Melbourne Observer. 120801C. August 1, 2012. Part C. Pages 41-56

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 41

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www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer

Radio Confidential: Geelong DJ sacked ....... Page 42 Veritas: Simon Owens answers critic ............... Page 43 The Spoiler: Next week’s ‘soaps’ plotlines ............ Page 43 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ................. Page 44 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap ...... Page 45 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BIG NAME Theatre laughs in ‘His Girl Friday’

● Philip Quast ■ Across Australia there are many middle-aged parents like me for whom the name Philip Quast conjures fond memories of gazing at this handsome young singer-actor as he entertained our children on Play School in the 1980s.

Quast went on to be a West End star in London as the evil Javert in the smash hit music Les Miserables, and in more recent times graced the stage of Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne as the uptight Dad, Mr Banks, in Mary Poppins.

Philip will soon be back in Melbourne, this time at the Arts Centre's Playhouse in the Melbourne Theatre Company production of the screwball comedy His Girl Friday.

The play is John Guare's stage adaptation of the film The Front Page, a cynical satire on tabloid journalism.

Joining Quast is another outstanding actor with a fine talent for comedy, Pamela Rabe, so to see these two major talents together will be a treat for Melbourne audiences.

It's a large cast for a comedy, with 14 actors joining Quast and Rabe on stage.

Among them are some actors I consider to be first rate legends of our Australian stage - names like Grant Piro, Deidre Rubinstein and Tyler Coppin - actors who regular Melbourne theatergoers have seen and loved over the past few years.

Directed by Aidan Fennessy, His Girl Friday boasts an excellent cast and should provide a great night out with lots of laughs, which is a much-needed experience in the midst of a chilly Melbourne winter.

His Girl Friday runs at the Playhouse from August 11 to September 15. www.mtc.com.au or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or 8688 0800 - Julie Houghton

● Pamela Rabe

Lotte wears RMP crown

● Siobhan Stagg ■ Melbourne's Siobhan Stagg is a 24-year-old going places. As she won the major art song competition, the biennial Mietta Song competition, she now has $9000 to take with her overseas.

Siobhan won the $5000 Mietta Prize, as well as the O'Donnell Family Prize of $4000 to study Italian language and culture, the Tait Memorial Trust Prize and the audience prize.

It wasn't only judges singers Suzanne Johnston and John Heuzenroder , pianist Elyane Laussade and arts administrator Mel Waters who decided Siobhan was the winner - the audience obviously agreed.

Siobhan's associate artist, accompanist Amir Farid won the Hugh D.T. Williamson first prize for a pianist, so Amir walked away with $5000.

Siobhan said that the Mietta Song Competition is an important award for Australian singers, pianists and audiences because it promotes the exploration of the beautiful but sometimes neglected genre of art song, and she was particularly thrilled that her accompanist Amir was also successful.

"It was a huge privilege to work with Amir Farid as my associate artist - he's not only a brilliant pianist, but a all-round great guy - no surprise that he won the prize for best pianist for the second time."

Siobhan is a young Australian artist on the brink of international classical stardom.

Modest about her achievements, she admitted that “thankfully things are starting to fall into place as I take the first steps towards and international performance career".

The next step in the road for Siobhan, who grew up in Mildura before her university days with the acclaimed Trinity College Choir at Melbourne University under choral maestro Michael Leighton Jones, is to spend the next 12 months studying in Wales at Cardiff on my Australian International Opera Award .

She will then be in Italy on the Italian Opera Foundation award, before taking up an exciting contract at Deutsche Oper Berlin for a year from September 2013.

- Julie Houghton

● Amir Farid

● Lotte Betts-Dean, Andrew Wailes and Nathan Lay at Sunday night’s RMP presentations ■ Melbourne's Lotte Betts-Dean beatsix of Australia's finest oratorio singers to claim the crown of winner of the 2012 RMPAria at BMW Edge on Sunday night.

The Berlin-born 22-year-old mezzo-soprano won the title, ahead of 24-year-old baritone Nathan Lay as runner up, and 21-year-old bass-baritone Jeremy Kleeman, in third place.

Lotte won a cash prize of $1650, a future professional engagement and recording with the RMP, language coaching and a photographic package valued at over $500.

Also impressing the judges was second placegetter, Nathan Lay, who won $850, and an optional offer of a professional future engagement with the RMP as well as a photographic package. Nathan also won the audience favourite prize of $250 cash.

Third place getter Jeremy Kleeman was awarded $500 plus an optional future RMP engagement.

All the finalists were accompanied by RMP principal accompanist, Stefan Cassomenos.

The judging panel comprised ABC Classic FM's Graham Abbott, Victorian Opera's Roxane Hislop, RMP principal accompanist Stefan Cassomenos, with RMP Music Director Andrew Wailes as chair of the panel.

Wailes said he was delighted that a large and enthusiastic audience was at BMW Edge to hear such splendid oratorio singing.

"This is the sixth RMP Aria Final, and the competition has grown from strength to strength, now attracting the best young classical singers from Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

“It's a major competition that emerging and established professional singers want to enter, because it celebrates the art of oratorio arias," Wailes said.

Other finalists were Kate Amos, Barbara Zavros, Timothy Reynolds and Alexandra Flood, who was unable to sing due to the singer's curse, bronchitis and laryngitis but watched from the audience.

A packed BMW Edge was testament to the prestige of the competition, and the evening was rounded off with a performance of Faure's Requiem, featuring past RMPAria runners-up Greta Bradman and Nicholas Dinopoulos as soloists with the RMP Choir and Orchestra and the RMP Festival Singers, and a champagne supper.

Past winners and runners up of the RMP Aria are now high profile classical singers - names like Sony recording artist Greta Bradman;Tasmanian bass-baritone Christopher Richardson who is making a splash on the mainland; soprano Suzanne Shakespeare currently carving out a successful concert career in England; bass-baritone Adrian Tamburini, now a permanent member of Opera Australia's professional chorus; and young soprano Jessica Aszodi, who is in demand in America for her amazing vocal talents.

What they all have in common is that their success in the RMP Aria was a huge springboard for their professional careers.

More photos on P34 - Julie Houghton

Page 42 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Observer Showbiz

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

TOP GEELONG DJ SACKED

Country Crossroads

PETER MOBBS AXED AFTER 18 YEARS

info@country crossroads.com.au ● Big Breakfast Show.

Southern FM 88.3.

Tues. 6am-9am. ● Country Crossroads.

Casey Radio 97.7.

Wed. 10pm-12 Midnight

Rob Foenander

NO TOUR FOR GLEN

■ Glen Campbell has cancelled his tour of Australia and New Zealand with Kenny Rogers this month for health reasons.

Doctors advised the 76-year-old star who has Alzheimer's Disease that travelling ‘Down Under’ may be too much of a strain.

Kenny will continue with the tour, kicking off on August 10 in Christchurch, with Australian acts filling in the support slot.

BECCY COMES OUT

■ Country music star Beccy Cole has revealed her sexuality to set an example to her son Rikki that "to be yourself is the most important thing in the world" Cole told the ABC 's Australian Story she came to the realisation she was gay when she split with her musician husband Mike Albeck when Rikki was six-months-old.

Cole hopes the revelation will not change her fans regard for her music.

JORDIE IMPRESSES

■ Jordie Lane delivered a first-class performance as Gram Parsons in the theatre production of Grievous Angel.

The story of Parsons who lived fast and died young, was a pioneer in country rock music.

Jordie's vocals and guitar playing were outstanding as was his narration of the troubled life of Parsons who worked alongside and influenced some of the biggest names in music from the Rolling Stones to Emmylou Harris.

KASEY IN USA

■ Kasey Chambers will perform at the prestigious G'Day USA Australia Rocks The Pier series in California.

The free concert on Friday (Aug. 3) will also feature television's Jamie Durie hosting the event.

Past years have featured stars like Missy Higgins and Ben Lee. - Rob Foenander ■ Melbourne recording industry identity Michael Gudinski will deliver the annual National Film and Sound Archive Thomas Rome Lecture in Melbourne on August 13.

r Observbei z Show

Wednesday, August 1 ■ West Indies cricketer Sir Frank Worrell was born in 1924. He died aged 42 in 1967.

English song-writer Lionel Bart (Begleiter) was born in London inb 1930. He died aged 68 in 1999.

L ady Sonia McMahon (Hopkins) was born in 1932; died aged 77 in 2010.

● Peter Mobbs ■ Peter Mobbs, BAY FM Geelong presenter, has just been made redundant after nearly 16 years on radio in Geelong.

He made the announcement on Facebook saying: "Thanks for tuning in freaks. I had a great time in GTown radio, lots of good people. I will be ok, lots of peeps losing their jobs in GTown who are worse off than me."

Mobbs had a parting shot at network executives: “Just wish the fat f**ck in the suit did it earlier in the week while the surf was pumping.

“Thanks so much for all your thoughts and comments.

Sorry to have posted and ran, but I was running late for a jam with mates.

“Just back reading all the messages. There's fat f&** in suits everywhere culling jobs.

“Will miss being on the air, been close to 30 years. They can't stop me broadcasting on (Facebook).”

Mobbs had more: “Fat f@*** in suits is really a 'figure of speech' to the behindscenes bean counters who screw peoples lives with a flick of the pen.”

Golden Days ■ Golden Days Radio continues its listenership growth both on 95.7 FM and online.

The Glen Huntly-based station says its internet aud-

ience grew from 1060 people listening weekly to 4336 in June.

The station has presented its Shirley White Award to Joan Krutli, who presents the Monday ‘drive’ program.

Joan is well-known in community theatre circles with links to the Encore, Elwood, Malvern, Brighton and Mordialloc companies, as well as the Adelphi Players.

Radio sacking ■ From the Northern Territory comes news that HOT 100 and Mix 104.9 Program Director Phil Brandel was dismissed last week over text messages sent from a mobile phone owned by the station.

Brandel is said to have signed the criticisms under the pen-name of ‘Claudia’, a station investigation found.

● Avril Smith received a Golden Days Radio presentation on behalf of GDR member number 4 Violet Mitchell at the station’s mid-year luncheon hosted by station President Larry James. Other presentations were to the station’s wlefare oficer Jean Dodds, and 10-year volunteer Rhonda Lewis.

Familiar voices

Where is Bruce?

■ Writer Bruce Gillies is wating to find former 3DB presenter Bruce Stewart, believed to have retired to the Mornington Peninsula.

Gillies is penning a book, including a section on the Sunday afternoon concerts compered by Stewart at Festival Hall. Bruce Gillies may be contacted on 5940 2556.

ABC jobs in G’burn Valley ● Veteran 3KZ presenter Peter Philip makes the journey from Fish Creek once monthly to be with Ray Lawrence on 98.1 Eastern FM on the fourth Wednesday for the 2pm Matinee program. Roy Hampson is Ray’s co-presenter on the first Wednesday of the month.

■ ABC ‘Open’ is advertising a job in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley where the successful applicant can engage the community, and help the community “create and collaborate”.

The job involves the appointee to coach members of the community in text, photography, video and audio.

Melbourne

Observer

On This Day Thursday, August 2

Friday, August 3

Saturday, August 4

Sunday, August 5

Monday, August 6

Tuesday, August 7

■ Australian actress Gwen Plumb was born in Sydney in 1912. She died aged 89 in 2002.

American actor Carroll O’Connor was born in New York City in 1924. He died aged 76 in 2001.

Irish actor Peter O’Toole was born in Connemara, Ireland, in 1932 (80). He starred in Goodbye Mr Chips.

■ American singer Tony Bennett was born in New York City in 1926 (86).

UK TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan is 74 (1938).

US actor Martin Sheen was born as Ramon Estevez in 1940 (72).

Actor Jay North is 61 (1951).

■ The Queen Mother (Elziabeth Bowes-Lyon) was born in 1900. She died aged 101 in 2002.

US trumpeter and skat vocalist Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans in 1901. He died aged 69 in 1971.

First black US President Barack Obama was born in Honolulu in 1963.

He is 51.

■ First man to walk on the moon (1969), Neil Armstrong is 82 (1930).

Actress Penne Hackforth-Jones is 69 (1943). She was born in Connecticut.

Rock singer ‘Angry’ (Gary) Anderson is 65.

Samantha (Cheryl) Sang was born in 1953 (59).

■ Comedienne and TV executive Lucille Ball was born in 1911. She died aged 77 in 1989.

American actor Robert Mitchum was born in 1917. He died aged 79 in 1997.

Musician Geoff Harvey was born in 1935 (77).

English singer Geri Halliwell was born in England in 1972 (40).

■ US radio comedian Stan Freberg was born in 1926 (86).

VFL player and coach Bob Rose was born in 1928. He died aged 74 in 2003.

Cricketer Greg Chappell was born in SA in 1968 (64).

Actress Sophie Lee was born in Newcastle in 1968 (44).

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates.

Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

ShowBiz!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 43

Observer Showbiz The Spoiler

TV, Radio, Theatre Latest Melbourne show business news - without fear or favour

Selby and Friends

For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, August 6. Jade is forced to make a big decision when Kyle begs her to give them another chance; Paul is determined to secure his place as editor of the paper before Susan returns.

■ Tuesday, Auguest 7. Determined to make her relationship work despite her doubts, Jade overcompensates by pushing herself into ultra-romantic mode; Susan uncovers Paul’s plans to take over.

■ Wednesday, August 8. When Paul is reminded yet again of Sophie’s attachment to Zoe, he realises he needs to find a way out of this relationship fast. Later Ajay suggests to Priya that they should host a housewarming BBQ. ■ Thursday, August 9. Andrew scrambles when Tash finds another buyer for the app; Sophie buys Paul’s lie that Zoe dumped him. But will Sophie uncover the real truth?

■ Friday, August 10. Kyle’s offer of a home forces guilt-ridden Lou to confess his betrayal; Andrew’s plan to sabotage the meeting is thwarted when Tash helps Ed make a good impression.

Home and Away ■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven.

■ Monday, August 6. Ruby has a breakdown, Indi kisses Liam and Roo gets a shock when Harvey proposes to her.

■ Tuesday, Auguest 7. Harvey and Roo have an argument, Liam struggles to do the right thing with Indi, and Heath and Bianca have a romantic picnic.

■ Wednesday, August 8. Heath and Bianca discuss their future, Jett is counselled by Natalie and Danny is planning another job.

■ Thursday, August 9. Sasha tries to sabotage Dex and April's plan to move out. Danny hits Casey after learning that he's double-crossed him. Ruby tells Casey she doesn't want anything to do with him. Brax is mixed up with another drug deal.

■ Friday, August 10. Indi tells Romeo it's over for good. Dex and April find a place. And Jett learns that his father, Richard Bozic, could seek custody.

Polyglot goes to New York ■ Melbourne-based Polyglot Theatre is having its first foray into the New York City arts scene, opening on July 26 with the US premiere of one of the company’s most successful interactive installation works, Tangle, at the city’s famous Lincoln Center.

Tangle is a chaotic and ever-morphing art installation, involving 25 poles of different heights among which children, assisted by costumed performers The Weavers, unspool balls of brightly coloured elastic.

Simple yet complex, the innovative work draws children (and adults) into a wonky web that also serves as an evocative metaphor for instinct, connection, and community.

The work forms part of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival and takes place on the central Josie Robertson Plaza, one of the busiest locations during summer in the popular tourist destination.

Tangle is expected to draw an audience of 24,000 people.

Polyglot Theatre's Artistic Director Sue Giles says: "This tour is a fantastic peak for us, with Tangle having such a high profile presentation in a country that has opened its arms to this big public space interactive form.

“Playing at the Lincoln Centre is tremendously exciting and we are looking forward to having great fun with the New Yorkers, celebrating the creativity of local children and their families through this shared live art work."

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Kathryn Selby

■ The fourth tour of the 2012 Selby & Friends concert season is a program of piano quartet masterpieces including a tribute to a hymn tune by English icon John Ireland by the multi-award winning Australian composer Paul Stanhope.

Three guest artists join Artistic Director/pianist Kathryn Selby for this program of melody and charm - British violinist Elizabeth Layton, former member of the famed Nash Ensemble and leader of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Australian violist Glen Donnelly and virtuoso cellist Julian Smiles. assist@selbyandfriends.com.au

SIMON, DOES THE SAME RULE APPLY TO PATTI?

■ 3AW Nightline and Remem,ber When producer Simon Owens has hit back at criticism published last week in the Melbourne Observer.

My Star Bursts column said: “3AW fill-in host Simon Owens is being a bit precious in referring to guests such as TV legend Bert Newton as ‘Mister Newton’. Come on Simon, this is adult radio. You’re 40, not 14.”

Simon replies: “Upon reflection I believe you are quite right to say I was “precious” in referring to Bert Newton as Mr Newton in our interview Sunday evening on Remember When.

“However I don’t apologise for this. I simply believe that although I have been at 3AW for 17 years now and although I am aged 40, any perceived success on my part in producing (and occasionally presenting) Nightline is dwarfed in comparison to the success of a TV pioneer of Bert Newton’s status.

“There is a level of professional respect that I have for him that makes it hard for me to even pretend that I should able to address him on a first name basis.

“It would be fair to expect that I should put a radio presenter persona on and treat him as an equal, but I have never really been one for doing that.

“It may be a flaw in my character. But I just try to present who I am whether the microphone is on or off.

“I did call him Bert later in the interview, but to be honest it just felt wrong and I’d rather not pretend to be comfortable with it.”

■ Veritas replies: “Simon, do you apply the same rule for Patti Newton who is just as much a TV pioneer as her husband?”

Media Flashes

● Eddie Perfect will host Christmas Melodies (see report below) The Centre Ivanhoe is celebrating 75 years with a dinner dance on Saturday, September 8, 7pm-12 midnight. The Big Band era will be celebrated at the venue that was well known over decades for its public dances. John Wanner’s JW Swing Band, comprising 25 members, has been engaged for the night. Tickets, at $95 each, go on sale today (Wed.).

★

A visit by a Melbourne radio personality can ★ be big news in the ‘bush’. The Kilmore Free Press has headlined ‘3AW star in Wallan’ to mark the local visit by adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg.

Congratulations to Kevin Trask on his That’s ★ Entertainment show on 96.5 Inner FM, 12 Noon, Sundays. Last weekend’s program was cut to 60 minutes, because of football broadcasting commitments on the station. Trask was able to include interviews with John-Michael Howson, Mark Mitchell and flamboyant US gossiper Tommy Garrett. It also meant The Quiz was dropped ... a good thing, as it is a segment that can become repetitious. Next Sunday’s show will also by 60 minutes. A coming interview is with Gladys Knight of Pips fame.

Amanda Vanstone, former Liberal Senator, ★ will be a guest host on Radio National’s Counterpoint program, following the departure of presenter Paul Comrie-Thompson.

Jack Ball, SAFMAdelaide ‘jock’is joining FOX ★ FM Melbourne as their Music Director, reports Greg Newman of Jocks Journal.

● Simon Owens, 3AW Nightline program

Veritas Melbourne’s Best TV-Radio Critic

Tickets have gone on sale for Opera Australia’s ★ presentation on The Melbourne Ring Cycle 2013, to be staged from November 18-December 13. Director Neil Armfield says: “The Ring is perhaps the greatest single work of the human imagination. I hope to bring it simplicity and clarity, a playful love of story, a meaningful sense of spectacle, and an utterly ravishing theatricality.”

The Palais Theatre, St Kilda, celebrates its 8th ★ anniversary on November 11. Publicist Julie Cavanagh says the 1927 art deco theatre is number one in Australia for mid-year worldwide theatre concert ticket sales, and number 39 worldwide. It is on a list that includes New York’s Beacon Theatre and Radio City Music Hall.

A show, Curtain Up!, with Orchestra Victoria ★ will be presented at 11am and 1.30pm on Monday (Aug. 6) at Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre. Stirring well-loved and sparkling overtures from opera, ballet and musical theatre will be performed in this concert as Orchestra Victoria celebrates the re-opening of Hamer Hall. Orchestra Victoria is the Melbourne performance partner of companies including The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Victorian Opera.

Eddie Perfect has been signed to host the final ★ Morning Melodies concerts, Christmas Melodies at the Arts Centre later this year. A local hero of

● Patti Newton and Bert Newton

musical theatre, Perfect’s stage credits include Shane Warne The Musical, which he wrote, and is currently a lead in Network 10’s Offspring.

Page 44 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Observer Showbiz What’s Hot and What’s Not on DVD and Blu-Ray THE GODFATHER COLLECTION 40th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION DVD & BLU-RAY BOX SET: FILM: THE GODFATHER: Cast: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola.

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller.

Year: 1972.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 175 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: After four decades in Hollywood the classic gangster genre reached blockbuster status with this epic saga of an aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty who transfers control of his empire to his reluctant son, Francis Ford Coppola created a tough, tense, violent and exciting experience, set a whole new benchmark and standard for all others of the genre to follow, Oscar winner for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

FILM: THE GODFATHER - PART II: Cast: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola.

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller.

Year: 1974.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 200 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***** Verdict: Francis Ford Coppola's continuing story of the Corleone crime dynasty surpasses its Oscar winning predecessor in every way, overflowing with outstanding period detail, screenplay, direction and performances, Al Pacino punches a whole right through the screen with a tension filled and brutally captivating performance, a cinematic tour-de-force, this powerful epic saga continues to enthral and influence to this day, and became the first sequel to win the Oscar for Best Picture.

FILM: THE GODFATHER - PART III: Cast: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Andy Garcia, Talia Shire, Sophia Coppola.

Director: Francis Ford Coppola.

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller.

Year: 1990.

Rating: MA15+.

Running Time: 162 Minutes.

Format: DVD and BLU-RAY. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: The concluding chapter in the epic Godfather saga has the aging mafia don Michael Corleone trying to legitimize his business dealings in the late '70s and seeks to vow for his sins while taking a young protégé under his wing, but things don't quite work out as planned. Due to the replacement of Winona Ryder with Sophia Coppola (due to ill health), the noticeable absence of Robert Duvall and enormous studio pressure, this flawed, but no less gripping, final screen bow of the Corleone crime family is a powerful and fitting epic filled with moments that made its predecessors the classics they are.

BLU-RAY + DVD BOX SET HD SPECIAL FEARURES: Number of Discs: # 9.

Godfather World.

The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't.

When The Shooting Stopped.

Emulsional Rescue - Revealing the Godfather.

The Godfather on the Red Carpet.

Four Short Films on the Godfather.

The Family Tree.

Crime Organisation Chart.

Connie and Carlo's Wedding Album.

Behind the Scenes.

Music of the Godfather.

The Filmmakers.

Additional Scenes.

Galleries.

Acclaim and Response.

Trailers.

Easter Eggs .... and Much More!

DVD BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES: Number of Discs: # 5.

The Godfather Family: A Look Inside.

Deleted Scenes.

Godfather World.

The Masterpiece That Almost Wasn't.

When The Shooting Stopped.

Emulsional Rescue - Revealing the Godfather.

The Godfather on the Red Carpet.

Four Short Films on the Godfather.

Hidden Easter Egg .... and Much More!

- James Sherlock

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

MELB. INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AUGUST 2-19 ■ It's that time again, where Aussie audiences get to experience films from all over the world, many of which we wouldn't normally get the chance to see.

While there are a number of highprofile films being screened, it is again interesting to see (as has been the case over the past couple of years) the prestigious titles and festival favourites that aren't showing, making the overall line-up a little disappointing.

These include Rust And Bone, director Jacques Andiard's highly anticipated follow-up to his Oscar-nominated A Prophet; Reality, from director Matteo Garrone, whose last film was the fantastic Gomorrah; Post Tenebras Lux, directed by Carlos Reygadas (Battle In Heaven / Japon); the British monster comedy Grabbers; the fascinating Norwegian thriller Thale; the 'found footage' thriller Taped; Blind Man, from the director of Ils (Them); Livid, a well-received French thriller from the directors of the international hit Inside; the highly regarded House Of Tolerance; Abel Ferrara's low-key 4.44 : Last Days On Earth, starring Willem Dafoe; Attack Of The Werewolves, a Spanish horror/comedy that has enjoyed rave reviews; the moving documentary Ending Note; the refreshing comedy/ drama Punch; Spellbound, an entertaining mix of comedy, horror, and romance; Shunji Iwai's bizarre Vampire; the savage Serbian film The Life And Death Of A Porno Gang; The Doomsday Book; Helter Skelter, from the director of Sakuran; the quirky Swedish film Sound Of Noise; the return of the creepy, long-haired wonder in Sadako 3D, part of the hugely successful Ring series; Siberia, Mon Amour; Shinya Tsukamoto's disturbing Kotoko; the big budget South Korean war epic My Way; Silenced, based on a chilling true story; the Lewis Carroll-inspired horror/thriller The Rabbit Horror, from the director of The Grudge; another true story epic Admiral Yamamoto, featuring an allstar cast; the intriguing I Am A Ghost; Films Screening That I've Seen.

■ Rampart (USA) (Screens Aug 6, 13, 16). ***½ ■ I Wish (Japan) (Aug 4, 13). **** ■ Warriors Of The Rainbow Seediq Bale Part 1 (Taiwan) (Aug 7). ****½ ■ Warriors Of The Rainbow Seediq Bale Part 2 (Taiwan) (Aug 7). ****½ ■ Lovers On The Bridge (France) (Aug 5, 14). **½ ■ Harold And Maude (USA) (Aug 4). ***** ■ Take The Money And Run (USA) (Aug 6, 11). ***½ ■ The Fortune (USA) (Aug 6). *** ■ Modern Romance (USA) (Aug 14). ***½ ■ Miss Bala (Mexico) (Aug 7, 11). **** ■ Metropia (Sweden) (Aug 16). **½ ■ Once Upon A Time In America (USA / Italy) (Aug 19). ****½ - Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

Top 10 Lists THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. 2. TED. 3. ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT. 4. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. 5. BRAVE. 6. SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN. 7. HYSTERIA. 8. KATY PERRY: PART OF ME. 9. THE THREE STOOGES. 10. A ROYAL AFFAIR. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: JULY 26: IN DARKNESS, LOL, MAGIC MIKE, STARRY STARRY NIGHT. AUGUST 2: ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, BEAUTY, COSMOPOLIS, JO NESBO'S JACKPOT, STEP UP 4: MIAMI HEAT, HEY KRISHNA. AUGUST 9: THE CAMPAIGN, THE SAPPHIRES.

● Mads Mikkelsen from the film The Hunt For more information please go to miff.com.au or call 9662 3722. Tickets can be bought online, or in person at the MIFF Box Office located at The Forum, 154 Flinders St. the restored director's cut of CliveBarker's under-rated fantasy film Nightbreed (now clocking in at 155 minutes); and finally Scabbard Samurai, director Hitoshi Matsumoto's charming follow-up to his previous festival favourites Symbol and Big Man Japan (and is definitely his most commercially accessible film to date).

On the positive side, films to keep an eye on during the festival are Michael Haneke's Palme d'or-winning Amour (screens Aug 3, 13), Beasts Of The Southern Wild (Aug 8, 10), Sleepless Night (Aug 11, 16), Broken (Aug 15, 18), Faust (Aug 10, 18), The Angels' Share (Aug 12, 16), The Hunt (Aug 17, 19), Beyond The Hills (Aug 10, 12), Berberian Sound Studio (Aug 13, 18), The Intouchables (Aug 3, 17, 19), The Minister (Aug 12, 16), Mercy (Aug 4, 15), Chicken With Plums (Aug 5, 10), Alps (Aug 13, 19), Teddy Bear (Aug 11, 16), Farewell, My Queen (Aug 15, 18), Robot And Frank (Aug 4, 8), Safety Not Guaranteed (Aug 3, 14), Best Intentions (Aug 17, 19), Oslo, 31. August (Aug 4, 16), L (Aug 5, 7), Errors Of The Human Body (Aug 8, 11), Nameless Gangster (Aug 9, 18), Headshot (Aug 3, 5, 12), 11.25 : The Day Mishima Chose His Own Fate (Aug 5, 14), The Blindfold (Aug 4, 13), Himizu (Aug 14, 18), Ace Attorney (Aug 3, 9), For Love's Sake (Aug 17), Hara-Kiri : Death Of A Samurai 3D (Aug 5, 11), Like Someone In Love (Aug 5, 18), No (Aug 15, 17), Girimunho (Aug 15, 19), The Man On The Roof (Aug 4, 9), Easy Money (Aug 8, 17), Flicker (Aug 4, 5), Le Tableau (Aug 7, 15), ALetter To Momo (Aug 8, 14), A Monster In Paris 3D (Aug 4, 12), Killer Joe (Aug 3, 8), Sightseers (Aug 10, 15), V/H/S (Aug 4, 5), REC : Genesis (Aug 4, 10), Sound Of My Voice (Aug 6, 18), Carre Blanc (3, 14), God Bless America (Aug 17, 19), The King Of Pigs (Aug 8, 15), The Suicide Shop 3D (Aug 12, 18), and Alois Nebel (Aug 6, 16).

It will be a case of so many movies, so little sleep. Enjoy.

THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. 21 JUMP STREET [Comedy/ Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube].

2. THE BIG YEAR [Comedy/Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson].

3. THIS MEANS WAR [Comedy/ Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine].

4. HAYWIRE [Action/Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor].

5. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham].

6. ANY QUESTIONS FOR BEN? [Comedy/Christian Clark, Rachael Taylor].

7. PROJECT X [Comedy/Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper, Thomas Mann].

8. CONTRABAND [Action/Drama/ Mark Wahlberg, Kate Beckinsale, Ben Foster].

9. EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE [Drama/Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock].

10. LONDON BOULEVARD [Crime/ Thriller/Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone].

Also: MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, JOHN CARTER, MAN ON A LEDGE, THE ARTIST, CORIOLANUS, HEADHUNTERS, WANDERLUST, THE GREY, UNDERWORLD-AWAKENING, SAFE HOUSE. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: WRATH OF THE TITANS [Action/ Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Danny Huston].

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE [Action/Adventure/ Nicolas Cage].

Dr. Seuss' THE LORAX [Animated/ Family/Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift].

JOYFUL NOISE [Comedy/Musical/ Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah].

A DANGEROUS METHOD [Drama/ Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightly, Viggo Mortenson].

NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: THE GODFATHER COLLECTION: 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set. CARRY ON REGARDLESS [Comedy/Sid James, Esma Cannon, Joan Sims, Kenneth Connor].

Turn To Page 51

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 45

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ Cardinia Performing Arts Company (CPAC): Hairspray Information Evening: Thursday, August 2 at 7.30pm at the CPAC Rooms, rear of the Lion's Den pokies venue, Henry St., Pakenham. Director: Lee Geraghty; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie: Choreographer: Robert Mulholland. Audition bookings: 0407 090354.

■ Players Theatre Company: Essgee's The Pirates of Penzance August 4 from 10.00am - 3.00pm, August 5 from 1.00pm - 6.00pm, August 6 Dance Audition 8.00pm - 10.00pm at Fleigner Hall, Highland Avenue, East Oakleigh. Director: Mario Mohorko; Musical Director: Phill Scanlon; Choreographer: Hayley Wood. For more information, visit www.playerstc.net ■ Frankston Theatre Company: Murdered to Death (by Peter Gordon) August 5 (afternoon), August 6 (night), August 7 (night) at The Shed, Overport Rd., Frankston. Director: Dawn Ridsdale. Enquiries and audition bookings: 0411 869407.

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Secret Bridesmaids' Business (by Elizabeth Coleman) August 26 at 5.00pm, August 27 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Annie Blood. For audition bookings email bloodannie@gmail.com ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Dixie Swim Club (by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten), September 8, 9 from 11.00am by appointment. Director: Lois Collinder.

Audition bookings: 0417 589 015.

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hay Fever (by Noel Coward) September 10 from 8.00pm at Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Audition bookings: kris@keweber.com www.stagtheatre.org

SHOWS ■ The Mount Players: Wuthering Heights (by Charles Vance, adapted from the novel by Emily Bronte) August 26 September 15 at 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 1300 463 224 www.themountplayers.com ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hay Fever (by Noel Coward) September 10 from 8.00pm at Strathmore Community Theatre, Cnr. Loeman and Napier Sts., Strathmore. Director: Kris Weber. Audition bookings: kris@keweber.com www.stagtheatre.org ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Our Town (by Thornton Wilder) August 31 - September 15 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., West Geelong. Director: Judy Ellis.

Tickets: $25 adult non-subscribers, $19 subscribers. Bookings: GPAC 5225 1200 www.geelongrep.com.au ■ Beaumaris Theatre Inc: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat August 31 - September 23 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt: Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreography: Leah Osburn. Bookings: 9583 6896 www.beaumaristheatre.com.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Calendar Girls (by Tim Firth) September 6 - 22 at Brighton Theatre Company, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 1300 752 126 www.brightontheatreco.com ■ Track Youth Theatre: Ali Baba August 17 at 7.30pm, August 18 at 2.00pm and 7.30pm at the Renaissance Theatre, 826 High St., East Kew. Written and Directed by Ed Bailey.

Tickets: $15/$10. Bookings: 9818 3811. Tickets at the door.

■ SLAMS Music Theatre Company: Jukebox August 10 18 at the Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr. Mountain Highway and Scoresby Rd., Bayswater. Director: Ryan Purdy and Joel Batalha; Musical Director: Shane Hunt. All tickets: $22.

Bookings: 9720 3205 or http://www.trynbooking.com/29449.

INDEPENDENT THEATRE ■ La Mama presents Reg Cribb’s Unaustralia from August 1-19 at the La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton.

Crulla Beach represents the Australian dream. A paradise of white sand and blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see.

But when a lifeguard is beaten by a young man of ‘middleeastern appearance’ some start to question who really is a ‘local’? And more importantly, who are the ‘real’ Australians?

Directed by Tim Nolan, Unaustralia is an expanded version of a production that was originally part of La Mama’s Explorations season in 2010, telling the story of Ali, a devout Muslim teenager who loves to surf.

Ali watches in dismay as an altercation between his volatile, conflicted younger brother Fadi and two lifeguards erupts into an ugly racial battle.

Performance Season: August 1-19 Times: Wed, Sun 6.30pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmVenue: La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St., Carlton Running time: 80 minutes Tickets: $25 full, $15 concession Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

‘HAIRSPRAY’ AT FRANKSTON SHOWS ■ PLOS Musical Theatre: Hairspray Until August 4 at the Frankston Arts Centre. Director: Danny Ginsberg; Musical Director: Sue Fletcher: Choreographer: Steven Rostron. Tickets: $43 full price, $38 concession. Bookings: www.plos.asn.au ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay Abaire) Until August 11 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Horrie Leek. Tickets: $25/ $23. Bookings: 1300 650 209.

■ The 1812 Theatre: Brilliant Lies August 9 - September 1 at 8.00pm, matinees at 4.00pm at the 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Zina Carman. Tickets: $25.

Bookings: 9758 3964 www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre Inc: The Shell Seekers August 10 - 25, 2.15pm matinees on August 12, 18 and 4.00pm twilight performance on August 19 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Christine Grant. Tickets: $23/$20. Bookings: 1300 138645 (toll free for landlines), 9898 9090 (for mobiles).

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Out of Order (by Ray Cooney) August 10 - September 1 at 8.00pm; 2pm matinees on August 12, 19, 26 at 2.00pm, at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Tickets: $22 incl. refreshments and program. Bookings: 1300 784 668 between 7.00 and 9.00pm or online at www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Loyal Women (by Gary Mitchell) August 24 - September 8 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Bruce Cochrane. Tickets: $20/$18. Gala night extra $5. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Woman In Black (by Stephen Malatratt, based on the novel by Susan Hill), August 22 - September 8 at 8.15pm, 2.00pm matinees on August 26, September 2 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Loretta Bishop. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9735 1777. www.lilydaleatc.com

Cheryl Threadgold on 3AW ■ Non-Pro Theatre columnist Cheryl Threadgold is heard weekly on 3AW Melbourne Overnight program hosted by Andrew McLaren. Cheryl presents a segment with the latest community theatre news at 12.45am Wednesdays.

Marvellous Wondrettes

● Angela Scundi (left), Erin Herrmann, Karla Hillam and Lauren Midgley star in The Marvelous Wonderettes opening at fortyfivedownstairs on August 22.

Photo: Noah Sharwood ■ 2012 heralds the launch of exciting new independent theatre company Monster Media into Melbourne’s diverse arts scene as fortyfivedownstairs transforms into the 1958 Springfield High School Prom for the off-Broadway musical hit, The Marvelous Wonderettes, being presented from August 22 – September 1.

We meet The Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to the girls performing live, classic hits from the 1950s and ‘60s.

Created and written by Roger Bean and directed by Noah Sharwood, this musical trip down memory lane features four of Melbourne’s up and coming stars of the musical theatre scene who will transport audiences back to the era of musical hits such as Lollipop, Dream Lover, Stupid Cupid, Lipstick On Your Collar, It’s My Party, and more than 20 other classics.

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a true night of the 50s and 60s and audience members are the other guests at the prom!

Performance season: August 22 – September 1 Opening Night: August 22 at 7.30pm Times: Tue – Sat 8.00pm, Sun 5.00pm Venue fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Tickets: $40 full, $30 conc., $35 groups 6+ Bookings: 9662 9966 or www.fortyfivedownstairs.com www.wonderettes.net.au

‘Puffing Billy’ 50th anniversary ● Puffing Billy railway celebrated its 50th anniversary at the weekend.

A plaque was unveiled at the museum recognizsng this great achievement by Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Mr Edward O'Donohue. ● At left: Guard Blair Campbell, Fireman Coupar Hind and Driver Chris Tasker ● Below left: The Victoria Police Pipe Band entertained passengers and official guests before the special train departed. ● Below right: The special train arrived at Menzies Creek with passengers admiring the engine and enjoying a sausage sizzle provided by the Menzies Creek CFA. Photos: Larry James

Page 46 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 38 Across

1. Supporting structure 6. Discreetly 11. Discontent 15. Enlisting (7,2) 20. Verve 21. Circle (planet) 22. Aria-nominated singer, ... Murray 23. Soiled 25. Reflector 26. Nastier 27. Of kidneys 29. Debar (4,3) 32. Close 34. Go berserk, run ...

36. Self-centredness 39. Acute remorse 41. Tree, copper ...

43. Merits 46. Fatigued 48. Blunder 49. Swerve 51. Stone god 52. Revenge 55. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 56. Louts 59. Confuse 61. Whisky & ...

62. Tennis ace, Steffi ...

63. Condition 64. Verb modifiers 67. Many-sided figure 68. Pacify 70. Earth's environment, Mother ...

71. Stern 72. Cricket side 73. Anxious (2,4) 74. Polite form of address 75. Italian rice dish 77. Lead-in 78. Radiate 79. Measly 82. German war vessels (1-5) 86. Madden 87. Russian leader 89. Alpine flower 92. Truck's unloaded weight 94. Country, Sri ...

96. Catch sight of 98. Negative votes 100. Cure (fish) 101. Feel the loss of 103. Old Testament son of Isaac 105. French cap 106. Murder (2,2) 108. In charge, at the ...

111. Domestic servant 112. Bread grillers 114. Light classical musical 116. Early guitar 119. Authentic 120. Hasten 121. Typist's ailment (1,1,1) 123. Arguable 124. Engrave 125. Wipe out 126. Revenge 127. Constantly busy (2,3,2) 130. City's chief mail centre (1,1,1) 131. Thin-petalled flowers 135. Tartan skirts 138. Leonardo da Vinci's ... Lisa 139. Genuine thing, the ... McCoy 141. Barbie toys 144. Chew like rat 146. Sergeant or corporal (1,1,1) 147. At that time 148. Hawaiian garland 149. Female horse 150. Nautical yes 151. Cut (timber) 152. Amounted to (4,2) 153. Wine, ... spumante 155. Happily ... after 157. Garden tool 158. Volleyball court dividers 160. Requirements 161. Elevate 162. Progress chart 163. Mirth 165. Light purple 166. Uncle Sam (1,1,1) 167. Anger 168. Official decree 169. Europe/US defence pact 171. Pale beer

Across 172. Board 175. Jottings 176. Per, for ...

179. Swelled 180. Lessen 182. Tennis great, Arthur ...

184. Prompting (actor) 185. Uprising 186. Achieve 188. Drag with effort 189. Drilling platform 190. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1) 191. Utilise 193. Perfumed powder 194. Community spirit 196. Father 197. Covers 198. Overfills 200. Furtiveness 205. Definite article 207. Climbs 210. Intoxicate 211. Chatty 212. Suffer pain 213. Saint's ring 214. Mayday signal (1,1,1) 216. Zodiac crustacean 218. Wickedness 219. Eastern European 220. Dining table protector (5,3) 224. Dreamer 227. Pint-size 229. Jeans maker, ... Strauss 230. Black soft drink 231. Bounders 232. Front of leg 233. Concept 235. Durable fabric 237. Performs 239. Hitler's ... Kampf 241. The Devil 244. Dancer, ... Pavlova 246. Coiffure 249. Eye lustfully 252. Gives birth to pups 254. Make untidy (4,2) 256. Charmingly unusual 258. Pill 259. Hostile frown 260. Primped 263. Cowardly informer 264. Minor details 265. Interfere 267. Sand granules 270. Threat 271. Imperial ruler 272. Marine mollusc 273. Ancient Arabic tribesman 274. Partners 277. Yuletide 279. Sudden invasion 281. Fires (from job) 284. Famed lioness 286. High temperature 288. Died before 292. Additional 294. Encounter 295. Half-diameters 298. Cook in oven 300. Come up 301. Screened (film) again 303. Marten fur 306. Racing car's protective frame 308. Single thing 309. Embraces 311. Paltry sum of money 314. Internet message 315. Cease operating (3,3) 316. Gradually implant (ideas) 317. Dinners or lunches 318. Meadows (poetic) 319. Supplementary 320. Fiddling emperor 321. Tough circumstances 322. Nipped with beak 323. Sat lazily 324. Freedom fighter

Down 1. Load completely 2. Actor, ... Baldwin 3. Encourage (3,2) 4. Skips 5. Lock openers 6. Movie star, ... L Jackson 7. Join 8. Set fire to 9. Big Apple resident, New ...

10. Engross 11. Maximum 12. Estate agent 13. Lance 14. Expressed as 15. Yank 16. Personal 17. Eskimo shelter 18. Mongolian desert 19. Rhyme 24. Picnic blankets 28. Taj Mahal city 30. Had to repay 31. Philosopher, ... Marx 33. Atomic devices (1-5) 35. Most likely to win (4-2) 37. Brisk pace 38. Filter 40. Natives of Lhasa 42. Hag 44. Church corridors 45. Gold ore lump 47. Foolish 48. Cosmetic pencil 49. Most conceited 50. Opinion column 53. Narrowed 54. Volcanic (rock) 57. African anteaters 58. Dissolved (ties) 60. Tag for future use 63. Similar-meaning word 65. ... Sea Scrolls 66. Golfer, ... Ballesteros 68. Edible flesh 69. Front 76. Forth 79. Woman's title 80. Yawning gulf 81. Satirical play 83. Pop song's flip (1-4) 84. Sharpshooter, ... Oakley 85. Pig's home 88. Of beauty 90. Wanes 91. Interested in 93. Sheepishly 95. Amongst 97. Medieval farm labourer 99. Actor, ... Banderas 100. Indecent material 102. US Rockies state 104. Loft 107. Request from menu 109. Composer, Andrew ... Webber 110. Broad smile 111. Engage (with) 113. Thinks logically 115. Author's alias (3,4) 117. Snake-like fish 118. Point of perfection 121. Splendid clothes 122. Play piano, tinkle the ...

127. Liver or spleen 128. Stretch (of land) 129. Family-tree specialist 132. Varieties 133. Altogether (2,3) 134. Burn (hair) 135. Enlightenment 136. Gandhi's garment 137. ... & weaknesses 138. Fulfil expectations (7,2) 140. Bulkiness 141. Crystal brandy bottles 142. Verbally attacks (6,3) 143. Items of stage scenery (3,6)

Down

145. Rinse (4,3) 151. Section 154. Snares 156. Yashmaks 159. Historical period 164. And so on 169. Standards 170. Steak cut (1-4) 173. Makes fizzy 174. Young eagles 177. Anew 178. Pawns 181. US cotton state 183. Crowded together 187. From Addis Ababa 192. Picking 195. Be melodramatic 199. Idiotic 201. Mite 202. Primates 203. Pull strenuously 204. Brutal 206. Prince Andrew's ex 207. Diminish 208. Covet 209. Quacking bird 213. ... & hearty 215. Supervise 217. Bigotry 221. Fees 222. Ruined Inca city, ... Picchu 223. Siamese 224. Child's guessing game (1,3) 225. East England county 226. Restrict 228. Vagrants 234. Frivolous time-wasting 236. Caravan nomads 238. Wheel-shaft projection 240. Olympic Games body (1,1,1) 242. Rouses 243. Be unfaithful to (3-4) 245. India's capital (3,5) 247. Satisfy 248. Accounts books 250. Connections 251. Non-believer 253. Swindle 255. Jug 257. Charged atoms 258. Docile 261. Rubber 262. Gallows loops 265. Composer, Wolfgang Amadeus ...

266. Gets rid of 268. Stage whisper 269. Malay garment 275. Singing pitch 276. Tea, ... Grey 278. Paintings & drawings 280. Spray can 282. Prayer ending 283. Conserved 285. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist 287. Shoe reinforcement 289. Moved swiftly 290. Musky cats 291. TV reception pole 292. Manhandled 293. Explorer, ... Tasman 296. Aids in crime 297. Baghdad native 299. Tickle 302. White wine, ... Riesling 304. Quickly 305. High-quality printer type 306. Hurry 307. Suggestive look 308. Troubles 310. Urban haze 312. Russia's ... Mountains 313. Two-seater lounge

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 47

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 49

Page 50 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Victoria Pictorial

50 Year Anniversary of Puffing Billy The Upper Ferntree Gully-Gembrook line operated from approx. 1900-1953, then re-opened as a narrow gauge railway in 1962

● Puffing Billy narrow gauge railway re-opened in 1962

● Puffing Billy. 1962/

● At Cockatoo. 1915

● Crossing the horseshoe bridge

● ‘Through the Dandenong Ranges’ publicity photo

● At Upper Ferntree Gully. 1930s

● Nattow gauage. Upper Ferntree Gully-Gembrook. Undated

● Driver and three workers

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 51

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

PIERRO BACK IN ACTION

■ Top young galloper, Pierro, prepared by Gai Waterhouse in Sydney will be back in action shortly working along nicely.

Pierro, named after one of the owner's favorite Margaret River white wines, took all before him as a twoyear proving dominant in all his six wins including the Golden Slipper and the Sires Produce.

Beautifully bred by Australia's leading sire, Lohnro, the start colt is the early favorite for one of the Classics in Sydney next month, the Golden Rose.

In early markets he rules the roost at $3.00, in front of top Victorian colt, All Too Hard, a half brother to our champion mare, Black Caviar, out of the same mare, Helsinge.

He has only had his colours lowered once

by Pierro, and the Hawkes stable knows they have a smart galloper, who will get a bit of distance a little later on.

All Too Hard who won the Sires Produce at Flemington at only his second start is very talented and is second fancy at $4.20.

On the next line is the top Victorian filly Samaready, who convincingly won the Blue Diamond before an unlucky third behind Pierro in the Golden Slipper, not that she should have beaten the winner.

She was forced wide on the turn and relegated to near last, but flashed home for a good third.

Samaready is being quoted next best at $6.00.

Two top Sydney gallopers, late arrivers on the scene, Kabayan and Nechita are next on $13.00.

Ted Ryan

Observer Racing

● Pierro. Photo: Mark Gatt August 7, at a cost of late entries costing most winning thor$3,300, and close on oughbreds company, $220. as well as being the Late entries close Tuesday August 14.

Nominations for the country's premier supthe following week August 14 also at 12 Emirates Melbourne plier of stakes winnoon, at a cost of Cup close on Septem- ners.

Magic Millions has ber 4at 12 noon at a $1100.

For the Schweppes cost of $1320 per nomi- reaffirmed its position of race winning leadThousand Guineas to nations.

Late entries will ers around Australia. be run at Caulfield on Makin' a Raquet, Wednesday October cost $5,500 closing on 17, noms, will close Tuesday September who cost just $550 at the 2010 Magic Milalso at 12 noon at ac- 11. lions, was ridden to cost of $ 165 pre entry. victory by top Perth The nominations jockey, Paul Harvey. for the BMW CaulBy the end of that field Cup will also particular week close on Tuesday August 7 at 12 noon, at a ■ Magic Millions around Australia, the Graduates passed a win tally had reached fee of $350.

Late entries for the significant seasonal 5004.

Along with the Cup will cost $2,750 milestone recently and close on August when bargain buy 1143 wins achieved Makin' a Racquet won over the same period 28 at 12 noon.

Also on the same at Northam in West- abroad - the total win count for day August 7, entries ern Australia.

The win was the Magic Millions since for the Sportingbet Cox Plate will be 5000th in Australia August 1 last year has taken, at a cost of $440 this season by gradu- been a staggering per nomination, with ates of the country's 6147.

Magic milestone

● All Too Hard Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 On the next line is Golden Rose was supthe very smart filly, plied by Tab Snitzerland, prepared Sportsbet, through

by Gerald Ryan in Adam Hamilton and Sydney, second to Trent Langskaill, for Pierro in the Golden which we are inSlipper. debted.

Snitzerland, is part owned by a part owner of Black Caviar, a good friend of mine, Neil Wherret.

As the saying you ■ With all the plum can't help bad luck, Spring races right having a champion upon us, deadlines for and a top notcher, in first nominations are getting closer. your team.

Snitzerland is beFirst among these ing quoted at $17.00 will be the Caulfield alongside Magic Mil- Guineas to be run at lions winner on pro- Caulfield on Saturday, test, Dryfontein, Your October 13.

Entries will close at Song and .

The market for the 12 noon on Tuesday,

Feature deadlines

● Samaready Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

Sulky Snippets with Len Baker

● Rampaging. Photo: Mark Gatt

■ Bonny Kiwi bred mare Flying Pocketlands registered her 18th victory in 65 outings, when successful in the $15,000 Choice Hotels Pacers Handicap for M0 or better class (D-H) over 2760 metres at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday.

Trained by Brent Lilley and driven by Melbourne's leading metropolitan reinsman Greg Sugars, Flying Pocketlands a 5Y-0 daughter of Badlands

Hanover and Fleets Pocket stepped safely from outside the second line to settle mid-field.

In a strangely run affair where Jukebox Music was driven to hold the lead in the early stages before handing up to Ti Vogliobene which had scrambled away from barrier six, who was then retrained to take a trail on Tear It All Away, Flying Pocketlands was sent forward three wide racing for the bell.

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 44

Top 10 Lists CARRY ON CRUISING [Comedy/Sid James, Liz Fraser, Kenneth Williams].

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DECISION BEFORE DAWN [War/Gary Merrill, Oskar Werner].

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BILLY CONNOLLY'S ROUTE 66.

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JEREMY CLARKSON: WAR STORIES [Documentary].

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CHARLES AND DIANA: A Palace Divided.

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4. ANY QUESTIONS FOR BEN? [Comedy/ Christian Clark, Rachael Taylor].

5. HAYWIRE [Action/Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor].

6. KILLER ELITE [Action/Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham].

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8. LONDON BOULEVARD [Crime/Thriller/ Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone].

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A DANGEROUS METHOD [Drama/Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightly, Viggo Mortenson].

- James Sherlock

Page 52 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

Maiden status broken ■ McKenzies Creek (Horsham) trainer Ken Exell was in the winners stall at Horsham on Wednesday, when ultra consistent 6-Y-0 Allawart Ray/Allawart Liz gelding Allawart Ego broke his maiden status at start number 15 by taking out the Moore Bulk Haulage Trotters Handicap for T0 or better class over 2200 metres.

Bred by locals Geoff and Mabel Foreman, Allawart Ego driven by Maryborough's Mark Hayes jumped straight to the front from barrier two and rated to perfection, ran his rivals ragged in defeating the 11 year old Master Kiesey (three back the markers) and Strapperama which raced in the open from the bell in a rate of 2-07.2.

Ken Exell had a very smart performer by the name of Flash Durenda which raced with distinction in the sixties.

Third victory out of 20 ■ Hamilton trainer/driver Caleb Lewis was also a winner at Horsham, when 4-Y-0 Mcardle/Sheer Finesse gelding Wolfgang chalked up his third victory in 20 outings.

The race was the Well Done Billy Carberry Pace for C1 class over 2200 metres and Wolfgang possied three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line, with Kurt Angle circling the field from the extreme draw to lead.

Moving forward three wide solo in the last lap, Wolfgang surged to the front approaching the home turn and raced away on straightening to score by 5.8 metres in 2-01.9 from Mosquito Flyer (one/one) and Ultimate Tycoon which trailed the front runner.

Clear in home straight ■ Naracoorte trainer Greg Scholefield is no stranger to Horsham meetings and his ever reliable 4-Y-0 Kiwi bred Mad House, a daughter of The Big Dog and Mybabysha registered her seventh success in 17 outings when greeting the judge in the Fresh Face @ Westside Pace for C2 class over 2200 metres.

Taking a mares concession, Mad House driven

by Amy Tubbs possied one/one from gate five enjoying the run of the race.

Easing three wide halfway along the back straight, Mad House led on the final bend and despite being first up since April, raced clear in the home straight to score by three metres in advance of Heavyweight which followed her throughout, with Lifes A Bonus third off a three wide trail from last. The mile rate 200.6.

Fierce race at Horsham ■ Peter Manning had endured a quiet day up until race seven, but came good when Kiwi bred 4-Y-0 Red River Hanover/Seeled N Arma gelding Arma Rouge first up for the stable landed the $8K Alabar 3-Y-0 Pace 8/8 for C1 class over 1700 metres.

Driven by Damian Wilson, Arma Rouge from gate two on the second line settled five back in the moving line and after racing fiercely, was sent forward three wide racing for the bell to park outside the leader Tinted Pearl for the final circuit.

Taking a slender lead on the home turn, Arma Rouge kept on giving in the straight, scoring by a half neck from Fairest One Youare (one/two at bell) in a rate of 2-00.1, with Cyclonedomic which trailed the leader moving to one/one on the home turn third.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Charlton/Kilmore, Thursday - Shepparton/Geelong, Friday - Mildura/Melton, Saturday - Ballarat, Sunday - Bendigo, Monday - Yarra Valley, Tuesday - Kilmore.

Horses To Follow ■ Tales Of Courage, The Open, Glenferrie Rustler, Run Forrest, Overthorns, Im A Peregrine, Yankeeiron, Shandon Village.

WALK IN THE PARK AT BALLARAT

■ Tuesday night harness racing at Ballarat featured a further three heats of the 2012 Australasian Breeders Crown Series for 2-Y0 Colts & Geldings over 2200 metres.

Heat 9 was a walk in the park for the Mark Purdon trained and driven all American bred Bettors Delight/Contrapan gelding Border Control.

Beginning swiftly from outside the front row, Border Control a prohibitive $1.04 favourite coasted at the head of affairs, winning by a conservative 18.8 metres in advance of Rising Power (three back the markers) and Aheadofhistime which trailed the winner all of the way in a rate of 2-00.3 (last half 56.9 - quarter 27.8). ★★★ Heat 10 was a blowout for punters when Blissful Hall/Lotsa Wealth gelding Ginger Bliss defeated the almost unbackable favourite Major Star from Pukekohe trainer/driver Brent Mangos' stable.

Trainer at Mt Cottrell (Melton) by John Nicholson and driven by son Rhys who is presently having a stint with David Aiken in Avenel, Ginger Bliss first up since winning at Albion Park in May, speared away from gate five to lead, before surrendering to Major Star shortly after.

Easing away from the inside on turning, Ginger Bliss finished too well for a most disappointing Major Star ($1.10) in a rate of 2-01.3 (half 57.4 - quarter 27.7), with Bliss Man third after facing the breeze for the final circuit. ★★★ Favourite backers were heading straight to the bar following heat 11, when hot favourite Lennytheshark ($1.30) was beaten - the winner being Four Starzzz Shark/ Sayaka colt Keayang Starzzz for Terang's Marg Lee and nephew reinsman Glen Craven.

Settling last after galloping wildly in the score up from gate six, Keayang Starzzz did a fair bit of chasing to be three back in the moving line after Lennytheshark which had raced roughly and galloped as the start was effected, showed a slick turn of speed when balanced to let rip and cross the pacemaker Fiddlers Three.

Driven brilliantly, Keayang Starzzz saved ground by switching down to three back along the markers in the last lap, before easing three wide on the final bend to give chase to Lennytheshark and the well supported Flaming Flutter which had enjoyed a sweet one

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

Success for Eaglehawk ■ Veteran Eaglehawk trainer Don Ritchie snared the $8K Rosehill 3-Y-0 Pace 8/8 over 2200 metres with 6-Y-0 Presidential Ball/Majestic Moth mare Macy Lila.

Driven by Neil McCallum, Macy Lila led throughout from gate three, scoring by 15 metres in 2-01.4 from Valiant Lustre and Longtan Tigerman.

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

with Len Baker

/one trip from inside the second line.

Finishing his race off in fine fashion, Keayang Starzzz scored by 3.1 metres in a rate of 2-01 (half 57.8 - 28.2) over Flaming Flutter, with Lennytheshark weakening to finish third.

Safe start ■ Long Forest trainer Andy Gath's NSW Derby runner-up Regal Knight had an easy victory in the Flying Horse Bistro Pacers Handicap for C1 or better class over 2200 metres.

Beginning safely but slowly from the pole at his first standing start attempt, Regal Knight settled four back along the markers, with Emma Stewart's Dee Millane flying away from barrier four to lead with ease.

Moving to be one/one after travelling half a lap, Kate Gath allowed Regal Knight to stride clear at the bell and from there on, the result was never in doubt, winning by 11.9 metres in 2-04.5 from Dee Millane and The Storm Attack.

A gelded son of Real Desire and Robelle, Regal Knight has raced 17 times for 6 wins.

Deserved ■ Echuca's Lindberg family Peter, Phyllis and Steve finally scored a well deserved victory with 7Y-0 Wagon Apollo/Reba Springfield gelding Star Gun who has been racing so well of late, taking out the Members Night Trotters Handicap for T3 or better class over 2710 metres at Ballarat.

Coming from a 30 metre equal backmark, Star Gun driven by Steve spent most of the race at the rear of the field, while his co-backmarker Retained was sent forward in the early stages to park outside the free running leader Country Cop. Setting off three wide

solo in the final circuit, Star Gun sustained a long run to gain the upper hand in the shadows of the post to defeat a game Retained by 2.7 metres in a rate of 2-06.7, with Country Cop just weakening over the concluding stages to finish third a further metre away.

Raced by Phyllis who does most of the work with the horse, Star Gun has fronted the starter 72 times for 11 wins and 16 placings.

Not rushed ■ At Geelong on Monday, Avenel trainer David Aiken's very smart Yankee Spider/Lunar Landing filly Spidergirl had an easy victory in the Basic Bookkeeping 2-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres, much to the delight of owner/breeder Kevin Riseley's Sheron Park Pty Ltd. Driven as usual by Chris Alford, Spidergirl wasn't rushed from gate five to assume control, but once there, treated her rivals with contempt as she coasted to the wire 16.5 metres in advance of the first starter Yankeeiron (three back the markers outside leader last lap) before breaking on straightening and coming again, with Hackashaq third after leading. The mile rate 2-05.2.

Strike rate ■ Armstrong's Brooke Hansen has a terrific strike rate and landed the Wimmera Roadways 2Y-0 Pace over 2200 metres at Horsham with Big Gorilla, a gelded son of Blissful Hall and Art For Art Sake. Driven by Nathan Jack, Big Gorilla at start number four, led throughout from gate four in accounting for Glenferrie Rustler which raced outside him for the last half of the journey, with Im A Peregrine tunning home late from last to finish third.

The mile rate 2-03.1.

Heats held at Bendigo ■ At Bendigo on Wednesday evening, further heats of the Australasian Breeders Crown for 3-Y-0 Fillies over 2150 metres were held with some upset results.

Heat 8 was taken out by the outstanding Shake It Mama, a daughter of Mach Three and Gold Sarn bred and raced by David Sheppard, trained by Emma Stewart and driven by Chris Alford.

Not pushed at the start from gate two, Shake It Mama possied one/one, with La Machane leading from the pole.

Sent forward once the field made formation, Shake It Mama moved outside the leader, with most expecting Greg Sugars to take a trail, however it was not to be, with Alford easing to allow the roughie Born Again Sassy to race in the open.

Moving three wide in the last lap, Shake It Mama quickly joined La Machane and the pair drew away from their rivals approaching the home turn.

Assuming control on straightening, Shake It Mama scored easily in a mile rate of 1-57.8 (last half 57.1 - quarter 28.9) over stablemate The Good Times from last, with Braeview Creation (three wide last lap) third.

Favourite backers drop ■ Heat 9 was a disaster for favourite backers, as the almost unbackable Louvre ($1.04) finished out of a place after leading, the winner being Paintball for Monegeetta's Lisa and David Miles.

Given a sweet trip one/one from gate two, Paintball (Lisa Miles) finished full of running on turning to score from a death-seating Overthorns and Ymbro Toto from last in a rate of 1-59.5 (half 56.1 - quarter 28.1).

Surprise move in Heat 10 ■ Heat 10 appeared on paper to be a match between local star Beauty Secret (Daryl Douglas) and Twist And Shout (Mark Purdon), with Twist And Shout the victor.

Starting from the extreme draw, Mark Purdon in a surprising move allowed Beauty Secret to go ahead of her shortly after the start, with Twist And Shout settling near last.

Set alight mid-race three wide with a blistering turn of speed in the very wet conditions, Twist And Shout was allowed to stroll clear with a lap to travel.

There was no relaxing as Twist And Shout cruised to the wire 9 metres in advance of Beauty Secret in a rate of 1-57.5 (half 58.6 - quarter 29.6), with Blazeaway Macray (one/two) third.

Father-and-daughter ■ Pearcedale trainer Bill Walker and reinswoman daughter Simone have 4-Y-0 Sundon/Stoned At Midnight gelding Stoned I Am racing in peak form at present, greeting the judge in the Glenferrie Farm Trotters Handicap for TM0 class over 2240 metres at Melton.

Stepping cleanly from barrier four to settle midfield in the moving line, Stoned I Am was driven a patient race, not making a forward move until approaching the home turn on the final occasion.

Taken very wide in the wet conditions, Stoned I Am finished full of running on straightening to record a 3.8 metre victory in advance of Our Dolly Would and the $83.80 pacemaker Drop Us A Line in a mile rate of 2-07.3.

- Len Baker

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 53

RING TODAY 1-300 419 353

Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

AS AFL FANS, WE ARE SPOILED

■ The Hawks’ performance on Friday night was superb and worthy of this editorial space.

I’ve researched my career to come up with a better or equal single team effort and I can recall dominance at times by Geelong, Melbourne, Richmond, Essendon, North Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton from the past and we were thrilled in the modern era by Adelaide, WCE and Brisbane Lions.

Memories can be tricky but Friday night Hawthorn was clinical, meticulous and in total control.

It was peerless. I cannot recall such a flawless exhibition of our game.

Whether Hawthorn can emulate this effort in The Finals remains to be seen but this four quarters of sustained brilliance was a thrill to watch.

Yes it is true, finals and especially Grand Finals can be different. For the sake of a competitive final series we must hope so.

And if another team can match Hawthorn it will be the best ever!

Cyril Rioli brought all his brilliance, expertise and magic and finished with 21 D, 2 Goals, 4 Goal assists, six spectacular marks and importantly laid on nine thunderous tackles.

Captain Luke Hodge in his return game booted five goals and the players kicking and hand-passing was completed with precision, pin-point accuracy. There was not a weak link in the team.

We AFL fans are spoiled. Sure over in London the Olympics are playing out and one of the great attractions is the gymnastics.

But we watch our own World Circus acrobatic performers every week and heading the group is WCEagle Nic Natanui. What a phenomenal athlete!

And weekly we view our footballers doing the impossible.

North Melbourne stayed in eighth spot with a 54 points win over Melbourne – it was their sixth win from the past seven games.

Leigh Adams was subbed off with a shoulder injury while Melbourne’s former captain Brad Green in his 250th game booted three goals.

Collingwood was pleased to welcome Travis Cloke back to the goalkickers with six while Dane Swan produced another Brownlow BOG effort with 38D and five goals, three in a percentage boosting last quarter.

Izzy Folau is a long way behind his NRL colleague Karmichael Hunt as Izzy struggles to put himself into the action.

My advice to him is to play our game like he played Rugby – get where the ball and action is and go for it. Standing back and watching is disastrous.

Our game allows you to tackle, bump, contest, stand your ground and fight for the front position.

You have the perfect physique for our game so don’t be afraid to use it.

There were some big wins and percentage boosters.

Hawthorn defeated Essendon by 92 points, Geelong returned as a finals threat defeating Adelaide by 27 points, North won by 54 points over Melbourne, Collingwood’s 20 goals trouncing of GWS boosted its percentage to 124%, Swans are one game clear at the top of the ladder with its 12 goals win over Gold Coast, WCE annihilated Brisbane by 98 points and remain in 5th spot on 12 wins, one game and

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel 15-20% + clear of Essendon, Geelong and North Melbourne.

Be warned – the finals are another level. Another competition. Like our 4 x 100 freestyle swimmers discovered.

Ladder:Syd 56 151%; Haw 52 160%; Adel 52 129%; Coll 52 124%; WCE 48 130%; Geel 44 115%; Ess 44 113%; Nth 40 111%; Freo 40 107%; St Kil 36 122%; Car 36 105%; Rich 28 106%; Bris 28 88%; Pt Ad 20; Bull 20; Mel 8; GCS, GWS 4.

2013 dates under discussion ■ The AFL has announced it has settled on the key dates for the 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and is now ready to begin the work of the construction of the fixture.

AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Legal Affairs, Simon Lethlean, said it was expected the fixture would be completed in mid to late October 2012, as per the schedule of recent seasons.

“The format for the 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with 18 clubs in the competition, will follow the model used this year in which there will be 23 rounds for each club to play 22 games, comprising 11 home games and 11 away games for every club, with each club having one bye before the commencement of the Toyota AFL Finals Series,” Mr Lethlean said.

“A standard round, as part of our agreement with the Seven Network and Foxtel/Fox Sports, will continue to feature one Friday night match, two Saturday afternoon matches, one Saturday twilight match, two Saturday night matches, one early Sunday match, one Sunday afternoon match and one Sunday twilight match.

“For the period where clubs have their byes, the AFL proposes to play three rounds of six matches, as was the case in 2012, to provide as much continuity as possible for fans, and with the goal of a team from each state competing in a match in each week through that period.”

Mr Lethlean said the season would commence across the Easter period of Thursday March 28, and the Grand Final would again be played on the last Saturday of September.

“The AFL did consider various options around starting the season one week earlier, to enable two byes for

all clubs, but have not done so for the primary reason that a number of key venues are unavailable due to cricket commitments at the SCG, the MCG and the Gabba.

“It was determined that beginning the season without three key venues would be too big a disruption in terms of achieving the best outcome for the fixture and we fully respect the commitments that Cricket Australia has in March and it was not possible currently that we begin the season early,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the State Government, the MCG, and Cricket Australia/Cricket Victoria to enable access to the venues in order to commence the Premiership Season a week earlier and enable our players to be provided with two byes during the course of the season.”

The key dates for the 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season have therefore been advised at this stage to be as follows (final dates for NAB Cup are still to be determined): Toyota AFL Premiership Season – Round 1Thursday, March 28, 2013 – Monday, April 1, 2013.

ANZAC Day - Round 5. Thursday April 25, 2013 Queen’s Birthday (except WA) – Round 1. Monday, June 10, 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season – Round 23. Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1 2013 Toyota AFL Finals Series – Week .

Friday, September 6, 2013 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Saturday September 28, 2013 The AFL has written to all key stakeholders in relation to the fixture production to outline the primary considerations for the AFL and to seek their input.

The AFL also met with AFLPA to outline its plans for the season and undertook to continue to work with them in relation to their key concerns relating to the fixture.

“The AFL’s arrangements with its broadcasters contain many specific scheduling obligations in relation to free to air and subscription television broadcast of Victorian and non-Victorian clubs, match selection priorities for broadcasters as well as certain strategic imperatives for expansion markets.

“Other considerations for the AFL are: AFL and AFL club contractual obligations with stadia; player welfare issues/six-day break minimums;

travel considerations for clubs; maximising attendances; continuation of “blockbuster” and ‘themed’ matches; maintaining consistency of start times; balancing the number of match-ups between top and bottomplaced clubs from 2012 (where possible) and expansion market objectives.”

Junior tribunal supported by AFL ■ The AFL said it strongly supported a decision by the independent tribunal of the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) to impose a sanction on Hawthorn Football Club senior coach Alastair Clarkson resulting from an altercation with an umpire official at an Under 9 junior football match..

AFL GM Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the local league’s action underlined the importance of ensuring football participants at all levels, particularly in junior competitions, show respect for umpires and the role they play.

“Regardless of the circumstances, I would urge all football leagues to enforce a similarly strong stance to protect umpires and umpiring officials,” Mr Anderson said.

Mr Anderson said that it was especially important for people at football’s elite level to set a positive example about respect for umpires and match officials across football.

“It is a constant challenge to recruit and retain umpires and match day officials at all levels of the code.

Sadly, one in four umpires exit the game each year because of abuse and poor match day environments,” Mr Anderson said.

“Alastair Clarkson is an excellent contributor to the game at community level. However, the AFL, like Alastair, is very disappointed with this incident and notes that he has apologised and acknowledged the appropriateness of the sanction imposed by the South Metro Junior Football League.

“Taking into account the sanction already imposed by the SMJFL, Alastair’s apology and commitment to contribute at community level to the SMJFL, the AFL will not take any further action in this matter.”

PM congratulates Sheedy on #1000 ■ Prime Minister Julia Gillard has led the tributes for Greater Western Sydney Giants Head Coach Kevin Sheedy ahead of his 1000th game against Port Adelaide at ŠKODA Stadium this Saturday.

The Prime Minister is one of a number of prominent people who've recorded messages for Sheedy as he prepares to become the first person in

Round 19 Friday, August 3 Hawthorn vs. Geelong Cats (MCG) (N) Saturday, August 4 Western Bulldogs vs.

North Melbourne (ES) GWS Giants vs. Port Adelaide (SK) Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles (PS) (T) Collingwood vs. St Kilda (MCG) (N) Brisbane Lions vs. Richmond (G) (N) Sunday, August 5 Melbourne vs. Gold Coast Suns (MCG) (E) Carlton vs. Sydney Swans (ES) Adelaide Crows vs. Essendon (AS) (T)

the history of the VFL-AFL to reach a combined total of 1000 matches as a player and coach.

In her message, which can be seen on the Giants website, the Prime Minister said: “Sheeds, you’ve been a legend of the game as long as I can remember.

“As a player and a coach you lifted the game to new levels, won a shelf full of prizes and premierships and now, when it seemed there was no other accolade left you’ve found one more; the first person in AFL history to notch up 1000 games.

“So Kevin, from me and the whole nation, thanks for all you’ve done to make our game great. Australian sport is unthinkable without your remarkable contribution.”

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell, Essendon coach James Hird, Collingwood President Eddie McGuire, Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett, Hawthorn great Robert Dipierdomenico and Giants Number One ticketholder Melissa Doyle have also paid tribute to the four-time premiership coach.

The tributes will be shown on www.gwsgiants.com.au throughout this week and on the video screen at ŠKODA Stadium this Saturday.

Fans can leave a message on a commemorative wall inside ŠKODA Stadium GWS CEO David Matthews said the game would be a fitting tribute to one of the greats of Australian football.

“We want this to be a big celebration of Kevin’s remarkable contribution to the game over more than 40 years and I urge all AFL and sports fans regardless of which team they support to get along to ŠKODA Stadium,” he said.

"In particular we'd love to see lots of Richmond and Essendon fans come along and acknowledge the tremendous service he gave to those two clubs through seven premierships as a player and coach.

“He has been a tireless ambassador for the game through initiatives such as thetraditional ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon and Dreamtime at the `G. "Over the past three years he has helped establish the AFL's newest club in Western Sydney and Canberra and recently we announced our club champion award would be named the Kevin Sheedy Medal in honour of his contribution to the Giants."

Kevin Sheedy’s career ■ Player – 251 premiership matches, 8 pre-season / night competition matches, 8 state matches ■ Coach – 653 premiership matches, 72 pre-season / night competition matches, four state matches and four international matches ■ Total at Round 19 on August 4 – 1000 matches

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012 - Page 55

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Advertiser Of The Week

Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 1, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Sea Change, Safety Cove, Tasmania Amazing Tasmanian Holiday Experiences

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