a fine big white bullock, an’Tregarvis’s brand on him. We run this mob into the yard before dinner, to git a beast to kill, an’ turned ’em all out agen, bar the white one; but he was in the killin’yard all the afternoon. Dusk in the evenin’, the white bullock was shot; an’ jist in the nick o’ time, when the head was slung in the pigsty, an’ the hide was hangin’ on the fence, raw side up, who should pounce on us but ole Tregarvis, an’ Young Tregarvis, an’ a trooper.

To Be Continued Next Issue

Observer Crossword Solution No 38 F R A M I L L E L O C K W A V E E R A D D L I I N A T U E O S P R E T I L A N L G M T R U E I S O N T H R R G N A W A C A N E T S R H N A T O O B U R I O T M N S T E A I P A C H E K S D S E R T R W H E L O L T R I V I C M A T E E L S A T R R O L L U E S E H A R D

E G G O N E A R M A R K A

E

M

L

L

L G Y P S I E S A B E T S

W O M R I U T G S S D V E A D D T A M I I D D A H G O E N E T A L I O G E I S T H E H A A V L E E A S C O A M P A D I A R M A Q H I

R K E M Y S T I D B E R T A M N S A E S S T S H E T K I N C O W L A E D G E E T H I L O P V I A N N E W L D E R L H E I I I L L P S

S L A M H U B E O L M B S S E V M E R S P E O A S R A N L T O I N E C L A O T H O V N E R L A C C T A M E W M E O R Z A T R O T E C E A P

U B T L Y N O O R I R R O R T C K E C H E A R E T R I S O D A S N P O L V E R E E R I S A G R E B E D E L Y V B S A U B E S T E R S T E R D I C A T E C S G S M O N A T H E N L R A S T I E D S R A N U S A G E R P A T E A S E H A U L R S P A P A C B T B R I A T E U M S C E M A T O L A H E S C A T H A I R S S U P P R E D D L E R U A B A X M A S S P R E D E A S T A R M W R U T O U T S R E X E C K E D

A U N B I T S M E O O R N S B U T I G G Y G O N E E O T T O N U W E I S A N R E T D O P S I E V E N P O N R E A E I M E V E I S E I R N E L A S H I G U L I D H E D T A L O S E V I D E L S R P S T Y L E E E N E D O G L O N E S R C E A S I S E V R E I N T R A S L O

R E A L T O R

E S P N E A I R N A F N L E V

B O S I D O E R D G E R L A R R G R E N O E S S S S K A R E A S H S E X O R A S A I E D R E O S T O L L

T E R M E D

M E A A T N N A I N E T O A N I D O E C A P N T E E R S A S T I N L I I N M E I T I O I N S D M R A H U I L N E E D

J T E R O K D D A S O L N I S T A Y S H T A M C E D L L A Y S H E D S O U S T E L V E C S T I I N O G C S S A R R O R N G S M R O G

O I N E N E E R Y E L I I N T E R E

N I G A L G O R O A S F Y O N R O E N Y S M E L M L U T O O T Y D A I S S E S T R O W P R I C T E M C U E I E N S T A S C B R A B T I N D E A S A L E W I T A N E A K K M E A C E N G S E A S A B L P E A E A L S C E U E R R

N G O B T I R O A T A R E D V R A R O K S E E T L S I N S A E L G L M E A N G T A I E N N V I Y D T A L B L I N A N A C M E E N U R A I L

U P O E S M I F S T E V G E R G E D E A C H M E S I W N G E E T C H O L C K D S U C E K N A E T H C E I K S E T P T S O F L A

www.MelbourneObser ver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 35

Page 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 37

Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 35 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Radio: Where are they now? ................................... Page 36 Theatre: Jazz Festival Finale review ......................... Page 37 Country Music: Rob Foenander reports ..................... Page 36 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, movies and DVDs .............. Page 38 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, reviews ............ Page 39 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

Last Orders at NICA Alan has Pluck

Barber of Seville

● Alan Chambers, Director of Pluck!

■ Sly Rat Theatre, in association with The Butterfly Club, presents Steve McCall’s biting black comedy, Pluck! from June 30 -July 5 at The Butterfly Club, Melbourne.

Directed by Alan Chambers, Pluck! tells the story of psychologist Jeremy Pluck (Brendan Ewing) trying to get his marriage back on track, but failing miserably.

One night Pluck and his wife Daphne take a romantic stroll through the park at midnight. Things take a nefarious turn when a misspent youth mugs them, nabbing Daphne’s heirloom necklace.

Director Alan Chambers spent a lot of his childhood watching old movies recommended by his Dad, and dreaming of becoming a Hollywood director. His favourite films in primary school were Schindler’s List, The Elephant Man and On The Waterfront.

While studying at Curtin University, working with Hayman Theatre inspired his love of theatre.

“We did heaps of theatre and felt that sense of 'changing the world' that only young, naive theatre students know,” says Alan.

In 2008, he was selected for the acting stream at NIDA. However, while enjoying acting, Alan prefers directing.

“Directing allows me to make work that’s important to me,” he says.

“I was initially interested in shocking audiences and pushing perceived boundaries of what was acceptable … (but) lately I'm developing an appreciation for precision and craft, looking to (dare I say it) a more mature approach to choosing work.

“I keep the urgency of my youth in mind and turn it on to relevant issues. I combine this attitude with a desire to explore new work that has energy and a social conscience.”

Alan currently works for the National Theatre School and NIDA, running workshops for young aspiring actors.

He says Pluck! invites the audience to make fun at themselves.

“The play is designed to provoke every reaction imaginable - from laughter to disgust, and back again. What’s a comedy if it doesn’t make you squirm in your seat a bit?”

After Pluck! Alan will continue directing independent theatre productions on various topics, providing employment opportunities for emerging actors.

Performance Season: June 30-July 5 at 8pm (July 1,5) and 9pm (July 2,3,4) Venue: The Butterfly Club, Carson Place (off Little Collins St.), Melbourne.

Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com/show/pluck 9663 8107 - Cheryl Threadgold

● Sally-Anne Russell in The Barber of Seville.

Photo: David Wyatt ■ Melbourne Opera presents a restaging of Gioachino Antonio Rossini’s hilarious and widely popular opera, The Barber of Seville, on June 25, 27 and July 3 at The Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne and July 10 at Monash University’sAlexander Theatre, Clayton.

Considered the most popular comic opera of all time, The Barber of Seville remains one of the most performed operas in the world.

Hugh Halliday returns to direct the show after directing two productions for Opera Australia.

Hugh says The Barber of Seville is fast action and doesn’t stand still for more than five seconds.

“It’s a farce, a real situational comedy – perhaps one of the world’s first sit-coms.”

The Barber Of Seville tells the tales of an overprotective guardian outwitted by his daughter’s love with the help from the conniving barber Figaro.

First performed in 1818, it was one of the first opera buffas, or comic operas. It is loosely based on a play by French playwright Pierre Beaumarchais.

Hugh and Melbourne Opera have once again assembled a wonderfully high calibre cast to perform this deliciously fun opera.

The cast is led by mezzo-soprano, Sally-Anne Russell, one of Australia’s most versatile and popular artists.

“There is only one way to describe this production: it’s high camp, high fun, high notes and lots of laughs,” says Sally-Anne.

Sally-Anne has performed in 15 different countries as well as with Opera Australia, all the state opera companies and all Australia’s major orchestras. She is also an ABC Classic FM recording artist, and appears regularly on radio.

The Barber Of Seville will also feature baritone Phillip Calcagno as Figaro the artful Barber; Herald Sun Aria winner, Brenton Spiteri, as Count Almaviva; and Roger Howell or Ian Cousins as the overprotective guardian, Don Bartolo.

David Gould reprises his role as the scheming Don Basilo, and Jodie Debono stars as the maid, Berta.

Conducting duties are shared between Greg Hocking and MO Head of Music, Raymond Lawrence.

The Barber of Seville follows Melbourne Opera’s acclaimed premiere production of the rare German opera Der Freischütz in March, and precedes a new production of Gaetano Donizetti’s tragic opera Maria Stuarda in September.

Tickets to The Athenaeum season are on sale now via 9650 1500 or Ticketek.

Tickets to the Monash University performance are available via 9905 1111 or www.monash.edu/mapa www.melbourneopera.com - Cheryl Threadgold

● Maddie Robbins performs Hoops in NICA’s 2015 Showcase: Last Orders.

Photo: Aaron Walker ■ There was a time when joining the circus was an act of rebellion. Now it seems you need a university degree.

On the job training once included putting up the tent and staffing the laughing clowns stall before the show. Now it’s likely to include a course in occupational health and safety, nutrition and sport psychology.

It’s true that circus has humble beginnings, but it’s also true that contemporary circus – think Circus Oz and Cirque du Soleil – has lifted the form out of the sawdust and onto the polished boards of entertainment centres in Las Vegas and London.

And the trend is away from caged monkeys and lions and elephants that from time to time take their frustrations out on their trainers.

The future faces of circus in Australia are performing at the purpose built National Institute of Circus Arts in Prahran in a show called Last Orders, which features 16 graduating students from the class of 2015, who will this year complete a three-year full-time Bachelor of Circus Arts degree course auspiced by Swinburne University.

According to the course co-ordinators NICA training can lead to work in contemporary and traditional circus, stunt work, corporate entertainment, festivals, teaching and other sectors of the arts industry.

A number of graduate artists are employed internationally by Cirque du Soleil, Dragone, Carnival Australia and La Clique New York and London.

Last Orders references the famous Parisian waiters’ races of the 1930s. Waiting does after all require some of the same qualities as circus: agility, balance, elegance and precision.

And the 16 separate performances were all highly accomplished. Stand outs were Maggie Fayne and Marty Evans in an adagio to the Tracy Chapman song Fast Car and aerial hoop performer Steven Finnegan, whose theatricality informed his presence in group and solo work.

While the program covered all the bases – Chinese pole, tight wire, hula hoops, acrobatics, clowning, aerial straps, hand balancing, juggling, and trapeze – they were ultimately disconnected performances and the promised theme of a show based around the waiting game and an intimate cabaret was not delivered.

But for those who want to see the future stars of the circus world before they step out onto the global stage, this is a show not to be missed.

Performance Season: Until June 20 Venue: NICA, 39-59 Green St, Prahran Tickets: $33/$27/$22 Bookings and Performance Times: www.nica.com.au Parental guidance recommended (PG) All seats are general admission and there will be a limited number of table seats available.

- Review by Martin Curtis

Page 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Observer Showbiz

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

Golden times for Golden Days

Country Crossroads info@country crossroads.com.au Big Breakfast Show. Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Rob Foenander

Surgery for Catherine

■ Australian country music star Catherin Britt underwent lumpectomy surgery for breast cancer last Wednesday.

The former ABC Saturday Night Country music presenter was reported as saying "it’s pretty full-on, I was really shocked and scared," when told the news.

Catherine, 30, also said in a Facebook message, "I encourage all women of all ages to remember to check yourself and seek medical advice if there's any changes at all in your breasts as cancer doesn't discriminate.

Dr Hook in Melbourne

■ Dr Hook founding member and lead vocalist Dennis Locorriere will present the timeless songs of his legendary band at The Palms at Crown on Thursday, October 15.

Since the band’s farewell tour in 1985, Dennis Locorriere has toured the world performing for the most part as a solo artist with just his magical voice and an acoustic guitar.

He has now played to more than 200,000 people with this show. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

■ Golden Days Radio is preparing its licence renewal application for the next five years.

The volunteer-run station broadcasts in the Waverley area, but it is heard by a wider audience that tunes in through its goldendaysradio.com website.

Station Manager Alex Hehr says there is an average of 4561 people listening weekly online.

The free mobile app is a major growth area for the station based at Glen Huntly.

Radio Briefs

■ SBS Radio is celebrating its 40th birthday.

■ Hamish and Andy return to the airwaves with a weekday drive show, 4pm-6pm, on 101.9 Hit Fox, from Monday, July 13.

■ Seb Costello, newsreader for Eddie McGuire’s Hot Breakfast on Triple M, has been broadcasting from the NBA finals in Cleveland and San Francisco.

COMPUTER AND MOBILE LISTENERS GROW

Radio jobs ■ Pacific Star Network, operator of SEN 1116 and 3MP, is looking to appoint an AM Broadcast/IT Engineer, to report to the Chief Engineer.

■ The Macquarie Radio Network, which merged with the Fairfax Radio Network which includes 3AW and Magic 1278, is advertising for applications for a Digital Campaign Solution Manager, to work in either Melbourne or Sydney.

At Comedy ■ Bert Newton, who plays the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show, which officially opened on Sunday night, says this is not the first time he has worked at the Comedy Theatre. He says he hosted a radio program from the theatre. Bert worked on 3XY, 3AK, 3UZ and 3DB.

Where are they now?

Emmylou at the Palais

■ Country music star Emmylou Harris will perform at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, on Thursday June 25.

Joining Emmylou will be another music legend Rodney Crowell. Both are multiple Grammy Award winners.

Tickets at Ticketmaster.

- Rob Foenander

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday June 18 June 17

■ John Wesley, who led the Methodist Church with his brother Charles, was born in Lancashire, England, in 1703. He died aged 88 Poet Henry Lawson was born in Grenfell, NSW, in 1867. He died aged 55 in 1922.

Entertainer Jade Hurley was born in Sydney in 1943 (72).

■ US actress and singer Jeanette Mac-Donald was born in 1903. She died aged 61 in 1965, Footballer Kevin Murray was born in 1938 (77).

Singer Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool in 1942 Singer-actress Robyn Archer is 67.

At Foxtel ■ Andrew McLaren, one of the ex-3AW Melbourne Overnight duo, reported on air that his former colleague Mark Petknoc is now taking a ‘backstage’ job at Foxtel.

● Bob and Judy Phillips ■ RPP Mornington Peninsula radio station pair Bob and Judy Phillips are presenting a ‘best of’ series of programs for two weeks (9am-11am Thursdays) while they are taking a well-earned holiday.

Their guests will include Ian 'Molly' Medlrum, Peter Mitchell, Kate Ceberano, Daryl Somers, Nicky Buckley, Jeanne Pratt, Bev Brock,Tottie Goldsmith, Vika Bull, Noeline Brown and Rhonda Burchmore.

Let’s hope it is a better vacation that their last stay at a tropical getaway in the early 1970s.

The Sugar And Spice team booked a stay at a faraway private resort, to be greeted by a drunken manager who asked if they had brought their food.

● Mark Petkovic

On RRR

■ Canberra Press Gallery journalist Latika Bourke (Fairfax Media) was a special guest on Joined RRR' s Breakfasters program and the 774 ABC's Conversation Hour to speak about adoption and her book From India With Love.

Bourke later conducted a book singing at Readings, Carlton.

Thanks to ■Opinionated Ali Moore has been standing for 774 Melbourne mornBrian Amos inginhost Jon Faine who has

Showbiz Briefs

■ What do Australia’s big showbiz names talk about when they are behind-the-scenes? Observer Showbiz overheard two stars discussing ‘vloggers’ (video bloggers) and alleged ‘journalists’ pestering the actors for ‘selfie’ photographs.

The actors questioned why publicists allowed these ‘nonprofessionals’ near them.

■ The Sound of Music cast to play Sydney and Brisbane will include Amy Lehpamer (Maria), Cameron Daddo (Captain Georg Van Trapp), Marina Prior (Baroness Schradeder, Jacqueline Dark (Mother Abbess), Lorraine Bayly (Frau Schmidt) and David James (Max Detweiler).

Paradise

■ The Melbourne Observer extends it thanks to Brian Amos, who presents the nonprofessional theatre segment on Radio Eastern 98.1.

Brian has submitted a review of the Sunday matinee performance of Funny Girl staged at the weekend.

The show, by the Mountain ● Kashonia Louise Carngie was a 3AW overnight pre- District Musical Society: consenter in the 1980s. She later went on to achieve a tinues until Saturday at the doctorate in Sustainability Ethics and Environmental Karralyka Theatre, Mines Rd, Philosophy, studying at the University of Queensland. Ringwood

been on leave.

Ms Moore is certainly not afraid to express her left-leaning opinions, and is not shy to close down talkback callers who have a different opinion.

Radio Confidential is tipping that Ms Moore is doing a favour for 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, who lost four ratings points in the latest survey.

Our tip is that Mitchell will be regaining audience figures whilst Ms Moore is in the chair.

Melbourne

Observer

Friday June 19

Saturday June 20

■ Moe (Moses) Howard, of The Three Stooges, was born in New York in 1897. He died aged 77 in 1975.

British actor and comedian Charlie Drake was born in 1925.

He died aged 81 in 2006.

Broadcaster Anne Deveson was born in Malaysia in 1903 (85).

■ Actor Errol Flynn was born in Hobart in 1909.

He died aged 50 in 1959.

Footballer Dick Reynolds was born in 1915.

He died aged 87 in 2002.

Former Premier Joan Kirner was born as Joan Hood in 1938. She died earlier this month.

Sunday June 21 ■ Boxer Lionel Rose was born in Warragul in 1948. He died aged 62 two years ago John Paul Young was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1950 (65).

Racing driver Craig Lowndes was born in Victoria in 1974 (41).

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor is 33 today.

Monday June 22

■ Film preducer Mike Todd was born in 1907.

He died aged 51 in 1958 when his private plane Lucky Liz, named after wife Elizabeth Taylor, crashed.

Actress Meryl Streep was born in 1949 (66).

TV sports commentator Bruce McAvaney was born in South Aust. in 1953 (62).

Tuesday June 23 ■ Edward III, King in 1936, was born in 1894. He died aged 77 in 1972. He abdicated so that he could marry Wallis Simpson.

Singer Diana Trask was born in 1940 (75).

Actor Bryan Brown was born in Sydney in 1947 (68).

Actress Geraldine Turner is 66 (1949).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of Jocks Journal for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Jocks Journal is Australia’s longest running radio industry publication.

Find out more at www.jocksjournal.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 37

Observer Showbiz

Magic Festival

● Magicians Luke and Alex present Make Your Parents Disappear … Again!

■ Alex and Luke are back as part of the Melbourne Magic Festival, with more weird and wonderful way to trick your parents in Make Your Parents Disappear … Again! from July 5-11 at the Northcote Town Hall.

Would you like to go to Magic School? Alex and Luke already do. They spend their days learning marvelous magic instead of boring long division.

But even at Magic School they can’t escape the one thing that annoys kids everywhere – homework!

Alex and Luke need your help to pull off the ultimate magical feat, to put an end to homework once and for all. Come and help them make their parents disappear.

After smash-hit seasons of the award-winning show Make Your Parents Disappear at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Magic Festival and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Make Your Parents Disappear… Again is a new show set to delight and amaze Melbourne families.

Performance Dates: July 5-11 at 11am Venue: Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote Tickets: $17 All / $64 Family of Four / $15 Groups of 5+ Bookings: 9481 9500 or www.melbourne magicfestival.com - Cheryl Threadgold

● From left: Hilary Kleinig, Belinda Gehlert, Jane Sheldon, Emily Tulloch, Jason Thomas.

Photo: Sam Oster, Pip Runciman ■ The world of folk song is as old as human civilisation, and an based quartet is joining forces with an internationally renowned soprano to bring it to Melbourne.

The Zephyr String Quartet is presenting a concert called Musica Anonymous with Australian-born but New York based soprano Jane Sheldon at the Malthouse's Beckett Theatre on Saturday (June 20) at 7.30 pm.

The idea behind the title is to showcase works by the most famous composer of all time, one Anonymous, who is responsible for so much folk music.

The Zephyr Quartet says that folk culture resonates through time and across place. Famous composers such at Dvorak, Bartok, Beethoven and Stravinsky.

Also on the ;program is work by Persian composer Reza Vali, and Tales of the Supernatural by Australian composer Andrew Ford, in which he takes folk songs from different cultures that are linked by the themes of death and ghosts, seen through the prism of love, and combined into a song cycle.

Singer Jaen Sheldon specialises in early music, and has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Boston Camerata as well as Australian orchestras and opera companies.

One of the highlights of Musica Anonymous will be Jane singing the folk song the well-known The Dying Stockman, which she has recorded on her latest CD. Tickets can be booked through www.zephyr quartet.com - Julie Houghton

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Strange Bedfellows

● Jacqui Dark and Kanen Breen in Strange Bedfellows: Under the Covers ■ Multiple Helpmann apply but, for the rest of Duration: 65 minutes and Green Room Award us, this was a fine night’s Seating: General Adwinners Jacqui Dark and entertainment." mission. Please arrive Kanen Breen once again Performances: June minimum 15 minutes prior detonate across Mel- 19 and 20 at 10.15pm to the performance start bourne’s footlights as the Venue: Chapel off time. The strict Lockout Strange Bedfellows (June Chapel, 12 Chapel St., Policy means latecomers 19, 20), in a debauched Prahran will not be permitted. If and greasepaint-spattered Tickets: $35 full, $32 wheelchair access is reriot of musical abandon concession/group 6+, $29 quired, please call Box titled Strange Bedfellows: festival friends (+ trans- Office 8290 7000.

Under the Covers, ac- action fee) - Cheryl Threadgold companied by musical director Daryl Wallis.

Having previously notched their bedposts ■ Dvorak's opera Rusalka can be a challenge with appearances includwhen performed in its original Czech language. ing Broadway, Vienna, Melbourne opera company XLArts Inc. is not letting that deter them from staging Rusalka on FriEdinburgh Festival and day (June 19) and Saturday (June 20) at 7.30 pm in Sydney Opera House and St Stephen's Anglican Church in Richmond. theAdelaide Cabaret FesThe production is directed by internationally retival , the Bedfellows will nowned contralto Liane Keegan, with musical dihurl their combined assets rection by passionate young conductor Patrick with shameless abandon Burns. at the kaleidoscopic world The story of Rusalka is inspired by the Hans of the Melbourne CabaChristen Andersen tale of The Little Mermaid - it is ret Festival. a tragic tale of a water sprite who gives up everyThis duo’s merciless thing to pursue the love of a prince and falls victim character assassination to lustful betrayal. sets the tone for an evening The music of Rusalka is melodic and much loved, of dubious ditties, salaand includes the famous Song To The Moon. cious story-telling and In the title role are two fine sopranos who will shameless one-upmanalternate, Katrina Pugh and Anna Margolis, with ship. tenor Michael Lapina as the prince, and KerrieRaunch-laden remixes Anne Bolton as Jezibaba. of favourites collide with These experienced singers lead a cast of talthe obscure, sexy and ented emerging singers, making this a fine team. downright dangerous, as Among the singers in the smaller roles of the the Bedfellows explode the Wood Sprites are Melbourne music academic Sally boundaries of good taste.

Collyer and 3MBS presenter Sascha Kelly.

Melbourne Observer It's actually something of a family affair, with reviewer Barbara Sascha's brother Doug Kelly in the tenor role of the Hughes described Strange Gamekeeper.

Bedfellows as "cheeky, www.trybooking.com wicked, irreverent and - Julie Houghton profane ... prudes need not

Mind the language

Festival at Lorne

■ The winter time fifth annual Lorne Festival will be presented from August 28 -30.

A kaleidoscope of arts will take over the seaside town and turn it into a hotbed of arts and music events.

With more than 4000 people expected to visit Lorne’s spectacular coastline, this festival by the sea will host some of Australia’s best cabaret, sideshow, circus, theatre, comedy, visual art and music events, as well as a whole horde of free outdoor street performance for kids and families.

Festival Artistic Director Monique Harvey says the aim of the Festival is to present high quality performances in unique locations.

“We want to ignite passion in the local community, out of town visitors and artists alike, enabling everyone to share in a vibrant and unique cultural and creative experience,” says Harvey.

For bookings and scheduling information please visit www.lovelorne festival.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Jazz Festival joy

● Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield appeared with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra on the Closing Night of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival at Hamer Hall.

Photo: Kevin Peterson ■ Jazz has come a long way from its origins in 1890s Louisiana when African American musicians mixed ragtime syncopation with the soulful sounds of blues and work songs.

The closing night of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival showed just how far. While the art form has lost its revolutionary tag, its references to the pioneers of jazz are never far away. Its unique origins make it America’s gift to the world.

The privilege of celebrating the legacy of New Orleans jazz fell to three-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield and the 18-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.

From St James Infirmary, through Dr John’s Big Chief, and Randy Newman’s You’ve Got a Friendin Me, Bridgewater and Mayfield dished up a splendid gumbo of music written in and by New Orleans’ based musicians.

But there was no resting by the bayou here. Standards like Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?, were given a soulful, bluesy treatment and the hard-working horn players were often in playful combat with Bridgewater, who can twist her voice into a virtuoso sax or trumpet.

Bridgewater and Mayfield are in high demand and left Australia for a jam-packed summer of festivals across Europe. A new album, Dee Dee’s Feathers is being released to time with their tour.

A great cover of One Fine Thing, Harry Conick Jnr’s jaunty love song (“Well I’ve flirted, I’ve dated, and I’m thinking the single ring is overrated”) was a highlight as was the gospel song Come Sunday, a tribute to Mahalia Jackson.

We got what we came for with What A Wonderful World and the audience and the band was on its feet for the final piece, the theme from Treme.

The tenth anniversary of the devastating hurricane Katrina, which nearly took New Orleans and the suburb of Treme off the map, is in August this year. Long live the spirit of New Orleans.

- Review by Martin Curtis

Secret identities

■ For the third year, Ballarat International Foto Biennale presents The BIFB Collection 2015 Annual Fundraiser on July 12 from 12 Noon – 4pm at Gallery Eleven40, Malvern.

The gala event features 150 prints presented anonymously by some of the best-known and collectible photographers from Australia and overseas, offering a chance to purchase a ‘one-off’ archival print for perhaps well under the usual value.

In an entertaining afternoon that leads to surprising results, guests pre-purchase a numbered Red Dot to enter the ‘print selection order’ lucky dip. The first print selection will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Following the first collector, one-by-one guests will choose their preferred print on the basis of the images alone, and await the exciting moment that the identity of the photographer is revealed.

BIFB Collection 2015 Gala Event: Sunday July 12 from 12.00noon – 4.00pm Print selection begins at 1.40pm.

Preview exhibition: July 10 and 11.

Venue: Eleven40 Gallery, 1140 Malvern Rd., Malvern. www.ballaratfoto.org - Cheryl Threadgold

Page38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Movies, DVDs

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs

● Felicity Jones as Jane Hawking and Eddie Redmayne in his Oscar winning performance as Stephen Hawking in the outstanding biographical drama, The Theory of Everything.

FILM: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING: Genre: Biography/Drama/Romance.

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, David Thewlis.

Details: 2014.

Rating: PG. Length: 123 Minutes.

Stars: **** Review: The captivating and moving story of brilliant physicist, Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde, the arts student he fell in love with and married in the 1960s, and his lifelong battle with the fatal Motor Neuron Disease which he was diagnosed with at the age of 21 and given two years to live. An extraordinary tale of love, determination and triumph of the spirit. Eddie Redmayne punches a hole right through the screen with a career defining Oscar winning performance as Stephen Hawking, so much so, at times you think you are watching a documentary, and Felicity Jones is equally compelling as his wife, Jane. Beautifully filmed and with superb period recreation, this is an intelligent, poignant and ultimately rewarding experience! Based on the book: "Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen" by Jane Wilde Hawking.

FILM: BIRDMAN: Genre: Drama/Comedy/Fantasy.

Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts.

Year: 2014.

Rating: MA15+ Length: 119 Minutes.

Stars: ***½ Review: Life imitates art in this film with-in a play of a washed-up actor driven by the voice of who an iconic superhero he once played and must overcome his ego and family problems and financial troubles as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory. The stellar ensemble cast are outstanding, but it is the once iconic Batman great Michael Keaton, and still the best, excels as the troubled centrepiece of turmoil, conflict and redemption. Darkly rich in humour, intensely driven and thought provoking, Birdman is a bravely original, ambitious and ambiguous effort brimming with unpredictability, surprises and star power, a sprawling, energetic and provocative multi-layered collage that teases the senses and tests the imagination to the limit.

FILM: THE ROSE: Genre: Music/Drama/Romance.

Cast: Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton.

Year: 1979.

Rating: M. Length: 134 Minutes.

Stars: **** Review: Dynamic big screen starring role for Bette Midler as a tragic self-destructive female rock star who struggles to deal with the constant pressures of her career and the demands of her business manager. Inspired by the latter life of Janis Joplin, Midler encompasses her own 'road' experiences with unforgettable raw energy and searing intensity, aided by a superb script by Bo Goldman and guided with a firm yet sensitive and respectful hand by veteran director Mark Rydell. Stunning soundtrack and spellbinding cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond, the breathtaking concert sequences also included such veteran and groundbreaking cinematographers as Conrad Hall, Laszlo Kovacs, Owen Roizman and Haskell Wexler.

The DVD and Blu-Ray is beautiful new 4K restoration of the complete 134 minute version and includes a host of highly informative and entertaining special features. Highly recommended!

- James Sherlock

Still Alice

● Julianne Moore in the excellent, Oscar-winning drama, Still Alice.

■ (M). 101 minutes. Available Now and would make an excellent comon DVD and Blu-Ray. panion piece with, the following film.

Anchored by an extraordinary, RATING - ****.

Academy Award-winning performance from Julianne Moore, Still Alice is a delicately-handled, ultimately moving drama that rises above the disease-of-the-week TV movie ■ (2006) (M). 122 minutes.Available formula.

Moore plays Alice Howland, a re- on Region 3 DVD. Featuring a multi-award winning nowned linguistics professor and celebrated author who is at the peak of performance from international superstar Ken Watanabe (Godzilla / The her career.

Married to John (Alec Baldwin), a Last Samurai / Inception), this look at lauded medical researcher, and with a successful career person suffering three grown children - Anna (Kate from early on-set Alzheimer's is, like Bosworth), Tom (Hunter Parrish) Still Alice, poignant viewing. Masayuki Saeki (Ken Watanabe) is the sales and Lydia (Kristen Stewart) - everything seems to going perfectly for manager of an efficacious advertisement agency, one he and his closeAlice.

Small lapses in memory start to af- knit team have kept profitable for fect Alice, both at work and at home. some time.

He has a loving wife, Emiko When these incidents start to increase, a visit to a medical profes- (Kanako Higuchi), and a daughter, sional reveals that she is suffering the Rie (Kazue Fukiishi), who is about to first stages of early on-set Alzheimer's, be married. Turning 50, Masayuki news that sends shockwaves through starts to experience lapses in memory, seemingly trivial at first, but reaches her family and work colleagues.

Working from the novel by Lisa the point where it is affecting his work Genova, writer/directors Richard and causing problems at home.

After seeing a specialist, he is diGlatzer and Wash Westmoreland keep proceedings natural and believable, agnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's.

Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi (20th never allowing the story to descend into cheap, manipulative melodrama. Century Boys trilogy / Eight Rangers The reactions from all the family films / 2LDK) handles the material members ring true, showing how hard with care and sensitivity, allowing the it is to deal with this particular dis- characters to resonate and the emoease, where someone close will even- tions to truly hit home.

Watanabe, who also recently imtually forget who her loved ones are.

As stated, Julianne Moore (Maps pressed playing the Clint Eastwood To The Stars/ Short Cuts / The Big role in the surprisingly fine remake of Lebowski) is exceptional as Alice, dis- Unforgiven, conveys Masayuki's playing a strength and intelligence that frustrations and pain with consumis being slowly eaten away by this in- mate skill, and deserves all the awards that came his way. sidious disease.

Higuchi (Achilles And The TorMoore, Glatzer and Westmoreland keep Alice a real human creation toise / Casshern / Hana) is equally throughout, making her physical and good as Emiko, the wife who has to deal with the slow disappearance of mental decline harder to watch.

Moore is backed up by a strong the man she has loved for so many supporting cast, with Baldwin, years.

The final scene between the two is Bosworth, Shane McRaeand Stephen Kunken all delivering convincing per- especially moving and tearful. Despite its lack of release outside of Asia, formances.

Even Kristen Stewart is unexpect- Memories Of Tomorrow is a superior piece of film-making that deserves to edly effective.

Still Alice could have easily been be seen by a wider, global audience.

RATING - **** another forgettable drama dealing - Aaron Rourke with a certain affliction, but due to fine DVD's and Blu-Rays kindly work on both sides of the camera, what supplied by Video Vision, 177-179 we have instead is an emotionally inCarlisle Street, Balaclava. For volving experience that will touch the information or bookings on Still hearts of everyone who has had to deal with Alzheimer's one way or another. Alice please call 9531 2544, or check online at videovisiondvd.com.au Still Alice has many similarities to,

Memories of Tomorrow

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. ENTOURAGE. 2. SAN ANDREAS. 3. SPY. 4. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. 5. ALOHA. 6. TOMORROWLAND. 7. PITCH PERFECT 2.

8. WOMAN IN GOLD. 9. THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. 10. DIL DHADAKNE DO EROS. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JUNE 11: HOT PURSUIT, JURASSIC WORLD, STRANGERLAND, THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES, THE MAFIA KILLS ONLY IN SUMMER. JUNE 18: GOING CLEAR: SCIENTOLOGY AND THE PRISON OF BELIEF, INSIDE OUT, MINIONS, PANDAS: THE JOURNEY HOME, TANGERINES, THE NIGHTINGALE. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. BIRDMAN [Drama/Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts].

2. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING [Drama/Romance/Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones].

3. THE INTERVIEW [Comedy/ James Franco, Seth Rogen].

4. TAKEN 3 [Action/Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Forest Whitaker].

5. FOXCATCHER [Drama/Steve Carrell, Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum].

6. AMERICAN SNIPER (Drama/ War/Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller].

7. THE IMITATION GAME [Drama/ Historical/Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley].

8. INTERSTELLAR [Sci-Fi/Adventure/Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain].

9. THE GAMBLER [Drama/Crime/ Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, John Goodman].

10. MORTDECAI [Comedy/Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow].

Also: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, UNBROKEN, PADDINGTON, DUMB AND DUMBER TO, HORRIBLE BOSSES 2, BLACKHAT, EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 3, INTO THE WOODS, THE HOBBIT: The Battle of the Five Armies.

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: SELMA [Drama/David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson].

CHAPPIE [Sci-Fi/Action/Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel, Sigourney Weaver].

FOCUS [Drama/Will Smith, Margot Robbie].

WILD [Drama/Adventure/Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern].

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY [Drama/Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy].

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY [Comedy/Billy Connolly, Rosamund Pike, David Tennant].

THE COBBLER [Comedy/Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler].

ELSA & FRED [Comedy/Drama/ Romance/Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer].

Turn to Page 43

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 39

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘Guys and Dolls’ at Windmill Rent

● Jayne Barker (Maureen), Felicia Fragapane (Mimi), Josh Peterson (Benny), Rex Sutton (Roger), Caroline Hawke (Moira the Bag Lady / Ali /Lizzi) and Matthew Sheahan (Steve) in Rent at Union House Theatre.

Photo: Simone Speakman ■ New theatre company in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne, Western Arts Theatre, is presenting their first major production, Jonathan Larson’s Rent from July 2 – 5 at Union House Theatre, Melbourne University.

Rent is directed by Anna Marinelli, with musical direction

by Stacey-Louise Camilleri, and director’s assistant is Amanda Warner.

The rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York. Centered around roommates Mark and Roger, the show is based on Puccini’s La Boheme.

The group deals with love, loss, AIDS and modern day life in one powerful story.

Performance Season: July 2 -5 Venue: Union House Theatre, University of Melbourne, Parkville Tickets: $35/$28/Groups of 10 or more $28 per ticket Bookings: www.trybooking.com/G2HQ or 0412 087 515.

NITE ART ■ Nite Art 2015 is part of a global shift happening in other art cities such as Berlin, Hong Kong and Tokyo that is changing the way people view and interact with art.

Artists are finding new and innovative ways to engage with audiences, with participatory works and site-specific installations making up much of Nite Art’s impressive program.

Now in its third year, NiteArt continues to power connections between galleries, artists and audiences at various locations around Melbourne.

Melbourne galleries and city spaces will open late, 6pm-11pm, onm Thursday, July 23 for a unique night art-walk event, inviting audiences to ‘curate your own night’ and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our city at night.

For highlights in this year’s impressive Nite Art program, visit niteart.com.au

AUDITIONS ■ Encore Theatre: The Ghost Train (by Arnold Ridley) June 25 at 10.00am, June 29 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31 - 37 Highland Ave, East Oakleigh. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Enquiries: afconsulting@bigpond.com ■ Playhouse Players Inc: Glengarry Glen Ross June 27 at 2.00pm and June 28 at 11.00am at the Mt Erica Hotel Conference Room, Cnr Williams Rd. and High St., Prahran. Director: Andrew Burns. Audition bookings: 0420 329198.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: 34 Charing Cross Road (by James Roose Evans) June 28 at 2.30pm, June 29 at 7.30pm at Bracken Hall, Wilson St, Cheltenham (off Centre Dandenong Road). Director: Peter Newling.. Enquiries: peter.newling@gmail.com ■ MLOC Productions: Jesus Christ Superstar Information Evening Thursday, July 2 at 8.00pm at the Parkdale Church of Christ hall, 176 Como Pde., Parkdale. Auditions: July 14, 16, 18, 19. Enquiries 9589 4912 Audition bookings: www.mloc.org.au

Melbourne

Observer RETRO FUTURISMUS

SHOWS ■ Windmill Theatre company: Guys and Dolls June 19 - 28 at 8.00pm at The Drum Theatre, Dandenong. Tickets: $40/$36.

Bookings: 8571 1666. www.drumtheatre.com.au ■ The 1812 Theatre: The Book of Everything (by Richard Tulloch) Until June 20 at The 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris Procter. Tickets; $27/$20. Bookings: 9758 3964 www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Q44 Theatre: Fool For Love (by Sam Shepard) Until June 28 at Q44 Theatre, 550 Swan St., Richmond. Tickets: $35/$27.

Bookings: www.q44.com.au/foolforlove ■ National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA): Last Orders! Circus Showcase 2015. Until June 20 at the National Circus Centre, 39 - 59 Green St., Prahran. Tickets: $33/$27/$22. Bookings: www.nica.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre: Shush (by Elaine Murphy) Until June 27 at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Richard Keown. Bookings: 1300 138 645 or www.peridot.com.au ■ MLOC Productions Inc: Spamalot Until June 20 at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Rd., Elwood. Director: Jane Court; Musical Director: Ian Nisbet: Choreographer: Keir Jasper. Tickets: $35/$32/$28. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au Enquiries: 9551 7514 ■ Mountain District Musical Society: Funny Girl Until June 20 at 8.00pm at the Karralyka Theatre, Mines Rd., Ringwood.

Director: Tyler Hess; Musical Director: Anthony Barnhill; Choreographer: Craig Wiltshire. Bookings: 9879 2333 www.karralyka.com.ai/funnygirlaspx ■ Theatre Works: Rust and Bone (by Caleb Lewis) June 18 28 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda. Bookings: 9534 3388 www.theatreworks.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Time Stands Still (by Donald Margulies) June 19 - July 4 at 20a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Bruce Cochrane. Tickets: $20 (no concessions) Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Mooroolbark Theatre Group: Rumors (by Neil Simon) Until June 20 at 125 Brice Ave., Mooroolbark. Director: Louise Woodward. Tickets: $18/$16. Bookings: 9726 4282.

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Private Lives (by Noel Coward) June 25 - July 4 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: Joshua Wolter. Tickets: $20/ $18. Bookings: 0422 029 483.

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: A Special Occasion, Arctic Fevers and Blizzard (by Suzy Wilds, Seaton Kay-Smith and David Ives). June 26 - July 4 at the Mechanics Institute Hall, Cnr. Yarra and Michell Sts., Warrandyte. Directors: Susan Rundle, Alan Cornell and Alastair Rice. Tickets: $25/$20. Bookings: www.trybooking ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Hotel Sorrento (by Hannie Rayson) June 26 - July 11, Sunday matinees June 28 and July 5 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers rd., Parkdale. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9587 5141 or www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Theatre Works (presented in association with Metro Arts): Saltwater July 1 - 12 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda.

Bookings: 9534 3388.www.theatreworks.org.au ■ Renegade Productions: Letters Home (by Joe Lui) July 1 12 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda. Tickets: $30/$25. www.theatreworks.org.au ■ Western Arts Theatre Inc: Rent (Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson) July 2 - 5 at 7.30pm at Union House Theatre, University of Melbourne, Parkville. Director: Anna Marinelli; Musical Director: Stacey-Louise Camilleri. Tickets: $35/$28/ Bookings: www.trybooking.com/G2HQ ■ The 1812 Theatre: The Board Shorts 10 Minute Play Festival July 2 - 4 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 - 5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Performances at 8.00pm Thurs, Fri and Sat, with 2pm matinee on Sat. Tickets: $15. Bookings: 9758 3964 www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Time Stands Still (by Donald Margulies) July 2 - 18 at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Ellis Ebell. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au

AUDITIONS ■ Old Scotch Music and Drama Club (OSMaD): Oliver! Until June 22 at Scotch College, James Forbes Academy, Fordholm Rd and Montson St., Hawthorn. Director: Barbara Hughes; Musical Director: John Ferguson; Choreographer: Jenny VincentGreen. Audition bookings: 0414 413 013.

■ Babirra Music Theatre: The Boy From Oz June 18 - 21 at Highfield Road Uniting Church Hall, Highfield Rd., Camberwell.

Director: Chris Bradtke; Musical Director: Danny Forward; Choreographer: Louisa Mitchell. Audition bookings: 0407 891 056.

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone June 20, 24 at 6.00pm; June 22 (Dance) and June 24 (Callbacks). Audition bookings: 1300 362 547.

● Gabi Barton in Retro Futurismus, playing until June 28 at fortyfivedownstairs, Photo: Ponch Hawkes ■ It’s called a ‘cabaret prognostication’ in the publicity; a nightclub entertainment with glimpses of the future.

Maude Davey and Anni Davey used their well honed theatrical sensibilities to explore these concepts in a varied evening of performance pieces that included moonwalks and digital technology substituting for mouth and eyes.

A note of the traditional physicality of theatre was provided

by Anna Lumb and Gabi Barton showing just how expressive the body can be. Their mute skills still astound. This troupe also opened up the evening to a changing roster of special guests which is where the continuity of the entertainment can potentially unravel.

On the night I attended, soul singer, Stella Angelico, provided two powerful interludes. Lea Shelton, in a routine that captured the expressive and entertaining mood of the evening, parodied movie death scenes much to the delight of the audience. A rather gratuitous note was associated with the items performed by Teresa Blake.

These seemed to be more exhibitionism than pieces in keeping with the exuberance and entertainment so joyously proffered by the others. But that’s the risk of a cabaret. You never quite know what you’re going to get.

You will be challenged, entertained, asked to respond and, for some “lucky” members of the audience called upon to perform.

Retro Futurismus is currently playing at fortyfive-downstairs, Flinders Lane.

Performance Season: Until June 28 Times: Wed – Sat 7.30pm; Sun 6.00pm Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Duration: Approx. 110 minutes including interval Tickets: $38 Full, $30 concession (Pensioners/Full-time students/ MEAA members) Bookings: 9662 9966 or www.fortyfivedownstairs.com - Review by David McLean

MEMORANDUM ■ We enter Theatre Works and the performance space is a silent, slow moving cloud of lace – hypnotic .

As the lights guide us to focus on two tall flats behind the clouds a gentle nature soundscape begins; birds, trickling water, breathing ... and now we are within this world , sharing words and sharing the repetitions and echoes of half words.

This is a hybrid solo performance from Kate Hunter, as she examines how truth and fiction intertwine within our memories.

As we listen and search for meaning it is always out of reach, with that tantalizing feeling of a dream that we cannot quite remember.

The unfinished sentences, echoed and re-echoed, and spoken over sound tracks of the same words offer a disturbing yet somehow safe feeling.

Is it that if we survive something our memory will shield us by fracturing the memories ... ? Who knows? There is too much of the jigsaw unclear.

At times somewhat unsettling and with neurotic images plucked out and tugged at , there is also fun in this piece, It is a dramatic patchwork of blurred pictures all stitched together with movement , light, sound and part words projected on to the performer herself.

Where does memory begin to fail us, but again where does memory begin? Can it ever be relied upon? Is it a mischief maker sent to entrap, or is it our surgeon?

Memorandum is a mesmeric creation of unfinished thoughts , beautifully presented by performance-maker, Kate Hunter and with skillful lighting by Richard Vabre.

- Review by Maggie Morrison

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 38 Across

1. Supporting structure 6. Discreetly 11. Discontent 15. Enlisting (7,2) 20. Verve 21. Circle (planet) 22. Aria-nominated singer, ... Murray 23. Soiled 25. Reflector 26. Nastier 27. Of kidneys 29. Debar (4,3) 32. Close 34. Go berserk, run ...

36. Self-centredness 39. Acute remorse 41. Tree, copper ...

43. Merits 46. Fatigued 48. Blunder 49. Swerve 51. Stone god 52. Revenge 55. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 56. Louts 59. Confuse 61. Whisky & ...

62. Tennis ace, Steffi ...

63. Condition 64. Verb modifiers 67. Many-sided figure 68. Pacify 70. Earth's environment, Mother ...

71. Stern 72. Cricket side 73. Anxious (2,4) 74. Polite form of address 75. Italian rice dish 77. Lead-in 78. Radiate 79. Measly 82. German war vessels (1-5) 86. Madden 87. Russian leader 89. Alpine flower 92. Truck's unloaded weight 94. Country, Sri ...

96. Catch sight of 98. Negative votes 100. Cure (fish) 101. Feel the loss of 103. Old Testament son of Isaac 105. French cap 106. Murder (2,2) 108. In charge, at the ...

111. Domestic servant 112. Bread grillers 114. Light classical musical 116. Early guitar 119. Authentic 120. Hasten 121. Typist's ailment (1,1,1) 123. Arguable 124. Engrave 125. Wipe out 126. Revenge 127. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 130. City's chief mail centre (1,1,1) 131. Thin-petalled flowers 135. Tartan skirts 138. Leonardo da Vinci's ... Lisa 139. Genuine thing, the ... McCoy 141. Barbie toys 144. Chew like rat 146. Sergeant or corporal (1,1,1) 147. At that time 148. Hawaiian garland 149. Female horse 150. Nautical yes 151. Cut (timber) 152. Amounted to (4,2) 153. Wine, ... spumante 155. Happily ... after 157. Garden tool 158. Volleyball court dividers 160. Requirements 161. Elevate 162. Progress chart 163. Mirth 165. Light purple 166. Uncle Sam (1,1,1) 167. Anger 168. Official decree 169. Europe/US defence pact 171. Pale beer

Across 172. Board 175. Jottings 176. Per, for ...

179. Swelled 180. Lessen 182. Tennis great, Arthur ...

184. Prompting (actor) 185. Uprising 186. Achieve 188. Drag with effort 189. Drilling platform 190. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1) 191. Utilise 193. Perfumed powder 194. Community spirit 196. Father 197. Covers 198. Overfills 200. Furtiveness 205. Definite article 207. Climbs 210. Intoxicate 211. Chatty 212. Suffer pain 213. Saint's ring 214. Mayday signal (1,1,1) 216. Zodiac crustacean 218. Wickedness 219. Eastern European 220. Dining table protector (5,3) 224. Dreamer 227. Pint-size 229. Jeans maker, ... Strauss 230. Black soft drink 231. Bounders 232. Front of leg 233. Concept 235. Durable fabric 237. Performs 239. Hitler's ... Kampf 241. The Devil 244. Dancer, ... Pavlova 246. Coiffure 249. Eye lustfully 252. Gives birth to pups 254. Make untidy (4,2) 256. Charmingly unusual 258. Pill 259. Hostile frown 260. Primped 263. Cowardly informer 264. Minor details 265. Interfere 267. Sand granules 270. Threat 271. Imperial ruler 272. Marine mollusc 273. Ancient Arabic tribesman 274. Partners 277. Yuletide 279. Sudden invasion 281. Fires (from job) 284. Famed lioness 286. High temperature 288. Died before 292. Additional 294. Encounter 295. Half-diameters 298. Cook in oven 300. Come up 301. Screened (film) again 303. Marten fur 306. Racing car's protective frame 308. Single thing 309. Embraces 311. Paltry sum of money 314. Internet message 315. Cease operating (3,3) 316. Gradually implant (ideas) 317. Dinners or lunches 318. Meadows (poetic) 319. Supplementary 320. Fiddling emperor 321. Tough circumstances 322. Nipped with beak 323. Sat lazily 324. Freedom fighter

Down 1. Load completely 2. Actor, ... Baldwin 3. Encourage (3,2) 4. Skips 5. Lock openers 6. Movie star, ... L Jackson 7. Join 8. Set fire to 9. Big Apple resident, New ...

10. Engross 11. Maximum 12. Estate agent 13. Lance 14. Expressed as 15. Yank 16. Personal 17. Eskimo shelter 18. Mongolian desert 19. Rhyme 24. Picnic blankets 28. Taj Mahal city 30. Had to repay 31. Philosopher, ... Marx 33. Atomic devices (1-5) 35. Most likely to win (4-2) 37. Brisk pace 38. Filter 40. Natives of Lhasa 42. Hag 44. Church corridors 45. Gold ore lump 47. Foolish 48. Cosmetic pencil 49. Most conceited 50. Opinion column 53. Narrowed 54. Volcanic (rock) 57. African anteaters 58. Dissolved (ties) 60. Tag for future use 63. Similar-meaning word 65. ... Sea Scrolls 66. Golfer, ... Ballesteros 68. Edible flesh 69. Front 76. Forth 79. Woman's title 80. Yawning gulf 81. Satirical play 83. Pop song's flip (1-4) 84. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley 85. Pig's home 88. Of beauty 90. Wanes 91. Interested in 93. Sheepishly 95. Amongst 97. Medieval farm labourer 99. Actor, ... Banderas 100. Indecent material 102. US Rockies state 104. Loft 107. Request from menu 109. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 110. Broad smile 111. Engage (with) 113. Thinks logically 115. Author's alias (3,4) 117. Snake-like fish 118. Point of perfection 121. Splendid clothes 122. Play piano, tinkle the ...

127. Liver or spleen 128. Stretch (of land) 129. Family-tree specialist 132. Varieties 133. Altogether (2,3) 134. Burn (hair) 135. Enlightenment 136. Gandhi's garment 137. ... & weaknesses 138. Fulfil expectations (7,2) 140. Bulkiness 141. Crystal brandy bottles 142. Verbally attacks (6,3) 143. Items of stage scenery (3,6)

Down

145. Rinse (4,3) 151. Section 154. Snares 156. Yashmaks 159. Historical period 164. And so on 169. Standards 170. Steak cut (1-4) 173. Makes fizzy 174. Young eagles 177. Anew 178. Pawns 181. US cotton state 183. Crowded together 187. From Addis Ababa 192. Picking 195. Be melodramatic 199. Idiotic 201. Mite 202. Primates 203. Pull strenuously 204. Brutal 206. Prince Andrew's ex 207. Diminish 208. Covet 209. Quacking bird 213. ... & hearty 215. Supervise 217. Bigotry 221. Fees 222. Ruined Inca city, ... Picchu 223. Siamese 224. Child's guessing game (1,3) 225. East England county 226. Restrict 228. Vagrants 234. Frivolous time-wasting 236. Caravan nomads 238. Wheel-shaft projection 240. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 242. Rouses 243. Be unfaithful to (3-4) 245. India's capital (3,5) 247. Satisfy 248. Accounts books 250. Connections 251. Non-believer 253. Swindle 255. Jug 257. Charged atoms 258. Docile 261. Rubber 262. Gallows loops 265. Composer, Wolfgang Amadeus ..

266. Gets rid of 268. Stage whisper 269. Malay garment 275. Singing pitch 276. Tea, ... Grey 278. Paintings & drawings 280. Spray can 282. Prayer ending 283. Conserved 285. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist 287. Shoe reinforcement 289. Moved swiftly 290. Musky cats 291. TV reception pole 292. Manhandled 293. Explorer, ... Tasman 296. Aids in crime 297. Baghdad native 299. Tickle 302. White wine, ... Riesling 304. Quickly 305. High-quality printer type 306. Hurry 307. Suggestive look 308. Troubles 310. Urban haze 312. Russia's ... Mountains 313. Two-seater lounge

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 41

Solution on Page 30

MEGA

CROSSWORD No 38 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

20 23 29

30

32 40

50

34 42

43

52

60

44

45

53

66

94

110

111

114 121

128

136

137

146

155

172

179

180

185

186

187

173

182

214 221

229

252

222

254

306

307

286

287

297

298

225

208

209

233

234

240

241

249

242

250

251

257

258

262

263 267

268

269

270

273 279 289

290

280

281

291

300

292 301

315

316 319

293

302 309

322

218

227

248

261

217

226

232

278 288

299

318 321

224

308 314

178

193

216

266

277

296

192

207

272

285

177

199

215

247

260

276

295

191

256

271

284

164

184

198

255

265

275

176

239

259

274

163

238 246

264

151

183

231

245

253

143

206

223

230

244

134

211

220

243

133

168

205

213

237

132

157

197

204

236

118

124

150

190

196

203

219

117

175

189

195

142

156

174

210

235

109

162

181

188

194

141

167

171

228

108

116

140

161 166

170

212

100

107

149

154

160

202

99

123

148 153

159

201

93

115

139

147

165

200

86

131

138

152

169

85

130

145

58

126

129 135

144

84

122

125

57

69

92

106

113

120

127

83

91

105

112

119

56

77

90

104

38

73

98

103

19

63

97

102

37

55

76 82

89

96

36

68

81

88

95 101

80

18

28

72

79

17

48

67

75

87

16

35

47

54

71

78

15

62

74

158

46

61 65

14

27

33 41

70

13

26

51

64

12

22

25

31

59

11

21

24

39 49

10

303 310 317

320 323

324

304 311

282

283

294 305 312

313

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Sport Extra

Perna releases his findings

■ Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, released the findings of his Own Motion Inquiry into Live Baiting in Greyhound Racing in Victoria last Thursday.

Between Perna's report, and one prepared by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Charles Milne, there are 68 recommendations made to improve integrity and animal welfare.

All of these recommendations put to the Andrews Government will be accepted.

All recommendations put to Greyhound Racing Victoria have been supported in principle, with both GRV and the Government ready to ensure their implementation.

Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, has appointed an internationally renowned racing administrator, Paul Bittar, to develop a new integrity model which will encompass all three racing codes.

This initiative has been a desire of Sal Perna for some time. Bittar, who has vast experience in racing in the UK and New Zealand, will report back to Government by March next year with his recommendations.

"An independent integrity regime is not just inevitable for Victorian racing, it’s necessary. That’s why I’ve appointed Mr Bittar to steer the path forward for a new integrity model across all three codes," Racing Minister Martin Pakula said.

Among the changes to be implemented as a result of last week's findings, the Government will: • Increase fines and penalties for live baiters with strengthened baiting and luring offences • Introduce a new offence for being

Greyhounds

with Kyle Galley present at a place where live baiting is occurring • Bolster the powers of inspectors, making it easier for them to enter premises and share information with law enforcement agencies • Ensure a position on the GRV board exists for a veterinarian to strengthen animal welfare • Ensure the membership of the Greyhound Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Tribunal has at least one member with animal welfare experience • Outlaw the presence of certain animals – dead or alive – at venues being used for greyhound training or racing • Ensure reporting of animal welfare breaches occurs to relevant authorities such as Victoria Police and the RSPCA • Increase GRV penalties and sanctions against registered participants found to be live baiting.

Former public servant Bernie Carolan becomes the new Chair of Greyhound Racing Victoria, the fourth this year. Current Chair Ray Gunston has accepted a full-time role with the AFL.

Gunston remains as Chair until July and will leave the board in September.

“A practice as barbaric as live baiting has no place in Victoria’s greyhound racing industry – full stop," Pakula said.

Greyhound racing in Australia has endured it's darkest period so far this year, and the new Racing Minister must at times wonder what he has gotten himself into with various issues across the three codes.

It will take a long time to restore public confidence in the greyhound code - perhaps the outcomes of last week's reports will now set the wheels in motion on changing the sport for the better, at least in Victoria.

Favourite

■ Young New South Wales trainer Samuel Dart landed one of his biggest thrills in greyhound racing when Dzeko won the Gold Cup at Albion Park in Brisbane last Thursday night.

Dzeko started favourite in the event, and after being forced wide in the straight, finished powerfully to score by a half length in the 710 metre race.

First prize of $84,700 for Dzeko took the dog's earnings to over $160,000, courtesy of 11 wins from 36 starts.

Impression

■ Top local dog Sweet It Is has created a huge impression in New Zealand, with a recent track record breaking victory in the Silver Collar in Auckland.

● Charlie Merceica and Margins

An $80,000 first prize in the event carried the stakes earnings of Sweet It Is to $877,000 - Sweet It Is could easily become the sport's first $1 million earner based on her recent form.

Another headline grabber of recent times, Fernando Bale, is on target for a win in the Peter Mosman Classic in Sydney, with the Final to be staged this Saturday night, June 20.

His Horsham Cup win came as a surprise to punters, with Margins starting one of the outsiders in the field.

The dog's trainer, Brooke Ennis, watched the race on her mobile phone while holidaying in Hawaii.

Delighted

■ Wednesday: The Meadows (Day), Bendigo (Twilight), Cranbourne (Night), Ballarat (N); Thursday: Warragul (D), Shepparton (T), Sandown Park (N), Warrnambool (N); Friday: Bendigo (T), Geelong (N), Saturday: Shepparton (T), The Meadows (N); Sunday: Sandown Park (D), Healesville (D), Lang Lang (D), Warrnambool (T), Sale (T); Monday: Ballarat (D), Geelong (T), Shepparton (N); Tuesday: Horsham (T), Warragul (N).

- Kyle Galley

■ Closer to home, Margins claimed the Horsham Cup Final over the recent long weekend.

Owner Charlie Merceica had the honour of handling Margins, and was clearly delighted with the win.

“I tried to keep my emotions in check but when you own the dog, it’s hard not to get excited," Merceica said.

Margins has won nine races from only 23 starts and has earned connections over $73,000 in prizemoney.

Upcoming race meetings

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Victorian Sport

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 43

Melbourne

Gallopers show the way ■ Two of Australia's best gallopers are among the standouts for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes to be run at Royal Ascot, England this coming Sunday at 1.20am our time.

The race will be run up the straight at the famous track over 1200 metres.

The race is part of the British Champions Series and Global Sprint Challenge, a Group One event, open to three year-olds and upwards.

Another interesting part of the race is that 250 English pounds will be given to as the English put it, to the lad or girl responsible for the best turned out horse.

A prize of a similar amount will go to the lad or girl responsible for the winning horse.

Back in 2012, our champion mare, Black Caviar won the event narrowly, but well at her first and only start on English Turf.

It's history how she notched up her 22nd consecutive win, on that occasion.

Australia has a long list of winners since Choisir's ground breaking wins in the King's Stand Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2003.

Others include, Takeover Target in 2006, Miss Andretti ( 2007), Scenic Blast (2009), and Star Spangled Banner a year later.

This year Australia will be depending on Brazen Beau, and Wandjina, to bring home the bacon.

In early markets the Newmarket Winner, Brazen Beau is the $3.60 favourite.

Trained by leading Australian trainer, Chris Waller, he is definitely the one to beat, with the form on the board over the trip.

On the second line is the international galloper, Mustajeeb, a winner of three races for Irish trainer, Dermot Weld.

Mustajeeb has won his races over varying distances namely, 1207 metres, 1408 metres and 1609 metres, and has won on the soft and good tracks.

He will go around a $7 chance in early markets.

On the third line is another Australian Wandjina, a winner of the Australian Guin-

Ted Ryan

● Chris Waller and Joao Moreira Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

eas at Flemington over 1600 metres.

A good front running type, he will most likely lead them up, with top rider, Damien Oliver aboard.

Wandjina has won three from his 13 starts, with a third with stakemoney of just under $650.000.

At his last Australian start he ran second to Chautauqua in the All Aged Stakes and has been set for this race for some time.

He will go around at around $10 on the big day.

Bonanza ■ The 2015 Magic Millions National Sale has concluded with yet another outstanding outcome.

The National Sale grossed an outstanding $93.6 million at the sale held over two weeks, which attracted buyers from all over the globe.

On the final day, Desert Man topped the sale, being sold to leading Brisbane trainer, Kelly Schweida, for

$185,000 on a day in which 97 per cent of stock offered was sold.

Desert Man, a runaway winner at the Gold Coast recently was offered by Eliza Park International, on behalf of Heinrich Bloodstock unreserved dispersal sale.

That dispersal provided all six lots who sold for $100,000, or more in which 192 lots were sold at a gross of $ 3,328,750 at average price of $ 20,675.

Other leading sellers on the day included Military Miss for $150,000, Real Ambition for $140,000 and Shiraz Attack fetched $ 115,000.

Other top sellers on the last day were, Dysfunction sold for $110,000 and Cool Gambler $100,000.

● Brazen Beau Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 Thoroughbreds lines, with each round Triequithon to be held at the Caulfield Race- with a link to racing are of the competition feacourse on Saturday the most common tured live on the newly breed among among installed giant infield August 29.

The unique event, the more than 600,000 screen in between to be hosted by the pleasure horses in races.

Melbourne Racing Victoria.

The three exciting Racing Victoria disciplines of equesClub, with the support of Racing Victoria and Chief Executive, Ber- trian competition the Victorian Govern- nard Saundry, said the make a fantastic addiment will see 12 re- Triequithon would fur- tion to the Club's qualtired thoroughbred ther promote retired ity nine event proracehorses compete in racehorses as the ideal gram, which will be three equestrian disci- equestrian athlete to highlighted by the runp l i n e s - d r e s s a g e , racing and equestrian ning of the time cross-country and audiences. honoured $400,000, show jumping-in beWith entry open ex- Group One Memsie tween races, on Group clusively to riders of Stakes over 1400 One Memsie Stakes Off the Track thor- metres. day. oughbreds, the finalThe Victorian The announce- line up of competitors Government is provid■ Following the suc- ment coincided with will be determined ing $45,000 from the cess of last year's in- the commencement based on stringent se- Raceday attraction augural Racing of the elite lection criteria and is Program, which is part Victoria off the Track Saddleworld Mel- limited to horses com- of the Government's Triequithon at bourne International peting at level one.

Victorian Racing InMornington, it's back three-day event at The riders will be dustry Fund, to assist again.

Werribee Park in competing for a prize with the event.

Racing Victoria has which 60 retired gal- pool totalling $15,000, Racing Victoria is organised a second lopers competed. making the Racing picking up the rest of Victoria Off the Track the tab.

Triequithon, the richThe 2014 Racing est one contest on the Victoria Off the Track Australian eventing Triequithon, which atcalendar. tracted 10 quality Conducted in a horse and rider comcondensed format ad- binations, was won by jacent to the Caulfield Balliang rider, Wendy racetrack, horses will Whiting aboard the compete in dressage, former NeilDyer Cross-country and trained gelding, show jumping Tailgater, who raced throughout the meet- 23 times for two wins. ing, accumulating However he has really points based on their taken to the equestrian performance in each events, like most racediscipline. horses do.

The public will Entries close on have direct access to Friday June 26, 2015. ● Brazen Beau - Len Baker Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 view all three disci-

Spotlight

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 38

Top 10 Lists

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: SELMA [Drama/David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson].

CHAPPIE [Sci-Fi/Action/Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel, Sigourney Weaver].

FOCUS [Drama/Will Smith, Margot Robbie].

WILD [Drama/Adventure/Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern].

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY [Drama/Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy].

WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY [Comedy/ Billy Connolly, Rosamund Pike, David Tennant].

THE COBBLER [Comedy/Steve Buscemi, Adam Sandler].

VIOLENT SATURDAY [1955/Crime/Drama/ Victor Mature, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin].

THE WAR LORD [1965/Drama/Charlton Heston, Richard Boone].

NEW AND RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: VIOLENT SATURDAY [1955/Crime/Drama/ Victor Mature, Ernest Borgnine, Lee Marvin].

THE WAR LORD [1965/Drama/Charlton Heston, Richard Boone].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: RAY DONOVAN: Season 2.

THE NEWSROOM: Season 3.

INSIDE OUT: The People's Art Project.

LEGO NINJAGO: Series 4 - Volume 1.

INSPECTOR GADGET 2.0: Season 1 - Volume 2.

- James Sherlock

Sulky Snippets

■ Hamilton was the venue for Queens Birthday (Monday) Trots and Terang's Craven family took most of the spoils on the seven event card.

Marg and Jason Lee started the ball rolling when Somebeachsomewhere/Jilliby Jamila filly Jilliby Dreamtime had nothing more than a "stroll in the park" to land the Wheelie Waste Pace for C0 class over 1660 metres, leading all of the way to score by 3.1 metres in advance of Bec East's Sheza Party Doll (one/three - three wide last lap) and Miles Of Smiles which followed the winner. The mile rate 1-58.9.

Jason was to drive a double after partnering Allendale East trainer David Kemp's 6-Y-0 Safely Kept/May Be Trouble mare Forced Out in the Taylor Motors Pace for C1 class over 1660 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.3.

Using a mares concession, Forced Out raced in the open all of the way from outside the front line, proving too strong at the business end for Sir Dasher Dee (one/one three wide last lap) and Our Uptown Girl, another of Bec East's team which trailed the runner up home.

Glen Craven then steered Marg Lee's recent stable addition Maorisfavouritesun to victory in the Alexandra House Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2160 metres.

Coming off a 40 metre backmark, Maorisfavouritesun a former member of John Meade's Cudgee team possied midfield in the moving line, with Maccas Gone Kracas, Majestic Flash and The Dutchman all taking turns to lead at some stage.

Looking to have yards on his rivals if right, Maorisfavouritesun now raced by Paddy Lee proved that he was by winning in a breeze over former stablemate Glorious Finale by a margin of 6.6 metres, with Columbias Deejay third after a cosy trip just off the speed.

A 6-Y-0 gelded son of Sundon and Maori Daunou, Maorisfavouritesun has fronted the starter on 27 occasions, winning 7 times.

It was then Matty's turn to greet the judge and that he did, guiding Ballangeich trainer Ian Wilson's improving 4-Y-0 Safari/Royal Mandy gelding Royal Safari to the wire in the Ace Radio Pace for 2100 metres.

Bannockburn's Geoff Webster chalked up a double on the day with Changeover/Moyu Fantasy colt Motu Gatecrasher taking the Graham & Mary Torbet Memorial 2-Y-0 Pace over 2160 metres.

More Sulky Snippets on Page 44

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Racing Briefs

Faced the breeze ■ Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley's quality 3-Y-0 Christian Cullen/Crushem gelding Sluggem was most impressive in winning the Charlton Casino Trip Pace for C0 class over 2100 metres at Charlton on Wednesday.

Starting from gate four on the second line, reinsman Anthony Butt was off and running shortly after the start to park outside the leader Dawson Street.

Taking over at the bell, Sluggem cruised for the entire trip, winning by 17.7 metres in advance of Franco Joaquin which faced the breeze for the final circuit, with Tell Us We Dream 2.5 metres away in third place.

Raced without cover ■ Romsey's Leigh Miles was in the winners stall at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Wednesday following the victory of 3-Y-0 Sportswriter/Wemen Wendymae colt Wemen Sporty in the Niall McConchie Pace for C0 class over 1710 metres.

Driven by Greg Sugars, Wemen Sporty led for the majority of the trip after crossing Fear No Evil inside him shortly after the start, scoring by 2.9 metres over Satans Outlaw which raced without cover and Lisandros (one/one) in a mile rate of 1-58.3.

Angled into position

■ At the Bacchus Marsh HRC fixture held at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday, Gisborne breeder/ owner/trainer/driver Graham Lee was successful with 5-Y-0 Armbro Invasion/Speedy Jolter gelding Speedy Rambo in the Schweppes Trotters Mobile for TR0 & TR1 class over 2240 metres.

First up since November last year, Speedy Rambo starting from gate three on the second line was sent forward three wide shortly after the start and as luck would have it, angled into the prime one/one position.

Easing three wide approaching the home turn, Speedy Rambo did best in a slugging finish to defeat a game Suavemente which raced in the open from outside the front line, with Gee Why Jack (one/three) third. The mile rate 2-03.3.

Top night for Ranges ■ It was a good night for the Macedon Ranges at Kilmore on Friday with three winners on the program.

Brent Lilley snared the J.P. McKay Memorial Trotters Handicap for T2 or better class over 2150 metres, with Sundon/Niamey 5-Y-0 gelding Sun Of Anarchy (Rod Petroff) blousing the more fancied stablemte Saratoga in a mile rate of 2-02.5. Waikare Patricia finished third.

Riddell duo Nicole and Dean Molander were successful with beautifully bred Armbro Invasion/La Coocaracha filly Reina Danzante (Chris Alford) in the Charles Bell Memorial 3-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres, leading throughout from gate four to account for Donski and Sunofatrump in 2-04.5.

Monegeetta's David Miles led thoughout aboard 5-Y-0 Sealed N Delivered/Allys Gift mare Highly Persuasive in the Robert Knight Memorial Pace for C0 class over 1690 metres, defeating Mairhed Fallen and Summer Of Courage in a rate of 1-59.1.

Used sprint lane ■ Rochester trainer Mark Thompson is another who comes up with a winner or two each season and landed the Charlton 2020 Project 3-Y-0 Pace over 2100 metres with Sportswriter/Zora Paree gelding Ricciardo in a mile rate of 1-59.

Driven by Mark Pitt, Ricciardo enjoyed a sweet trip from gate four trailing the leader Glenferrie Baby which flew away from outside the front row.

Using the sprint lane, Ricciardo finished best to score by a head on the wire, with Kotare York a half neck away in third place after racing in the open.

- Len Baker

First win for Alison Alford

■ There would have been celebrations galore for Bolinda's Alford family at Cranbourne on Tuesday, when Alison Alford (wife of Chris) trained her first winner after obtaining her licence only a few weeks back - the horse in question being American Ideal/Karamea Mietta gelding Spinners Boy in the Decron Horse Care Pace for Three Year Olds 3C0 & 3C1 class over 2080 metres.

Given a lovely trip one/ one from gate six by Chris with Awesome Cullect inside him leading, Spinners Boy was eased three wide approaching the home turn and finished his race off well to register a 1.6 metre margin on the wire ahead of Yackandandah which followed the winner throughout, with Abetta Tiny Dancer holding down third after racing in the open. The mile rate 202.4.

It was a joyous occasion for the family as apart from Chris driving the winner, Spinners Boy is raced by daughter Katie and son Sam.

Easy time ■ Frankston trainer George Batsakis who prepares his team out of Bill Galea's Rockbank stable, brought up victory number five from nineteen outings with reliable three year old Art Major/Run To Live gelding Captain Bronzie by taking the Hygain Feeds Pace for C1 class over 2080 metres at Cranbourne on Wednesday.

Driven by the most travelled reinsman in the state - Ararat's Michael Bellman, Captain Bronzie (gate four) strode past Melton Little Max inside him shortly after the start and after a relatively easy time ay the head of affairs, kicked away on the finalbend with the race safely in his keeping, scoring by 8.1 metres in advance of Melton Little Max and Richly Deserved (one/one - three wide last lap) in a mile rate of 2-02.1.

Scary ■ Long Forest husband and wife - Andy & Kate Gath were successful at Cranbourne with exceptional Bettor's Delight/Le Tricky colt Padrisimo, a prohibitive $1.10 favourite in the Condo's Horse Transport Pace for C0 class over 1609 metres, but not before giving his supporters a scare.

Leading out from gate two, Kate surprisingly elected to hand over the running to $12.80 chance Just For Laughs (gate

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

This Week’s Meetings

■ Wednesday - Hamilton/Kilmore, Thursday Maryborough/Geelong, Friday - Mildura/Melton, Saturday - Ballarat, Sunday - Shepparton, Monday - Charlton, Tuesday - Cranbourne.

Horses To Follow Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

five), giving Padrisimo the run of the race.

Not perturbed at any stage, Kate drove Padrisimo through along the sprint lane to record a runaway 2.9 metre victory over the pacemaker in a rate of 2-02, with Sahara Bedouin third after racing in the open.

Raced by Sydneysider Rob Nalder a strong supporter of the Gath stable, Padrisimo has faced the starter on 15 occasions for eight wins and 3 placings.

Sweet run

■ Metropolitan/Armbro Sunshine four year old mare Lucky Metro has found a new lease of life, bringing up three wins in a row when successful in the Blue Hills Rise Pace for C2 class over 2080 metres at Cranbourne in a mile rate of 2-01.4.

Trained at the Melton property of Ken Tippet by Doug Adams, Lucky Metro driven once again

by Charlie Borg was given a sweet passage one/one from gate four after lobbing outside the speedy pole line leader Blacks A Beauty.

Gaining cover at the expense of the favourite C C Chevron at the bell which had made a forward move from last, Lucky Metro pounced on straightening to gain the day by 1.2 metres from Somedreamsomewhere (gate two) which followed her throughout. C C Chevron first up since February was a neck away in third place.

Breeze

■ Hard working Parwan trainer Phil Chircop was in the winners stall with The Warp Drive/Tatts Moreau filly Carmen Spirit in the Sheron Park 3-Y-0 Pace over 2240 metres at the Bacchus Marsh HRC fixture held at Tabcorp Park Melton on Thursday.

Driven by Rod Petroff, Carmen Spirit first up since February, led

throughout to win in a breeze over the hot favourite Rule Of Thumb from near last and Millwood Brandy (one/ three). The mile rate 158.5.

Loyal

■ Wallan trainer Ruth Shinn and reinsman son Chris were successful with Jeremes Jet/Awesomely gelding Upwardly in the Alabar 3-Y-0 Pace over 1720 metres at Melton on Thursday.

Bred and raced by loyal stable supporters Justin and Stephanie O'Brien, Upwardly showed a brilliant turn of speed from gate six to lead running into the first turn, before running his rivals ragged to score by 8.5 metres in a rate of 1-57.9 over Cheersbigears (one/ three) and Major In Arms (one/four).

Deadheat

■ Whittlesea trainer Charlie Farrugia snared half the prize in the Shepparton BMW Pace Final for C1 class over 1690 metres at Shepparton on Thursday, when 6-Y-0 Courage Under Fire/ Terrabeauty gelding Terra Beau dead-heated with Riverina visitor Ruato Bay. Terra Beau (gate four) led with Ruato Bay trailing him from inside the second row and using the sprint lane, with the judge unable to separate the pair. The mile rate 1-57.5.

Enjoyable

■ At Kilmore on Friday, Avenel pair David and Josh Aiken snared the third heat of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series for 3-Y-0 Fillies over 2180 metres with Glory Daze, a beautifully bred daughter of Bettor's Delight and Dazed And Confused.

Enjoying the run of the race from the pole trailing the pacemaker Grande Anse, Glory Daze used the sprint lane to gain the judge's verdict by a half head over Brighty Valentine (one/one).

■ Sheza Party Doll, Anvil Gav, Soh Filthy Tich, Our Odette, Donski, Soho Berlin, C C Chevron, Professor Tom, Turbo Elly, Marissima, Illawong Sunny, Thankbonnie.

Too strong at finish ■ Shepparton (Kialla) trainer Steve O'Donoghue usually comes up with a handy youngster each season and Art Major/Cullens Ace colt Herehecomes kept the record intact when successful in the Walsh Motors 2-Y-0 Pace over 1609 metres at Charlton on Wednesday.

With stable reinsperson Bec Bartley in the sulky, Herehecomes was driven a patient race after being restrained from gate four, settling three back in the moving line, with Aguante leading from gate three.

Moving forward three wide in the last lap, Herehecomes was too strong at the finish for the heavily backed Gottashopearly which followed him everywhere, with Turbo Elley third (on protest) after trailing the pacemaker. The mile rate 1-59.7.

Led all the way ■ Shepparton (Lemnos) trainer Amanda Turnbull combined with Mark Pitt taking a concession aboard with very smart 6-Y-0 Dream Away/ Shezaclassicact gelding Big Spook in the Charlton & District Community Bank Pace for C4 & C5 class over 2100 metres, leading all of the way from gate three in defeating Countdown which trailed, going down by 1.7 metres in a rate of 2-00.5 after using the sprint lane. Steve O'Donoghue's Shakchloe was 10.4 metres away after facing the breeze.

Straight to the front ■ Matty Craven was successful earlier in the night with recent stable addition Will Atone in the Ballarat Surgical Trotters Handicap for T1 or better class over 2200 metres.

Driven by the stable's Chris Svanosio, Will Atone a lightly raced 9-Y-0 gelded son of Conch Deville and Wringing Wet did everything right from 10 metres, settling four back in the moving line, with Coimadai Lodge jumping straight to the front from barrier two.

Easing wide on straightening off a three wide trail on the back of Lovable Nick running into the home turn, Will Atone ran home strongly to register a 1.8 metre victory in advance of Coimadai Lodge and Lovable Nick, returning a mile rate of 2-04.6.

Led throughout

■ Matty was to bring up a double when highly promising Grinfromeartoear/Classic Malibu 5-Y-0 gelding Roy George driven by him, led throughout from the pole to land the Robert Benoit Tennis Pace for C2 class over 1710 metres.

Always travelling easily, Roy George when let go at the straight entrance bounded away to score by 8.6 metres untouched over Lagoon Beach which trailed and Sweet Wise (one/one) in 1-57.4.

Made ground

■ Marg and Paddy Lee - the new Queen and King of the trotters produced a first starter by the name of Keayang Yankee who was unbelievable in winning the Ballarat Holden 2-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Wednesday in a mile rate of 2-07.9.

Gradually making ground to tack on at the bell, Keayang Yankee let rip with a withering turn of speed to not only win, but to win with authority by a runaway 2.5 metres over Cobbler Creek which led on turning. ANip Will Do finished third after trailing the leader Maoris Got Muscle which galloped on the final bend.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 45

Pets

Trades and Services Guide Find the bes adespeople in the Melbourne Observ er Tr ades and Servic es Guide bestt trtradespeople Observer Services Guide.. TToo plac placee an ad, phone 1800 231 311 311..

Our Classifieds Departmen 30pm Monda rida or @MelbourneObserv er Departmentt is open 9am-5.

9am-5.30pm Mondayy -F -Frida ridayy . Or email: edit editor or@MelbourneObserv @MelbourneObserver er..c om.au Or mail your ad to: Melbourne Observer, PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095.

Booking and ccoo ppyy deadline: 5pm FFrida rida erms and CConditions onditions - see our wwebsit ebsit ridayy s. Subjec Subjectt ttoo our TTerms ebsitee .

ADVERTISING Promote your business Melbournewide and across Victoria from $10 per week

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

BRICK PAVING SPECIALIST

0412 516 936

PC /CC16

HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAYS

Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments

MERIMBULA, NSW

Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au

Observer

☛ All aspects of paving including: Claym Brick, Sandstone Bluestone & Castlemaine Slate ☛ All aspects of landscape construction 25 years experience ☎ Glen

EMAIL: editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!

Melbourne

PHONE: 1800 231 311 PAVING

PHONE: 1800 231 311 FAX: 1800 231 312

or ring 1800 629 179

RADIO STATIONS THE GREA T GREAT MUSIC OF THE ‘30s TO ‘60s Streaming through the Web PHONE: 9572 1466

goldenda ysr adio goldenday sradio adio..com

RELAXATION MASSAGE

2015 VACANCIES AVAILABLE

BEACH ST APARTMENTS 1 Beach St, Merimbula, NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 2205 ww w.beachs tr eetapartments.net.au .beachstr treetapartments.net.au

TURN TO ‘OBSERVER TRADER’

RUBBISH REMOVAL

A Class Rubbish Removal TAKE AAW WAY ALL RUBBISH, gr een wwas as green astte, timbers, steel and all furniture, etc No job too big or small. 7 days a week.

“Free Quote” - prompt service.

Call Jason Now 0417 568 551

BB/CC16

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, June 17, 2015 - Page 47

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 17, 2015

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au