Melbourne Observer. December 7, 2016

Melbourne

Observer

$2

95

ISSN 1447 4611

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

47TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

VICTORIA’S SHOWBIZ BIBLE S TATE EDITION Vol 48 No 1659 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969

$2.95

including GST

FAREWELL BOB Passing of Bob Horsfall

■ Melbourne’s showbiz fraternity will gather at East Bentleigh this afternoon (Wed.) for the funeral service for Bob Horsfall, who died late last week at the age of 90.

He has been a senior member of the The popular showman continSurvivors Club of showbiz veterans ued to be heard until several founded by Bert Newton. weeks ago on his own weekly proIn recent years, Bob has battled health gram, Pleasant Memories, on problems with cancer in both lungs, and Wednesday afternoons on Golden a broken hip and a broken collarbone.

In 2011, he was named as an awardee Days Radio 95.7FM. of an Order of Australia medal in the

● Melbourne entertainer Bob Horsfall has died at age 90

Bob Horsfall started his show business career at the age of 10 at the Royal South Street competitions where he was boy soprano champion under 16 for three years.

Bob began entertaining in 1936 at the Tivoli Theatre as an acrobatic dancer.

He was the Australian Tap Dancing champion for 18 years.

He had worked in theatre, radio, television and film, and continues to write a column in a monthly seniors’ newspapers, and to draw cartoons for an overseas publications.

Bob Horsfall was perhaps best known for his television appearances on Channel 9 (In Melbourne Tonight) and Channel 7 (The Happy Show).

Bob was described as radio’s first “disc jockey” with a career that included stints at 3AW, 3KZ and 3UZ. He had earlier been a messenger boy at 3KZ. His radio career as a boy soprano included jobs at 3AW with ‘Nicky’ on The Flying Axehandles, and on 3DB with Don Baker.

At the height of his television exposure in the 1960s he operated a chain of children’s talent schools across Melbourne.

He performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Mel Torme, Tommy Dorsey and a heap of other legends.

Bob Horsfall was organiser and performer in the Tunetwisters.

Queen’s Birthday 2011 Honours List.

His passing is mourned by his many friends. Sympathy is extended to his daughter Fiona and son Cole.

Magic 1278 to close?

■ The Melbourne radio scene is abuzz with speculation that Magic 1278 wiull soon cease to be a music station, to be replaced with a lifestyle ‘advertorial’ station relayed from Sydney.

Macquarie Media, which also operates 3AW in Melbourne, have commenced the lifestyle channel on Sydney station 2UE. Company Chairman Russell Tate told last month’s annual general meeting of the company that the future of the lifestyle radio format would be reviewed in the next year.

More on Page 38

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’

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’

MERIMBULA, NSW 2016 VACANCIES AVAILABLE

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

See Observer Trader

TURN TO ‘OBSERVER TRADER’

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

goldenda ysr adio goldenday sradio adio..com

Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Travel Planner

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 3

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Mary Martin Bookshop, Southgate, weaves magic

■ There was magic in the air at the Mary Martin Bookshop in Southgate, Southbank, on Sunday as not only Harry and Hermione but Mary Poppins as well paid a visit to wish new owner Jaye ChinDusting well at the helm of this iconic bookstore with its 70 year history.

Building upon the legacy of previous owners Margaret and Graham Brookes who are retiring after 30 years, Jaye, a medical research professor, is committed to supporting Australian publishing and maintaining the ethos of this brick and mortar shop.

Celebrating the new chapter were also the Australian Boys Choir who heralded in Christmas in fine voice.

The hundreds who flocked to the celebrations found themselves staying on, not only to browse the superb selection of books and Christmas gifts and cards, but also to be in line for the terrific giveaways and spot prizes on hand.

The ever friendly, ever obliging staff at the Mary Martin appeared only too delighted to play Santa Claus to the crowd, with gifts enabled by the support of local publishers and distributors.

'I have been wowed by the generosity of the industry' said Prof Chin-Dusting, 'not only with their support of this event but also with the guidance and knowledge given freely to myself, a novice bookseller.'

When asked what motivated her to invest in the store, Jaye said 'several things really - at the most fundamental level, a love for words and books that require little explanation to those others who read'.

'But with regards this particular store, a wish to continue the living history of the Mary Martin Bookshop, and to staying true to her original ethos of bookshops being timeless places of joy and inner equilibrium.

This store with its wonderful array of toys and gifts for children attracts the wonderment of every child who comes past, and as they come through the store, that wonderment extends to the books, and as they see their parents lost in their own perusal, it just brings that intangible feeling of self-awareness and connectedness. It's pretty special.'

'The deciding factor though, was the staff' continued Jaye, 'who are all, happily for me, staying on. After meeting and speaking with each of them, it was blatantly clear to me that these vibrant, young women were more than capable of guiding me through unchartered waters. Like my research teams, they are equally passionate at what they do. And they are all so incredibly nice!'

True to her wish to stay true to the ethos of Mary Martin, Jaye has initiated an optional gold coin donation for gift-wrapping over the Christmas season to go to the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association with whom Ms Martin devoted the last ten years of her life.

The celebrations at the Mary Martin Bookshop continue with an opportunity to win a hamper worth $600/- of books and other goodies.

Just pop into the store and sign up to their free loyalty program or send them an email southgateshop@marymartinbooks.com.au before December 23 for a chance to win.

■ ■ ■ ■

At top: Harry and Hermione waved their wands to bestow joy upon the celebrations.

Next: Mary Poppins was on hand to ensure the children behaved.

Next: A place of wonderment At left: The Australian Boys Choir . Photos courtesy of Julian Dusting

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 5

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

$4999

Price $999

Save $500

Save $100

$499

Many More Brands and Models to Choose From

This ad supersedes the advertisement on Page 15 of the Observer Trader supplement

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 7

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Melbourne

Observer inc orpor a ting the Melbourne A d vvertiser ertiser incorpor orpora Ad ertiser,, Melbourne T ict orian Rur al Ne ws Trrader ader,, V Vict ictorian Rural New and Melbourne Seniors News News..

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every W ednesda y Wednesda ednesday

Contact Us Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: w w w.MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au .MelbourneObserve or@MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au E: E dit ditor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserve

Our Team Director: Fleur Long Production Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Associate Editor: Lisa Hodgson Columnists: Len Baker (harness racing), Matt Bissett-Johnson (cartoonist), David Ellis (wine and travel), Rob Foenander (c ountry music ), K yle G alle y music), Kyle Galle alley (greyhounds), Kerry Kulkens (astrology), Yvonne La w rrenc enc e (lif e and sstyle tyle ), Nick L e Law ence (life tyle), Le Souef (outback Australia), Mike McColl Jones (lif e), Gr eg Ne wman (r adio ), T erry (life Greg Newman (radio adio), Terry Radford (Court roundsman), Aaron R ourk e (mo vies ), T ed Ry an (r acing), Jim ourke (movies vies), Ted Ryan (racing), Sherlock (movies, DVDs), Cheryl T hr eadgold (local thea tr e), K evin T hreadgold theatr tre Ke Trr ask ( sho wbiz), V eritas, G a vin W ood showbiz), Veritas, Ga Wood (Hollywood).

Honorary Reviewers: Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher a Hughes, Danaher,, Barbar Barbara Lyn Hurs t, K a thryn K eeble Hurst, Ka Keeble eeble,, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro. Graeme McCoubrie, Ca therine McGr egor vid McL ean, R oy atherine McGregor egor.. Da David McLean, Ro Mears, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145

Distribution Sta dition: Av ailable w eekly a tatte E Edition: weekly att approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf coast, and Victorian regional centres.

Recommended retail price: $2.95.

If your local newsagent does not curr ently ssttock the Melbourne Observ er currently Observer er,, why not place a weekly order with them, by using their ‘putaway’ service.

Newsagents should contact All Day Distribution Pty Ltd, 169 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Vic 3122. Phone: (03) 9482 1145.

Across The World Melbourne Observer Online 2.

2.11 million hits annually annually.. w w w.MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au .MelbourneObserve You can rread ead our paper fr ee on the free internet.

Contact details for our advertisers are also available at our website.

Back Copies Back Copies - Archives w w w.MelbourneObserv e rr.. c om.au .MelbourneObserve Back copies for 1969-89, 2002-15 may be inspected by appointment at the State Library of Victoria. 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed under contract by Streamline PressPty Ltd, 155 Johns t, Fitzr oy, ffor or the publisher Johnstt on S St, Fitzro publisher,, Local Media Pty Ltd. ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095. Distributed

by All Day Distribution. Responsibilityfor election and referendum comment is accepted by Ash Long.

Copyright © 2016, Local Media Pty Ltd. ACN 096 680 063.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21- April 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 3.12.26.35.36.31.

You could be feeling the need to be free of some of the responsibilities you have been carrying lately There could be some travel coming up, but the tendency to go to extremes should be nipped in the bud.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.9.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.26.34.45.43.

You may need to sort out a few priorities and it would be wiser to take nothing for granted. Check all communications carefully as the possibilities for errors are great.

You will feel happier in your domestic scene.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.1.6.3.

Lotto Numbers: 12.15.26.34.40.3.

Not the time to get over excited and make rash promises.

Spend your money only on necessities, also make sure all accounts are paid for and that you are not being over charged.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6.5.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 6.15.12.32.20.11.

Not wise to rely entirely on your own judgment ask for advice. Personal relationships could be troubling you, just try to take things calmly with your partners. Don't blow up things out of proportion and say things you really do not mean.

LEO: (July 23- August 22) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.9.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.25.29.34.45.

You could be craving for some luxury and may even try to indulge in something you can't really afford. Hasty decisions could put you on the wrong track, so check everything before promising anything important. Mostly it should be a happier time.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6.5.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 6.12.39.8.24.11.

You could be feeling resentful towards any form of restriction and some restlessness is evident. Your judgment may not be up to par, so leave all important decisions till later. Some little luxuries later on are indicated.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.39.7.11.

As your emotions are very much on the surface now, do not make any hard and fast decisions. Best to wait till you have calmed down and have your emotions under control. You may regret the fact that you have confided in someone you shouldn't have trusted.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.1.2.6.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.32.23.39.7.

You could be just a little too hesitant in deciding on something important and you could be missing out on a good deal. However do not let this influence you in future decision making and become too hasty.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.24.45.42.40.

You cannot rely on anything or anybody at eh moment.

Best to do the important things yourself and make the hard decisions later on. Your own intuition is the best at the present time.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Fawn Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.8.5.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.35.40.

You could find it hard to keep up with things happening around you. There are some confusing aspects operating in your sector. Just let things happen and sit tight at the moment. Soon you will be in control again.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.9.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.40.36.33.

You could be asked to help a friend in need. The best thing to do is give all the help you can, but refuse anything that will put you in a n awkward situation. It is up to you to put the breaks on when you feel it necessary.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.35.5.11.

There could be something to celebrate due to your general good luck. Remember a friend who doesn't have much joy in life as you. Your financial situation should improve very much and this will help you to make plans for the future.

Kerry Kulkens psychic line 1902 240 051 or 1820 727 727 Call cost: $5.50 Inc. g.s.t. Per min.

M o b //p p aayy eexx t rraa .

Visit Kerry Kulkens magic shop at 1693 Burwood hwy Belgrave ph./fax (03) 9754 4587 w w w . kkee r r y k u l kkee n s ..cc o m . a u Like us on Facebook

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz Latest

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 9

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

Twelfth Observer Night Victoria’s Indpendent Weekly

● (Clockwise from top) Kevin Hopkins (Sir Toby Belch), Claire Nicholls (Maria), Elizabeth Brennan (Voila) and Hugh Sexton (Malvolio) in Twelfth Night.

Marcia Hines to return in‘Velvet’in Melbourne

■ The Australian Shakespeare Company returns this summer with a new production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comic masterpieces, Twelfth Night.

From December 20 - March 4, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens will be treated to evenings full of larger-thanlife characters interacting with picnicking audiences as they play out a tale of festivities, unrequited love, cross-dressing, misguided advances and all manners of adventure.

Director Glenn Elston says he is fascinated by the character archetypes in Twelfth Night, which provides one of the first representations of core personality types such as the party animal, the fool, the flawed puritan, and remains one of the most memorable today.

“Our Twelfth Night will heighten Shakespeare’s iconic characters with stylized pop culture references and loud production design, set amid a wild world that transcends time and space.

Shakespeare was the original extremist, and we’re taking his approach using all the materials available today,” says Elston.

Making her debut with the Australian Shakespeare Company is Elizabeth Brennan in the lead role of Voila, the girl who falls down the rabbit hole into the mythical world of Illyria and disguises herself as a boy to win favour with the Duke.

The complex character that is Malvolio, a power hungry puritan who falls from his great moral height, will be realised by Hugh Sexton, who celebrates 10 consecutive years performing Shakespeare in the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer.

Charlie Sturgeon will play the love struck Duke Orsino, while musical theatre star Mark Dickinson will play Feste, performing many of the raucous and festive songs in the play.

The City of Melbourne has commended Glenn Elston with a Melbourne Award in 2014 for his contribution to Melbourne’s profile.

The Australian Shakespeare Company continues on its mission to make theatre accessible to the wider community.

Every summer, Melbourne’s iconic Royal Botanic Gardens are a hive of activity with thousands of Melburnians, Victorians, national and international visitors enjoying Glenn Elston’s Shakespeare Under the Stars.

Turn To Page 11

Arts News with Peter Kemp - Page 11 Country People - Pages 12 and 13 Kevin Trask - Page 14 Observer Classic Books - starts Page 17 Harness Racing with Len Baker - Page 34 Observer Showbiz - starts Page 37 Country Music - Page 38 Aaron Rourke’s reviews - Page 40 Cheryl Threadgold on Local Theatre - Page 41 Kyle Galley on Greyhounds - Page 44 Racing with Ted Ryan - Page 45 Jim Sherlock Aaron Rourke Cheryl Threadgold Rob Foenander

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

RMIT evacuated ■ RMIT Melbourne was evacuated yesterday afternoon (Tues.) with several buildings at its city campus under investigation following threats.

Cheryl’s honour ■ Melbourne Observer columnist Cheryl Threadgold was a guest speaker at lastweek’s annual conference of the Australian Association of Writing Programs, being held at the University of Canberra.

M’cycle thefts ■ Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating following a burglary and theft of two motorcycles in Maryborough

2 men arrested ■ Police have arrested two men following an aggravated burglary at a house in Croydon yesterday (Tues.) morning.

Stopped at gates ■ Local Sale police assisted with a multiagency operation involving Corrections Victoria and GEO Group Australia which aimed to prevent the commission of offences in a correctional facility.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Sunny. 19-28 Thurs. Rain. 10-22 Fri. Cloudy. 9-15 Sat. Partly cloudy. 11-19

Mike McColl Jones ● Marcia Hines in Velvet ■ After sell-out seasons including Adelaide Goh and musical director and mix master Joe Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Accaria, alongside diva Marcia Hines, who is Sydney Opera House, the ARIA nominated, currently a host on Foxtel Smooth. award-winning hit show Velvet returns to Two new cast members will join Velvet for Melbourne in June 2017 at The Palms at the 2017 tour: actor/singer Tom Oliver will Crown. play the young ingénue who slips behind the Velvet’s disco soundtrack never lets up from red velvet rope at the glamorous nightclub that the opening moment. Each performance in- is Velvet. vites the audience into a glitter-ball world with Melbourne is part of the Australian and an international ensemble of circus, cabaret New Zealand 2017 tour, and the Melbourne and music talent, including legendary diva season will commence on June 8 at The Marcia Hines.

Director Craig Ilott has created a hedonis- Palms at Crown for a strictly limited season.

Venue: The Palms at Crown tic world, pitting acrobatics against disco diPerformance Dates: From June 8, 2017 vas as this slightly sadomasochistic show Performance Times: Tues. – Fri. 7.30pm, channels the original Studio 54 nightclub.

The international ensemble of circus, caba- Sat. 5 pm and 8 pm, Sun. 5:00pm and 7:30pm Prices: Tickets from $45 ret and music talent return in 2017: muscle man Stephen Williams, hula boy Craig Reid, Bookings: ticketmaster.com.au acrobat Mirko Köckenberger, aerialist Emma - Cheryl Threadgold

Top 5

THE TOP 5 FISHY SONGS 5. "Twas on the Isle of Capri that I flounder".

4. "Salmon chanted evening".

3. "Oh Sole Mio".

2. "Don't Cry For Me Argen-tuna".

1. "Flake, Rattle and Roll".

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Showbiz News

Listies ruin Christmas Review Carnival of Lost Souls

■ The iconic Melba Spiegeltent was the venue for The Carnival of Lost Souls, written and produced by Graham Coupland.

This was a feast of cabaret, circus performance, magic and haunting songs set in 19th century gothic style.

Being so close to the performers in the Spiegeltent gives a birds-eye view of every nuance, every muscle twitch and every raw emotion portrayed by the performers.

This is one of the best shows I have seen for a while.

The journey of the souls in the carnival is gripping from the outset. Even the ushers were dressed in gothic garb.

The fabulous voices of Lucy Maunder (Fortune Teller) and Anthony Craig (Clown) portrayed the story of unrequited and forlorn love.

Magicians Richard Vegas and Julia Madotti were spellbinding.

The floating table was a highlight. Acrobatics by Circus Trick Tease and This Side Up showed genuine strength and trust of each other.

The human skipping rope was a highlight.

The elegance and flexibility of Hannah Trott on the aerials was a delight.

Ringmaster Simon Storey had a strong stage presence, showing a softer side in the finale as he shed a tear for the lost souls who ‘speak softly, speak volumes’.

Strong artistic direction (Terence O’Connell) set a good pace as the acts smoothly segued from one to the other, with Yvette Lee’s choreography adding to the mix.

The Noir spectacle came to life with Jason Bovaird’s majestic lighting setting the scenes, exquisite make-up (Ebony Kay), costuming (Clockwork Butterfly and Anton’s) and sound (Lloyd Barret).

A thoroughly enjoyable performance and I look forward to further successful shows in the future.

- Lyn Hurst

■ The Listies Ruin Christmas returns to Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre from December 10 -18.

Fresh from touring the world, Matt and Rich are back in their home town with a return season of their show which does away with out-dated festive fodder for something worthy of modern, multicultural Melbourne.

Jam packed full of the classy things kids love like emojis, snow machines and inflatable Santa suits, The Listies Ruin Christmas takes a tongue-incheek look at the Christmas season through the eyes of outrageous mischief-makers, The Listies.

Performance Season: December 10 – 18 Venue: Beckett Theatre, Malthouse Theatre Tickets: $30-$40 plus booking fees, $110 Family Tickets B o o k i n g s : www.malthousetheatre.com.au/ whats-on/the-listies-ruinxmas-2016

The Arts in Melbourne

By P et er K emp Pet eter Kemp

Ballarat Art Gallery

■ The Ballarat Art Gallery team has prepared two new exhibitions - The Rennie Ellis Show, on tour from the Monash Gallery of Art; and Black Mist Burnt Country, touring from Burrinja Cultural Centre.

Black Mist Burnt Country This national touring exhibition of works by more tnan 30 indigenous and non-indigenous artists commemorates the little-known story of the British atomic tests in Australia in the 1950s.

It revisits the history of the atomic-test program at Maralinga, Emu Field and Montebello Islands the forced removal of indigenous people, the devastation of the country, the exposure of servicemen an its ongoing legacies.

The Rennie Ellis Show For the iconic Australian photographer Rennie Ellis, the period from the 1970s to the 1990s was a great period of change - a world free of risk, of affordable inner city housing, of social protest, of disco and pub rock, of youth n exuberance.

This exhibition highlights some of the most defining images of Australian life from the period of Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser, Paul Keating and Bob Hawke, ACDC and punk rock, cheap petrol and coconut oil, Hare Krishnas and Hookers and Deviates Balls.

The exhibition opened on Monday (December 5) and is running till January 29. ● Matt and Rich in The Listies Ruin Christmas.

Robinson Crusoe panto ■ The Adelphi Players Theatre Company presents the panto Robinson Crusoe as their final production for 2016 on 10 and 11 in Booran Rd, Ormond.

Directed by Michael Mace, this colourful family show for all age groups can be seen twice daily, featuring songs, dancing and lots of audience participation.

Performances: December 10, 11 at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Venue: Booran Rd. Hall, 264 Booran Rd., Ormond Tickets: $10 incl. refreshments Bookings: 9690 1593.

- Cheryl Threadgold ● From Page 9

Twelfth Night Also produced is The Wind in the Willows, celebrating 30 years this summer. The company also presents an interactive show for pre-schoolers, Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies, which has just completed a sold out tour to London’s Kew Gardens.

Since its inception, the company has played to more than one million people nationally with critically acclaimed annual summer seasons, indoor shows, concerts, plays and indigenous festivals.

Performance Season: December 20 – March 4 at 8 pm (visit www.shakespeareaustralia. com.au for details performance dates) Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (enter through Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue) Tickets: $40-$50 for adults, $30-$40 for Concessions, $25 for children 15 years and under Bookings: www.shakespeareaustralia. com.au or call 8676 7511 Tickets are available at the on-site box office unless sold out, Box office opens one hour prior to each performance.

What to bring: Pack a picnic full of goodies to eat and drink, a blanket or cushions to sit on, insect repellent and a hat - Cheryl Threadgold

Showbiz Briefs

■ Wolfmother and Rose Tattoo have been confirmed as special guests on the Guns n' Roses 'Not In This Lifetime' tour, playing in Melbourne on Tuesday, February 14.

■ Opening night of Circus 1803 will be at The Regent Theatre at 7pm on Tuesday, January 3, advises publicist Julie Cavanagh.

Bangarra Dance

■ Terrain transports us to Lake Eyre in South Australia, the place of Australia's inland sea: one of the few untouched natural waterways in the world.

Choreographer Frances Rings explores the fundamental connection between Aboriginal people and land - how our land looks after us, how we connect with its spirit, and how we regard its future.

After its premiere season in 2012, Terrain went on to win two Helpmann Awards for Best Ballet/ Dance Work and Best Female Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Work for dancer Deborah Brown.

In 2016, Terrain was remounted and opened to five star reviews, toured regional Western Australia and South Australia, and continues in Victoria and Tasmania in 2017.

Terrain explores the relationship of indigenous people to country and how landscape becomes a second skin, inspired by the timeless beauty of Lake Eyre in South Australia.

Season: February 11. Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat. February 15 Venue: Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo. February 18Venue: Mildura Arts Centre Mildura

Geelong Gallery

● Jackie Chan

Review: Penelopiad

■ How better for the Women's Circus to celebrate its 25th anniversary than with an adaptation of Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad, a tale chosen for its theme of violence against and repression of women.

Confronting violence is a cause close to the heart of this extraordinary troupe whose broad range of talents celebrates women through story-telling.

Based on Homer’s Odyssey, Penelopiad is written from the perspective of women, in particular Penelope the wife of Odysseus.

The work recalls moments of her life - when her father tried to murder her as a child, her marriage to Odysseus, his absence, when many suitors tried to woo her in the hope of marriage and the unjustified retributive massacre of her housemaids.

This adaptation was poignant and beautifully told through song, movement and acrobatics. The opening sequence with its haunting owl-like chant (the owl being a symbol of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and justice), had a shadowy cloistered feel.

Turn To Page 41

Tricking the eye-contemporary trompe l'oeil.

Drawing on the centuries old tradition of tromp l'oeil painting ( or 'trick of the eye') this exhibition brings together the work of a number of conte paintings, sculptures and moving images and intentionally illusionistic play with perspective or are something other than what they first appear to be.

The exhibition runs from November 28 to February 12.

My Geelong - our Gallery now open Reveals the artistic riches of Geelong Gallery, a collection owned by the people of Geelong.

Twenty diverse members of the Greater Geelong community were invited to meet Gallery Director Jason Smith and select a favourite work of art.

Their choices are exhibited in this revealing and fascinating exhibition and trail through the Gallery and runs till April 2.

Mark Friday February 3 in your diary for the return of First Friday lecture series, when Gallery Curator Lisa Sullivan presents an overview of Tricking the eye-contemporary trompe l'oeil.

St Petersburg Ballet

■ This is a classic Russian ballet as it was meant to be seen.

Hailed around the world, the internationally acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet have announced that they will perform two of their classic full-length productions - The Nutcracker and Swan Lake in Melbourne this month. ● Turn to Page 38

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Local People

● David Purcell and Caroline Purcell alongside the horse events arena.

Yea Show Photos by Ash Long

● Sue Newcomen and Vicki White prepare meals in the Beef arena

● Jane Spackland of Lalor and Rosie Moffat of Homewood look at crafts

● Emily Noonan with Best Buck Kid ‘Paddy’

● Blake Kirley (Carbis), 5, was second prize winner in the junior poultry section of the Yea Show

● Bethany Fisher sang and danced

● Cattle judge Geordie Elliott of Byaduk with Duncan Newcomen

● Ewan Tait of Murrindindi with the highest valued comeback fleece won by Philip Webb (Glenburn)

● Finley High School students participated in the Beef competition. From left: Niamh Mason, Hayley Doohan, Elle Rochford, Katie Archer, Lauren Clarke and Ally Barey

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Local People

● Greg Chivers and Ian Marshman of Limestone CFA

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 13

Yea Show Photos by Ash Long

● Supreme cattle exhibit, Coco Straight, led by Annabel Glasser of Wangaratta, shown by the Spencer Family of Yuroke

● David McKenize and John Hamilton with the Grand Champion Fleece won by Robert Hayes of Tarcombe

● The Yea Show at the Rec. Reserve

● Brian Daniels of Chirnside Park with Best Bird in Show (Female)

● Caitlin Mannix 7, of Homewood, with her Best Junior Bird

● Maureen Pond and Rod Carbis: with equipment funded by the Yea CFA Auxiliary

● Yea Show cattle section

● Trevor Scott and ‘Sooty’ in the sheep dog trials

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

WHITTLESEA BOWLS CLUB 101 Church St, Whittlesea Phone: 97 16 1966 E-Mail: manager@whittleseabo wls. com.au manager@whittleseabowls. wls.c

OPEN 7 D AYS FOR L UNCH AND DINNER DA LUNCH 12 Noon - 8.30pm Weekly Main C ourse Specials and Changing Lunch Menu Course From $10 plus normal bistro menu our special c elebr ation Function R ooms a vailable ffor or y your celebr elebra Rooms av BREAKF AST A VAILABLE AV BREAKFA EVER YS ATURD AY AND SUND AY: 8am11am EVERY SA TURDA SUNDA 8am-11am

BOOK NO W FOR NOW CHRIS TMA SD AY L UNCH 20 16 LUNCH 2016 CHRISTMA TMAS DA Start ers tarters

Salad Selection C old Mea ts/ Seaf ood Cold Meats/ ts/Seaf Seafood Ho ery Des serts Hott Carv Carvery Desserts Children’s Menu Main Course and Dessert

6 BOOKING ENQUIRIES A T THE BAR OR PHONE 9 716 196 AT 97 1966 50% DEPOSIT REQUIRED ON BOOKING Adults: $80

Childr en 512: $20 Children 5-12:

Childr en Under 5: Fr ee Children Free

Wine lis om pr emium wine gr owing dis tricts listt fr from premium gro districts

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, y, December y 7,, 2016 - Page g 15

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Where To Obtain Your Copy of the Melbourne Observer Every Wednesday - at your local newsagent

AIRPORT WEST, 3042. Airport West Newsagency.

53 McNamara Ave, Airport West. (03) 9338 3362.

AIRPORT WEST, 3042. Airport West Nextra. Shop 73-74, Westfield Shoppingtown, Airport West.

(03) 9330 4207.

ALBERT PARK, 3206. Dundas Place Newsagency.

188A Bridport St, Albert Park. (03) 9690 5348.

ALBURY, 2640. Albury Newsagency.

ALTONA, 3018. Altona Newsagency. 84-86 Pier St, Altona. (03) 9398 2912.

ALTONA EAST, 3025. East Altona Newsagency. 63 The Circle, Altona East. (03) 9391 3316.

ALTONA MEADOWS, 3028. Central Square Newsagency, 1 Central Ave, Altona Ameadows.

(03) 9315 8022.

ALTONA NORTH, 3025. Alrona North Newsagency.

22 Borrack Sq, Altona North. (03) 9391 2291.

ARMADALE, 3143. Highdale Newsagency. Shop 1, 969 High St, Armadale. (03) 9822 7789.

ASCOT VALE, 3032. Ascot Vale Newsagency. 208 Union Rd, Ascot Vale. (03) 9370 6485.

ASCOT VALE, 3032. Ascot Lotto & News. 217 Ascot Vale Rd, Ascot Vale. (03) 9370 8558.

ASHBURTON, 3147. Ashburton Newsagency. 209 High St, Ashburton. (03) 9885 2128.

ASHWOOD, 3147. Ashwood Newsagency. 503 Warrigal Rd, Ashwood. (03) 9885 4662.

ASPENDALE, 3195. Aspendale Newsagency. 129 Station St, Aspendale. (03) 9580 6967.

AUBURN, 3123. See Hawthorn East.

AVONDALE HEIGHTS, 3034. Avondale Heights Newsagency. 5 Military Rd, Avondale Heights.

(03) 9317 8274.

BACCHUS MARSH, 3340. Bacchus Marsh Newsagency. 138 Main St. (03) 5367 2961.

BALACLAVA, 3183. Carlisle Newsagency. 272 Carlisle St, Balaclava. (03) 9593 9111.

BALLAN, 3342. Ballan Newsagency. 133 Ingles St, Ballan. (03) 5368 1115.

BALLARAT, 3350. Bridge Mall Newsagency. 6870 Bridge Mall, Ballarat. (03) 5331 3352.

BALLARAT, 3350. NewsXPress Ballarat. Shop 20, Central Square, Ballarat. (03) 5333 4700.

BALLARAT, 3350. Williams Newsagency. 917 Sturt St, Ballarat. (03) 5332 2369.

BALWYN, 3103. Balwyn Newsagency. 413 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn. (03) 9836 4206.

BALWYN, 3103. Belmore Newsagency. 338 Belmore Rd, Balwyn. (03) 9857 9729.

BALWYN, 3103. Yooralla Newsagency. 247B Belmore Rd, Balwyn. (03) 9859 8285.

BALWYN NORTH, 3104. Burkemore Newsagency.

1060 Burke Rd, Balwyn North. (03) 9817 3472.

BALWYN NORTH, 3104. Greythorn Newsagency.

272 Doncaster Rd, Balwyn North. (03) 9857 9894.

BALWYN NORTH, 3104. North Balwyn Newsagency.

77 Doncaster Rd, North Balwyn. (03) 9859 1983.

BANNOCKBURN, 3331. Bannockburn Newsagency.

(03) 5281 1625.

BARWON HEADS, 3227. Barwon Heads Newsagency. 43 Hitchcock St, Barwon Heads.

(03) 5254 2260.

BATMAN. Batman Newsagency. (03) 9354 1269.

BAYSWATER, 3153. Bayswater Authorised Newsagency. Shop 21, Bayswater Village. (03) 9729 1773.

BELGRAVE, 3160. Belgrave Newsagency. 1704 Burwood Hwy. (03) 9754 2429.

BELL PARK, 3215. Bell Park Newsagency. 21-23 Milton St, Bell Park. (03) 5278 4032.

BELMONT, 3216. Belmont Newsagency. 132A High St. (03) 5243 1385.

BENNETTSWOOD, 3125. Bennetswood Newsagency. 79 Station St, Bennettswood. (03) 9808 3391.

BENTLEIGH, 3204. Central Bentleigh Newsagency.

395 Centre Rd, Bentleigh. (03) 9557 1453.

BENTLEIGH EAST, 3165. Centrefield Newsagency.

939 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East. (03) 9563 7607.

BENTLEIGH EAST, 3165. Chesterville Newsagency.

299 Chesterville Rd, Bentleigh East. (03) 9570 1983.

BENTLEIGH EAST, 3165. East Bentleigh Tatts & News. (03) 9570 5951.

BERWICK, 3806. Berwick Newsagency. 29-31 High St, Berwick. (03) 9707 1311.

BLACK ROCK, 3193. Black Rock Newsagency. 606 Balcombe Rd. (03) 9589 4266.

BLACKBURN, 3130. Blackburn Newsagency. 116 South Pde, Blackburn. (03) 9878 0101.

BLACKBURN SOUTH, 3130. Blackburn South Newsagency. 108 Canterbury Rd, Blackburn South. (03) 9877 2110.

BORONIA, 3155. Boronia Village Newsagency.

Shop 22A, 163 Boronia Rd, Boronia. (03) 9762 3464.

BOX HILL, 3128. Newsline Newsagency. Shop 70, Box Hill Central. (03) 9890 2217.

BOX HILL, 3128. Whitehorse Plaza Newsagency.

G35, Centro Shopping Plaza, Box Hill. Phone: (03) 9899 0593.

BOX HILL NORTH, 3129. Kerrimuir Newsagency.

515 Middleborough Rd, Box Hill North. (03) 9898 1450.

BOX HILL SOUTH, 3128. Box Hill South Newsagency. 870 Canterbury Rd, Box Hill South.

(03) 9890 6481.

BOX HILL SOUTH, 3128. Wattle Park Newsagency.

164A Elgar Rd, Box Hill South. (03) 9808 1614.

BRIAR HILL, 3088. Briar Hill Newsagency. 111 Mountain View Rd, Briar Hill. (03) 9435 1069.

BRIGHTON, 3186. Gardenvale Newsagency. 168 Martin St, Brighton. (03) 9596 7566.

BRIGHTON EAST, 3187. Highway Newsagency.

765B Hawthorn Rd, Brighton East. (03) 9592 2054.

BRIGHTON EAST, 3187. East Brighton Newsagency.

613 Hampton St, Brighton. (03) 9592 2029.

BRIGHTON NORTH, 3186. North Brighton Authorised Newsagency. 324 Bay St, North Brighton. (03) 9596 4548.

BRUNSWICK, 3056. Lygon Authorised Newsagency. (03) 9387 4929.

BRUNSWICK WEST, 3055. Melville Newsagency.

418 Moreland Rd, West Brunswick. (03) 9386 3300.

BRUNSWICK WEST, 3055. Theresa Newsagency.

34 Grantham St, Brunswick West. (03) 9380 8806.

BULLEEN, 3105. Bulleen Plaza Newsagency. Shop 29, Bulleen Plaza. (03) 9850 5521.

BULLEEN, 3105. Thompsons Road Newsagency.

123A Thompsons Rd, Bulleen. (03) 9850 1882.

BUNDOORA, 3083. Bundoora Centre Newsagency.

Shop 3, 39 Plenty Rd, Bundoora. (03) 9467 1351.

BUNDOORA, 3083. Bundoora Newsagency. 1268 Plenty Rd, Bundoora. (03) 9467 2138.

BUNYIP, 3815. Bunyip Newsagency. (03) 5629 6111.

BURNLEY, 3121. Burnley Newsagency. 375 Burnley St, Burnley. (03) 9428 1669.

BURWOOD EAST, 3151. East Burwood Newsagency. 16 Burwood Hwy, Burwood East.

(03) 9808 7284.

CAMBERWELL, 3124. Burke Road Newsagency.

(03) 9882 3671.

CAMBERWELL, 3124. Burwood Newsagency. 1394 Toorak Rd, Camberwell. (03) 9889 4155.

CAMBERWELL, 3124. Camberwell Centre Newsagency. 628 Burke Rd, Camberwell. (03) 9882 4083.

CAMBERWELL, 3124. Camberwell Market Newsagency. 513 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell.

(03) 9813 3799.

CAMBERWELL, 3124. Zantuck Newsagency. 732 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell. (03) 9836 4953.

CAMBERWELL EAST, 3124. East Camberwell Newsagency. 188 Through Rd, Camberwell. (03) 9836 2495.

CANTERBURY, 3126. Canterbury Newsagency. 104 Maling Rd. (03) 9836 2130.

CARISBROOK, 3464. Carisbrook Newsagency. (03) 5464 2293.

CARLTON, 3053. Lygon Authorised Newsagency.

260 Lygon St, Carlton. (03) 9663 6193.

CARLTON NORTH, 3054. Princes Hill Newsagency.

607 Lygon St, Carlton North. (03) 9380 1419.

CARLTON NORTH, 3054. Rathdowne Newsagency.

410 Rathdowne St, Carlton North. (03) 9347 2630.

CARNEGIE, 3163. Carnegie Newsagency. 58 Koornang Rd, Carnegie. (03) 9568 5256.

CARNEGIE, 3163. Patterson Newsagency. (03) 9557 5794.

CARNEGIE, 3163. Southern Distribution & Delivery Service. 669 North Rd, Carnegie. (03) 9576 7044.

CARRUM, 3197. Carrum Newsagency. 514 Station St, Carrum. (03) 9772 7696.

CARRUM DOWNS, 3198. Bayside Distribution. (03) 9782 6333.

CAULFIELD EAST, 3145. Caulfield Newsagency.

14 Derby Rd, Caulfield East. (03) 9571 6194.

CAULFIELD NORTH, 3161. Junction Newsagency.

69-71 Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield North. (03) 9523 8546.

CAULFIELD SOUTH, 3162. Booran Road Newsagency. 177 Booran Rd, Caulfield South.

(03) 9578 3195.

CAULFIELD SOUTH, 3162. South Caulfield Newsagency. 792 Glenhuntly Rd, Caulfield South.

(03) 9523 8701.

CHADSTONE, 3148. Supanews. Shops A42 and A49, Chadstone. (03) 9569 5858.

CHADSTONE, 3148. Holmesglen Newsagency.

637 Warrigal Rd, Chadstone. (03) 9569 7365.

CHARLTON, 3525. Charltopn Newsagency. (03) 5491 1680.

CHELSEA, 3196. Chelsea Newsagency. 403 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea. (03) 9772 2621.

CHELTENHAM, 3192. Cheltenham Newsagency.

332 Charman Rd, Cheltenham. (03) 9583 3276.

CHELTENHAM, 3192. Southland Newsagency.

Westfield Shoppingtown, Cheltenham. (03) 9584 9433.

CLAYTON, 3168. Clayton Authorised Newsagency.

345 Clayton Rd, Clayton. (03) 9544 1153.

CLIFTON HILL, 3068. Clifton Hill Newsagency. 316 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill. (03) 9489 8725.

COBURG, 3058. Coburg Newsagency, 481-483 Sydney Rd, Coburg. (03) 9354 7525.

COLAC, 3250. Blaines Newsagency, Colac. (03) 5231 4602.

COLDSTREAM, 3770. Coldstream Newsagency.

670 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream. (03) 9739 1409.

CORIO, 3214. Corio Village Newsagency. Shop 27, Corio Village, Corio. (03) 5275 1666.

COWES, 3922. Cowes Newsagency. 44 Thompson Ave, Cowes. (03) 5952 2046.

CRAIGIEBURN, 3064. Craigieburn Newsagency.

Shop 9 Mall, Craigieburn. (03) 9308 2132.

CRANBOURNE, 3977. Cranbourne Newsagency.

105 High St,Cranbourne. (03) 5996 8866.

CRANBOURNE NORTH, 3977. Thompson Parkway Newsagency. Cnr South Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne North. (03) 5996 0055.

CROYDON, 3136. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon. (03) 9870 6140.

CROYDON, 3136. Croydon Newsagency. 158 Main St, Croydon. (03) 9723 2001.

CROYDON NORTH, 3136. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd, Croydon North. (03) 9726 6030.

DANDENONG, 3175. Lonsdale Newsagency. 250 Lonsdale St, Dandenong. (03) 9792 1897.

DANDENONG, 3175. Lucky Winners Lotto. 118 Hemmings St, Dandenong. (03) 9792 4628.

DANDENONG, 3175. Doveton News & Lotto. (03) 9792 4937.

DEER PARK, 3023. Deer Park Newsagency. 823 Ballarat Rd, Deer Park.(03) 9363 1175.

DENILIQUIN, 2710. Deniliquin Newsagency and Bookstore. (02) 5881 2080.

DIAMOND CREEK, 3089. Diamond Creek Newsagency. 62A Hurstbridge Rd. (03) 9438 1470.

DINGLEY VILLAGE, 3172. Dingley Newsagency.

79 Centre Dandenong Rd, Dingley Village. (03) 9551 1184.

DONCASTER, 3108. Shoppingtown Newsagency.

Shop 34, 619 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster. (03) 9848 3912.

DONCASTER EAST, 3109. East Doncaster Newsagency. 74 Jackson Ct, Doncaster East. (03) 9848 3174.

DONCASTER EAST, 3109. Tunstall Square Newsagency. Shop 4, Tunstall Square, Doncaster East. (03) 9842 2485.

DONCASTER EAST, 3109. The Pines Newsagency.

Shop 35, 181 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. (03) 9842 7944.

DROMANA, 3936. Dromana Newsagency. 177 Nepean Hwy, Dromana. (03) 5987 2338.

DROUIN, 3818. Burrows Newsagency, Drouin. (03) 5625 1614.

DRYSDALE, 3222. Drysdale Newsagency. High St, Drysdale. (03) 5251 2776.

EAGLEMONT, 3084. Eaglemont Lucky Lotto, News & Post. 68 Silverdale Rd. (03) 9499 2589.

EDITHVALE, 3196. Edithvale Newsagency. 253 Nepean Hwy. (03) 9772 1072.

ELSTERNWICK, 3185. Elsternwick Newsagency.

348 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick. (03) 9523 8335.

ELSTERNWICK, 3185. Elsternwick Office Supplies.

433 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick. (03) 9523 6495.

ELSTERNWICK, 3185. Ripponlea Newsagency. 78 Glen Eira Rd, Elsternwick. (03) 9523 5649.

ELTHAM, 3095. Eltham Newsagency & Toyworld.

958 Main Rd. (03) 9439 9162.

ELWOOD, 3184. Elwood Newsagency. 103 Ormond Rd, Elwood. (03) 9531 4223.

EMERALD, 3782. Emerald Newsagency. Main St, Emerald. (03) 5968 5152.

EPPING, 3076. Dalton Village Newsagency. (03) 9408 8877.

ESSENDON, 3040. Essendon Newsagency. 15A Rose St, Essendon. (03) 9337 5908.

ESSENDON, 3040. Roundabout Newsagency. 94 Fletcher St, Essendon. (03) 9370 5305.

ESSENDON NORTH, 3041. North Essendon Newsagency. 1085 Mt Alexander Rd, North Essendon. (03) 9379 2243.

FAIRFIELD, 3078. Fairfield Newsagency. 99 Station St, Fairfield. (03) 9481 3240.

FAWKNER, 3060. Fawkner Newsagency. 54 Bonwick St, Fawkner. (03) 9359 2046.

FAWKNER, 3060. Moomba Park Newsagency. 89 Anderson Rd, Fawkner. (03) 9359 1595.

FERNTREE GULLY, 3156. Ferntree Gully Newsagency. Shop 2, 69 Station St, Ferntree Gully. (03) 9758 1343.

FERNTREE GULLY, 3156. Mountain Gate Newsagency. Shop 9B, Ferntree Gully. (03) 9758 4427.

FERNTREE GULLY UPPER, 3156. Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagency. Shop 3 Ferntree Plaza. (03) 9756 0171.

FITZROY, 3065. Fitzroy Newsagency. 337 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. (03) 9417 3017.

FITZROY NORTH, 3068. North Fitzroy Newsagency.

224 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North. (03) 9489 8614.

FOOTSCRAY WEST, 3012. Kingsville Newsagency.

339 Somerville Rd, Footscray West. (03) 9314 5004.

FOREST HILL, 3131. Brentford Square Newsagency. 29-31 Brentford Sq., Forest Hill.

(03) 9878 1882.

FOREST HILL, 3131. NewsXPress Forest Hill. Shop 215, Western Entrance, Forest Hill. (03) 9878 2515.

FOUNTAIN GATE, 3805. Fountain Gate Newsagency. Shop 1157 (Level 1), Fountain Gate. (03) 9704 6408.

FRANKSTON, 3199. Beach Street Newsagency.

239 Beach St, Frankston. (03) 9789 9736.

FRANKSTON, 3199. Foote Street Newsagency. c/ - Bayside Distribution Services. (03) 9783 4720.

FRANKSTON, 3199. Frankston Newsagency. 5 Keys St, Frankston. (03) 9783 3253.

FRANKSTON, 3199. Karingal Hub Newsagency. c/ - Bayside Distribution Services. (03) 9776 7744.

FRANKSTON, 3199. Young Street Newsagency. 78 Young St, Frankston. (03) 9783 2467.

GARDENVALE, 3186. See Brighton.

GARFIELD, 3814. Garfield Newsagency Pty Ltd. 77 Main St, Garfield. (03) 5629 2533.

GEELONG, 3220. Geelong Newsagency & Lotto.

139 Moorabool St, Geelong. (03) 5222 1911.

GEELONG EAST, 3219. East Geelong Newsagency.

78A Garden St. (03) 5229 5109.

GEELONG WEST, 3218. Manifold Newsagency.

Shop 2, 132 Shannon Ave, Geelong West. (03) 5229 5897.

GEELONG WEST, 3218. Murphy's Newsagency. PO Box 7133, Geelong West. (03) 5229 1973.

GISBORNE, 3437. Gisborne Newsagency. Shop 20, Village Shopping Centre. (03) 5428 2632.

GLADSTONE PARK, 3043. Gladstone Park Newsagency. Shop 164. (03) 9338 3921.

GLEN HUNTLY, 3163. Glenhuntly Newsagency.

1164 Glenhuntly Rd, Glenhuntly. (03) 9571 2551.

GLEN WAVERLEY, 3150. Glen Waverley News.

Shop L2, 65 Glen S/C, Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley. (03) 9802 8503.

GLEN WAVERLEY, 3150. Kingsway Newsagency.

65 Kingsway, Glen Waverley. (03) 9560 9987.

GLEN WAVERLEY, 3150. Syndal Newsagency. 238 Blackburn Rd, Glen Waverley. (03) 9802 8446.

GLENFERRIE, 3122. See Hawthorn.

GLENROY, 3046. Glenroy Newsagency. 773 Pascoe Vale Rd, Glenroy. (03) 9306 9530.

GRANTVILLE, 3984. Grantville Newsagency. Shop 4, 1509 Bass Hwy, Grantville. (03) 5678 8808.

GREENSBOROUGH, 3088. Greensborough Newsagency. Shop 4-5 Greensborough. (03) 9435 1024.

GREENVALE, 3059. Greenvale Newsagency. Shop 4 & 5, Cnr Mickleham & Greenvale Rds, Greenvale. (03) 9333 3154.

GROVEDALE, 3216. Grovedale Newsagency. 19 Peter St. (03) 5243 1480.

HADFIELD, 3046. Hadfield Newsagency. 120 West St, Hadfield. (03) 9306 5007.

HAMPTON, 3188. Hampton Newsagency. 345-347 Hampton St, Hampton. (03) 9598 1239.

HAMPTON EAST, 3188. Hampton East Newsagency.

412 Bluff Rd, Hampton East.(03) 9555 2821.

HAMPTON PARK, 3976. Hampton Park Newsagency. Shop 3, Park Square, Hampton Park. (03) 9799 1609.

HASTINGS, 3915. Hastings Newsagency. 56 High St. (03) 5979 1321.

HAWTHORN, 3122. Glenferrie Newsagency.669 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. (03) 9818 2621.

HAWTHORN EAST, 3123. Auburn Newsagency. 119 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East. (03) 9813 4838.

HAWTHORN EAST, 3123. Auburn South Newsagency. 289 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn East.

(03) 9882 2009.

HAWTHORN WEST, 3122. Hawthorn West Newsagency. 44 Church St, Hawthorn. (03) 9853 6098.

HEALESVILLE, 3777. Healesville Newsagency.

(03) 5962 4161.

HEIDELBERG, 3084. Heidelberg Newsagency. 128 Burgundy St, Heidelberg. (03) 9457 1098.

HEIDELBERG WEST, 3081. Heidelberg Heights Newsagency. 35 Southern Rd, Heidelberg West.

(03) 9457 2063.

HEIDELBERG WEST, 3081. The Mall Newsagency.

Shop 18, Heidelberg West. (03) 9457 4244.

HIGHETT, 3190. Highett Newsagency. 2 Railway Pde, Highett. (03) 9555 1010.

HIGHTON, 3216. Highton Newsagency. 7 Bellevue Ave. (03) 5243 4824, HOPPERS CROSSING, 3030. Hoppers Crossing Newsagency. 31 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing. (03) 9749 2652, HUNTINGDALE, 3166. Huntingdale Newsagency.

291 Huntingdale Rd, Huntingdale. (03) 9544 1175.

HURSTBRIDGE, 3099. Hurstbridge Newsagency.

800 Main Rd. (03) 9718 2045.

IVANHOE, 3079. NewsXPress. 194-196 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe. (03) 9499 1231.

IVANHOE EAST, 3079. East Ivanhoe Newsagency.

262 Lower Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe East. (03) 9499 1720.

KEILOR, 3036. Centreway Newsagency. 59 Wyong St, Keilor East, 3033. (03) 9336 2451.

KEILOR, 3036. Keilor Newsagency. 700 Calder Hwy, Keilor. (03) 9336 7930.

KEILOR DOWNS, 3038. Keilor Downs Newsagency.

Shop 3, Keilor Downs Plaza, Keilor Downs. (03) 9310 9955.

KEW, 3101. Cotham Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd, Kew. (03) 9817 3840.

KEW, 3101. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St, Kew. (03) 9853 8238.

KEW NORTH, 3101. North Kew Newsagency. 93 Willsemere Rd, Kew. (03) 9853 9383.

KEYSBOROUGH, 3173. Parkmore Newsagency.

Parkmore Shopping Centre, Kensington. (03) 9798 4311.

KILMORE, 3764. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St. (03) 5782 1465.

KILSYTH, 3137. Kilsyth Newsagency. 520 Mt Dandenong Rd. (03) 9725 6218.

KINGSVILLE, 3012. See Footscray West.

KNOX CITY. See Wantirna South KNOXFIELD, 3180. Knoxfield Newsagency. (03) 9764 8260.

KOO-WEE-RUP, 3981. Koo Wee Rup Newsagency.

44-48 Station St, Koo Wee Rup. (03) 5997 1456.

LALOR, 3075. Lalor Newsagency. 364 Station St, Lalor. (03) 9465 2698.

LARA, 3212. Lara Newsagency. 44 The Centreway, Lara. (03) 5282 1419.

LAVERTON, 3028. Laverton Newsagency. 12 Aviation Rd, Laverton. (03) 9369 1426.

LEOPOLD, 3028. Leopold Newsagency. 45 Ash Rd, Leopold. (03) 5250 1687.

LILYDALE, 3140. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St. (03) 9735 1705.

LOWER PLENTY, 3093. Lower Plenty Newsagency.

95 Main Rd. (03) 9435 6423.

LOWER TEMPLESTOWE, 3107. See Templestowe Lower.

MALVERN, 3144. Malvern Newsagency. 114 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern. (03) 9509 8381.

MALVERN, 3144. Malvern Village Newsagency.

1352 Malvern Rd, Malvern. (03) 9822 3761.

MALVERN, 3144. Winterglen Newsagency Malvern Lotto. 167 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern. (03) 9509 9068.

MALVERN EAST, 3145. Central Park Newsagency.

393 Wattletree Rd, Malvern East. (03) 9509 9842.

McCRAE, 3938. McCrae Newsagency, 675 Point Nepean Rd. (03) 5986 8499.

McKINNON, 3204. McKinnon Newsagency. 148 McKinnon Rd, McKinnon. (03) 9578 4478.

MELBOURNE, 3000. Mitty's Newsagency. 53 Bourke St, Melbourne. (03) 9654 5950.

MELTON, 3337. Melton Authorised Newsagency.

383-385 High St, Melton. (03) 9743 5451.

MELTON, 3337. NewsXPress. (03) 9743 5451.

MENTONE, 3194. Mentone Newsagency. 24 Como Pde, Mentone. (03) 9585 3494.

MERLYNSTON, 3058. Merlynston Newsagency. (03) 9354 1532.

MIDDLE BRIGHTON, 3186. Middle Brighton Newsagency. 75-77 Church St, Middle Brighton.

(03) 9592 1000.

MIDDLE PARK, 3206. Middle Park Newsagency.

16 Armstrong St, Middle Park.

MILDURA, 3500. Klemm's Mildura Newsagency.

(03) 5302 1004.

MILL PARK, 3082. Mill Park Authorised Newsagency. Stables Shopping Centre, Cnr Childs Rd & Redleap Ave, Mill Park. (03) 9436 4400.

MITCHAM, 3132. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham. (03) 9873 1108.

MOE, 3825. Yeatman's Newsagency. 3A Moore St, Moe. (03) 5127 1002.

MONT ALBERT., 3127. Mont Albert Newsagency.

42 Hamilton St, Mont Albert. (03) 9890 1140.

MONTMORENCY, 3094. Montmorency Newsagency.

41-43 Were St. (03) 9435 8893.

MONTROSE, 3765. Montrose Newsagency. 912 Mt Dandenong Rd. (03) 9728 2057.

MOONEE PONDS, 3039. Puckle Street Newsagency.

45 Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. (03) 9375 2264.

MORDIALLOC, 3195. Mordialloc Newsagency.

574A Main St, Mordialloc. (03) 9580 5141.

MORDIALLOC, 3195. Warren Village Newsagency.

87 Warren Rd. (03) 9580 3880.

MORELAND, 3056. See Brunswick.

MORNINGTON, 3931. Mornington Newsagency. 97 Main St, Mornington. (03) 5975 2099.

MORNINGTON, 3931. Scribes Newsagency. Shop 1/10, Mornington Village, Mornington. (03) 5975 5849.

If your local newsagency is not listed, and you would like them to stock the Melbourne Observer, please ask them to contact All Day Distribution, phone (03) 9482 1145.

MORWELL, 3840. Morwell Newsagency. 176 Commercial Rd, Morwell. (03) 5134 4133.

MOUNT ELIZA, 3934. Mount Eliza Newsagency.

102 Mount Eliza Way. (03) 5974 2347.

MOUNT MARTHA, 3934. Mount Martha Newsagency. 2 Lochiel Ave, Mount Martha. (03) 5974 2347.

MOUNT WAVERLEY, 3149. Pinewood Newsagency.

Shop 59, Centreway Shopping Centre, Mount Waverley. (03) 9802 7008.

MOUNTAIN GATE, 3156. See Ferntree Gully.

MT EVELYN, 3658. Mt Evelyn Newsagency. 1A Wray Cres. (03) 9736 2302.

MULGRAVE, 3170. Northvale Newsagency. 901 Springvale Rd, Mulgrave. (03) 9546 0200.

MULGRAVE, 3170. Waverley Gardens Newsagency. Shop 44, Waverley Gardens, Mulgrave. (03) 9547 5773.

MURCHISON, 3610. Murchison Newsagency, Murchison. (03) 5826 2152, MURRUMBEENA, 3163. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Nerrim Rd, Murrumbenna. (03) 9568 1959.

NARRE WARREN, 3805. Narre Warren News & Tatts. Shop 1 Webb St, Narre Warren. (03) 9704 6495.

NEWCOMB, 3220. Newcomb Newsagency, Geelong. (03) 5248 5434.

NEWMARKET, 3031. Newmarket Newsagency. 294 Racecourse Rd, Newmarket. (03) 9376 6075.

NEWPORT, 3015. Newport Newsagency. 6 Hall St, Newport. (03) 9391 2548.

NIDDRIE, 3042. Niddrie Newsagency. 455 Keilor Rd, Niddrie. (03) 9379 3840.

NOBLE PARK, 3174. Noble Park Newsagency. 22 Douglas St, Noble Park. (03) 9546 9079.

NOBLE PARK, 3174. Variety Newsagency. 1268 Heatherton Rd, Noble Park. (03) 9546 7916.

NORTH BALWYN, 3104. See Balwyn North.

NORTH MELBOURNE, 3051. See West Melbourne.

NORTH MELBOURNE, 3051. Haines Street Newsagency. 46 Haines St. (03) 9328 1195.

NORTH MELBOURNE, 3051. News On Errol. (03) 9326 3744.

NORTHCOTE, 3070. Croxton Newsagency. 509 High St, Northcote. (03) 9481 3624.

NORTHCOTE, 3070. Northcote Newsagency. 335 High St, Northcote. (03) 9481 3725.

NORTHCOTE, 3070. Northcote Newsplaza. (03) 9481 7130.

NUNAWADING, 3131. Mountainview Newsagency.

293A Springfield Rd, Nunawading. (03) 9878 7887.

NYAH, 3594. Nyah General Store. (03) 5030 2230.

OAK PARK, 3046. Oak Park Newsagency. 120 Snell Grove, Oak Park. (03) 9306 5472.

OAKLEIGH, 3166. Oakleigh Newsagency. Shop 61-63, Oakleigh. (03) 9563 0703.

OAKLEIGH EAST, 3166. Oakleigh East Auth.

Newsagency. 190 Huntingdale Rd, East Oakleigh.

(03) 9544 4322.

OAKLEIGH SOUTH, 3167. Oakleigh South Newsagency. (03) 9570 5833.

OCEAN GROVE, 3226. Ocean Grove Newsagency.

82 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. (03) 5256 1779.

PAKENHAM, 3810. Pakenham Newsagency. 99 Main St, Pakenham. (03) 5941 1243.

PARKDALE, 3195. Parkdale Newsagencxy. 238 Como Pde. (03) 9580 1724.

PASCOE VALE, 3044. Pascoe Vale Central Newsagency. 110 Cumberland Rd, Pascoe Vale.

(03) 9354 8472.

PASCOE VALE, 3044. Coonans Hill News/Tatts/ Post Office. 67 Coonans Rd, Pascoe Vale South.

(03) 9386 7465.

PASCOE VALE SOUTH, 3044. Paper N Post. Pascoe Vale South. (03) 9354 1432.

PEARCEDALE, 3912. Pearcedale Newsagency.

Shop 14, Pearcedale Village Shopping Centre, Pearcedale. (03) 5978 6343.

POINT COOK, 3030. NewsXPress. (03) 9395 0424.

POINT LONSDALE, 3225. Point Lonsdale Newsagency. 99 Point Lonsdale Rd. (03) 5258 1159.

PORT MELBOURNE, 3207. Port Melbourne Distribution. (03) 9681 8122.

PORTARLINGTON, 3223. Portarlington Newsagency. Shop 1, 60 Newcombe St, Portarlington. (03) 5289 2892.

PRAHRAN, 3181. Prahran Market Newsagency.

Shop 3A Pran Central, Prahran. (03) 9521 1200.

PRESTON, 3072. Northland Newsagency. Shop 3, Northland Shopping Centre. (03) 9478 2693.

PRESTON, 3072. Preston Newsagency. 377 High St, Preston. (03) 9478 3001.

PRESTON, 3072. Preston Town Hall Newsagency.

411 High St, Preston. (03) 9470 1630.

PRINCES HILL, 3054. See Carlton North.

QUEENSCLIFF, 3225. Queenscliff Newsagency. (03) 5258 1828.

RESERVOIR, 3073. Reservoir Newsagency. 22 Edwardes St, Reservoir. (03) 9460 6317.

RESERVOIR, 3073. Broadway Newsagency. 279 Broadway, Reservoir. (03) 9460 6510.

RHYLL, 3923. Rhyll Newsagency. 41 Lock Rd, Rhyll.

(03) 5956 9205.

RICHMOND, 3121. Swan Street Newsagency. 108 Swan St, Richmond. (03) 9428 7450.

RICHMOND, 3121. Vernons Newsagency. 308A Bridge Rd, Richmond. (03) 9428 7373.

RINGWOOD EAST, 3135. Ringwood East Newsagency. 52 Railway Ave, Ringwood East.

(03) 9870 6515.

RINGWOOD NORTH, 3134. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd, North Ringwood. (03) 9876 2765.

ROBINVALE, 3549. Robinvale Newsagency. (03) 5026 3264.

ROCKBANK, 3335. Rockbank Newsagency. (03) 9747 1300.

ROSANNA, 3084. Rosanna Newsagency. 135 Lower Plenty Rd, Rosanna. (03) 9459 7722.

ROSANNA EAST, 3084. Banyule Newsagency. 55 Greville Rd, East Rosanna. (03) 9459 7027.

ROSEBUD, 3939. Rosebud Newsagency. 1083 Nepean Hwy, Rosebud. (03) 5986 8359.

RYE, 3941. Rye Newsagency. 2371 Point Nepean Rd, Rye. (03) 5985 2013.

SANCTUARY LAKES, 3030. Sanctuary Lakes Newsagency. Shop 16, 300 Point Cook Rd. (03) 9395 4055.

SALE, 3850. Sale Newsagency. (03) 5144 2070.

SAN REMO, 3925. San Remo Newsagency. 105 Marine Pde, San Remo. (03) 5678 5447.

SANDRINGHAM, 3191. Sandringham Newsagency 58-60 Station St, Sandringham. (03) 9598 1246 SEAFORD, 3198. Carrum Downs Newsagency. (03 9782 6333.

SEAFORD, 3198. Seaford Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy, Seaford. (03) 9786 1220.

SEDDON, 3011. Seddon Newsagency & Lotto. 74 Charles St, Seddon. (03) 9687 1919.

SEVILLE, 3139. Seville Newsagency. 654 Warburton Hwy. (03) 5964 2236.

SHEPPARTON, 3630. Lovell's Newsagency. 246 Wyndham St, Shepparton. (03) 5821 2622.

SOMERVILLE, 3912. Somerville Newsagency Shop 24, Plaza, Eramosa Rd West, Somerville (03) 5977 5282.

SOUTHBANK, 3006. Melbourne Centra Newsagency. 292 City Rd, Southbank. (03) 9690 3900.

SOUTH MELBOURNE, 3205 . Clarendon Newsagency. 276 Clarendon St, South Melbourne (03) 9690 1350.

SOUTH MELBOURNE, 3205. South Melbourne Newsagency. 358 Clarendon St, South Melbourne (03) 9690 7481.

SOUTH MORANG, 3752. South Morang Newsagency. 17-19 Gorge Rd. (03) 9404 1502 SPRINGVALE, 3171. Springvale Newsagency. 321 Springvale Rd, Springvale. (03) 9546 9235.

ST KILDA, 3182. Esplanade Newsagency. 115 Fitzroy St, St Kilda. (03) 9525 3321.

ST KILDA, 3182. St Kilda Junction Newsagency 52 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda. (03) 9510 1056.

ST KILDA, 3182. Village Belle Newsagency. 161163 Acland St, St Kilda. (03) 9525 5167.

ST LEONARDS, 3223. St Leonards Newsagency Foreshore Rd, St Leonards. (03) 5257 1604.

STRATHMORE, 3041. Napier Street Newsagency 313 Napier St, Strathmore. (03) 9379 2603.

STRATHMORE, 3041. Strathmore Newsagency. 15 Woodland St, Strathmore. (03) 9379 1515.

SUNBURY, 3429. Sunbury Authorised Newsagency. 14 Brook St, Sunbury. (03) 9744 1220.

SUNSHINE, 3020. Sunshine Newsagency. 3/282 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine. (03) 9312 2654.

SUNSHINE SOUTH, 3020 . South Sunshine Newsagency. 22 Tallintyre Rd, Sunshine. (03 9312 1629.

TAYLORS LAKES, 3038 . Watergardens Newsagency. Shop 92, Bay B (Near Safeway) Taylors Lakes. (03) 9449 1122.

TEESDALE, 3328. Teesdale Newsagency. 1071 Bannockburn Rd. (03) 5281 5230.

TEMPLESTOWE, 3106. Templestowe Newsagency 122 James St, Templestowe. (03) 9846 2486.

TEMPLESTOWE LOWER, 3107. Macedon News & Lotto. 25 Macedon Rd, Lower Templestowe. (03 9850 2720.

THORNBURY, 3071. Normanby Newsagency. 703 High St, Thornbury. (03) 9484 2802.

THORNBURY, 3071. Rossmoyne Newsagency. 406 Station St,Thornbury. (03) 9484 6967.

TOORADIN, 3980. Tooradin Newsagency. 94 South Gippsland Hwy, Tooradin. (03) 5996 3343.

TOORAK, 3142. Hawksburn Newsagency. 529 Malvern Rd, Toorak. (03) 9827 3569.

TOORAK, 3142. Toorak Village Newsagency. 487 Toorak Rd, Toorak. (03) 9826 1549.

TORQUAY, 3228. Torquay Newsagency. 20 Gilber St, Torquay. (03) 5261 2448.

TOTTENHAM, 3012. Braybrook Newsagency. 127 South Rd, Tottenham. (03) 9364 8083.

TULLAMARINE, 3045. Tullamarine Newsagency 199 Melrose Dr, Tullamarine. (03) 9338 1063.

UNDERA, 3629. Undera Newsagency. (03) 5826 0242.

UPWEY, 3158. Upwey Newsagency. 18 Main St Upwey. (03) 9754 2324.

UPPER FERNTREE GULLY, 3156. Upper Ferntree Gully Newsagency. (03) 9756 0171.

VERMONT, 3133. Vermont Authorised Newsagency. 600 Canterbury Rd, Vermont South (03) 9873 1845.

VERMONT SOUTH, 3133. Vermont South Newsagency. 495 Burwood Hwy, Vermont South (03) 9802 4768.

WALLAN, 3756. Wallan Newsagency. 59 High St (03) 5783 1215.

WANDIN NORTH, 3139. Wandin North Newsagency. 18 Union Rd. (03) 5964 3339.

WANTIRNA SOUTH, 3152. Knox City Newsagency Shop 2080, Shopping Centre. (03) 9801 5050 WANTIRNA SOUTH, 3152. Wantirna South Newsagency. 233 Stud Rd.. (03) 9801 2310.

WARRAGUL, 3820. Heeps Newsagency. 6 Victoria St, Warragul. (03) 5623 1737.

WATSONIA, 3087. Watsonia Newsagency. 93 Watsonia Rd, Watsonia. (03) 9435 2175.

WATTLE PARK, 3128. See Box Hill South.

WERRIBEE, 3030. Werribee Newsagency. 16 Station Pl, Werribee. (03) 9741 4644.

WERRIBEE, 3030. Werribee Plaza Newsagency Shop 37, Shopping Centre, Werribee Plaza. (03) 9749 6766.

WEST MELBOURNE, 3003. North Melbourne Newsagency. 178-182 Rosslyn St, Wes Melbourne. (03) 9328 1763.

WESTALL, 3169. Westall Newsagency. 148 Rosebank Ave, Westall. (03) 9546 7867.

WHEELERS HILL, 3150 . Brandon Park Newsagency. Shop 28, Wheelers Hill. (03) 9560 5854.

WHEELERS HILL, 3150. Wheelers Hil Newsagency. 200 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill. (03) 9561 5318.

WHITTLESEA, 3757. Whittlesea Newsagency. 59 Church St. (03) 9716 2060.

WILLIAMSTOWN, 3016. Williamstown News & Lotto. 16 Douglas Pde, Williamstown. (03) 9397 6020.

WINDSOR, 3181. Windsor Newsagency. 71 Chapel St, Windsor. (03) 9510 2030.

WONTHAGGI, 3995. Wonthaggi Newsagency. 27A McBride St, Wonthaggi. (03) 5672 1256.

WOORI YALLOCK. Woori Yallock Newsagency. (03 5964 6008.

YARRA GLEN, 3775. Yarra Glen Newsagency. (03 9730 1392.

YARRAVILLE, 3013. Yarraville Newsagency. 59 Anderson St, Yarraville. (03) 9687 2987.

YEA, 3717. Yea Newsagency, 78 High St. (03 5797 2196.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

■ Christian Ludolf Ebsen Jr was born in Belleville, Illinois in 1908. He had four sisters, his father was a choreographer and his mother was an artist.

The family moved to Florida when Christian was 12 and he learned to dance at his father's dance school.

He got the nickname 'Buddy' from his aunt, so Christian changed his name to Buddy Ebsen.

He attended the University of Florida with the intention of pursuing a medical career but had to leave due to family financial problems in 1920.

Buddy left Orlando in 1928 to try his luck as a dancer in New York City. He teamed up with his sister Vilma and they developed a successful dance act.

They got jobs in the chorus of several Broadway musicals including Whoopee, Flying Colors and Ziegfeld Follies of 1934.

Buddy and Vilma were cast in the MGM musical Broadway Melody of 1936. This was the start of Buddy's film career but it was the only film in which Vilma appeared as she retired from show business after the film was made.

In his next film Buddy danced with Shirley Temple in Captain January. MGM cast Buddy in a string of popular musicals over the next years and he appeared in films such as The Girl of the Golden West, The Kid from Texas, Broadway Melody of 1938, My Lucky Star and Four Girls in White.

Whatever Happened To ...

Buddy Ebsen

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM Buddy was 6'3" and towered over most of his co-stars.

In 1939 he was cast as the "Tin Man" in The Wizard of Oz but after ten days of filming he had an allergy to the aluminum paint and was sent to hospital.

Buddy was replaced by Jack Haley in the film. During the war years Buddy served as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade with the United States Coast Guard.

When the war finished, he gave up singing and dancing until 1949 when he returned to Hollywood as an actor. In 1954 Buddy starred opposite Fess Parker in the highly successful Davy Crockett television series for the Walt Disney Studios.

The principal cast members included Irene Ryan as Jed's mother-in-law, Max Baer, Jr. as Jed's dimwitted nephew "Jethro Bodine" and Donna Douglas as Jed's only child "Elly May Clampett". Over the years The Beverly Hillbillies attracted as many as 60 million viewers.

Buddy had another two major television series during his lifetime; Barnaby Jones 1973 1980 and Matt Houston 1984 - 1985. Buddy Ebsen was married three times and was father to six children.

Buddy continued to keep active during retirement and two years before his death, his bestselling novel Kelly's Quest was published.

He wrote several other books including Polynesian Concept (about sailing), The Other Side of Oz (autobiography) and Sizzling Cold Case a mystery based on his Barnaby Jones character.[25] Buddy Ebsen died in 2003 at the age of ninety five at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center ● Buddy Ebsen in California.

He was a longtime friend of Dick Van Dyke, Buddy was a guest star in many television shows which included Have Gun Will Travel, who hosted his memorial service.

Kevin Trask Riverboat, 77 Sunset Strip and Bronco.

Kevin can be heard on radio He also appeared in films such as Breakfast Memories Are Made of This - on Mike Till at Tiffany's.

Midnight - Saturdays at 8.10pm on 3AW Buddy was 57 in 1962 and about to retire The Time Tunnel - on Remember When when he was offered the role of Jed Clampett in Sundays at 8.10pm on 3AW the television series The Beverly Hillbillies. This That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays was one of the biggest situation comedies of the at 12 Noon 1960's and ran for nine years.

96.5FM is streaming on the internet.

Best of times with best of mates

■ I had a call from an old mate, Paul Hassett, from Alice Springs a couple of days ago. I haven't heard from him for a while so it was refreshing to hear his cheery voice again.

After some reminiscing I asked him: "Where are you off to tonight?"

"To the pub for about 30 quick beers."

Which reminded me of our first

meeting. I'd wanted a rental shop in the Todd Mall, so I asked my old schoolmate Don Joyner, who had just returned from living in Alice, if he could recommend an estate agent.

So after a couple of weeks getting nowhere with this gentlemen, who could hardly wait to be pestered by some bloke in Melbourne about a rental property when he had houses

to sell, I told him: "I'm flying up - I'll see you on Saturday at three."

We found each other, and he asked: "Feel like a drink before we look at some shops?"

Stupidly, "OK." That was 3pm. The barman left at 6, leaving us to pour and pay for our own drinks, then close the bar. That was 9pm. I lost count after 16 scotches.

We've been best mates ever since.

■ I've just come back from Gippsland. I was driving by myself, but as I occasionally have US visitors as passengers, I wondered how they would react to a couple of the towns I passed - Nar Nar Goon and Koo Wee Rup. Because of my familiarity with their names, I don't find them unusual, but I'm sure any visitor would be bemused and perplexed with mirth.

I would often wonder, as I drove to Lightning Ridge along the Newell Highway, how a local resident may tell an international young lady he was trying to impress - "I live in Grong Grong!" She would splutter her drink all over him.

And then, in the same area was Come-By-Chance, which I visited looking for wild pigs. And I often passed through Wee Waa. And I've got some old friends living in Yorkeys Knob, and I've often had a drink in the Humpty Doo Pub out of Darwin, not to forget Fannie Bay. Whilst I have never been there, Keith McGowan often spoke of Tittybong, and recently Dunedoo was in the news - something about a racehorse.

■ Talking about pubs, I was drinking with a mate next door to my shop in Alice Springs one night, and we began to discuss our favourite times of the day.

Then next morning the following sprung to my mind: It was late one night in Alice, In the bar at Scotty's Pub; There was me and a mate Ken Brumby, With our butts right down to the stub.

Discussing delights of the desert, In a manner meek and mild, When I mentioned that sunsets moved me His eyes grew wide and wild.

The Outback Legend

In their cherished moonlit sand."

"Then with twigs and fronds you nurture Your campfire from the pitch, As it gently greets the darkness With its warmth and glow so rich."

"The stars so close you can touch them, And caress them with delight, Then one explodes across the heavens, And you crave for eternal flight!"

"And you lie transfixed by the silence In the embers' eerie light, And your mind just fades and shimmers As you melt into the night."

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 63 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au

"At sunset, mate, I'll marvel, Be always waxing lyrical; You'd swear the Old Fella was smiling down, Saying: "Mate, it's a bloody miracle!""

Yes, it was late one night in Alice, In the bar at Scotty's Pub, There was me and a mate, Ken Brumby, With our butts right down to the stub….

■ When I was a young teenager in Blairgowrie I spent many summer days splashing around in the water.

I would, with all my mates, be swimming and diving about, and of course we'd row our little dinghies out to the I retorted, highly affronted, blue line to catch a few flatties and At my beloved hour so scorned; leatheries.

"A sunrise mate just reminds you And one early Christmas morning That further troubles have dawned!" Santa brought me a goggle and snorkel and flipper set. So of course later "Further troubles?" he spluttered, in the day in I donned them all and "I can't believe that lament, flipped my way out past the last sandYou leap from your swag each morn- bank to see what I could spy slithering ing, and flashing around on the sandy sea And each day is heaven sent!" floor. There were flathead and flounders, and a gaggle of other less culi"The birds will fondle your eardrums, nary creatures such as little toadies Every creature marvels the morn; and porkies and big toadies - these The rays will gently thrill you latter couldn't be eaten because they You'll delight you were ever born!" were highly poisonous - they also had strong sharp teeth. Whilst I have never "Now listen here young fella!" heard of any problems down here, I exclaimed with a passion to tell, elsewhere in the world they have been There's something that strokes the known to bite the toes off any swimspirit mer that got in their way.

As the shadows cast their spell!"

Early during these years I decided not to pursue this underwater activity, "The glow of the distant mountains, because I knew that I would have enAs the silence deafens the land; joyed it so much that I'd get hooked on The whisper of the creatures stirring it.

"Sunsets, mate, you're joking!"

He exclaimed with a passion bold, "The sunrise mate is lyrical, But the day's end leaves me cold!"

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 17

Observer Classic Books

Little Women (or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy) Continued From Last Week When Laurie came home, dead tired but quite composed, his grandfather met him as if he knew nothing, and kept up the delusion very successfully for an hour or two. But when they sat together in the twilight, the time they used to enjoy so much, it was hard work for the old man to ramble on as usual, and harder still for the young one to listen to praises of the last year’s success, which to him now seemed like love’s labor lost. He bore it as long as he could, then went to his piano and began to play. The windows were open, and Jo, walking in the garden with Beth, for once understood music better than her sister, for he played the ‘Sonata Pathetique’, and played it as he never did before.

“That’s very fine, I dare say, but it’s sad enough to make one cry. Give us something gayer, lad,” said Mr. Laurence, whose kind old heart was full of sympathy, which he longed to show but knew not how.

Laurie dashed into a livelier strain, played stormily for several minutes, and would have got through bravely, if in a momentary lull Mrs. March’s voice had not been heard calling, “Jo, dear, come in. I want you.”

Just what Laurie longed to say, with a different meaning! As he listened, he lost his place, the music ended with a broken chord, and the musician sat silent in the dark.

“I can’t stand this,” muttered the old gentleman.

Up he got, groped his way to the piano, laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders, and said, as gently as a woman, “I know, my boy, I know.”

No answer for an instant, then Laurie asked sharply, “Who told you?”

“Jo herself.”

“Then there’s an end of it!” And he shook off his grandfather’s hands with an impatient motion, for though grateful for the sympathy, his man’s pride could not bear a man’s pity.

“Not quite. I want to say one thing, and then there shall be an end of it,” returned Mr. Laurence with unusual mildness. “You won’t care to stay at home now, perhaps?”

“I don’t intend to run away from a girl. Jo can’t prevent my seeing her, and I shall stay and do it as long as I like,” interrupted Laurie in a defiant tone.

“Not if you are the gentleman I think you. I’m disappointed, but the girl can’t help it, and the only thing left for you to do is to go away for a time. Where will you go?”

“Anywhere. I don’t care what becomes of me,” and Laurie got up with a reckless laugh that grated on his grandfather’s ear.

“Take it like a man, and don’t do anything rash, for God’s sake. Why not go abroad, as you planned, and forget it?”

“I can’t.”

“But you’ve been wild to go, and I promised you should when you got through college.”

“Ah, but I didn’t mean to go alone!” and Laurie walked fast through the room with an expression which it was well his grandfather did not see.

“I don’t ask you to go alone. There’s someone ready and glad to go with you, anywhere in the world.”

“Who, Sir?” stopping to listen.

“Myself.”

Laurie came back as quickly as he went, and put out his hand, saying huskily, “I’m a selfish brute, but — you know — Grandfather — ” “Lord help me, yes, I do know, for I’ve been through it all before, once in my own young days, and then with your father. Now, my dear boy, just sit quietly down and hear my plan. It’s all settled, and can be carried out at once,” said Mr. Laurence, keeping hold of the young man, as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him.

“Well, sir, what is it?” and Laurie sat down, without a sign of interest in face or voice.

“There is business in London that needs looking after. I meant you should attend to it, but I can do it better myself, and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them. My partners do almost everything, I’m merely holding on until you take my place, and can be off at any time.”

“But you hate traveling, Sir. I can’t ask it of you

Louisa May Alcott at your age,” began Laurie, who was grateful for the sacrifice, but much preferred to go alone, if he went at all.

The old gentleman knew that perfectly well, and particularly desired to prevent it, for the mood in which he found his grandson assured him that it would not be wise to leave him to his own devices. So, stifling a natural regret at the thought of the home comforts he would leave behind him, he said stoutly, “Bless your soul, I’m not superannuated yet. I quite enjoy the idea.

It will do me good, and my old bones won’t suffer, for traveling nowadays is almost as easy as sitting in a chair.”

A restless movement from Laurie suggested that his chair was not easy, or that he did not like the plan, and made the old man add hastily, “I don’t mean to be a marplot or a burden. I go because I think you’d feel happier than if I was left behind. I don’t intend to gad about with you, but leave you free to go where you like, while I amuse myself in my own way. I’ve friends in London and Paris, and should like to visit them.

Meantime you can go to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, where you will, and enjoy pictures, music, scenery, and adventures to your heart’s content.”

Now, Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness, but at the sound of certain words which the old gentleman artfully introduced into his closing sentence, the broken heart gave an unexpected leap, and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howling wilderness. He sighed, and then said, in a spiritless tone, “Just as you like, Sir. It doesn’t matter where I go or what I do.”

“It does to me, remember that, my lad. I give you entire liberty, but I trust you to make an

honest use of it. Promise me that, Laurie.”

“Anything you like, Sir.” “Good,” thought the old gentleman. “You don’t care now, but there’ll come a time when that promise will keep you out of mischief, or I’m much mistaken.”

Being an energetic individual, Mr. Laurence struck while the iron was hot, and before the blighted being recovered spirit enough to rebel, they were off. During the time necessary for preparation, Laurie bore himself as young gentleman usually do in such cases. He was moody, irritable, and pensive by turns, lost his appetite, neglected his dress and devoted much time to playing tempestuously on his piano, avoided Jo, but consoled himself by staring at her from his window, with a tragic face that haunted her dreams by night and oppressed her with a heavy sense of guilt by day. Unlike some sufferers, he never spoke of his unrequited passion, and would allow no one, not even Mrs. March, to attempt consolation or offer sympathy. On some accounts, this was a relief to his friends, but the weeks before his departure were very uncomfortable, and everyone rejoiced that the ‘poor, dear fellow was going away to forget his trouble, and come home happy’. Of course, he smiled darkly at their delusion, but passed it by with the sad superiority of one who knew that his fidelity like his love was unalterable.

When the parting came he affected high spirits, to conceal certain inconvenient emotions which seemed inclined to assert themselves. This gaiety did not impose upon anybody, but they tried to look as if it did for his sake, and he got on very well till Mrs. March kissed him, with a whisper full of motherly solicitude. Then feeling that he was going very fast, he hastily embraced them all round, not forgetting the afflicted Hannah,

r

e rv S se U N Ob N IO BO CT SE

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

and ran downstairs as if for his life. Jo followed a minute after to wave her hand to him if he looked round. He did look round, came back, put his arms about her as she stood on the step above him, and looked up at her with a face that made his short appeal eloquent and pathetic.

“Oh, Jo, can’t you?”

“Teddy, dear, I wish I could!”

That was all, except a little pause. Then Laurie straightened himself up, said, “It’s all right, never mind,” and went away without another word.

Ah, but it wasn’t all right, and Jo did mind, for while the curly head lay on her arm a minute after her hard answer, she felt as if she had stabbed her dearest friend, and when he left her without a look behind him, she knew that the boy Laurie never would come again.

Chapter Thirty-Six Beth’s Secret When Jo came home that spring, she had been struck with the change in Beth. No one spoke of it or seemed aware of it, for it had come too gradually to startle those who saw her daily, but to eyes sharpened by absence, it was very plain and a heavy weight fell on Jo’s heart as she saw her sister’s face. It was no paler and but littler thinner than in the autumn, yet there was a strange, transparent look about it, as if the mortal was being slowly refined away, and the immortal shining through the frail flesh with an indescribably pathetic beauty. Jo saw and felt it, but said nothing at the time, and soon the first impression lost much of its power, for Beth seemed happy, no one appeared to doubt that she was better, and presently in other cares Jo for a time forgot her fear.

But when Laurie was gone, and peace prevailed again, the vague anxiety returned and haunted her. She had confessed her sins and been forgiven, but when she showed her savings and proposed a mountain trip, Beth had thanked her heartily, but begged not to go so far away from home. Another little visit to the seashore would suit her better, and as Grandma could not be prevailed upon to leave the babies, Jo took Beth down to the quiet place, where she could live much in the open air, and let the fresh sea breezes blow a little color into her pale cheeks.

It was not a fashionable place, but even among the pleasant people there, the girls made few friends, preferring to live for one another. Beth was too shy to enjoy society, and Jo too wrapped up in her to care for anyone else. So they were all in all to each other, and came and went, quite unconscious of the interest they exited in those about them, who watched with sympathetic eyes the strong sister and the feeble one, always together, as if they felt instinctively that a long separation was not far away.

They did feel it, yet neither spoke of it, for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome. Jo felt as if a veil had fallen between her heart and Beth’s, but when she put out her hand to lift it up, there seemed something sacred in the silence, and she waited for Beth to speak. She wondered, and was thankful also, that her parents did not seem to see what she saw, and during the quiet weeks when the shadows grew so plain to her, she said nothing of it to those at home, believing that it would tell itself when Beth came back no better. She wondered still more if her sister really guessed the hard truth, and what thoughts were passing through her mind during the long hours when she lay on the warm rocks with her head in Jo’s lap, while the winds blew healthfully over her and the sea made music at her feet.

One day Beth told her. Jo thought she was asleep, she lay so still, and putting down her book, sat looking at her with wistful eyes, trying to see signs of hope in the faint color on Beth’s cheeks.

But she could not find enough to satisfy her, for the cheeks were very thin, and the hands seemed too feeble to hold even the rosy little shells they had been collecting. It came to her then more bitterly than ever that Beth was slowly drifting away from her, and her arms instinctively tightened their hold upon the dearest treasure she possessed. For a minute her eyes were too dim for seeing, and when they cleared, Beth was looking up at her so tenderly that there was hardly

Continued on Page 18

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

From Page 17 any need for her to say, “Jo, dear, I’m glad you know it. I’ve tried to tell you, but I couldn’t.”

There was no answer except her sister’s cheek against her own, not even tears, for when most deeply moved, Jo did not cry. She was the weaker then, and Beth tried to comfort and sustain her, with her arms about her and the soothing words she whispered in her ear.

“I’ve known it for a good while, dear, and now I’m used to it, it isn’t hard to think of or to bear.

Try to see it so and don’t be troubled about me, because it’s best, indeed it is.”

“Is this what made you so unhappy in the autumn, Beth? You did not feel it then, and keep it to yourself so long, did you?” asked Jo, refusing to see or say that it was best, but glad to know that Laurie had no part in Beth’s trouble.

“Yes, I gave up hoping then, but I didn’t like to own it. I tried to think it was a sick fancy, and would not let it trouble anyone. But when I saw you all so well and strong and full of happy plans, it was hard to feel that I could never be like you, and then I was miserable, Jo.” “Oh, Beth, and you didn’t tell me, didn’t let me comfort and help you? How could you shut me out, bear it all alone?”

Jo’s voice was full of tender reproach, and her heart ached to think of the solitary struggle that must have gone on while Beth learned to say goodbye to health, love, and life, and take up her cross so cheerfully.

“Perhaps it was wrong, but I tried to do right. I wasn’t sure, no one said anything, and I hoped I was mistaken. It would have been selfish to frighten you all when Marmee was so anxious about Meg, and Amy away, and you so happy with Laurie — at least I thought so then.”

“And I thought you loved him, Beth, and I went away because I couldn’t,” cried Jo, glad to say all the truth.

Beth looked so amazed at the idea that Jo smiled in spite of her pain, and added softly, “Then you didn’t, dearie? I was afraid it was so, and imagined your poor little heart full of lovelornity all that while.”

“Why, Jo, how could I, when he was so fond of you?” asked Beth, as innocently as a child. “I do love him dearly. He is so good to me, how can I help It? But he could never be anything to me but my brother. I hope he truly will be, sometime.”

“Not through me,” said Jo decidedly. “Amy is left for him, and they would suit excellently, but I have no heart for such things, now. I don’t care what becomes of anybody but you, Beth. You must get well.”

“I want to, oh, so much! I try, but every day I lose a little, and feel more sure that I shall never gain it back. It’s like the tide, Jo, when it turns, it goes slowly, but it can’t be stopped.”

“It shall be stopped, your tide must not turn so soon, nineteen is too young, Beth. I can’t let you go. I’ll work and pray and fight against it. I’ll keep you in spite of everything. There must be ways, it can’t be too late. God won’t be so cruel as to take you from me,” cried poor Jo rebelliously, for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beth’s.

Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety. It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations. Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come. She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself. She could not say, “I’m glad to go,” for life was very sweet for her. She could only sob out, “I try to be willing,” while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together.

By and by Beth said, with recovered serenity, “You’ll tell them this when we go home?”

“I think they will see it without words,” sighed Jo, for now it seemed to her that Beth changed every day.

“Perhaps not. I’ve heard that the people who love best are often blindest to such things. If they don’t see it, you will tell them for me. I don’t want any secrets, and it’s kinder to prepare them. Meg has John and the babies to com-

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books fort her, but you must stand by Father and Mother, won’t you Jo?” “If I can. But, Beth, I don’t give up yet. I’m going to believe that it is a sick fancy, and not let you think it’s true.” said Jo, trying to speak cheerfully.

Beth lay a minute thinking, and then said in her quiet way, “I don’t know how to express myself, and shouldn’t try to anyone but you, because I can’t speak out except to my Jo. I only mean to say that I have a feeling that it never was intended I should live long. I’m not like the rest of you. I never made any plans about what I’d do when I grew up. I never thought of being married, as you all did. I couldn’t seem to imagine myself anything but stupid little Beth, trotting about at home, of no use anywhere but there. I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all. I’m not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.”

Jo could not speak, and for several minutes there was no sound but the sigh of the wind and the lapping of the tide. A white-winged gull flew by, with the flash of sunshine on its silvery breast.

Beth watched it till it vanished, and her eyes were full of sadness. A little gray-coated sand bird came tripping over the beach ‘peeping’ softly to itself, as if enjoying the sun and sea. It came quite close to Beth, and looked at her with a friendly eye and sat upon a warm stone, dressing its wet feathers, quite at home. Beth smiled and felt comforted, for the tiny thing seemed to offer its small friendship and remind her that a pleasant world was still to be enjoyed.

“Dear little bird! See, Jo, how tame it is. I like peeps better than the gulls. They are not so wild and handsome, but they seem happy, confiding little things. I used to call them my birds last summer, and Mother said they reminded her of me — busy, quaker-colored creatures, always near the shore, and always chirping that contented little song of theirs. You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone. Meg is the turtledove, and Amy is like the lark she writes about, trying to get up among the clouds, but always dropping down into its nest again. Dear little girl! She’s so ambitious, but her heart is good and tender, and no matter how high she flies, she never will forget home. I hope I shall see her again, but she seems so far away.”

“She is coming in the spring, and I mean that you shall be all ready to see and enjoy her. I’m going to have you well and rosy by that time,” began Jo, feeling that of all the changes in Beth, the talking change was the greatest, for it seemed to cost no effort now, and she thought aloud in a way quite unlike bashful Beth.

“Jo, dear, don’t hope any more. It won’t do any good. I’m sure of that. We won’t be miserable, but enjoy being together while we wait. We’ll have happy times, for I don’t suffer much, and I think the tide will go out easily, if you help me.”

Jo leaned down to kiss the tranquil face, and with that silent kiss, she dedicated herself soul and body to Beth.

She was right. There was no need of any words when they got home, for Father and Mother saw plainly now what they had prayed to be saved from seeing. Tired with her short journey, Beth went at once to bed, saying how glad she was to be home, and when Jo went down, she found that she would be spared the hard task of telling Beth’s secret. Her father stood leaning his head on the mantelpiece and did not turn as she came in, but her mother stretched out her arms as if for help, and Jo went to comfort her without a word.

Chapter Thirty-Seven New Impressions At three o’clock in the afternoon, all the fashionable world at Nice may be seen on the Promenade des Anglais — a charming place, for the wide walk, bordered with palms, flowers, and tropical shrubs, is bounded on one side by the sea, on the other by the grand drive, lined with hotels and villas, while beyond lie orange orchards and the hills. Many nations are represented, many languages spoken, many costumes worn, and on a sunny day the spectacle is as gay and brilliant as a carnival. Haughty English, lively French, sober Germans, handsome Spaniards, ugly Russians, meek Jews, free-and-easy Americans, all drive, sit, or saunter here, chatting over the news, and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived — Ristori or Dickens, Victor Emmanuel or the Queen of the Sandwich Islands. The equipages are as varied as the company and attract as much attention, es-

pecially the low basket barouches in which ladies drive themselves, with a pair of dashing ponies, gay nets to keep their voluminous flounces from overflowing the diminutive vehicles, and little grooms on the perch behind.

Along this walk, on Christmas Day, a tall young man walked slowly, with his hands behind him, and a somewhat absent expression of countenance. He looked like an Italian, was dressed like an Englishman, and had the independent air of an American — a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him, and sundry dandies in black velvet suits, with rose-colored neckties, buff gloves, and orange flowers in their buttonholes, to shrug their shoulders, and then envy him his inches.

There were plenty of pretty faces to admire, but the young man took little notice of them, except to glance now and then at some blonde girl in blue. Presently he strolled out of the promenade and stood a moment at the crossing, as if undecided whether to go and listen to the band in the Jardin Publique, or to wander along the beach toward Castle Hill. The quick trot of ponies’ feet made him look up, as one of the little carriages, containing a single young lady, came rapidly down the street. The lady was young, blonde, and dressed in blue. He stared a minute, then his whole face woke up, and, waving his hat like a boy, he hurried forward to meet her.

“Oh, Laurie, is it really you? I thought you’d never come!” cried Amy, dropping the reins and holding out both hands, to the great scandalization of a French mamma, who hastened her daughter’s steps, lest she should be demoralized by beholding the free manners of these ‘mad English’.

“I was detained by the way, but I promised to spend Christmas with you, and here I am.”

“How is your grandfather? When did you come?

Where are you staying?”

“Very well — last night — at the Chauvain. I called at your hotel, but you were out.”

“I have so much to say, I don’t know where to begin! Get in and we can talk at our ease. I was going for a drive and longing for company. Flo’s saving up for tonight.”

“What happens then, a ball?”

“A Christmas party at our hotel. There are many Americans there, and they give it in honor of the day. You’ll go with us, of course? Aunt will be charmed.”

“Thank you. Where now?” asked Laurie, leaning back and folding his arms, a proceeding which suited Amy, who preferred to drive, for her parasol whip and blue reins over the white ponies’ backs afforded her infinite satisfaction.

“I’m going to the bankers first for letters, and then to Castle Hill. The view is so lovely, and I like to feed the peacocks. Have you ever been there?”

“Often, years ago, but I don’t mind having a look at it.”

“Now tell me all about yourself. The last I heard of you, your grandfather wrote that he expected you from Berlin.”

“Yes, I spent a month there and then joined him in Paris, where he has settled for the winter. He has friends there and finds plenty to amuse him, so I go and come, and we get on capitally.”

“That’s a sociable arrangement,” said Amy, missing something in Laurie’s manner, though she couldn’t tell what.

“Why, you see, he hates to travel, and I hate to keep still, so we each suit ourselves, and there is no trouble. I am often with him, and he enjoys my adventures, while I like to feel that someone is glad to see me when I get back from my wanderings. Dirty old hole, isn’t it?” he added, with a look of disgust as they drove along the boulevard to the Place Napoleon in the old city.

“The dirt is picturesque, so I don’t mind. The river and the hills are delicious, and these glimpses of the narrow cross streets are my delight. Now we shall have to wait for that procession to pass. It’s going to the Church of St. John.”

While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies, white-veiled nuns bearing lighted tapers, and some brotherhood in blue chanting as they walked, Amy watched him, and felt a new sort of shyness steal over her, for he was changed, and she could not find the merry-faced boy she left in the moody-looking man beside her. He was handsomer than ever and greatly improved, she thought, but now that the flush of pleasure at meeting her was over, he looked tired and spiritless — not sick, nor exactly unhappy, but older and graver than a year or two of prosperous life should have made him. She couldn’t understand it and did not ven-

ture to ask questions, so she shook her head and touched up her ponies, as the procession wound away across the arches of the Paglioni bridge and vanished in the church.

“Que pensez-vous?” she said, airing her French, which had improved in quantity, if not in quality, since she came abroad.

“That mademoiselle has made good use of her time, and the result is charming,” replied Laurie, bowing with his hand on his heart and an admiring look.

She blushed with pleasure, but somehow the compliment did not satisfy her like the blunt praises he used to give her at home, when he promenaded round her on festival occasions, and told her she was ‘altogether jolly’, with a hearty smile and an approving pat on the head.

She didn’t like the new tone, for though not blase, it sounded indifferent in spite of the look.

“If that’s the way he’s going to grow up, I wish he’d stay a boy,” she thought, with a curious sense of disappointment and discomfort, trying meantime to seem quite easy and gay.

At Avigdor’s she found the precious home letters and, giving the reins to Laurie, read them luxuriously as they wound up the shady road between green hedges, where tea roses bloomed as freshly as in June.

“Beth is very poorly, Mother says. I often think I ought to go home, but they all say ‘stay’. So I do, for I shall never have another chance like this,” said Amy, looking sober over one page.

“I think you are right, there. You could do nothing at home, and it is a great comfort to them to know that you are well and happy, and enjoying so much, my dear.”

He drew a little nearer, and looked more like his old self as he said that, and the fear that sometimes weighed on Amy’s heart was lightened, for the look, the act, the brotherly ‘my dear’, seemed to assure her that if any trouble did come, she would not be alone in a strange land.

Presently she laughed and showed him a small sketch of Jo in her scribbling suit, with the bow rampantly erect upon her cap, and issuing from her mouth the words, ‘Genius burns!’.

Laurie smiled, took it, put it in his vest pocket ‘to keep it from blowing away’, and listened with interest to the lively letter Amy read him.

“This will be a regularly merry Christmas to me, with presents in the morning, you and letters in the afternoon, and a party at night,” said Amy, as they alighted among the ruins of the old fort, and a flock of splendid peacocks came trooping about them, tamely waiting to be fed.

While Amy stood laughing on the bank above him as she scattered crumbs to the brilliant birds, Laurie looked at her as she had looked at him, with a natural curiosity to see what changes time and absence had wrought. He found nothing to perplex or disappoint, much to admire and approve, for overlooking a few little affectations of speech and manner, she was as sprightly and graceful as ever, with the addition of that indescribable something in dress and bearing which we call elegance. Always mature for her age, she had gained a certain aplomb in both carriage and conversation, which made her seem more of a woman of the world than she was, but her old petulance now and then showed itself, her strong will still held its own, and her native frankness was unspoiled by foreign polish.

Laurie did not read all this while he watched her feed the peacocks, but he saw enough to satisfy and interest him, and carried away a pretty little picture of a bright-faced girl standing in the sunshine, which brought out the soft hue of her dress, the fresh color of her cheeks, the golden gloss of her hair, and made her a prominent figure in the pleasant scene.

As they came up onto the stone plateau that crowns the hill, Amy waved her hand as if welcoming him to her favorite haunt, and said, pointing here and there, “Do you remember the Cathedral and the Corso, the fishermen dragging their nets in the bay, and the lovely road to Villa Franca, Schubert’s Tower, just below, and best of all, that speck far out to sea which they say is Corsica?”

“I remember. It’s not much changed,” he answered without enthusiasm.

“What Jo would give for a sight of that famous speck!” said Amy, feeling in good spirits and anxious to see him so also.

“Yes,” was all he said, but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight.

“Take a good look at it for her sake, and then

Continued on Page 37

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 17

Travellers’ Good Buys

with David Ellis

World’s most expensive cheese ■ The world’s most expensive cheese doesn’t come from cows or goats, and you won’t find it in the plushest restaurants or finest delis in London, New York or Paris.

Instead this cheese comes from the milk of donkeys, just 100 jennies amongst a pack of 130 of them that live in a Special Nature Preserve outside the Serbian capital Belgrade.

And if you want to find out why it can command such a bizarre price, you’ll have to go to Belgrade to try it for yourself, because it’s not sold retail anywhere else in the world - and you’ll pay the equivalent of around AU$3000 a kilo for your little indulgence.

Called “Pule” it’s made in what’s said to be the world’s only donkey cheese factory, with 25 litres of donkey milk (6.6 gallons) required for each kilogram of cheese, and annual production a mere 200 kilograms.

Those who’ve tried it in local restaurants, say it’s white and crumbly, intensely flavoured, has a natural saltiness to it, and is smoked in the final stages of production.

Highly nutritious donkey milk that’s beneficial to babies’ immune systems and is used in many European beauty and skin-care products, is also available at an equally pricey 40 Euros a litre (around AU$59) – because donkeys are simply not big daily milk producers.

And which reminds us that ancient Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra bathed nightly in donkey’s milk to preserve the beauty and youth of her skin… and to indulge her whim, needed 700 of the animals on stand-by no matter where she travelled.

● Serbian donkey cheese is white, crumbly and intensely flavoured and the most expensive cheese in the world.

Melbourne

Observer Wines & Liqueurs

with David Ellis

To go with Christmas turkey ■ It’s not often we get the chance to taste a $150 bottle of what is obviously up there with the very best of the best, so when that opportunity did come our way recently it proved not only one of our most memorable tasting experiences, it decided us on just what we’ll be putting with the family Christmas turkey this year.

We’re talking about a Wynn’s Michael Shiraz from the best-of-vintage fruit off their best vineyards in Coonawarra, and made only in exceptional years when the most extraordinary of fruit is available, in this case 2013. First labelled in 1955, company proprietor David Wynn released the wine as a one-off in that year after noticing the outstanding quality of two particular barrels, and naming it Michael after his son.

It has since gone on to become something of a legend of the Australian industry, and one of the most highly-regarded of Aussie Shiraz – which is saying something. Endless layers of fruit, spice and texture are centre to this 2013, together with powdery tannins, nutty oak and suggestions of ginger.

And all of which make for it being the perfect partner with the Christmas turkey, and why all our family will be pitching-in for a couple of bottles with ours this year.

One to note ■ It is hard to believe that it is 45 years since Yellowglen first hit hotel and bottle-shop shelves across this country, and since then showing that Australia can be up there with the best when it comes to making stand-out bubblies for all-occasion celebrations.

One such that’s now available and worth looking at for special events or festivities is their 2009 Perle Vintage, made from the classic sparkling wine grape varieties of Pinot Noir (60 per cent), Chardonnay (30 per cent) and Pinot Meunier (10 per cent) harvested from across select of Yellowglen’s vineyards in Victoria and South Australia.

At $25 its prominent lemon zest and mineral flavours are coupled with grapefruit and nougat to make for a wonderfully elegant and memorable celebratory drop.

Pictured

■ Something of a legend, and one of the most highly-regarded of Aussie Shiraz.

■ Pearler of a bubbly for all-occasion celebrations.

■ The countless movie-costumed characters, topless “desnudas” and street performers who for years have made walking New York’s Times Square something of an obstacle course for its 39m annual visitors, have finally been corralled.

Because they can now only solicit for tips when performing or posing for photographs from within defined “Activity Zones.”

The City Council created the Zones after escalating complaints of overly-aggressive touting by not only many of the costumed performers, but by the busty, body-painted, hug-youfor-a-price “desnudas” who wear little more than a G-string, in this city where there are no laws against going topless.

Daily complaints have ranged from Batman grabbing $50 from the wallet of an Irish tourist and running off with it, to Elmo hurling anti-Semetic slurs at a Jewish visitor who wouldn’t come up with the coin, and the Cookie Monster groping a teen.

Spider-Man also found himself in trouble for punching a child who wouldn’t pay him $10 for a photo, and then assaulting a police officer who intervened, while Chewbacca was cautioned for “overt verbal aggression” over a tip.

Now everyone’s watching to see if the formal “Activity Zones” will sterilise the once-colour of Times Square, and reduce tourists’ interest in going there to be photographed with its cartoon and movie characters, and hugged by its topless “desnudas.”

■ There’s a horse in America that looks like any other except for one thing – she stands only about as high as, or even less than, many a family pet dog.

Thumbelina as she is named, is a dwarf off-spring of a couple of extreme miniature horses known as Falabellas, that themselves grow only to between 70 and 86 centimetres tall (20 to 34 inches.) And in her case she is half that at a mere 43cm high (17 inches) and weighs in at a very petite 26kg (57 pounds)… or about the size of an Aussie kelpie.

The Falabella was originally developed in Argentina from a rare species of horse discovered there in the mid-1800s, and introduced to America in the 1940s for their novelty value in hauling miniature stagecoaches in street parades and around wineries.

When Thumbelina was born, her owners on a farm in Missouri realised she was highly intelligent and trainable, and today after having put her through some specially-designed training programs, are able to take her to visit sick children in hospitals and clinics, and like a guide dog, to lead elderly locals on shopping and other outings.

And as she was born with foot defects, they have designed special shoes for her so that when not “working” with children and the elderly, Thumbelina can run and play with the other regular Falabella miniature horses on her Missouri farm.

- David Ellis

Page 20 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Places To Go

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 21

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 22 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Homemaker

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 23

Quantity Surveyors

Property depreciation services Just Depreciation is always going the extra mile to help all our clients whenever we can. We have decided to answer some of our frequently asked questions to help give you some advice and get a better understanding of our services to save you time and money.

If, for any reason, there are still questions you would like to ask us about our property depreciation services then don’t hesitate to call our friendly team who would be only too happy to help.

My property is old is it worthwhile getting a report prepared?

Yes, all properties regardless of age have some form of depreciation. The fixtures and fittings in the property must be valued at the date that you first make the property available for rental. Just Depreciation recommend reports for all residential properties no matter how old the building may be.

I have owned the property for a number of years and not claimed any depreciation, have I missed out?

No, we will start your report from the first date of rental and your accountant can apply to the Taxation Office to get previous returns adjusted. It’s never too late to claim any property depreciation.

How long does the report last for?

Our reports have 10 years of detailed information and enough detail for your accountant to expand on the individual items after this date so you won't have to arrange for a another report unless you carry out major renovations or improvements.

Do you guarantee your report will be worthwhile?

Yes of course, and we guarantee that if you do not receive a deduction that is twice the amount of our fee in the first year, then the report will be free. We believe this is the fairest and best possible outcome either way for our clients.

What is the process? Do I have to make appointments?

No, we make the appointments on your behalf via your rental manager and liaise with tenants for a suitable time for the property inspection so you need not worry about a thing.

What happens at the inspection?

We measure the property, take photos, take note of all depreciable items and any capital building write off deductions that may apply and then return to the office to calculate and process the report.

Page 24 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 25

Showbiz

Page 26 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Places To Go

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 27

Page 28 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Places To Go

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 29

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 30 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Places To Go

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Come and meet the new owners

‘STAY LOYAL TO THE ROYAL’

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 31

Caravans,Camping and Touring

Page 32 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Outdoors

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 33

Outdoors

Page 34 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Sport Racing Briefs

Travel and Wine Extra Softer tannins

Grand style for Inter Harness Racing

This Week’s Meetings

■ Wednesday - Shepparton, Thursday Maryborough/Kilmore, Friday - Yarra Valley/ Melton/Perth (ID Grand Final), Saturday - Geelong, Sunday - Wedderburn (Cup), Monday - Hamilton/ Melton, Tuesday - Mildura.

At Smythes Creek

■ Former New Zealander Anton Golino now firmly established at Smythes Creek in the Ballarat area, combined with Nathan Jack to land a stable double at Tabcorp Park Melton on Monday November 28 with 6Y0 Majestic Son-Heavens Above mare Heavenly Sister in the TM0 & TM1 class Trotters Mobile over 2240m and Muscle Hill-La Coocaracha filly Dance Craze in the 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over the same distance.

Heavenly Sister after being well back in the field from inside the second line, raced wide in the last lap, defeating Left Right Andcentre by 3m in 2.01.3.

After a slow beginning, Dance Craze followed Magicool forward three wide in the last lap and sprinted brilliantly on turning to record a runaway 7.8m margin in advance of Magicool. The MR 2.01.3.

Led for last half

■ Mattie Craven's very smart ex-Kiwi 4Y0 g Cant Refuse resumed after pulling up sore in Perth back in April, with an easy 7,6m victory in the C0 class Pace over 2240m as a prohibitive $1.04 favourite.

Going forward from gate two on the second line, Cant Refuse led for the last half of the journey to account for Blue Suede Hooves in 1-58.8.

Ran home strongly

■ Ex-Kiwi Brad Hunt is building up a handy team at Great Western and landed the C1 class Pace over 2180m at Terang the day before with Lagom, a 4Y0 Gotta Go Cullect-Smooth Treos m driven by Jason Lee. Despite an early break, Lagom ran home strongly from mid-field to record a 4.1m margin over All Honour in two minutes even.

Used sprint lane

■ At Shepparton on Wednesday, Glenn Douglas provided another winner when 6Y0 Christian Cullen mare Picobello scored in the C3 & C4 class Pace over 2190 metres in 1-57.5. Trailing the speedy leader Champagne Dreams from gate two, Picobello sailed home along the sprint lane to blouse the leader by a metre.

Led throughout

■ Kiwi bred 4Y0m Just Rockon Bye (Christian Cullen-Ok Rock) was successful at Mildura on Wednesday for South Australian brother-in-laws Greg Norman (trainer) and Jock Dunlop (driver), leading throughout from gate three to account for Ideal Billy (one-two) giving NZ the quinella. The MR 2-01.2.

Possied midfield

■ Five year old Art Official-Toni Hanover g Taj Bromac returned to the winners list by taking the C2 to C4 class mobile over 2190 metres at Mildura for local Boris Devcic. Driven by Melton based Alex Ashwood, Taj Bromac possied mid-field from gate four and finished best to prevail by 2.2m from the pacemaker La Safron in 2-00.4.

Ninth victory

■ Long Forest husband and wife Andy and Kate were successful at Maryborough on Thursday with 4Y0 Mach Three-Grace Way g Three Ways in the C3 to C6 combined Pace over 1690 metres, chalking up victory number nine from 23 outings, leading all of the way to score by 5m from Keep On Rocking in 1-57.5.

Melbourne

Observer

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

■ The Inter Dominion Series kicked off in grand style at Gloucester Park last Friday, with defending champ Lennytheshark winning the first of the three heats over 212130 metres.

Trained by Victorian David Aiken at Avenel, Lennytheshark driven by regular reinsman Chris Alford pressed forward from gate eight to park outside one of the locals Our Jimmy Johnstone which easily led from gate two.

In quarters of 30.5, 29.6, 27.5 and 27.1, Lenny joined the pacemaker on the final bend and as expected, was too strong at the finish for Beaudiene Boaz (one/one), scoring by one and a half metres in a mile rate of 1-54.8.

Our Jimmy Johnstone battled on strongly to be a half head away in third place.

Local hope Bettors Fire a 8Y0 son of the all conquering Bettor's Delight, led throughout from gate two in heat two for local trainer/driver Kyle Harper, defeating a game Smolda which worked from outside the front line to park in the open, going down by one and a half metres, with John Of Ark another West Australian three metres back in third place after racing three wide from the bell. In quarters of 30.5, 30.8, 28.2, 27.2, Bettors Fire returned a mile rate of 154.7.

Victoria and David Aiken took the honours for the night when 6Y0 Dream Away gelding Hector Jay Jay claimed the third and final heat in the fastest mile rate 153.6.

With son Joshua in the sulky, Hector Jay Jay showed explosive speed from barrier eight to lead, but not before having to earn it as another Victorian Exciteusinthecity was driven with aggression to try and hold him out.

Kicking clear on the final bend, Hector Jay Jay scored by 3 metres only

(last half 55.4 - quarter 27.4) over a game Run Oneover which was sent forward to park out, with Franco Nelson (three wide - death - one/one) one and a half metres away in third place.

Day 2 ■ The coastal city of Bunbury hosted the second round of heats over 2100 metres on Tuesday November 29, throwing up some interesting results, with series favourite Hector Jay Jay remaining the only horse undefeated.

Beginning like a rocket from gate two, Hector Jay Jay cruised around at his leisure, sprinting home in a final half of 53.7 - quarter 26.6 to defeat Our Jerico which trailed from the pole in a mile rate of 154.2. NSW hope Ultimate Art was third a head away after working to the breeze.

Reinsman Josh Aiken was hoping to give the horse the easiest run as possible after a torrid victory five nights earlier and succeeded to do so.

The leading combination of Gary Hall senior and junior snared the opening heat of the night with Run Oneover, a Kiwi bred Changeover gelding who had put the writing on the wall when second to Hector on opening night.

Showing plenty of speed from gate three to hold out Franco Nelson (gate four), Run Oneover defied all challengers to prevail by 2.1 metres from Freyberg which trailed in 1-53.8, with Smolda 2.6 metres back in third place after moving to face the breeze.

NSW duo John and Luke McCarthy's ultimate racehorse Bling It On improved vastly from his opening round fifth behind Hector to land the final heat in a rate of 154.4.

Enjoying a beaut trip one/one from gate three,

Bling It On when taken into the clear on turning, swept to the front halfway up the running to register a 2.7 metre victory over a game John Of Arc which raced parked. Waylade was 3 metres away in third place after following the weakening leader Ima Connoisseur, gaining a late split to blouse the hot favourite Lennytheshark which was driven very conservatively for third.

Day 3

■ The pressure test was on for several runners trying to make the final on Friday, with heats over a gruelling distance of 2536 metres.

For favourite punters, Hector Jay Jay had another "stroll in the park" when victorious in the opening heat. Spearing away from gate five to lead on his ear, Hector Jay Jay won without ever being let go, scoring by 4 ¾ metres in a rate of 1-56 (half 56.2 - quarter 28) in advance of The Bucket List (three wide last lap) and John Of Arc which never got a look in after trailing the winner.

Gary Hall and son Clinton snared the second heat with Run Oneover which has certainly hit form at the right time. Left in the open from outside the second line as Lennytheshark led from the pole, Run Oneover was surprisingly allowed to stroll past the leader with two laps to travel and from there on, dictated the terms.

Showing no signs of stopping, Run Oneover ran out a 2 metre victor over Lennytheshark who got clear in plenty of time, with Bettors Fire third from three back the markers. The mile rate 1-57 (half 56.3 - quarter 28.4) It was revealed following the race the Lennytheshark pulled up sore in both front legs with some doubt about him starting in the final.

Mark Purdon's old warhorse Smolda a Victorian bred son of Courage Under Fire and Under The Mattrress had luck go his way from gate three when the polemarker Simply Sensational touted by many as an automatic leader, galloped away allowing Smolda to stride clear and capture the third and final heat in 1-57.3.

The field for Friday's Final (not in barrier order) is : Hector Jay Jay, Run Oneover, Smolda, Lennytheshark, Beaudiene Boaz, Bettors Fire, Bling It On, John Of Arc, Our Jerico, Franco Nelson, The Bucket List (1E), Our Jimmy Johnstone (2E).

■ FOR those who like their Merlot, Margan Family Wines have released an interesting and tasty 2015 from their Broke property in the Hunter Valley, a drop that makes for a great match with a whole list of dining options for this time of year’s entertaining.

It is interesting because this 2015’s fruit is off vines on their own roots rather than having been grafted onto other stock, and tasty as it’s true to variety with loads of primary fruit flavours, a touch of spice, and with nice soft tannins.

In short, a quaffable, early drinking style of the finest order to enjoy with anything from meatloaf to lamb leg roast, lasagne to barbecued veal chops, or pizza to spag Bolognese.

And interesting too because 2015 was a difficult vintage in the Hunter, with a dry Winter and Spring rolling into a then-wet December, January and February. Which all meant for a threat in particular to the region’s red harvest.

But Andrew Margan says that while those difficult conditions are reflected in such reds as the 2015 Merlot by way of softer tannins than normal and slightly lower acidity, that resulting softness actually means for wines that can be enjoyed while still very young.

So give this 2015 Margan Merlot a try at a nice $20 with the above food ideas.

One to note ■ A novel idea if you’re still looking for something different and rewarding for that wine-loving friend or relative this Christmas, is an Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, or a McLaren Vale Shiraz or an Adelaide Hills Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay that are all excellent wines from Wolf Blass, and which bear wonderfully colourful one-off labels by acclaimed Australian artist David Bromley.

These Bromley by Wolf Blass wines are $30 a bottle each, with their labels featuring some of Bromley’s most recognised art from his Birds, Nudes and Butterflies series.

And while making for excellent and unusual gifts for those who enjoy their wine and art, they’re also great statement pieces for buyer’s own homes too.

Available from most fine wine retailers until sold out, or visit www.wolfblass/en-au

Easy answers

■ An easy answer if you are wondering what to give that aspiring wine buff this Christmas, or even one already well into their wine enjoyment, is Rob Geddes informative Australian Wine Vintages 2017 that gives detailed tasting notes for over 3,500 Australian and New Zealand wines in the print version, and 13,500 in the App. Now in its 34th edition, ‘The Gold Book’ as its also known, is a great guide towards exploring everything from wine country to the shelves of your local bottle shop, while being equally helpful in understanding wine varieties and the regions in which they are grown, and invaluable for those wanting to cellar and invest in wine.

One of fewer than twenty Masters of Wine in Australia, all wines reviewed are tasted by Rob and his select panel comprising several fellow Masters of Wine, hand-picked sommeliers, major retail buyers and winemakers. Australian Wine Vintages 2017 is priced at $34.95; for more details or to buy hop onto www.thegoldbook.com.au

Sure to prove a hit ■ A wonderfully crisp and refreshing 2016 Sauvignon Blanc from small family owned Shottesbrooke Vineyards at McLaren Flat in South Australia, makes for a great match with lighter fish dishes now that Spring is upon us.

With gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours and a finishing citrus touch, this lovely drop from the Adelaide Hills should find itself in strong demand right through Spring and Summer when seafoods and salads come to the fore. And a nice $20 price tag makes it all the more enticing.

■ A bouncy new bubbly from Chandon in time for the Festive Season is their non-vintage Brut that’s a Chardonnay-led method traditionnelle that’s based on the 2014 vintage, but comprises nearly 40% reserve wines going back as long as ten years. With flavours of citrus and orchard fruits and a light acidity, it’s wonderfully vibrant and elegant and reflects just why their Brut is Chandon’s most popular bubbly.

At $32 this one’s sure to prove a hit over the Festive Season.

- David Ellis

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 35

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Classic Books From Page 18 come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while,” said Amy, seating herself, ready for a good talk.

But she did not get it, for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely, she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been to Greece. So after idling away an hour, they drove home again, and having paid his respects to Mrs. Carrol, Laurie left them, promising to return in the evening.

It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night. Time and absence had done its work on both the young people. She had seen her old friend in a new light, not as ‘our boy’, but as a handsome and agreeable man, and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight. Amy knew her good points, and made the most of them with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman.

Tarlatan and tulle were cheap at Nice, so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions, and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls, got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers, a few trinkets, and all manner of dainty devices, which were both inexpensive and effective. It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman, and indulged in antique coiffures, statuesque attitudes, and classic draperies. But, dear heart, we all have our little weaknesses, and find it easy to pardon such in the young, who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness, and keep our hearts merry with their artless vanities.

“I do want him to think I look well, and tell them so at home,” said Amy to herself, as she put on Flo’s old white silk ball dress, and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion, out of which her white shoulders and golden head emerged with a most artistic effect. Her hair she had the sense to let alone, after gathering up the thick waves and curls into a Hebe-like knot at the back of her head.

“It’s not the fashion, but it’s becoming, and I can’t afford to make a fright of myself,” she used to say, when advised to frizzle, puff, or braid, as the latest style commanded.

Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion, Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea, and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines. Remembering the painted boots, she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction, and chassed down the room, admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself.

“My new fan just matches my flowers, my gloves fit to a charm, and the real lace on Aunt’s mouchoir gives an air to my whole dress. If I only had a classical nose and mouth I should be perfectly happy,” she said, surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand.

In spite of this affliction, she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away. She seldom ran — it did not suit her style, she thought, for being tall, the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante.

She walked up and down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie, and once arranged herself under the chandelier, which had a good effect upon her hair, then she thought better of it, and went away to the other end of the room, as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one. It so happened that she could not have done a better thing, for Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him, and as she stood at the distant window, with her head half turned and one hand gathering up her dress, the slender, white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a well-placed statue.

“Good evening, Diana!” said Laurie, with the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her.

“Good evening, Apollo!” she answered, smiling back at him, for he too looked unusually debonair, and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart.

“Here are your flowers. I arranged them myself, remembering that you didn’t like what Hannah calls a ‘sot-bookay’,” said Laurie, handing her a delicate nosegay, in a holder that she had long coveted as she daily passed it in Cardiglia’s window.

“How kind you are!” she exclaimed gratefully.

“If I’d known you were coming I’d have had something ready for you today, though not as pretty as this, I’m afraid.”

“Thank you. It isn’t what it should be, but you have improved it,” he added, as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist.

“Please don’t.”

“I thought you liked that sort of thing.”

“Not from you, it doesn’t sound natural, and I like your old bluntness better.”

“I’m glad of it,” he answered, with a look of relief, then buttoned her gloves for her, and asked if his tie was straight, just as he used to do when they went to parties together at home.

The company assembled in the long salle a manger, that evening, was such as one sees nowhere but on the Continent. The hospitable Americans had invited every acquaintance they had in Nice, and having no prejudice against titles, secured a few to add luster to their Christmas ball.

A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with a massive lady, dressed like Hamlet’s mother in black velvet with a pearl bridle under her chin. A Polish count, aged eighteen, devoted himself to the ladies, who pronounced him, ‘a fascinating dear’, and a German Serene Something, having come to supper alone, roamed vaguely about, seeking what he might devour. Baron Rothschild’s private secretary, a large-nosed Jew in tight boots, affably beamed upon the world, as if his master’s name crowned him with a golden halo. A stout Frenchman, who knew the Emperor, came to indulge his mania for dancing, and Lady de Jones, a British matron, adorned the scene with her little family of eight. Of course, there were many light-footed, shrill-voiced American girls, handsome, lifeless-looking English ditto, and a few plain but piquante French demoiselles, likewise the usual set of traveling young gentlemen who disported themselves gaily, while mammas of all nations lined the walls and smiled upon them benignly when they danced with their daughters.

Any young girl can imagine Amy’s state of mind when she ‘took the stage’ that night, leaning on Laurie’s arm. She knew she looked well, she loved to dance, she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom, and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty, youth, and womanhood. She did pity the Davis girls, who were awkward, plain, and destitute of escort, except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts, and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed, which was good of her, as it permitted them to see her dress, and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished-looking friend might be. With the first burst of the band, Amy’s color rose, her eyes began to sparkle, and her feet to tap the floor impatiently, for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it. Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described, when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone, “Do you care to dance?”

“One usually does at a ball.”

Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible.

“I meant the first dance. May I have the honor?”

“I can give you one if I put off the Count. He dances devinely, but he will excuse me, as you are an old friend,” said Amy, hoping that the name would have a good effect, and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with.

“Nice little boy, but rather a short Pole to support ...

A daughter of the gods, Devinely tall, and most devinely fair,” was all the satisfaction she got, however.

The set in which they found themselves was composed of English, and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion, feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish. Laurie resigned her to the ‘nice little boy’, and went to do his duty to Flo, without securing Amy for the joys to come, which reprehensible want of forethought was properly punished, for she immediately engaged herself till supper, meaning to relent if he then gave any signs penitence. She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next, a glorious polka redowa. But his polite regrets didn’t impose upon her, and when she galloped away with the Count, she saw Laurie sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief.

That was unpardonable, and Amy took no more notice of him for a long while, except a word now and then when she came to her chaperon between the dances for a necessary pin or a

moment’s rest. Her anger had a good effect, however, for she hid it under a smiling face, and seemed unusually blithe and brilliant. Laurie’s eyes followed her with pleasure, for she neither romped nor sauntered, but danced with spirit and grace, making the delightsome pastime what it should be. He very naturally fell to studying her from this new point of view, and before the evening was half over, had decided that ‘little Amy was going to make a very charming woman’.

It was a lively scene, for soon the spirit of the social season took possession of everyone, and Christmas merriment made all faces shine, hearts happy, and heels light. The musicians fiddled, tooted, and banged as if they enjoyed it, everybody danced who could, and those who couldn’t admired their neighbors with uncommon warmth. The air was dark with Davises, and many Joneses gamboled like a flock of young giraffes. The golden secretary darted through the room like a meteor with a dashing French-woman who carpeted the floor with her pink satin train. The serene Teuton found the supper-table and was happy, eating steadily through the bill of fare, and dismayed the garcons by the ravages he committed. But the Emperor’s friend covered himself with glory, for he danced everything, whether he knew it or not, and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him. The boyish abandon of that stout man was charming to behold, for though he ‘carried weight’, he danced like an India-rubber ball. He ran, he flew, he pranced, his face glowed, his bald head shown, his coattails waved wildly, his pumps actually twinkled in the air, and when the music stopped, he wiped the drops from his brow, and beamed upon his fellow men like a French Pickwick without glasses.

Amy and her Pole distinguished themselves by equal enthusiasm but more graceful agility, and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to the rhythmic rise and fall of the white slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as if winged.

When little Vladimir finally relinquished her, with assurances that he was ‘desolated to leave so early’, she was ready to rest, and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment.

It had been successful, for at three-and-twenty, blighted affections find a balm in friendly society, and young nerves will thrill, young blood dance, and healthy young spirits rise, when subjected to the enchantment of beauty, light, music, and motion. Laurie had a waked-up look as he rose to give her his seat, and when he hurried away to bring her some supper, she said to herself, with a satisfied smile, “Ah, I thought that would do him good!”

“You look like Balzac’s ‘Femme Peinte Par Elle–Meme’,” he said, as he fanned her with one hand and held her coffee cup in the other.

“My rouge won’t come off.” and Amy rubbed her brilliant cheek, and showed him her white glove with a sober simplicity that made him laugh outright.

“What do you call this stuff?” he asked, touching a fold of her dress that had blown over his knee.

“Illusion.”

“Good name for it. It’s very pretty — new thing, isn’t it?”

“It’s as old as the hills. You have seen it on dozens of girls, and you never found out that it was pretty till now — stupide!”

“I never saw it on you before, which accounts for the mistake, you see.”

“None of that, it is forbidden. I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now. No, don’t lounge, it makes me nervous.”

Laurie sat bold upright, and meekly took her empty plate feeling an odd sort of pleasure in having ‘little Amy’ order him about, for she had lost her shyness now, and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him, as girls have a delightful way of doing when lords of creation show any signs of subjection.

“Where did you learn all this sort of thing?” he asked with a quizzical look.

“As ‘this sort of thing’ is rather a vague expression, would you kindly explain?” returned Amy, knowing perfectly well what he meant, but wickedly leaving him to describe what is indescribable.

“Well — the general air, the style, the self-possession, the — the — illusion — you know”, laughed Laurie, breaking down and helping himself out of his quandary with the new word.

Amy was gratified, but of course didn’t show it, and demurely answered, “Foreign life polishes

one in spite of one’s self. I study as well as play, and as for this” — with a little gesture toward her dress — “why, tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things.”

Amy rather regretted that last sentence, fearing it wasn’t in good taste, but Laurie liked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers. Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly, nor why he filled up her book with his own name, and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening in the most delightful manner; but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving.

Chapter Thirty-Eight On the Shelf In France the young girls have a dull time of it till they are married, when ‘Vive la liberte!’ becomes their motto. In America, as everyone knows, girls early sign the declaration of independence, and enjoy their freedom with republican zest, but the young matrons usually abdicate with the first heir to the throne and go into a seclusion almost as close as a French nunnery, though by no means as quiet. Whether they like it or not, they are virtually put upon the shelf as soon as the wedding excitement is over, and most of them might exclaim, as did a very pretty woman the other day, “I’m as handsome as ever, but no one takes any notice of me because I’m married.”

Not being a belle or even a fashionable lady, Meg did not experience this affliction till her babies were a year old, for in her little world primitive customs prevailed, and she found herself more admired and beloved than ever.

As she was a womanly little woman, the maternal instinct was very strong, and she was entirely absorbed in her children, to the utter exclusion of everything and everybody else. Day and night she brooded over them with tireless devotion and anxiety, leaving John to the tender mercies of the help, for an Irish lady now presided over the kitchen department. Being a domestic man, John decidedly missed the wifely attentions he had been accustomed to receive, but as he adored his babies, he cheerfully relinquished his comfort for a time, supposing with masculine ignorance that peace would soon be restored. But three months passed, and there was no return of repose. Meg looked worn and nervous, the babies absorbed every minute of her time, the house was neglected, and Kitty, the cook, who took life ‘aisy’, kept him on short commons. When he went out in the morning he was bewildered by small commissions for the captive mamma, if he came gaily in at night, eager to embrace his family, he was quenched by a “Hush! They are just asleep after worrying all day.” If he proposed a little amusement at home, “No, it would disturb the babies.” If he hinted at a lecture or a concert, he was answered with a reproachful look, and a decided — “Leave my children for pleasure, never!” His sleep was broken by infant wails and visions of a phantom figure pacing noiselessly to and fro in the watches of the night. His meals were interrupted by the frequent flight of the presiding genius, who deserted him, half-helped, if a muffled chirp sounded from the nest above. And when he read his paper of an evening, Demi’s colic got into the shipping list and Daisy’s fall affected the price of stocks, for Mrs. Brooke was only interested in domestic news.

The poor man was very uncomfortable, for the children had bereft him of his wife, home was merely a nursery and the perpetual ‘hushing’ made him feel like a brutal intruder whenever he entered the sacred precincts of Babyland.

He bore it very patiently for six months, and when no signs of amendment appeared, he did what other paternal exiles do — tried to get a little comfort elsewhere. Scott had married and gone to housekeeping not far off, and John fell into the way of running over for an hour or two of an evening, when his own parlor was empty, and his own wife singing lullabies that seemed to have no end. Mrs. Scott was a lively, pretty girl, with nothing to do but be agreeable, and she performed her mission most successfully. The parlor was always bright and attractive, the chessboard ready, the piano in tune, plenty of gay gossip, and a nice little supper set forth in tempting style.

John would have preferred his own fireside if it

Continued on Page 36

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 36 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Observer Classic Books From Page 35 had not been so lonely, but as it was he gratefully took the next best thing and enjoyed his neighbor’s society.

Meg rather approved of the new arrangement at first, and found it a relief to know that John was having a good time instead of dozing in the parlor, or tramping about the house and waking the children. But by-and-by, when the teething worry was over and the idols went to sleep at proper hours, leaving Mamma time to rest, she began to miss John, and find her workbasket dull company, when he was not sitting opposite in his old dressing gown, comfortably scorching his slippers on the fender. She would not ask him to stay at home, but felt injured because he did not know that she wanted him without being told, entirely forgetting the many evenings he had waited for her in vain. She was nervous and worn out with watching and worry, and in that unreasonable frame of mind which the best of mothers occasionally experience when domestic cares oppress them. Want of exercise robs them of cheerfulness, and too much devotion to that idol of American women, the teapot, makes them feel as if they were all nerve and no muscle.

“Yes,” she would say, looking in the glass, “I’m getting old and ugly. John doesn’t find me interesting any longer, so he leaves his faded wife and goes to see his pretty neighbor, who has no incumbrances. Well, the babies love me, they don’t care if I am thin and pale and haven’t time to crimp my hair, they are my comfort, and some day John will see what I’ve gladly sacrificed for them, won’t he, my precious?”

To which pathetic appeal Daisy would answer with a coo, or Demi with a crow, and Meg would put by her lamentations for a maternal revel, which soothed her solitude for the time being.

But the pain increased as politics absorbed John, who was always running over to discuss interesting points with Scott, quite unconscious that Meg missed him. Not a word did she say, however, till her mother found her in tears one day, and insisted on knowing what the matter was, for Meg’s drooping spirits had not escaped her observation.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone except you, Mother, but I really do need advice, for if John goes on much longer I might as well be widowed,” replied Mrs

Melbourne

. Brooke, drying her tears on Daisy’s bib with an injured air.

“Goes on how, my dear?” asked her mother anxiously.

“He’s away all day, and at night when I want to see him, he is continually going over to the Scotts’. It isn’t fair that I should have the hardest work, and never any amusement. Men are very selfish, even the best of them.”

“So are women. Don’t blame John till you see where you are wrong yourself.”

“But it can’t be right for him to neglect me.”

“Don’t you neglect him?”

“Why, Mother, I thought you’d take my part!”

“So I do, as far as sympathizing goes, but I think the fault is yours, Meg.” “I don’t see how.”

“Let me show you. Did John ever neglect you, as you call it, while you made it a point to give him your society of an evening, his only leisure time?”

“No, but I can’t do it now, with two babies to tend.”

“I think you could, dear, and I think you ought.

May I speak quite freely, and will you remember that it’s Mother who blames as well as Mother who sympathizes?”

“Indeed I will! Speak to me as if I were little Meg again. I often feel as if I needed teaching more than ever since these babies look to me for everything.”

Meg drew her low chair beside her mother’s, and with a little interruption in either lap, the two women rocked and talked lovingly together, feeling that the tie of motherhood made them more one than ever.

“You have only made the mistake that most young wives make — forgotten your duty to your husband in your love for your children. A very natural and forgivable mistake, Meg, but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways, for children should draw you nearer than ever, not separate you, as if they were all yours, and John had nothing to do but support them. I’ve seen it for some weeks, but have not spoken, feeling sure it would come right in time.”

“I’m afraid it won’t. If I ask him to stay, he’ll think I’m jealous, and I wouldn’t insult him by such an idea. He doesn’t see that I want him, and I don’t know how to tell him without

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

“Make it so pleasant he won’t want to go away.

My dear, he’s longing for his little home, but it isn’t home without you, and you are always in the nursery.”

“Oughtn’t I to be there?”

“Not all the time, too much confinement makes you nervous, and then you are unfitted for everything. Besides, you owe something to John as well as to the babies. Don’t neglect husband for children, don’t shut him out of the nursery, but teach him how to help in it. His place is there as well as yours, and the children need him. Let him feel that he has a part to do, and he will do it gladly and faithfully, and it will be better for you all.”

“You really think so, Mother?”

“I know it, Meg, for I’ve tried it, and I seldom give advice unless I’ve proved its practicability.

When you and Jo were little, I went on just as you are, feeling as if I didn’t do my duty unless I devoted myself wholly to you. Poor Father took to his books, after I had refused all offers of help, and left me to try my experiment alone. I struggled along as well as I could, but Jo was too much for me. I nearly spoiled her by indulgence. You were poorly, and I worried about you till I fell sick myself. Then Father came to the rescue, quietly managed everything, and made himself so helpful that I saw my mistake, and never have been able to get on without him since. That is the secret of our home happiness.

He does not let business wean him from the little cares and duties that affect us all, and I try not to let domestic worries destroy my interest in his pursuits. Each do our part alone in many things, but at home we work together, always.”

“It is so, Mother, and my great wish is to be to my husband and children what you have been to yours. Show me how, I’ll do anything you say.”

“You always were my docile daughter. Well, dear, if I were you, I’d let John have more to do with the management of Demi, for the boy needs words.”training, and it’s none too soon to begin.

Then I’d do what I have often proposed, let Hannah come and help you. She is a capital nurse, and you may trust the precious babies to her while you do more housework. You need the exercise, Hannah would enjoy the rest, and John would find his wife again. Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get

dismal there is no fair weather. Then I’d try to take an interest in whatever John likes — talk with him, let him read to you, exchange ideas, and help each other in that way. Don’t shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take your part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours.”

“John is so sensible, I’m afraid he will think I’m stupid if I ask questions about politics and things.”

“I don’t believe he would. Love covers a multitude of sins, and of whom could you ask more freely than of him? Try it, and see if he doesn’t find your society far more agreeable than Mrs. Scott’s suppers.”

“I will. Poor John! I’m afraid I have neglected him sadly, but I thought I was right, and he never said anything.”

“He tried not to be selfish, but he has felt rather forlorn, I fancy. This is just the time, Meg, when young married people are apt to grow apart, and the very time when they ought to be most together, for the first tenderness soon wears off, unless care is taken to preserve it. And no time is so beautiful and precious to parents as the first years of the little lives given to them to train. Don’t let John be a stranger to the babies, for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else, and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should. Now, dear, good-by. Think over Mother’s preachment, act upon it if it seems good, and God bless you all.”

Meg did think it over, found it good, and acted upon it, though the first attempt was not made exactly as she planned to have it. Of course the children tyrannized over her, and ruled the house as soon as they found out that kicking and squalling brought them whatever they wanted.

Mamma was an abject slave to their caprices, but Papa was not so easily subjugated, and occasionally afflicted his tender spouse by an attempt at paternal discipline with his obstreperous son. For Demi inherited a trifle of his sire’s firmness of character, we won’t call it obstinacy, and when he made up his little mind to have or to do anything, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not change that pertinacious little mind.

To Be Continued Next Issue

Observer Crossword Solution No 26 C O I F F E O R A P A K I S T E T E S A D I S T T N R A T I S H O A P O S C R I M P H R E D E T E R R R E E M E A S U R E W N A L L Y I N N E O S H R I N E E N V S M U D G E I I N U N E A S E N R O D M U R A L O O C E T H R A S H U N O S M O K E R I L E A D V E R S D E E M I N D F U I D E R O O F R A E R E D I S P E N M R U E M B A L M E N B C R O C H E S E R M E S S E S I A X M A N D A R T L I C R A F T I

U T A H

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

G S Q P U A D L O I R C I N E R C L E S E P R T E S E S T O I Q U R E T T E E S T E R A A N G L E I L N F T E R A R I T I I S T R S

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

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

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

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

A L E N E U T S G A N L I L E F E L U O S T C E R S S E G Y R E D G A Q T E D E L E P L E N C E O D Y N E S O S P U L O E D

S S E E X P E A D N G O R I L O Y E

I C O W O Y O D S W O D R K B E R A S A P

H E T I H I C K A L A V W E R A T T S S

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

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Obser ver - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 37 e urn lbo Me

Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

ver N ser O Ob TI C SE 3

Observer Showbiz

Radio: Magic 1278 to close? ....................................... Page 38 Theatre: Shows to see in Melb. ...................................... Page 39 Country Music: Rob Foenander’s latest news ............ Page 38 Jim and Aar on: Top 10 lists, best to watch ........................ Page 40 Aaron: Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 41 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSSSWORD

Vic. Drama League awards Honouring Nick

● Nick Enright ■ With special permission from the Nick Enright estate, the Home Grown Songbook Series presents The Songs of Nick Enright on December 11 at 8 pm at Chapel off Chapel.

The show is dedicated to the songs and theatrical works of leading pioneer of the Australian musical theatre, the late Nick Enright and his collaborations with Terrence Clarke, David King, Max Lambert, Alan Johnand Glenn Henrich.

Largely known for his many plays (including Blackrock, Daylight Saving and Spurboard), Enright also crafted aa original musicals with his five writing partners. He also wrote the book for the smash hit Australian musical The Boy from Oz. Performers for the gala evening include: Johanna Allen, Anton Berezin, Sally Bourne, Baylie Carson, Sophie Carter, Hilary Cole, Martin Croft, Zoy Frangos, Ryan Gonzalez, Kerrie Anne Greenland, Jonathan Hickey, Cameron MacDonald, Noni McCallum, Scott Morris, Christina O’Neil, Genevieve Kingsford, Andrew Kroenert, Kellie Rode, David Rogers-Smith, Elenoa Rokobaro, Patrice Tipoki and Queenie Van De Zandt.

The Home Grown Songbook Series is a creative venture

by Hedger/Nicholson with support from the City of Stonington.

The inaugural event was held in February this year featuring the songs of Craig Christie (Eurobeat) and provides the opportunity to shine the spotlight in an intimate setting on our country’s most prolific musical theatre writers and their compositions.

The Songs of Nick Enright will be directed by Jason Langley, with music direction by Michael Tyayak.

Performance: December 11 at 8pm Tickets: from $49 Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran, Tickets: visit www.chapeloffchapel.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Late night show on 7?

■ Lawrence Mooney and Darren McMullen have reportedly both been tested for a potential late night show for Seven for 2017, reports David Knox of the TVtonight.com.au website.

■ The Victorian Drama League presented the following awards at their sparkling Awards Night event on Sunday (Dec. 4): Silver and Gold Awards for Best Set Design, Comedy or Drama Silver Award: Bruce Akers and Owen Evans, A Streetcar Named Desire, Heidelberg Theatre Company.

Gold Award: Chris Shaw, Sleuth, The Basin Theatre Group ★ Silver and Gold Awards for Best Lighting Design, Comedy or Drama Silver Award: Emma Fox, A Streetcar Named Desire, Heidelberg Theatre Company GoldAward: Peter Dalwood and Shaun Mcilfactrick. Sleuth, The Basin Theatre Group ★ The Silver and Gold Awards for Best Sound Design, Comedy or Drama Silver Award: Jeff Saliba and Tim Long, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Peridot Theatre Company Gold Award: Chris Baldock, Killing Jeremy, Strathmore TheatricalArts Group ★ Silver and Gold Awards for Best Costume Design, Comedy or Drama Silver Award: Wendy Drowley and Team, AStreetcar Named Desire, Heidelberg Theatre Company Gold Award: Vicki Smith, Juliet Hayday and Catherine Christenson, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Peridot Theatre Company ★ Silver and Gold Awards for Best Properties Design, Comedy or Drama Silver Award: Deborah Fabbro, Bette and Joan, Brighton Theatre Company Gold Award: Chris Shaw, Sleuth, The Basin Theatre Group ★ The Award for Best Actress in a Minor Role, Comedy or Drama A tie – joint award to: Leown Tarrant as Betty Chumley in Harvey, Eltham Little Theatre, and Angela Trakula as Mrs Ethel Chauvenet in Harvey, Eltham Little Theatre ★ Award for Best Actor in a Minor Role, Comedy or Drama Rad Valance as Charlie as a Teenager in Flowers for Algernon, Beaumaris Theatre Company ★ Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Comedy A tie – Joint Award Georgy Charles as Belinda Blair/Flavia Brent in Noises Off, Frankston Theatre Group, and Julie Strini as Lucy Dean in Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, MOARTZ ★ Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Drama Naomi Mendoza as Mercedes Herrero and others, The Laramie Project, PEP Productions ★ Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Comedy John Locke as Tom in Table Manners, Encore Theatre Company ★ Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama Thomas Reed as Nick, Speaking in Tongues, Geelong Repertory Theatre ★ Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Julie Arnold as Joan Crawford, Bette and Joan, Brighton Theatre Company ★ Award for Best Actress in a Drama Benne as Blanche DuBois, AStreetcar Named Desire, Heidelberg Theatre Company ★ Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Xavier Ryan as Elwood P Dowd, Harvey, Eltham Little Theatre ★ Award for Best Actor in a Drama Mark Briggs as Charlie Gordon, Flowers for Algernon, Beaumaris Theatre Company

Award for Best Director of a Comedy Nick Waxman, Harvey, Eltham Little Theatre ★ Award for Best Director of a Drama Chris Shaw, Sleuth, The Basin Theatre Group ★ Award for Best Production of a Comedy Bette and Joan, Brighton Theatre Company ★ Award for Best Production of a Drama Sleuth, The Basin Theatre Group - Cheryl Threadgold

Ladies in Black ■ After sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the Helpmann Award winner for ‘Best New Australian Work’, Ladies in Black is set to launch into Melbourne’s Regent Theatre next February.

At the recent media launch, director Simon Phillips was proud of his new work and is excited about putting the show into a ‘big’ theatre.

Writer Carolyn Burns and composer, the renowned Tim Finn, have adapted the iconic Australian novel by Madeleine St John of The Women in Black, to create an unashamedly ‘Australian’ musical.

The story, set in Sydney during the1950s, is that of a young bookish school leaver Lisa, who gets a job as a Sales Assistant in the prestigious department store F.G. Goodes (a thinly veiled David Jones) and the ladies she meets who work at the store.

Most poignantly, she meets the glamorous and exotic Magda who becomes her new mentor. There are lots of stories along the way and many happy endings.

From the outset, the story conjured what it was to be an Australian woman growing up in the 50s and stirred the creative juices of the production team.

The rapport and deep respect between Simon Phillips and Tim Finn is infectious.

The launch featured the star of the show, Sarah Morrison, who plays Lisa. As soon as Sarah walked into the spotlight she immediately went into character and launched into a lyrical ballad from the show. She is an immense talent and will undoubtedly be gracing our stages for many years to come.

People who have seen this show have raved about it and loved all the characters. The music and lyrics by Tim Finn have brought a cavalcade of admirers.

Tickets for the show can be booked through Ticketmaster.

Full list of the cast and other details can be found at ladiesinblack.com.au - Lyn Hurst

Nod to Casablanca

■ With a nod to its spiritual ancestor Casablanca, Robert Zemeckis’s new film Allied not only opens in Nazicontrolled French North Africa during World War II, but has espionage and a smouldering love-interest at its heart.

Instead of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman we have Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard as leads; instead of Michael Curtiz we have Hollywood heavy weight Robert Zemeckis as director, and the script is by Stephen Knight (Peaky Blinders) instead of the relatively unknown Murray Burnett and Joan Alison.

Knight claims the story of a Canadian spy and a French resistance fighter who meet on assignment in Casablanca and then go on to marry in London before things unravel is based on a true story, though there is no archival evidence to support it. But let’s not let the facts get in the way of a good story and this is unquestionably a good yarn.

Cotillard is outstanding as the seductive resistance fighter, wife, lover, mother and secret agent; Pitt’s character is not as complex as Cotillard’s, and he is trained to be detached, not emotionally involved.

Turn To Page 39

Page 38 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Observer Showbiz

info@country crossroads.com.au Rob Foenander

New from ‘Chess’

■ Australian music legend Johnny Chester has recorded a new Christmas song.

Titled Old Saint Nicholas Ho Ho Ho Ho, the country flavoured tune is sure to be well received by radio presenters around the country.

It's something new for the Christmas playlists.od Friday Appeal.

Funny Little World

■ Former Sale Of The Century hostess and Sons And Daughters star Alyce Platt has released her new album Funny Little World Retro Sounds, haunting melodies and frolicking beats make up part of the 14 tracks, 10 of which were written by Alyce that reveal her fascination with 1960s European pop music. alyceplatt.com

At Hampton Park

■ The Hampton Park Seniors Club will present a country flavoured show on Thursday (Dec. 8) Local piano maestro Michael Read will entertain the members at their Christmas luncheon.

The club offers a variety of activities over six days of the week.

More info contact 9799 2588 or email hampsen2@gmail.com - Rob Foenander

More Showbiz Briefs

■ The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced Australian actress Isla Fisher as this year’s recipient of the AACTATrailblazer Award.

■ Seven News Reporter Ashlee Mullany has been appointed to the network’s US Bureau, working alongside Seven News US Bureau Chief Mike Amor and Correspondent Emma Dallimore.

■ Kim Richards is the new Editor-in-Chief of Child Magazines. In her new role, Kim will be responsible for the five city print issues

r Obser vbeiz On This Day Show

Wednesday Thursday December 7 December 8

■ US singer, actor, dancer and mimic Sammy Davis Jnr was born in New York in 1925. He died aged 64 in 1990.

Jim Morrison, lead vocalist with The Doors, was born in 1943. He died aged 27 in 1971.

Australian promoter Paul Dainty is 69.

The Arts in Melbourne

Radio News around Victoria

Magic to close?

Country Crossroads

■ The original Marie Tussaud, founder of the wax museum, was born in France in 1760.

She died at age 89.

American actress Ellen Burstyn is 84.

We remember actor Ron Frazer who was born in 1938. He died aged 44 in 1983. He was a regular in the Mavis Bramston Show.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ There is industry speculation that Macquarie Media will next month announce that Magic 1278 will be replaced by a lifestyle radio station originating from Sydney.

Magic 1278 is currently an adult contemporary radio station, although it is less now of a Melbourne station, and much of its programming is also networked in Sydney and Brisbane.

Current presenters include Glenn Ridge, Dave Ferguson, Johnny Young, Donna Lynch and Andrew McLaren.

If the change occurs, it is likely that advertorial-style programs will be relayed onto the frequency from Sydney’s 2UE which is now marketed as ‘Lifestyle Radio’.

Its programming includes shows such as Around The House, Talking Travel, Talking Gardens, Car Advice, Smart Shopper, Healthy Lifestyle, Great Escape, Your Money and Your Life.

Macquarie Media Chairman Russell Tate told the company’s annual general meeting last month that the decision about the future of Lifestyle Radio would be made in the new year.

Hamish and Andy

■ Greg Newman from Jocks Journal reports that Hamish and Andy have confirmed that they will not return to their Southern Cross Austereo (Fox) drive radio gig at the end of 2017.

The pair made the shock announcement at the end of their 2016 show and said they were quitting radio to focus on commitments on TV. Andy Lee said the pair considered quitting the gig this year, but decided to give it 12 more months.

New names ■ ABC Radio’s capital city

stations will be renamed according to their location.

Throughout 2017, there will be a staged introduction of new ABC Radio websites that are designed for easy, on-demand access and an optimal listening experience for audiences, reports Jocks Journal.

For example ABC 891 will be rebranded “ABC Radio Adelaide” from January 9 - remarkably similar to the SA community station, Radio Adelaide, which operates on the FM band.

The change has already prompted resistance from Radio Adelaide, which fired off a legal letter to the national broadcaster today warning it against using the phrase “Radio Adelaide” in its branding.

In Victoria, a St Kilda man applied to register the ‘Radio Melbourne’ trade mark 12 months ago.

New app

■ In an Australian first, the radio industry has launched RadioApp, a new mobile app that allows consumers to live stream 250 Australian radio stations on the go.

The free app allows listeners to tune in to Australian radio from anywhere in the world, add stations to their favourites list and simply swipe to see what’s playing on other stations.

Luke Bona overnight

■ Luke Bona will host a new national overnight talk show for the Triple M network.

Bona will be heard on Triple M in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide from midnight on Monday (Dec. 12).

He will commence his program on the rest of the radio network across Australia from Monday, January 9, reports Jocks Journal.

Bona was heard on 3AW’s Australia Overnight.

By P et er K emp Pet eter Kemp ● From Page 9 With lavish sets, glorious costumes, a company of 60 and Tchaikovsky's immortal score, audiences will once again embrace the majesty of Russian classical ballet at its best.

The Nutcracker is a full-length production that brings to life the magical tale of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and their fantastic adventures into a world where dreams come to life.

Swan Lake is one of the most beloved ballets in the world and tells the classic love story between Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess Odette divided by the villainous sorcerer Rothbart in a story where true love conquers all.

Season: Swan Lake Tuesday December 13 at 6.30pm Wednesday December 14 at 7.30pm. Thursday December 15 at 7.30pm Season: The Nutcracker Friday December 16 at 7.30pm Saturday December 17 at 3pm and 7pm Venue: Plenary Theatre Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf.

Australian Ballet Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Earmarked as The Australian Ballet's blockbuster of the year, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland tickets go on sale tomorrow (Thurs., Dec. 8) Created by one of the world's greatest living choreographers, Christopher Wheeldon, this spectacular ballet translates the wit and charm of the original tale by Lewis Carroll into a world of colour, fun and fantasy.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was created by Wheeldon of The Royal Ballet , and has since entertained audiences the world over.

This ballet will be the fifth work Christopher Wheeldon has staged for TheAustralian Ballet.

Wheeldon says: "The Australian Ballet's dancers are a perfect combination of athletes and artists. Their style is dynamic and visceral. They are dancing and expressive, sensitive and technical. Above all, though, they have great humanity. This generosity spills out if the studio and onto the stage and can be felt by their audiences".

The Melbourne season continues until September 30, 2017 but such is the popularity of The Australian Ballet the tickets are now on sale.

The venue is the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.

National Gallery of Vic. ■ Who's Afraid of Colour? will bring together more than 200 contemporary artworks by 118 indigenous Australian women.

Encompassing works from across artistic disciplines, from customary woven objects and bark paintings to contemporary acrylic canvasses and modern photographic and digital works, this unprecedented survey of indigenous Australian women's art from the NGV collection will open on December 16 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGVAustralia.

Spread across six gallery spaces, Who's Afraid of Colour? will showcase a variety of contemporary artistic practices both traditional and experimental, including painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, glass, video, photography, jewellery, textiles, design and installation.

Major new acquisitions featured in the exhibition include iconic photographs by Melbourne-based artists Destiny Deacon and Bindi Cole Chooka.

Melbourne

Observer

Sunday Friday Saturday December 9 December 10 December 11 ■ Actor Kirk Douglas was born as Issur Danielovitch Demsky in Amsterdam in 1916.

He is 100.

Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke was born in 1929 (87).

Dame Judi Dench was born in York, England, in 1934 (81).

Actor Beau Bridges is 75 (1941).

■ English singer Peter Sarstedt was born in New Delhi, India, in 1941 (75).

Irish-born actor and director Kenneth Branagh was born in Belfast in 1960 (56).

American actress and singer Dorothy Lamour was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1914. She died aged 81

■ Italian film producer Carlo Ponti was born in Italy in 1912.

He died aged 93 in 2007.

Australian fashion designer Maggie Tabberer is 80 (1936).

Singer, dancer, TV presenter and writer Reg Livermore was born in Parramatta, in 1938 (78).

Monday December 12

■ American singer and actor Frank Sinatra was born in Hokoken, New Jersey, in 1915.

He died aged 82 in 1998.

Singer Dionne Warwick was born in New Jersey in 1941 (75 ).

Irish singer and television presenter Daniel O’Donnell was born in Donegal in 1961 (55).

Tuesday December 13 ■ American actor Dick Van Dyke was born in Missouri in 1925.

He is 91 this year.

Singer/songwriter Ross Ryan was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1950 (66).

Australian signer Anthony Callea was born in Melbourne in 1982 (34). He made No 1 with The Prayer.

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 Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 39

Observer Showbiz

Kirsty Webeck

● Kirsty Webeck ■ Melbourne-based stand up comedian Kirsty Webeck presents her new show Kirsty Webeck’s Comedy Crushes from December 7 – 11.

Webeck is a Melbourne-based stand up comedian who in three short years has become a successful touring comedian, having performed alongside some of the biggest names in Australian comedy.

This December, she brings together three of her favourite comedians each night to present you with a huge five night run of stand up comedy.

With a line up including Nath Valvo, Demi Lardner and Geraldine Hickey, to name a few, this will be a fine opportunity to see some of the country's finest comedians warming up for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Performance Dates: December 7 – 11 Tickets: $32/$28 Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/ kirsty-webeck-s-comedy-crushes - Cheryl Threadgold

At 1812 Theatre

■ As part of the Knox City art shows Immerse artist Flossie Peitsch is exhibiting some of her works at The Bakery Gallery, 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St, Fern Tree Gully.

The exhibition is titled Habitat: Not White and Black.

Peitsch states that Habitat is an exhibition of new art - matter-of-factly reduced to black and white which explores the global environment as a major site of exchange.

The anomalous perspective may be seen by a 'lower' creature, a dog perhaps. Dogs do not see colour - as most people know.

This 'dog' aligns strange artefacts of her interest and odd connections but additionally assembles them with detached perplexity.

Many humans can identify with this ambivalent position. No one fully understands the world in which we currently live. No one can singularly, dogmatically say where the world came from, where it is going or why it exists.

All we creatures share life in this connected site this earth. But only some assume power and authority. Only a few can determine the fate of fellow creatures.

The formula of influence is largely kept secret.

This paradigm is signified in all things appearing black and white but truth is clearly not the case.

The exhibition is running until Sunday, December 11. Hours of viewing are 9am - 2pm and 7pm 8pm.

- Peter Kemp

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Madame Bijou ■ Delightful Chrissie Shaw’s Bijou played last week at The Butterfly Club, or Bar du Papillon.

This fascinating one hour show, billed as a ‘cabaret of secrets and seduction’ is created, written and performed by show-biz veteran Shaw, with superb piano accompaniment and vocals by Alan Hicks, some creative, neat choreography

by Liz Lea, and all under the direction of Susan Pilbeam.

Shaw’s main catalyst for writing Bijou the Cabaret was sighting a Brassal photographic print of Madame Bijou six years ago, and the show’s well-researched fictional narrative follows the private and sensual world of Madame Bijou, who lives on the fringes of society, and survives by constantly reinventing herself.

Shaw uses seamless, masterly mood, voice and physicality changes to switch between characters as they encounter various scenarios and emotions during her protagonist’s life from young to ageing.

Using an impressive vocal range and in context with the narrative, Shaw presents a diverse selection of songs and music from 1871 – 1933.

Alan Hicks on piano also treats the audience to some solo vocal work, and beautiful, harmonious duets with Shaw.

Lighting design by Gillian Schwab and

● Chrissie Shaw in Bijou.

Photo: Sarah Nathan-Truesdale Chrissie Shaw enoperation by Sam Duncan, is effective in vi- gages her audience well, sually enhancing the ensuring we become totally immersed in her script.

The initiative of re- storytelling.

The storyline is interquesting in the program but I would recomfor patrons to have small esting, mend Bijou to change ready for the tip theatregoers more to exmug to contribute to the perience the terrific perBijou Touring Fund is ad- formance of a skilled, mirable and pertinent to consummate performer, Shaw’s first character. who does not overlook But shoving the tip mug any opportunity to give twice at a patron to em- meaning to every aspect barrass him into contrib- of her work. uting a coin, was unnec- Review by essary.

Cheryl Threadgold

Permission to Speak ■ The pure beauty of the human voice is displayed by four talented young singers to tell a story about family relationships and interactions in this latest interesting offering from Chamber Made Opera. The name of the piece Permission to Speak gives us a clue as to its story.

How many of us can relate to a similar scenario in our own families? Lack of healthy positive communication can sometimes be divisive and destructive.

Repressed feelings simmering below the surface can burst forth inappropriately at times.

Arts House provides a perfect performance space for ‘theatre in the round’ which works well in this production.

The four young vocalists, Georgie Darvidis, Edward Fairlie, Josh Kyle and Gian Slater blended their voices beautifully, producing warm, delicate harmonies invoking an emotive response. All are experienced, qualified singers and performers.

Voices also cleverly echo from around the theatre looming from the darkness, surrounding the audience and adding to the impact.

This is a premiere and is a first time

● Gian Slater (left), Georgie Darvidis, Josh Kyle and Edward Fairlie in Permission to Speak.

Photo: Bryony Jackson collaboration between Director and Chamber Made OperaArtistic Associate Tamara Saulwick and composer Kate Neal and we hope there are more joint performance pieces from these talented arts practitioners.

The technical crew, sound designer Jethro Woodward, lighting designer Bosco Shaw and costume designer Marg Howell all provide significant support to the production making it a tight and well presented package. artshouse.com.au/ chambermadeopera.com - Review by Jill Page

Improvised Musical ■ The Butterfly Club and Original Cast presents The Completely Improvised Musical from November 30 – December 4, It’s everybody’s worst nightmare. You’re standing on the stage and ate last note of the overture dies in the air… but you don’t know your lines! What’s the choreography? Harmonies? Were you supposed to learn harmonies?!

This might terrify you, but it thrills Original Cast and their audiences alike every night as they step out with nothing and create a whole new musical on the spot.

Original Cast are proud to bring The Completely Improvised Musical to the Butterfly Club. Using nothing but their wits, skills and a title provided by the audience each night, these improvisers will present a run of five sparkling new musicals.

From soaring ballad to improvised dance, Original Cast have enjoyed successful seasons at the Improv Conspiracy Theatre, leaving audiences wanting more. Each performance is a completely new work, utilising song, dance, harmony, brand new characters and a whole plot made up on the fly.

Sounds impossible right?

The performers include veterans of Melbourne’s premier improvisation troupes, The Improv Conspiracy and Impro Melbourne, as well as graduates of WAAPA, the Victorian College of the Arts, Federation Universityand Chicago’s world-famous iO Theatre.

Even the musical accompaniment is completely improvised by some of Melbourne’s best up and coming musical directors, with the troupe under the direction of Green Room Award winner Andrew Strano.

Venue: The Butterfly Club Dates: November 30 – December 4 Time: 7.00 pm Tickets: $32 Full, $28 Concession $25 Group Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com ● From Page 37

Nod to Casablanca But the events in the film test him and Pitt’s responses look a little one-dimensional. Pitt at 52 does not look the lothario he once did and the downward spiral in his relationship with wife Angelina Jolie during the making of Allied may have distracted him.

The other big Hollywood spiritual ancestor floating around this film feels like Alfred Hitchcock, whose style and influence is recalled when Gitannesmoking ladies and Nazis from central casting are put together at a French ambassador’s cocktail party in Casablanca or in an interrogation by a Secret Service poo-bah in one of those government-green, rooms-without-windows underneath Piccadilly Circus.

The film takes on a different tone when the action moves to London. Far from the Home Office posters depicting a stoic Keep Calm and Carry On mood, the film explores the drug and alcohol fuelled, hedonistic lifestyles that some embraced knowing that flying sorties over Germany came at a high risk and a high cost.

This is a big production, but the director is suitably restrained on the special effects. While we can’t say for certain that the film is based on a true story, it has a sense of authenticity about it and pays respect to its Hollywood forebears.

In Village Cinemas, Boxing Day. - Review by Martin Curtis

Live Art residence ■ Punctum opens the Seedpod Live Art residence program for 2017.

Seedpod residencies provide $1000 to artists plus $1000 of in-kind technical, professional and management support and up to one month’s free use of a space.

For 2017, one of the Seedpod residencies will be dedicated to a Live Art proposition developed and showcased as a ‘performance disruptor’ at the Phee Broadway Theatre in Castlemaine, and the Engine Room in Bendigo.

Proposals close 12 Non on Friday, December 16 More information:- www.punctum.com.au/residencies/seedpod

Page 40 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not in Blu-Rays and DVDs

● Oscar winners Matt Damon and Alicia Vikander in the allnew fourth outing of the action franchise in Jason Bourne.

FILM: JASON BOURNE: Genre: Action/Thriller.

Cast: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Julia Stiles, Vincent Cassel.

Year: 2016.

Rating: M. Length: 123 Minutes.

Stars: **½ Verdict: Jason Bourne, the CIA's most dangerous former and elusive operative is drawn out of hiding again to uncover more explosive truths about his past, again. From the opening frame this fourth outing in the Matt Damon Bourne franchise propels the viewer into such a sense of frenetic urgency the narrative clarity fails to engage, and when it does, reveals little more than a muddled rehash and dizzying kaleidoscope of previous outings. Nonetheless, as our super-spy leaps and bounds from one punch up and chase to another, with deceptive and grumpy CIA boss Tommy Lee Jones in pursuit, among others, director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon ensure this popcorn pot-boiler has more than enough frenetic action to absorb, even though the genuine thrills and dynamic force of its predecessors, like our ex-anguished amnesiac spy, are but a faded memory.

FILM: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS - The Movie: Genre: Crime/Comedy.

Cast: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks.

Year: 2016.

Rating: TBC. Length: 91 Minutes.

Stars: ** Verdict: After attracting both media and police attention for accidentally knocking Kate Moss into the River Thames, Edina and Patsy hide out in the south of France. Like too many before it, what sparkles on the small screen fails to deliver as a feature film.

Missing is the savage wit, sharp dialogue, brilliantly staged over-the-top visual gags and sheer no-holds-barred risk taking that made the series a hilarious masterstroke of comic and sometimes controversial topics that made it the classic that it is. The jokes are tired and all too often fall flat, the pacing scattered and even though Saunders and Lumley work well together, the stars are well past their use-by-date, leaving it far too long to bring a big screen version, resulting in an inferior version of a 1960's "Carry On" romp. Featuring a host of cameo appearances including Rebel Wilson, Kate Moss, Graham Norton, Kathy Burke, Jerry Hall, Jon Hamm, Dawn French, Barry Humphries, Joan Collins, this feels like nothing more than a double episode of the series butt ended together, and two poor episodes at that.

FILM: Z: Genre: Drama/Thriller/Crime/Mystery.

Cast: Yves Montand, Irene Papas, Jean-Louis Trintignant.

Year: 1969.

Length: 127 Minutes.

Stars: ****½ Verdict: Following the murder of a prominent Politician, an investigator tries to uncover the truth while government officials attempt to cover up their roles,. Gripping edge-of-your seat political thriller from Oscar winning filmmaker Costa-Gavras is one of the greats of the genre, loosely based on the true story of the 1963 assassination of Greek left wing activist Gregoris Lambrakis, stand-out performances all round, the superb direction of Costa Gavras, the striking rhythmic editing, the expressionistic verite cinematography and propulsive music score bring it all together beautifully, a compelling, thought provoking and unforgettable experience, winner of the Academy award for Best Foreign Film.

Hugely influential in film to follow, most notably "The French Connection." Costa-Gavras also directed: "State of Siege" (1972), "Missing" (AA-1982), "Hanna K." (1983), "Music Box" (1989) and "Amen" (2002).

All highly recommended!

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs With Jim Sherlock and Aaron Rourke

Rourke’s Reviews ■ Rise (MA). 119 minutes. Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Using J.G. Ballard's acclaimed 1975 novel as a springboard to satirise the onset of Thatcher's Britain, director Ben Wheatley's latest feature not only confirms what a distinctive talent he is, but also reassures serious movie-goers that provocative films can still be made today.

Set in the late 1970s, the story centres on doctor Laing, who has been allowed the privilege of moving into the exclusive high rise buildings which are nearing completion.

An innovative combination of state-of-the-art housing and convenient consumerism, these gleaming constructions offer a dream where anyone can experience success both social and financial, but as Laing will soon discover, there is a hierarchy to what can and can't be enjoyed.

Ben Wheatley, who has garnered a strong following since his 2009 debut Down Terrace, has always been interested in the working class and their place in society, and High Rise is his most overtly cynical exercise to date.

No matter how much the powersthat-be promise to even out the playing ground, the multitude of those without wealth always quickly find themselves under the thumb of the elite few, and High Rise presents this unbalanced pyramid to flamboyant effect.

The at-times surreal environment, where the rich love indulging in dressup, and living quarters that border on the hallucinatory, jar effectively with those occupying the lower floors, obsessed with the myth that everything will be fine if they can ascend to an apartment located higher up.

With the new rules brought in by Thatcher, it is now a dog-eat-dog world.

Wheatley and his longtime screenwriter Amy Jump, who has scripted (and edited) every one of his films since Kill List, cleverly combine Ballard's class system-critical, psychologically diseased observations with the British government's catastrophic dip into capitalistic policies in the late 70's-early 80's, and the theoretical dream of riches for all versus the reality of the haves and the havenots is both pungent and darkly funny.

Hiddleston (Thor / The Night Manager) is perfect as the well-groomed inductee who quickly realises where he actually finds himself on the social ladder, and Luke Evans (The Raven / No One Lives / The Hobbit) exudes passion and instability as the everyman who wants to know what it's like to live in greener pastures.

Elisabeth Moss provides the film's most humanistic moments, a wife/ mother who initially just wants her family to live a good and honest life.

Jeremy Irons is excellent as the upper-class architect over-seeing this concrete big bang, attempting to create a perfect universe, but incapable of controlling the way it evolves.

Special praise must be afforded to production designer Mark Tildesley and cinematographer Laurie Rose (another Wheatley regular), who with Wheatley have created what is one of the most stunningly designed films in recent years.

There is visual perfection here that has to be seen to be believed. The descent into social and personal mad-

ness within the confines of a surfacelevel revolutionary construction is highly reminiscent of David Cronenberg's 1975 cult classic Shivers.

As Cronenberg is a fan of Ballard, and even adapted his novel Crash into a brilliantly disturbing film in 1996, one can't help but feel High Rise was an inspiration for the Canadian filmmaker's memorable big-screen debut.

High Rise has proven highly divisive (as was Crash), so be prepared for a film that demands your complete involvement.

Whether you like it or hate it, there is no mistaking that it represents the vision of a director who is helping keep cinema exciting and fresh.

RATING - **** The Mermaid (M). 94 minutes.

Now available on DVD. Having achieved incredible boxoffice success earlier this year, The Mermaid has quietly arrived on DVD. This is an enormous pity, as it is flat-out one of the funniest films to be released in recent years.

The story introduces us to reckless billionaire Liu Xuan (Chao Deng), a rags-to-riches businessman who owns various coastal islands.

Using sonar technology that his company have designed, as well as striking a deal with the sexy, ruthless Ruolan (Yuqi Zhang), he will be able to lay claim to a particular island, one that is protected because of the local marine life.

The devices cause dolphins and other species to retreat from the area, but if they do remain they will suffer an explosively bloody end.

Another sea community affected are the local mermaids, who devise a plan to woo and then kill the womanising Liu. The scenario will involve pretty, innocent Shan (Yun Lin, who at times resembles a young Shu Qi), but the mission backfires when Liu and this would-be assassin fall in love.

There is so much to enjoy in The Mermaid. The pacing is breakneck yet fluid, and the visual effects are cartoonish in the best possible way, giving the whole premise a largerthan-life feel.

The comedy is razor-sharp, and whether the gags are physical or verbal, the execution is split-second perfect.

With so many comedies today feeling bloated and lazy, it is tremendous to see such a movie written, played, and cut with such refreshing precision.

Performances play a large part in the film's success. Chao Deng walks a brilliant line between obnoxious excess and street-level charm, and his character arc is both funny and endearing.

Show Luo scores well as Octopus, the original devisor of the assassination plot, and a running gag that evolves between he and Liu's bodyguards is hilarious.

The standout however is Yun Lin, who is completely enchanting as Shan.

Exuding an honesty and sincerity that is positively infectious, Lin also displays immaculate comic timing, and a number of her facial expressions are priceless. This will no doubt catapult her into the big time the same way Amelie did for Audrey Tautou.

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. 2. ANDRE RIEU: CHRISTMAS WITH ANDRE CINEMA LIVE. 3. THE FOUNDER. 4. ARRIVAL. 5. DOCTOR STRANGE. 6. BAD SANTA 2.

7. HACKSAW RIDGE. 8. THE ACCOUNTANT. 9. YOUR NAME. 10. THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: DECEMBER 1: DANCER, LITTLE MEN, QUEEN OF KATWE, ROYAL BALLET: ANASTASIA, THE FAMILY FANG, THE LEGEND OF BEN HALL, TROLLS, UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS, UP FOR LOVE. DECEMBER 8: LITTLE MEN, OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY, THE DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. JASON BOURNE [Action/Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones].

2. WAR DOGS [Comedy/Crime/ Drama/Jonah Hill, Miles Teller].

3. ABSOLUTEY FABULOUS: The Movie [Comedy/Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley].

4. THE SHALLOWS [Drama/Blake Lively].

5. BEN-HUR [Adventure/Drama/ Jack Huston, Morgan Freeman, Toby Kebbell].

6. FINDING DORY [Animated/ Family/Adventure/Ellen DeGeneres, Ed O'Neill].

7. NERVE [Crime/Thriller/Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade].

8. THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - The Touring Years.

9. BAD MOMS [Comedy/Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn].

Also: ICE AGE COLLISION COURSE, STAR TREK BEYOND, SAUSAGE PARTY, FREE STATE OF JONE, HIGH-RISE, MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES, XMEN: APOCALYPSE, LIGHTS OUT, THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, GHOSTBUSTERS. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: SUICIDE SQUAD [Action/Adventure/Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie].

THE BFG [Fantasy/Adventure/Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton].

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS [Animated/Comedy/Adventure/Albert Brooks, Steve Coogan].

MAD MAX - FURY ROAD: Black & Chrome Edition [Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron].

MR. FUZZYPANTS [Family/Comedy/Fantasy/Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner].

NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLURAY THIS WEEK: SUICIDE SQUAD [Action/Adventure/Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie].

SUICIDE SQUAD 3D + Blu-ray [Action/Adventure/Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie].

Turn to Page 45

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 41

Observer Showbiz

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

‘Robinson Crusoe’ at Ormond The Wizard of Oz

● Christina Savopoulos, David Peters, Simon Nixon, Mathew Arter and Robbie Nicholson rehearse The Wizard of Oz. Photo: Rebecca Bassett ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the HTC Youth production The Wizard of Oz from December 9 – 18 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.

Based on the Frank Baum classic, adapted by Ryan Purdey, Erich Fordham and Karenna Dhaliwal, this show will be directed by Morgan Thomas-Connor and Julian Adams.

Performances: December 9 – 18 Times: December 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7pm; December 10, 17, 18 at 2pm Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children Bookings: www.htc.org.au or box office 9457 4117 and door sales.

KORALY ■ La Mama presents Koraly, written, produced and performed

by Koraly Dimitriadis with direction by Cypriot dramaturg Olga Aristodemou.

A poet, writer, performer and filmmaker and credited with bestselling anthology Love and F**K Poems and, Good Greek Girl, Koraly makes her much anticipated theatre debut at La Mama Courthouse with this one-woman show.

Koraly’s words “I say the wrong thing all the time” sets the scene for this story of her life growing up in a close-knit Greek Cypriot family and being a good Greek girl until, through desperation leading to depression, she undertakes a journey of selfdiscovery.

She shoulders this age-old problem facing children of immigrants as she sheds shackles and re-builds her identity while risking irretrievable separation from her family.

Her honest performance unearths a potent talent to depict raw emotions through her words, voice and nonverbal expression as she exposes her vivid feelings of anger, submission, happiness, confusion and acceptance.

We are left in no doubt that this is her story as we are pulled back and forth between contemporary and traditional forces of the family, church and community.

Presenting the audience with a large tray of kourabiethes, Koraly humorously portrays her mother with typical traits of wanting her daughter to be a good girl, have a successful career, marry a Greek, have children and be the perfect Greek kitchen wife.

This scene is aptly accompanied by Christian Bianco’s song ‘Take some biscuits’ and as we take biscuits and, we too, are seduced by cupboard love.

This production includes film footage of ritual, Cypriot wedding preparation and of the migrant ship Patris arriving at Station Pier and is enhanced by lively modern and traditional songs and dance Sexual references, recommended for 18 years and over.

Performance dates: Until December 11 Times: Wed. 6.30pm, Thu. Fri. Sat. 7.30pm, Sun. 4pm Venue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton Tickets: $25 Full, $15 Concession.

Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6948 - Review by Sherryn Danaher

OUR TEAM ■ ■ Theatre reviews in the Melbourne Observer are contributed by an honorary team including Mark Briggs, Rita Crispin, Martin Curtis, Barbara Hughes, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, Graeme McCoubrie, Catherine McGregor, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Jill Pageand Elizabeth Semmel. These reviewers provide their own time, and cover their own transport costs, with the aim of fostering the non-professional theatre sector in Victoria.

Melbourne

Observer ‘F’ BY RIOT STAGE

SHOWS ■ The Adelphi Players Theatre Company: Robinson Crusoe (by Fred Rome) Until December 11 at the Booran Road Hall, 264 Booran Rd., Ormond. Director: Michael Mace. All tickets $10.

Bookings: 9690 1593.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company/Heidelberg Youth Theatre: The Wizard of Oz from December 9 - 18 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Directors: Morgan Thomas-Connor and Julian Adams.

Tickets: $10/$5. Bookings: www.htc.org.au ■ PLOS Musical Productions: Wicked December 31 - January 7 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Tickets: $52/$42 U16 $37. Bookings: http://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/ Whats_On_-_Buy_Tickets/Wicked

AUDITIONS ■ PEP Productions: Is There Life After High School? December 7 7.30pm - 10.30pm at Wantirna Primary School, 120 Mountain Highway, Wantirna. Director: Justin Cleaver; Musical Director: Stephen Amos. Audition Bookings: https:// www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummar y.aspx?eid=242557 ■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) December 13 and 14 at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Rd., ■ MLOC Productions Inc: Footloose January 31 - February 5 in Parkdale. Director: Leah Osburn; Musical Director: Malcom Huddle; Choreographer: Natalie Heels Audition bookings: www.mloc.org.au

CALIBAN ■ Edge Ensemble’s Caliban is a fresh, new take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Set in a dystopian world in the near future, the narrative confronts climate change and colonisation in a reworking of the Shakespeare classic and also reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of the cast ranging from Samoa, South Sudan, Croatia, Afghanistan and Ghana in its re-telling.

The story has shifted to a Pacific Island under siege from rising sea levels. Here, Prospera (Natalie Lucic), a brilliant inventor, has found refuge with her adopted daughter, Miranda (Achai Deng).

Prospera begins work on her new invention: the ultimate artificial device, Ariel (Piper Huynh). Prospera then uses Ariel to entice Ferdinand (Abraham Herasan), a rich oil baron, to the island.

Caliban (Oti Willoughby), an island inhabitant, plots with Phano (Rexson Pelman) to thwart Prospera’s best laid plans.

Lucic’s Prospera and Herasan’s Ferdinand both give convincing, robust performances. Deng not only puts in a solid performance as Miranda, but also sings.

Willoughby is excellent as the brooding Caliban. Along with Pelman, he provides fabulously timed physical theatre and comedy to the role. Huynh’s Ariel combines other-worldliness and techno elements to convince us of the rise of the machine.

Ensemble Edge is made up of performers who got their start with Western Edge Youth Arts. Most of the cast joined Western Edge as teenagers while still in high school.

Original musical accompaniment is provided by Callum Watson, another alumnus of Western Edge.

The production played to a packed audience of millennials who were clearly enjoying it.

Devised in collaboration with writer Georgia Symons and directed by Tariro Mavonda and Dave Kelman, this is a terrific production and can hold its own against any mainstream company and undoubtedly deserves a longer run. Let’s hope it gets it.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

● Sunny Chiron. Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Since 2010, Riot Stage has collaborated with independent professional artists and teenagers to create innovative, dangerous, thought provoking work inspired by the experiences of young people. “F” is certainly that.

“F”s catalyst is the controversial 1891 classic, SpringAwakening by Frank Wedekind exploring the ramification of sexual oppression and a lack of sexual education at the turn of the 20th century.

Where teenagers of the day were forced to navigate their coming of age on their own as adults withdrew from any discussion or understanding, seemingly to ”protect” their children from a subject assumed to be above their heads.

Now a century later Riot Stage as part of the Poppy Seed Festival through “F” elucidates growing up in the age of the internet, web-cams, sexting, home-made porn videos and the consequences of social media.

Director Katrina Cornwell, writer Morgan Ross and Assistant Director Amelia Newman worked with a group of 12 teenagers that through their candid conversations, gutsy improvisations and anonymous online surveys revealed the issues they face and how technology informs their “awakening”.

Bringing it to the stage, although no names are used or actors identified were (in alphabetical order) Bonnie Brown Charlie Brown, Sunny Chiron, Sarah Conroy, Ross Daniels, Todd Kingston, Elise Louey, Alanna Marshall, Thi Minh Chou (Blair) Phan, Bert van Rijn, Taylor Seagal, Izzy White and Jack Zapsalis.

Using multi-media the confident cast put a lot of effort and sincerity into their performance dealing with topics such as, does sex hurt, masturbation, pubic hair, consent and gender equality.

The set was fairly basic in the New Ballroom while at times it was under lit and some lines delivered softly.

Rated 15+ “F” certainly should attract teenagers seeing their peers relating topics close to their hearts.

Dates: Until December 11 Cost: $20/$35 Venue: Trades Hall New Ballroom. 2 Lygon Street Carlton Bookings: on line, enquiries@poppyseed.net.au - Graeme McCoubrie

EARLY BURLY

PENELOPIAD ● From Page 11 This was a wonderful ensemble piece with the story unravelling through a combination of song, narration and reenactments.

At different times different cast members represented Penelope, while others were her maids. Interspersed were quite marvellous circus acts with rope and trapeze choreographed by Mia de Burca.

The creative team of Karen Berger, Mia de Burca, Steph Kehoe, Sim Sheridan, Franca Stadler and Devon Taylor, did a fabulous job working the large ensemble cleverly and thoughtfully through the women’s experiences.

Penelopiad was an engaging and compelling piece of theatre performed at the Drill Hall.

It was also inspiring to see a group of women coming together to support and look after each other, all the while making thoughtprovoking and meaningful art.

- Review by Beth Klein

● Caterina Vitt, Adelaide Everheart and Petra Dish.

■ Early Burly is a vaudevillian circus of a night, showcasing Melbourne’s finest burlesque and comedy artists.

Award winners and strip-teasers alike will tread the boards of the Butterfly Club from December 14 – 18 at 7.00pm .

Clad in a tuxedo, top hat and stilettos, á la Marlena Dietrich, host Adelaide Everheart will present a star-studded selection of Melbourne’s burlesque, vaudeville, sideshow, comedian and drag artistes.

Bookings highly recommended. Dates: December 14- 18.

Time: 7pm. Cost: $25-32. Venue:The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne. Tickets: thebutterflyclub.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Melbourne

Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 26 Across

Across

1. Hair-stylist 6. Straight-line racing car 11. Famous Indian mausoleum (3,5) 15. Nightclub dancer 20. ... kwon do 21. Labyrinths 22. Aegean or Caspian 23. Lahore is there 24. Mad Russian monk 25. NE Scottish seaport 27. Jumbo animal 28. Watering tube 29. Fixed gaze 31. World fair 32. Cruel person 36. Pins & ...

37. Prolong (4,3) 38. Checks (text) for errors 41. Renovate (ship) 44. Metal bar 45. Unfortunately 48. Sneeze noise (1-6) 49. Oddball 52. Rectangular 56. Addressing crowd 57. Anxious (2,4) 58. Perfumed burning stick 61. Goat's wool 62. Economises, ... & saves 63. Fibbing 64. Naomi Campbell is one 65. Imperial ruler 66. Collided with (3,4) 67. Disincentive 71. Absurd comedy 73. Of the ear 75. Windbag 80. Clarify, ... light on 82. Hone 83. Disobey 85. Gauges 86. Befuddles 88. Labourer's tools, pick & ...

90. Welcomes 91. British coin 93. Taking sides 94. Climbing plants 95. Female voices 96. Wither 97. Tingle 99. Mark as correct 100. Holy places 104. Rubbish 105. School maxim 106. Track down 107. Sent via Internet 111. The other way around, vice ...

113. Observe 114. The masses, ... polloi 115. Disorderly 117. Smear 118. Affirmative replies 121. Russian spirit 122. Mustard & ...

125. Canine disease 126. Shaving cut 127. Roman dress 129. Pulpy, soft food 131. Yoga master 132. Apprehension 135. Feng ...

136. Unplaced competitor (4-3) 139. Wild party 140. Representatives 144. Strangely 145. Scandinavian 146. Wall painting 147. Underwriters 148. Glared

149. Gallows rope 150. Group of eight 152. Hang loosely 154. Flog 157. Fluid unit 158. Minutest 162. Iran's neighbour 163. Exhausts supply of (4,2) 166. Porridge cereal 167. Pour with rain 169. Slow down!

171. Car pioneer, Karl ...

172. Tobacco user 173. Leers 175. Lever (off) 176. Single 179. Swiss banking centre 180. Come to rest (3,2) 182. Liqueur, ... Maria 183. Towards stern 184. Blackboard stand 186. Negative 189. Harness-racing horse 190. Return (of symptoms) 191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ...

192. Big Apple city (3,4) 196. 60s pop dance (2-2) 197. Dad 198. Heedful 199. Spend extravagantly 201. Not fit for consumption 202. Gloomier 203. Performing 204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4) 205. Worked hard 208. Guidance 210. Up to this time 211. Aquatic bird 212. Pragmatism 213. Vein of ore 215. Vending machine 219. Nimble 221. Small & efficient 223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3) 227. Biology or physics 228. Mummifies (corpse) 230. Donations 231. Scorch 232. Charts (course) (4,3) 233. Villain 234. Arrogant newcomer 238. Power outlet 239. Knit with hooked needle 240. Scratch 243. Eagle nests 246. Ancestry 247. Lease again 250. Naming words 251. Greek philosopher 253. Muddles (up) 256. Frequent visitor 257. Mischievous 258. Character 262. Manufacture 263. Florida's Key ...

266. Is in debt to 268. Citrus fruit 269. Surgical removal 270. Not enclosed (of land) 271. Ruling (monarch) 272. Decimal unit 273. Opinion surveys 274. Corroded, ... away at 275. Slyer 276. Supervised 277. Perseveres 278. Least

Down 1. Manages 2. Annoyed 3. Abstains from food 4. Salt Lake City state 5. Absconded (3,3) 7. Severely simple 8. Seedy conditions 9. Discharge 10. Talk wildly 11. Muscle rupture 12. Fire-resistant material 13. Of war 14. Country dance 15. Leaked slowly 16. Aura 17. Windscreen cleaner 18. Rocky Mountains state 19. Early guitars 24. Tenant's fee 26. Fish traps 30. Quarrel 33. Document bag, ... case 34. Evoke 35. Cavalryman 38. Triangular-sided building 39. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 40. Learn (4,3) 42. Great ages 43. Charges with crime 46. Furiously 47. Beliefs 49. Properly nourished (4-3) 50. Frostier 51. Stray 53. Bewails 54. More mature 55. Biblical sea 59. Oil paintings 60. Skittles 67. Lowers (oneself) 68. Fishing boat 69. Ex-pupils' get-together 70. Invigorate 72. Residential locations 74. Score after deuce 76. Exposed 77. French N-Test region, ... Atoll 78. Rude 79. Pestered 81. Cargo door 84. Unnerves 87. Strong coffee 89. Nonconformists 91. Primitive 92. Japan's second largest city 98. Recording room 101. Restrict (3,2) 102. Asian cricketing nation 103. Flattened 108. Countless number 109. Saturate (with colour) 110. Turn inside-out 112. Remembered 116. Carpenters 119. Brightening up 120. Proper behaviour 123. Now Zimbabwean 124. Set apart 128. News-sheet 130. Ill-bred 132. Unfulfilled

Down

133. Inaccuracy 134. Songs for one 137. Actress, ... Sarandon 138. Scoundrel 141. Heredity units 142. Cosy corners 143. Clean with broom 151. Household jobs 153. Riddle 155. Hot & moist 156. Lower leg joint 159. Revealed (knowledge) 160. Foolishness 161. Inducting, ... in 164. Too soon 165. Open wound 168. Alienate 170. Unfashionable 173. Reverse 174. Giving university talk 177. Soundly constructed (4-5) 178. Worsened (of crisis) 181. Leaves uncared-for 185. Permitting 186. Liked 187. Retailers 188. Football umpire 193. Sun or rain 194. Acorn bearer (3,4) 195. Sing-along entertainment 200. Prayer beads 201. Official emblems 206. ... & lemons 207. Wear best clothes (5,2) 208. Human rights group, ... International 209. Modesty 211. Large pedal 214. Moral 216. Dip in liquid 217. Capers 218. Numerals 220. Conclude 222. Toadstools 224. Great joy 225. Questionable 226. Junior 229. Fully satisfy 232. Liquefy 235. Actress, ... Cruz 236. Straighter 237. Reaction 241. Changing booth 242. Picasso & Monet 244. Library patrons 245. Belongings, personal ...

248. More meagre 249. You 251. Walk with heavy steps 252. Turns away 253. Imitate 254. Father Christmas 255. Praise highly 259. Divine messenger 260. Combine 261. Roman VIII 262. Small tick 264. Unknown writer 265. Swallow noisily 267. Appear

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 43

Solution on Page 36

MEGA

CROSSWORD No 26 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

20

11

29

35 41

14

15

25

28 34

13

26

30

38

44

48

49

50

52

58

62

45

51

57

18

19

27

37

43

17

31

36 42

16

22

24

33

12

21

23

32

10

59

53

54

46

40

47

55

60

39

56

61

63

64

65

66 67

68

69

70

71 80

85

72

73

81

82

86

87

88

94

101

102

111

119

126 133

90

106

134

115

121

127

122

128

135

107

114

120

129

136

137

123

131 139

140

148 152

156

157

158 167

172

173 180 187

141

142

143

149

151

166

186

110

125

130

138

147

155

109

145

146

154

108

116

124

144

150

79

99

113 118

78

96

105

112

117

132

89

95

104

77

84

98

103

76

92

97 100

75

83

91 93

74

159

160

161

168

177

178

183

189

165

179

184

190

164

171

176

182

163

170

175

181

188

162

169

174

153

185

191

192

196

193

194

195

197

198

199

200

201

202

203 204

205

206

207

211 215

216

217

208

209

212

218

219

210

213

220

221

214

222

223

224

225

226

227 228

229

230

231

233

234

239

240 247

253

254

248

255

249

236

237

242

243 250

268

269

264

265

245

246 252 258 266

267

270 273

276

244

257 263

272

238

251

256 262

275

241

235

232

271 274

277

278

259

260

261

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Sport Extra

10 more inspectors on the job ■ A further ten Welfare Inspectors have joined the team at Greyhound Racing Victoria.

Expanding the team of inspectors to 18, the new recruits help increase GRV's capacity to carry out inspections, to ensure compliance by industry participants with legislation, as well as advising them about their animal welfare obligations.

The new welfare inspectors bring with them significant experience and knowledge covering animal welfare, stakeholder engagement and many other areas according to GRV General Manager - Animal Welfare, Dr Gavin Goble.

“I’m delighted to welcome the new Inspectors whose skills and experience will complement those of our current staff in the team,” Dr Goble said.

“We are now well resourced and are committed to ensuring our industry participants are compliant with legislation and the rules of racing that apply across the industry, as well as providing education and information in regards to best practice.

Inspectors work closely with GRV stewards and the Integrity Department, conducting kennel and property inspections across Victoria.

Matt’s stroke ■ Popular Gippsland greyhound trainer Matt Height faces a long road to recovery after a severe stroke on Father's Day. His sister, Jane McIntosh, has launched an online fundraising campaign titled Bring Big Matt Home, to raise funds needed to assist with hising

Greyhounds

with Kyle Galley recovery. Matt, a police officer, has been active in the greyhound industry for many years, as a trainer and also through his involvement as a committee member and past president of the Warragul Greyhound Racing Club.

According to his sister, Matt's arteries in his brain collapsed completely during the stroke.

Surgery to remove three brain clots was unsuccessful, and the right half of Matt's skull had to removed to relieve pressure on his brain and save his life.

Matt was listed as critical for two weeks, after being placed in an induced coma, and, after battling numerous infections, has now started the long road to recovery.

He is re-learning basic functions such as swallowing, eating, dressing and sitting up and his family hope he will eventually walk again and regain movement in the left side of his body.

At six feet six tall, Matt will need custom made equipment, and a redesign of his farm house, to enable his recovery to continue once he is well enough to return home.

Through the My Cause website, a fundraising campaign has raised over $15,000, towards a target of $86,000.

Although not out of danger by any stretch as he commences his recovery, Jane said the doctors and hospital staff are celebrating his determination, compassion and strength.

"He remains inspired by the opportunity to be back home on his beloved farm with his wife, boys and dogs," Jane said.

"We don’t know what’s around the corner but we do know that Matt will need to have his skull plate reattached early next year, will require 24 hour nursing on his return home and will need ongoing rehabilitation for the next 3 years at least" Further details can be found by search for Bring Big Matt Home at the website www.mycause.com.au

● Matt Height

Lithgow club president John Brain meeting when the temperature apsaid small clubs like his might have to pears likely to exceed 38 degrees. consider installing their own air conditioning to avoid losing race meetings over the warmer months.

“I have been in the game a long time and if you go back 30 years they ■ A revised hot weather policy in ■ Wednesday: The Meadows New South Wales has impacted the didn’t worry about anything like this,” Brain told the Australian Racing GreyLithgow Greyhound Racing Club.

(Day), Bendigo (Twilight), A recent Saturday afternoon meet- hound website.

Cranbourne (Night), Ballarat (N); “Without the animals there isn’t a ing was cancelled after the kennel Thursday: Shepparton (T), sport.

If they get too hot they can get temperature reached 26 degrees, the crook or even die and we can’t have Traralgon (N), Warrnambool (N); maximum temperature permitted for the kennel block under the revised that.

Friday: Healesville (D), Bendigo Greyhound Racing New South wales “At the end of the day it is looking (T), Geelong (N), Ballarat (N); Satafter the animal.” policy. urday: Traralgon(T), The Meadows The revised rules and new temWith Summer approaching, the (N); Sunday: Healesville (D), Lithgow club has taken the step of perature figure came into effect on installing air conditioning in its kennel November 1.

Sandown Park (D), Sale (T); MonThe revised policy also includes an block, to avoid any further cancelladay: Ballarat (D), Traralgon (T), option for trainers to scratch a dog from tions.

Shepparton (N); Tuesday: Geelong a race without penalty when the temAlthough all tracks in Victoria have perature is forecast to exceed 32 de(T), Bendigo (T). air conditioned kennel blocks, it appears not the case in New South grees.

- Kyle Galley Stewards can also cancel a race Wales.

Hot weather

Upcoming race meetings

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 45

Observer Victorian Sport Melbourne

Another Waller win ■ The title of the Racing Personality of the Year for the Victoria Racing Media Association prestige award has been won by one of the top of trainers of all times at a gala function at the Emerald Hill Hotel recently.

Former New Zealand trainer, Chris Waller, who has taken Australia by storm after voting here from the Shaky Isles, was a very worthy winner.

To a number of racegoers he is best known for putting the polish on champion mare, Winx, who he has taken to 13 wins in succession.

In the racing season concluded he trained 15 Group One winners and trained 169 winners for the period 2015-16 ending at the end of July.

This broke his previous record.

Waller, one of the nicest guys in racing, was unable to attend the function but the Association was able to have him recorded on television from Sydney.

He was very grateful for the honour and thanking the media very sincerely for the important role they play in highlighting the role that all involved in racing were respected.

He made a top class field which included the leading Group One jockey of the season, champion jockey, Hugh Bowman with his 10 victories and with his four wins as the top Group One jockey over this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.

One of the most brilliant and well versed jockeys riding, Bowman, gave the media a special insight into the qualities of the champion mare Winx, who presented him with her second successive Cox Plates, with an eight length win in October.

Young Caulfield trainer, Ciaron Maher, who has taken all before him after riding as a jumps jockey to the task of training gallopers, was among the nominees.

Maher, dubbed the 'Horse whisperer", continues to be one of the bright lights in horse racing especially after moving to Caulfield.

He capped off his career by steering his top class mare Jameka to a dominating win in the Caulfield Cup. Maher was hoping she could emulate a lot of past greats to win both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, but alas she was found to be injured after being checked over after her Melbourne Cup run.

Dual winning Melbourne Cup jockey, Kerrin Mc Evoy, was among the five nominated, having won the Melbourne Cup aboard the Michael Moroney trained Brew, to win the 2000 Melbourne Cup. He topped it off recently with a great ride aboard Almandin beating Heartbreak City in a tight photo giving leading owner, Lloyd Williams his fifth Melbourne Cup. Another of the great trainers, Darren Weir, was the fifth of the nominations, and over recent years has taken all before him after a rough start a few years back.

Not only does he put the polish on his horses he often shoes some of them, being an exBlackie.

Weir set an Australian record for the 2015-16 season with the amazing tally of 347.5 winners, and is not afraid to race them all round Australia.

He continues to astound Racing folk with his capacity to handle a huge team at Ballarat and his Warrnambool stables, and is always obliges to the media.

People from the William Inglis Organisation and Sportsbet were present and a couple of very important awards were handed to three representatives of the media.

Darryl Timms from the Herald Sun won the Best News Story award for his coverage of the Dan Nickolic affair.

Michael Manley also from the Herald-Sun won the Inglis Award for his work on Breeding for the Inglis Group.

Brendan Cormick, who battles Multiple Sclerosis, was a very worthy winner of the best feature racing story that on New South Wales Chief Steward, Ray Murrihy.

I t was great to see Brendan there and still plugging away with his racing stories in the Aus-

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 40

Top 10 Lists

THE BFG [Fantasy/Adventure/Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton].

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS [Animated/Comedy/Adventure/Albert Brooks, Steve Coogan].

MR. FUZZYPANTS [Family/Comedy/Fantasy/ Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner].

MAD MAX - FURY ROAD: Black & Chrome Edition [Action/Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron].

ROLLERBALL [1975/Action/Sci-Fi/Sport/ James Caan].

THIEF [1981/Action/Crime/Drama/James Caan, Tuesday Weld].

SALVADOR [1986/Drama/Thriller/James Woods, Jim Belushi].

THE PARTY: Special Edition [1968/Comedy/ Peter Sellers].

DAREDEVIL: Season 1.

JESSICA JONES: Season 1.

AGENT CARTER: Season 1.

ONCE UPON A TIME: Season 5.

BATES MOTEL: Season 3.

VICTORIA: Season 1.

INTO THE BADLANDS: Season 1.

NEW RELEASE AND RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD THIS WEEK: MAD MAX: Octane Collection [Action/Mel Gibson, Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron].

ROLLERBALL [1975/Action/Sci-Fi/Sport/ James Caan].

THIEF [1981/Action/Crime/Drama/James Caan, Tuesday Weld].

SALVADOR [1986/Drama/Thriller/James Woods, Jim Belushi].

THE PARTY: Special Edition [1968/Comedy/ Peter Sellers].

HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR [1959/Drama/ Romance/Emmanuelle Riva, Eiji Okada].

● Cox Plate winners: trainer Chris Waller and jockey Hugh Bowman. Racing Photos Cup meeting the Stewards were kept busy with plenty happening.

After the third race, three year-old filly, Green Patina, trained by Terry and Karina O'Sullivan flipped over in the stabling area, however left the course before it could be examined by the Racing Victoria Veterinary surgeon and will require a vet clearance prior to racing again.

Before the running of the Magic Millions two year-old Clockwise Classic over 1000 metres, Garrard having his first start became fractious in its starting stall, and after inspection was a late withdrawal.

It was found that the youngster was found to have blood in his left nostril.

This delayed the start of the race and the filly must gain approval in a jump out prior to racing again.

This can easily happen at the start with the youngster's inexperience, she could have knocked her head in the stall when being loaded.

It was bad luck for the connections as she was well fancied being beautifully bred by top sprinter, Sepoy, and is prepared by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne.

The hard track put paid to the chances of the Mick Price runner, Secret Agenda, in the Magic Millions three and four year-old Classic Over 1100 metres.

Mick took the classy mare out at 1.40pm due to the upgrade of the track.

She was a big chance to really test the eventual winner, Speedeor.

In the Ballarat Cup, the topweight, Turnitaround, prepared by Matthew Williams , was checked after the Cup and a vet examination revealed the gelding to have heat stress, in its right nostril attributable to trauma, In all a great day; as usual. Congratulations to blood and was showing signs of facial nerve paralysis the winners. and will The Award started back in 1979, won on that again. require a vet clearance prior to racing occasion by VRC Handicapper, Kevin Ryan. disappointing run in the Ballarat Cup The late and great Bart Cummings won the wasAnother that of Lidari, prestigious award on four occasions, back in Darren Weir. ridden by John Allen for trainer 1990 and 1991, followed it up in 1996 and last Allen said after the race he could offer no won it in 2009. explanation for the disappointing performance.

A post vet examination failed to reveal any abnormalities.

- Ted Ryan ■ After a mixed bag of racing at the Ballarat

Ted Ryan

Stewards report

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: DAREDEVIL: Season 1.

JESSICA JONES: Season 1.

AGENT CARTER: Season 1.

VICTORIA: Season 1.

ONCE UPON A TIME: Season 5.

THE FALL: Series 3.

SECRET CITY: Season 1.

BATES MOTEL: Season 3.

INTO THE BADLANDS: Season 1.

REAL DETECTIVE: Season 1.

I AM JOHNNY CASH. - James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews From Page 40 This is a major return to form for Stephen Chow (King Of Comedy / Shaolin Soccer / Forbidden City Cop), whose past two directorial efforts, the mildly entertaining CJ7 (2008) and the overly familiar Journey To The West (2013), were both below the star's usual high standards.

Here all cylinders are firing, and it is a treat to watch a film-maker hitting a cinematic home-run. For those who missed The Mermaid in theatres, please check it out on DVD, as you will experience a unique blend of energetic comedy and environmental treatise.

RATING - ****.

- Aaron Rourke

OK: John O’Keefe

■ I LUV NY NY: Magic's overnight presenter Andrew Mclaren has left the building and boarded a jetplane for three weeks holidays in The Big Apple where he, and wife, will tick tack with daughter. Andrew is a man of many parts often filling in on 3AW including being the brunt of many jokes on Friday lunch with Dennis Walters and Darren James.

■ X-FACTOR Grand Final of X-Factor on Seven resulted in lowest audience ever. Show was whipped in ratings by Nine's RBT plus 7.30 Report (ABC) , and Ten's Have you been paying attention ?. The artificial agro between judges Mel B and Iggy Azulia backfied and X-Factor is unlikely to return next season.

As a catagory talent shows appear to have expired their used by date.

- John O’Keefe

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Education and Training

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 47

Buying Guide

Page 48 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Education and Training

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 49

Real Estate

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 p

ebs 6W Webs ebstter S Str treet, Yea tr eet, Y ea Family home on large block - with all the extras!

Large brick home of 3 bedrooms with study or fourth bedroom located on a corner block of approximately 1350m2 in a sought after location. Features three Queen sized bedrooms with built in robes, master with walk in robe and en-suite bathroom complete with spa bath. There is a large study fourth bedroom, a spacious lounge room for entertaining family and friends: large modern open plan dining room and kitchen with quality stainless steel appliances and ample bench and cupboard space. There is a double carport with remote controlled access under the roofline plus a arge work shed Extras include: • Beautiful Tasmanian Oak floorboards • Large block with established gardens • Large family entertainment area with above ground swimming pool • Reverse cycle air-conditioning / heater plus ceiling fans • Huge corner block with sub division potential (STCA) or home based business.

• Ideal for Family home: with great investment potential.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au y

110 Granite Hills Road A property to steal your heart away This magnificent and picturesque house built with local granite on lush and rolling fifty acres is now for sale.

The home has a French farmhouse feel with a beautiful homely flow and quality fittings throughout. The home comprises three large bedrooms, formal lounge with wood fire surrounded by granite and timber mantle, open plan kitchen / dining room leading out French doors onto large entertainment area with breathtaking views of the sunset over the township of Yea. Also offering large family / rumpus room with study nook / reading area.

There is a guest house over the separate garage that has B&B or home based business potential plus plans were pre-approved for group accommodation to be built but never initiated. The garden features established fruit & nut trees & vegetable garden.

The land is undulating with perfect balance of pastures and established trees, currently being used to raise cattle, alpacas, chooks and "Shaun" the sheep.

There is one dam, plenty of fresh rainwater supplying the home and guest house plus a bore.

So much more is on offer here

2 Sale yar ds S tr eet, Y ea Saley ards Str treet, Yea Charming Victorian Home Seldom does such a fabulous property become available.

Built in 1870 on approximately 3800 m2, this beautiful home could be yours, situated on the high side of town offering stunning views of the Yea village and hills beyond This gracious home offers three spacious bedrooms, a formal living and dining rooms all of elegant proportions. The lovely country kitchen leads from the dining area, with electric stove-oven plus a gorgeous wood stove. There is also a large sunroom - family room and family bathroom featuring claw bath, shower and separate lavatory. Many traditional features have been lovingly maintained throughout. Recent restoration includes re stumping, solar hot water system, solar power (inverter is a 4.2KW) • High ceilings and chandeliers • Established rose gardens • Open fire places • Verandah • King sized bedrooms • Large block with sub division potential (STCA) • Large shed workshop This property represents a unique opportunity to secure a gracious period home set in an enviable location.

Kerryn Rishworth, Sales Manager Landmark Har Harcc ourts Y Yee a A 5522 High SStr tr eet, Y ea VIC 337717 treet, Yea W w w w.landmarkhar ww .landmarkharccourts. ourts.ccom.au

1 Limes oad, Y ea Limesttone R Road, Yea THE ENTER TAINER! ENTERT On 4.5 acres This rendered brick family home with 3 car accommodation is for the family that loves to entertain: Set on 4.5 acres the home consists of 3 bedrooms with robes, 2 bathrooms, study, modern kitchen with meals area, formal living-dining room, mud room-laundry and an amazing family room which is the hub of the home to keep the family entertained and together in front of the large wood stove; there are full bar facilities and a bathroom: Large picture windows open up to an undercover barbecue area: Outside the land is fully fenced, room for a couple of horses, 12Mx6MX4M shed with concrete floor and 3 phase power. The property is connected to Town Water and only two minutes out of town.

For Sale $725,000

P 5797 2799 M 04 1234 6169 E kerryn.r@landmarkharcourts.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - Page 51

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au