Melbourne Observer. 120502C. Wednesday, May 2, 2012. Pages 51-68

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 51

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Ind. Theatre: Latest reviews ........................ Page 53 Radio Confidential: New name for 91.5 .......... Page 54 Jim and Aaron: Best DVD-film selections ............. Page 57 Cheryl Threadgold: Community Theatre - it’s a wrap .. Page 60 Followed by Sport with Len Baker, Ted Ryan and Harry Beitzel LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD - See Pages 58-59

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE ■ Many parents and grandparents will have enjoyed sharing the Choose Your Own Adventure books with their primary school age children. Why have a book with one boring ending when you can become part of the action and make several different choices along the way to have a different ending each time? Windmill Theatre is taking the Choose Your Own Adventure idea one step further, in its forthcoming production Escape To Peligro Island at the Victorian Arts Centre's Fairfax Studio on Saturday, May 5. The theatre will be transformed into the perilous Peligro Island and it's up to the audience to work out how to escape - and there are 24 different endings to choose from! In the confines of the theatre, a plane has gone down somewhere over the ocean and has crash-landed on a mysterious island. Stranded in this dangerous place, the survivors - the audience - try to escape, but are confronted by bloodthirsty vampires, time machines and super powers. Will the audience make it out alive? It all depends on the choices they make. The Arts Centre has teamed with South Australia's Windmill Theatre to bring a show designed to engage children and their families in the exciting world of performing arts. If your memories of the Choose Your Own Adventure series are anything like mine, this will be a show that will fascinate the adults as much as the kids, and anything that is truly a show for the whole family is definitely one to attend. Escape to Peligro Island is on at 11 am and 1 30 pm Saturday (May 5) at the Fairfax Studio. Tickets are $19 for theatergoers aged from four years of age and can be booked at www.artscentremelbourne.com.au - Julie Houghton

● Peligro Island hero Jude Hensall. Photo: Shane Reid

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Showbiz Briefs

The highly anticipated two-part mini-series Howzat! is currently filming in and around Melbourne for six weeks. It is being produced by Southern Star John Edwards for the Nine Network and Screen Australia.

★ ★

Jennifer Collins has been appointed the new Head of Entertainment for ABC TV. She started in her new role on Monday (April 30). Jocks Journal reports that DMG Radio Australia has appointed Peter Charlton to the position of Group Sales Director for the company. Peter joins dmg from Adshel Street Furniture where he has held the position of Sales Director, Australia and NZ since November 2010.

Winners & Losers star Virginia Gay, along with James Saunders, will play nine characters under the direction of Clare Watson, in On The Production of Monsters, opening on Friday 25 May 2012 at 7.30pm at the MTC Theatre, Lawler Studio.

The Australian Ballet School will perform at the Arts Centre, Melbourne, on Tuesday, May 29, 11am and 1.30pm. It returns to showcase the talent of the next generation of highly gifted young dancers in a delightful new concert at the State Theatre.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 53

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ShowBiz!

Observer Showbiz

At Recital Centre

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

SNOW AT BRUNSWICK

The Spoiler For Those Who Have Lost The Plot

Neighbours

● Imogen Manins (cellist) will appear at the Melbourne Recital Centre with Tony Gould and Slava Grigoryan. ■ Imogen Manins (cello) and Tony Gould (piano) with Slava Grigoryan (guitar) present a concert on Friday, May 11 at 7.00pm at the Melbourne Recital Centre that will include new works composed by the trio and some masterpieces from the guitar repertoire. Guitarist Grigoryan is known internationally both for his virtuosity and his sense of musical poetry. He shares a love for art music of many kinds and from many places and always brings to his performances a great sense of joy and celebration of the art. Tickets: $45/$35. www.melbournerecital.com.au Friday, May 11, 7pm Salon - Melbourne Recital Centre

Lock Up ■ In writer/director Damien Richardson’s Lock Up which opened at La Mama last week,a young Tasmanian, Jason, in a brilliantly sensitive performance by Tom Barton, is about to commence tertiary studies on the mainland. He attends an orientation party, drinks too much and is arrested for a public order offence. Thrown into a Police holding cell for the night to sober up, he is introduced to a side of life he could never have dreamed of in his worst nightmare. There is another prisoner, an aborigine named Murray, Andrew Mabbott, who is asleep. The cell door opens and a yelling, cursing Myerhold is pushed in. He does not take long to identify Jason as an easy target. The now awake Murray, who has mentally and spiritually reached the ‘what’s the point of it all’ stage in life is apparently used to a night in the cell, but Jason is given a terrifying wake up lesson about the danger of an addiction, losing control and ending up in a cell with two older men. It is strong medicine. There is coarse language, with the f*** and c*** words used liberally from the first appearance of the believably maniacal character Myerhold, Damien Richardson . However, within the context and location of the play’s strong subject and the personalities of the characters, the language and behaviour which some members of the audience may find offensive or uncomfortable to hear and watch, makes for frightening realism. Designer Lisa Hobartner and lighting by Frances McBean fittingly demonstrate stark reality of a prison cell. Performances: until May 13, Wednesday, Sunday 6.30pm.Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8pm. Venue: La Mama theatre, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton Running time: 60 minutes. Tickets: $25/15 Bookings: 9347 6948 or online at www.lamama.com.au - Rita Crispin, guest reviewer

● David Passmore and Wayne Pearn in An Unseasonable Fall Of Snow opening on May 2 at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. Photo: Fred Kroh ■ Hoy Polloy presents An Unseasonable Fall Of Snow from May 2 – 19 at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. Written by Gary Henderson and directed by Michael Finney, An Unseasonable Fall Of Snow tells of a bewildered young man questioned by by Cheryl a ruthless interrogator who circles like a predator, forcing him closer and Threadgold closer to an awful admission. The play is a compelling investigation of truth, consequences and the Bock (Grace), Olivia Connolly (Elsie) and Helen Hopkins (Alice) as the ultimate value of human life. Performances: May 2-4 at 8pm, nurses and as a husband, boyfriend, May 5 at 3.00pm, May 8-19 at 8pm brother and soldier. We share the nurses’ naïve enthuVenue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Sydney and siasm when embarking for overseas service: “We’ll be home for ChristGlenlyon Rds, Brunswick Tickets: $30/$25 $20 Tuesday mas!” Bookings: hoypolloytheatre. Egypt seems excitedly exotic, but blogspot.com.au one nurse prophetically questions “Is this the calm before the storm?” … The play is shortlisted for the National Play Festival and included on ■ ANZAC Day was the perfect date the 2012 VCE Drama Curriculum. for The Shift Theatre to open with It gives a long overdue voice to The Girls in Grey, continuing until members of the World War I Royal May 13 at Theatre Works, 14 Acland Australian Army Nursing Corps, St., St Kilda. paying tribute to their marvellous, Written by Carolyn Bock and Helen selfless work. Hopkins, The Girls in Grey brings to There is a musicality to the life true diary entries of Australian nurses’ voices narrating the highs and nurses who served overseas during lows of their wartime experiences, World War I. The fine cast under Karen enhanced by well-choreographed, Martin’s direction includes Carolyn naturalistic movement. Alexandra Hiller’s striking yet simple set is complimented by Nick Merrylees’ lighting design. The narrative style of recounting the War stories may not appeal to theatregoers who prefer more interactive dialogue and engagement with fully developed characters. However, the play succeeds well in transporting the audience into the nurses’ wartime experiences. Congratulations to Carolyn Bock, Helen Hopkins and The Shift Theatre for creating an artistic blend of history and theatre to preserve these precious stories and enlighten the generations of today and tomorrow. Performance Season: Until May 13 Times: Wed to Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm ● From left Carolyn Bock (school matinees Wed and Thu at (Grace), Olivia Connolly (Elsie) 11.30am) and Helen Hopkins (Alice) in a Price: $28 full / $20 conc,, groups poignant scene from The Girls 10+ [plus booking fee] in Grey, playing at Theatre Bookings: www.theatreworks. Works until May 13. org.au or 9534 3388 - Cheryl Threadgold Photo: Nancy Flammea

Independent Theatre

The Girls In Grey

■ 6.30pm. Weeknights. Eleven. ■ Monday, May 7. Sonya and Toadie make the most of their free afternoon - until a surprise leaves them shocked; Vanessa stresses over moving out ■ Tuesday, May 8. Ecstatic to learn they’re having a baby, Sonya and Toadie vow to keep the news secret until the all-important 12-week scan; insecure Tash receives some unlikely support. ■ Wednesday, May 9. Kate prepares for her final stand-off against Tash for the job at Charlie’s; Toadie urges the community to give Sonya some space after being pressured by their excitement over her pregnancy. ■ Thursday, May 10. Determined to take care of herself, Vanessa declines Lucas’s offer to help her out; convinced there’s something dodgy about Lou, Sheila keeps a close eye on him and realises he’s scamming Vera. ■ Friday, May 11. Susan is thrown by the offer of a date from her attractive new yoga teacher; Lucas becomes suspicious of Rhys’s attention towards Vanessa.

Home and Away ■ 7.00pm. Weeknights. Channel 7. ■ Monday, May 7. Harvey pushes Roo away after learning that she knows about Ben's death. Dex tells April he can't be with someone he doesn't trust. VJ is attacked by new student, bad boy Jett James. ■ Tuesday, May 8. Liam and Bianca make a big decision about their relationship. Gina promises to keep an eye on new student who is causing trouble, Jett. And Harvey realises he can't keep shutting people out. ■ Wednesday, May 9. Sasha shuts Xavier of her life after their break-up. Casey encounters conflict with one of his teachers. Meanwhile, an old familiar face, Hayley, returns to Summer Bay. ■ Thursday, May 10. Sasha realises she needs to deal with the Stu situation and tension rises between Casey and his teacher. ■ Friday, May 11. Romeo injures his knee, leaving his surfing career is in doubt. Colleen is disappointed to learn her son is moving to America. Indi finds herself in further debt when she buys a dress she can't afford, putting further strain on her and Romeo's marriage.

Black Box 149

■ This production is often bleak and intense. We watch the protagonist, the pilot of flight BA 149 from London, struggle to avoid crumbling, during and after the grounding of his aircraft in Kuwait. Simultaneously , Saddam Hussein’s armies have invaded and brutalise the country. The minimalist set – a black box plus two chairs and audio visual equipment – reflects the suspicious removal of the aeroplane’s black box before the flight from London. This black space is now filled with a stream of consciousness from the confused, captured pilot, desperately wanting to save his plane, passengers and himself. He can find no answers to his dangerous situation and begins to mix immediate professional stresses with personal ones. Theatrical dimension is added by a second actor, The Man, transforming variously into insidious interrogator, native helper, Arabic musician. Based on a true event at the beginning of the Gulf Wars, Rosemary Johns’ script is a psychological exploration of nasty impacts of war. The script complexities were not always successfully realised, but there are big statements being made here about how governments act regarding wars, and more importantly why they act ... Black Box 149 at La Mama Courthouse until May 13. Tickets: $25/$15 Bookings: www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 - Maggie Morrison, guest reviewer


Page 54 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Observer Showbiz

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Radio Confidential News from stations from around Victoria

ANOTHER NAME FOR 91.5?

Country Crossroads

SWITCH TO SOFT ‘ADULT CONTEMPORARY’ TIPPED

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

KEITH URBAN’S INDUCTION

■ Keith Urban has been inducted into the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry began in 1925, originally as the WSM Barn Dance, a simple radio broadcast on Nashville radio station WSM. Today, the Grand Ole Opry attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world to the see the show live. Millions more tune in to Opry broadcasts on television and radio (still on WSM) and the Internet. Keith is currently one of the judges on the runaway success TV show, The Voice, seen on Channel Nine.

the brekfast program, and ‘Cass and Kel’ on Drive shift. The station simulcasts the Nine News broadcast with Peter Hitchener at 6pm weekdays, and Leigh Hatcher heads Open House on Sundays.

■ Melbourne's 91.5 FM is set to relaunch as Smooth 91.5 the fourth name in less than seven years. Management has not yet made an official announcement to staff about the changes, but the domain names for the new stations have been registered in anticipation of the changes, says Jocks Journal. The Radiohead website tips that a soft adult contemporary music format will be introduced.

On 3WBC 94.1 ● Open day was held at 89.9 Light FM on Saturday

SUNDAY SESSIONS AT HALLAM

● Leigh Hatcher

3AW radio pals on tour

■ The Hallam Hotel will commence its Sunday live music sessions from this weekend (May 6). Award winning Melbourne outfit, the Prairie Oysters, will be the resident band and will host an array of local artists. Susan Lily and the Bona Fide Travellers kick off the first afternoon session at 2pm-5.30 pm. Admission $10.

BEN’S NEW CD

■ Keep On Driving is the new CD release from Sydney country artist Benn Gunn. The country rock singer-songwriter already has a number of awards to his name and his current single Rawsonville Road is getting extensive radio play on Australian country music radio stations. Benn will be a featured artist on the Country Crossroads TV show on May 24.

QANTAS HELPS MUSICIANS

■ QANTAS has further increased its support for Australian musicians. Musicians travelling on QANTAS domestic services are now entitled to request in advance an additional baggage allowance of one additional piece. The new allowance will allow eligible musicians to tour more easily and cost-effectively on QANTAS and QANTASLink flights It has been a constant gripe by musicians for decades as to the difficulty in getting to gigs around the country with equipment and its associated costs.

r Observbei z Show

● Bob Richardson ■ The Melbourne Observer’s columnist Mark Richardson will appear on radio with Yvonne Lawrence and Bob Richardson on Monday (May 7). Mark will be in the Box Hill studios of 3WBC 94.1 FM for the Life and Style program which airs between 2pm-4pm. The station can be accessed online at www.3wbc.org.au

Open Day ■ Christian community radio station 89.9 Light FM staged an open day at its 33 Mitcham Rd studios at the weekend. The station has freshened its line-up with ‘Ken and Lucy’ on

● A coachload of folk, with the former 3AW Overnighters program in common, in touring outback South Australia and Northern Territory. Angela McGowan. Glenda Arthur and Irene Trewarne are pictured at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop ,Nuriootpa, South Australia on the first day of John Howie/Keith McGowan’s Outback Music Tour. Melbourne

Observer

On This Day

Wednesday, Thursday, May 3 May 2

Friday, May 4

Saturday, May 5

Sunday, May 6

Monday, May 7

Tuesday, May 8

■ Author Alan Marshall (I Can Jump Puddles) was born in Noorat in 1902. He died aged 81 in 1984. Actor Ray Barrett was born in Brisbane in 1927. He died aged 82 in 2009. Soccer player David Beckham was born in London, England, in 1975 (37).

■ British comedian Eric Sykes was born in Lancashire in 1923 (89). Belgium-born Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn was born in 1929. She died aged 63 in 1993. Oldest of the brothers, Jackie Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana in 1951 (61).

■ American actress Alice Faye was born in New York in 1915. She died aged 83 in 1998. Australian runner Cliff Young was born in Victoria in 1922. He died aged 81 in 2003. American actress Ann B Davis was born in 1928 (86). Comic Michael Palin was born in 1943 (69).

■ Actor Stewart Granger was born in London in 1913. He died aged 80 in 1993. British comic actor Sid James was born in South Africa in 1913. He died aged 62 in 1976. NZ-born actor Alan Dale was born in 1947. The ex-Neighbours star is 65.

■ US actor Gary Cooper was born in 1901. He died aged 60 in 1961. Argentinian radio and film star Eva Peron was born in 1919. She died aged 33 in 1952. Pop and jazz singer Teresa Brewer was born in 1931, and died in 2007 (76). Singer Marty Rhone (Karel Van Rhoon) is 64.

■ British naturalist Sir David Attenborough was born in England in 1926 (86). US comedian Don Rickles was born in New York in 1926 (86). Singer Rick Nelson was born in 1940. He died in a plane crash on New Years Eve 1985, aged 45.

■ Crooner Bing Crosby was born in 1903. He died aged 74 in 1977. Folk singer Pete Seeger was born in New York in 1919 (93). Lead singer with the Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, was born in 1937 (75). Cricketer David Hookes was born in 1955. He died aged 48 in 2004.

Thanks to GREG NEWMAN of the Birthday Bulletin for assistance with birthday and anniversary dates. Find out more at www.birthdaybulletin.com.au


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 55

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Healthy Living


Page 56 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

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Healthy Living


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Observer Showbiz

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 57

Movies, DVDs

With James Sherlock

Reviews by Aaron Rourke

Melbourne

Observer

DVD & Blu-Ray New Release Highlights

Top 10 Lists

FILM: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL: Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton. Genre: Action/Thriller. Year: 2011. Rating: M. Running Time: 133 Minutes. Format: DVD and Blu-Ray. Stars: ***1/2 Verdict: This fourth instalment of the Mission Impossible spy franchise has the elite IMF (Impossible Missions Force) shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing team leader Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name. An improvement on the last two big screen missions, this is a pleasantly paced, fun filled action-thriller filled with plenty of pyrotechnics, car chase, humour, shoot outs and jaw dropping stunts that are sure to satisfy everyone just looking for a good time. Filled with more pot-holes than an army testing ground, but who cares? It's a wild ride. Everyone is clearly having a good time, most notably Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, especially the hair-raising sequences with him bouncing around outside atop the world's tallest building, and it's really him, so if you suffer from vertigo you might want to make sure you have something to hang on to. It's not James Bond's Casino Royale or Die Hard, but as spy action movies go, it's a worthy addition to the genre.

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE LUCKY ONE. 2. BATTLESHIP. 3. AMERICAN PIE: REUNION. 4. THE HUNGER GAMES. 5. DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX. 6. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. 7. TITANIC 3D. 8. PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS. 9. MIRROR MIRROR. 10. 21 JUMP STREET.

FILM: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Cast: Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey. Genre: Musical/Drama/Comedy. Year: 1971. Rating: PG. Running Time: 179 Minutes. Format: DVD and Blu-Ray. Stars: ***** Verdict: Spectacular Oscar winning film version of the classic play of the same name set in pre-revolutionary Russia of the poor Jewish peasant Tevye the Milkman in the small village of Anatevka who must contend with marrying off his three daughters while anti-Semitic sentiment threatens his village, family and home. Full of vibrant colour, energy, classic music and songs from the breathtaking opening sequence to the last frame. Topol is perfectly cast as Tevye the Milkman in a flawless and inspiring performance, as do the entire cast who each gave their heart and soul. One of the last truly great musicals to come from Hollywood, a tour-de-force that excels on every level thanks to the brilliant direction by veteran filmmaker Norman Jewison (In The Heat of The Night). A funny, thrilling, poignant and haunting tale of survival and tradition that touches all the emotions from A to Z, and once seen, is never forgotten. Nominated for eight Academy awards and winning three, Fiddler On The Roof is not only an epic entertainment, it's an experience of unforgettable power! FILM: ANNIE HALL: Genre: Comedy/Drama/Romance. Cast: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts. Year: 1977. Rating: M. Running Time: 93 Minutes. Format: DVD and Blu-ray. Stars: ***** Verdict: Wonderfully quirky and hugely entertaining Woody Allen semiautobiographical story of Neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) who falls in love with the ditsy Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Brimming with endless comic vignettes, far too many to choose from, as well as a few surprising faces along the way, watch closely for future stars Jeff Goldblum and Sigourney Weaver. Without doubt Woody Allen's best screen role both in front of the camera as well as behind, and the hugely talented Diane Keaton trumps in every scene. Nominated for five Academy awards and winning four for Best Picture, Best Actress for Diane Keaton, Best Director for Woody Allen and Best Screenplay for Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman. A beautiful blend of romance and comedy that are seamlessly interwoven throughout that never lets go for a single moment. a comic romp bursting with Allenesque one liners, a celebration crackling with inspired, hilarity, originality and invention.

● Tom Cruise returns as IMF rogue spy for the fourth time in the action packed Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol.

● Stellan Skarsgard from the film King Of Devil's Island.

King of Devil’s Island ■ (M). 116 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas on May 3. Measured, low-key, and exceptionally well-crafted, King Of Devil's Island takes familiar subject matter a creates a decidedly more involving and powerful experience. Set at Norway's infamous Bastoy Reform School which operated from 1900 to 1953, the story is set in 1915 with the arrival of 17-year-old Erling (Benjamiin Helstad), sent to the isolated school after committing a serious (but undisclosed) crime. An confident, head-strong youth, Erling is told the strict rules and conditions by governer Bestyreren (Stellan Skarsgard) and placed in Barrack C, which is headed by fellow inmate Olav (Trond Nilssen) and overseen by the ruthless HouseFather Brathen (Kristoffer Joner). Erling, who desperately wants to escape, soon learns that this is going to be a harsh (both physically and psychologically) stay. The reform school sub-genre is one that is usually filled with cliches and melodrama, but this true story is handled so delicately by everyone involved that it manages to rise above the predictable and routine. Screenwriter Dennis Magnusson (a script editor on the critically acclaimed Let The Right One In) puts real care and attention into the characters and the grim situation they find themselves in, and director Marius Holst (Mirush) builds the story slowly, allowing the cast to breath life into their roles and enabling the audience to connect with the events unfolding in front of them. Holst also portrays the scenes of confrontation and violence in a matter-of-fact manner, never sensationalising the dark aspects of the material. Helstad mixes a tough exterior with a more humane centre to great effect, Nilssen is excellent as the straight-arrow Olav who starts to question his own moral centre, and Joner is utterly convincing as Brathen. Skarsgard (Insomnia / Good Will Hunting / Zero Kelvin / Thor / Dominion : Prequel To The Exorcist / Melancholia) is impressive as the allpowerful governer, who rules the island with an unnervingly quiet iron fist. This great actor rarely disappoints, and this is one of his most intelligently handled performances. The inhospitable environment is brilliantly captured by cinematographer John Andreas Anderson (the cast

seem genuinely affected by the freezing conditions), there is an effective, moody score by Johan Soderqvist, and the deliberate pacing is helped immeasurably by editor Michal Leszczylowski. Some people may become impatient with its particular approach, but for those who want to be taken on an absorbing journey via character and story rather than mere colour and movement will find King Of Devil's Island rich and rewarding viewing. RATING : ****

How I Ended This Summer ■ (M). 124 minutes. Available now on DVD. Stunningly photographed on Arctic locations located at the extreme tip of Russia, this slow-burning drama/ thriller proves to be absolutely mesmerising. The film centres on two very different characters, young university student Pavel (Grigory Dobrygin), and the seasoned, older Sergei (Sergei Puskepalis), currently manning a remote meteorological station in the Arctic circle. Pavel finds it hard to deal with Sergei and his gruff, old-school attitude, who does his job with minimal fuss and talk, and doesn't find it necessary to open up to his young, educated colleague. When important, tragic news meant for Sergei is transmitted to Pavel, he is unable to tell him as he is fearful of how Sergei will react. Because of this a feeling of distrust develops between the two, leading to a suspenseful game of cat-andmouse. Writer/director Alexei Popogrebsky (Roads To Koktebel) uses the extreme locations to maximum effect, and cleverly makes this two character piece a parable about the clashes and changes between the old and new Russia. Both Dobrygin and Puskepalis are terrific and play off each other incredibly well on what clearly looks like tough shooting conditions (the crew were even attacked by Polar bears during production). Special mention must also go to cinematographer Pavel Kostomarov, whose gorgeous work is certainly Oscar-worthy (this would make a great wintery double with King Of Devil's Island). It would be great to see this wonderfully moody film receive a BluRay release. RATING : ****

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: APRIL 25: CAFE DE FLORE, IRVINE WELSH'S ECSTASY, THE AVENGERS, THE WAY, WISH YOU WERE HERE, FERRARI KI SAWAARI. MAY 3: ACT OF VALOR, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D, DELICACY, KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND, LAST REEF 3D, MY AMERICA, THE FIVE YEAR, ENGAGEMENT, THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH, W.E. THE DVD TOP SELLERS: 1. THE IRON LADY [Drama/Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent]. 2. HAPPY FEET TWO [Family/Animated/Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt]. 3. THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN [Family/Animated/Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig]. 4. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL [Action/Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner]. 5. TOWER HEIST [Action/Comedy/ Matthew Broderick, Ben Stiller, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda]. 6. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/ Fantasy/Robert Pattinson]. 7. PUSS IN BOOTS [Animated/ Family/Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek]. 8. ATTACK THE BLOCK [Comedy/ Sci-Fi/Action/Jodie Whittaker, Nick Frost]. 9. DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks]. 10. REAL STEEL [Action/Drama/ Hugh Jackman, Hope Davis, Kevin Durand]. Also: THE EYE OF THE STORM, DOLPHIN TALE, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, MONEYBALL, THE IDES OF MARCH, MACHINE GUN PREACHER, MELANCHOLIA, THE HELP, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, CONTAGION. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD THIS WEEK: STRAW DOGS [2011/Crime/ Drama/James Marsden, Kate Bosworth]. WAR HORSE [Drama/War/Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson]. WE BOUGHT A ZOO [Drama/Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson]. NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSICS ON DVD HIGHLIGHTS: WE'RE NO ANGELS [Comedy/ Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray]. THE DESPERATE HOURS [Drama/ Thriller/Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March]. COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA [Drama/Shirley Booth, Burt Lancaster]. A BREATH OF SCANDAL [Romance/Sophia Loren, Angela Lansbury]. Turn To Page 63


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Lovatts Crossword No 18 Across

1. Blizzard 6. Wattle tree 11. Villain 15. Dried grass piles 20. Exclamation of pain 21. Genuine thing, the real ... 22. Numerous 23. Underground molten rock 25. Relaxation art (1'2,3) 26. Coral organisms 27. Dinners or lunches 29. Venice canal boat 32. Singer, ... Diamond 34. Famous British school 36. Type of spanner 39. Condemns to hell 41. Harnessed (oxen) 43. Rubs with emery 46. ... of Troy 48. Beneath 49. Dad 51. Hooter 52. Co-venture 55. Coarse file 56. Acorn bearers 59. Kills 61. Sit for portrait 62. Once again 63. Screw 64. Ripens 67. Halfway through pregnancy 68. Fortified wine 70. Culmination 71. Actress, ... Loren 72. Nag 73. Naked 74. Renovate (ship) 75. Rose-shaped award 77. Stop! (nautical) 78. Survives 79. Style 82. Mob 86. Jelly/sponge dessert 87. Eye lustfully 89. Belief in the supernatural 92. Pond plant 94. Capture 96. News 98. Floating log platform 100. Live coal 101. Computer input 103. Princess Royal 105. Resided 106. Press 108. Burn 111. Commoner 112. Very lazy (4,4) 114. Amaze 116. Spy, ... Hari 119. Bullets 120. German WWII fascist 121. Anticipated touchdown (1,1,1) 123. Freezes, ... over 124. As far as (2,2) 125. Omits (6,3) 126. New York borough 127. Blackberry shrub 130. The masses, ... polloi 131. Dawn to dusk 135. Alternate, every ... 138. Calf-length skirt 139. US astronaut, ... Shepard 141. Acute remorse 144. Unchanged, the ... 146. Cheerio! 147. Unfasten 148. Male swan 149. Young sheep 150. Uncle Sam (1,1,1) 151. Type of saxophone 152. Print with raised design 153. Taj Mahal city 155. Closing 157. Part of eye 158. Method 160. Braid 161. More ancient 162. Up to the time of 163. Overly cute 165. Less frequent 166. Snake, ... constrictor 167. Rowing aid

Across 168. Guitar sound 169. Servant 171. Accessory 172. Female title 175. In vain, to no ... 176. Light sleeps 179. Arid US state 180. Schoolgirl 182. Prison 184. Opens door to (4,2) 185. Balmy 186. Crooner, ... King Cole 188. Quiet 189. Pod vegetable 190. Dull 191. Snow-runner 193. Betting chances 194. Jogs 196. Match before final 197. Unreliable 198. Revolving tray, lazy ... 200. Modesty 205. AFL great, ... Barassi 207. Angrily 210. Impetuous 211. Concealing 212. Stupefy 213. Trading centre 214. Banned pesticide (1,1,1) 216. Irish sweater style 218. Actual 219. Ellipse 220. Repaints (vehicle) 224. Moodier 227. Depend 229. Space flight organisation 230. Tethers 231. Latin American dance 232. Nipple 233. Aware of 235. Prophetic signs 237. Go up 239. Printing error 241. Type of orange 244. Child's toy (2-2) 246. Pet's neck band (3,6) 249. Please reply (1,1,1,1) 252. Stingier 254. Former English cricket captain, ... Hussain 256. Outrageous 258. Arrange 259. Fuss, song & ... 260. Introducing in stages, ... in 263. Rest on knees 264. Outcome 265. Rot (of leather) 267. Paltry 270. Niece & ... 271. Avoided 272. Entertainer 273. Additional items 274. Welsh vegetables 277. Witnessed 279. Carpenter's spike 281. More rational 284. Hurry 286. Sum owed 288. Absorbed 292. Whisky ingredient 294. Kiss & cuddle 295. Fire remains 298. Smallest 300. Nominated 301. Mention, ... to 303. Monastery superior 306. Decorative shrub pot 308. Encounter 309. Concludes 311. Pink-eyed rabbits 314. Last Greek letter 315. Ketchup, ... sauce 316. Powerful 317. Fruit mash 318. After that 319. Deserve 320. Mafia, ... Nostra 321. Treats with drugs 322. Rewrite on keyboard 323. Unhappier 324. Muscle toning therapists

Down 1. Cosy 2. Furnace 3. Polynesian island group 4. Heart or lung 5. Complain 6. Movement 7. Blackboard marker 8. Drumming insects 9. Amongst 10. Fuel energy rating 11. Go around 12. Playful water mammal 13. Propel 14. Christian festival 15. Sacred song 16. Long (for) 17. Try out (food) 18. Cudgel 19. Obscene material 24. Charity offerings 28. Youths 30. Milky gem 31. June 6, 1944 (1-3) 33. Eagle nests 35. Equal (2,1,3) 37. Raven 38. Deer 40. Yelling 42. Geological division 44. Positive electrodes 45. Least moist 47. Fencing blades 48. Great disturbance 49. Prepared mentally, ... up 50. Sports ground buildings 53. Wed again 54. Impedes 57. Rescued by plane 58. Examines closely 60. Brighter 63. Temper fit 65. Hatchets 66. Settee 68. Cry weakly 69. Corrode 76. Outstanding 79. Fellows 80. Not anybody (2-3) 81. Lodge firmly 83. Boundary 84. Media tycoon, press ... 85. Pixie 88. Disadvantage 90. Team 91. Tiny amount 93. Skin irritation 95. Paradise garden 97. Flourish of trumpets 99. Friends star, Jennifer ... 100. Periods 102. Degrade 104. Kinder 107. From Italy's capital 109. Rectify 110. Arabian prince 111. Ode 113. Glancing 115. Summer footwear 117. Cousin's mother 118. Nuclear explosive, ... bomb 121. Morally sound 122. Friendly 127. Chest 128. Gave weapons to 129. Childbirth contractions (6,5) 132. In unison (3,8) 133. Relative by marriage (2-3) 134. Call up (feelings) 135. Vigilant 136. Magician's cry (3,6) 137. Idealists 138. Rissoles 140. Of course 141. Document summaries 142. Blameless

Down

143. Tent cover 145. Corrected (text) 151. Former IOC president, Juan ... Samaranch 154. Wanders 156. Fragrance 159. Reproductive cells 164. Sixth sense (1,1,1) 169. Imitative performer 170. Wood surface design 173. Hoped (to) 174. Versus 177. South American mountains 178. Effeminate 181. Facility 183. Commissioned soldier 187. Random 192. Hopping marsupials 195. Office workers 199. Usefulness 201. Chooses 202. Weather feature, El ... 203. Milan opera house, La ... 204. Bright signal light 206. Seductress, ... fatale 207. Map 208. Nimble 209. Executive jet 213. Car race city, Le ... 215. Small plums 217. Advertising sign 221. Jetties 222. Incidental comment 223. Complacent 224. Soccer net 225. Policy reversal (1-4) 226. Courtyard 228. Ambassadors' residences 234. Loud-hailer 236. Hypodermic syringes 238. Charged particle 240. Enquire intrusively 242. Showy flowers 243. Poetic name for Ireland, ... Isle 245. Apple groves 247. Parentless kids 248. Boost 250. Blood feud 251. Mesh 253. Rodents 255. Copied 257. Former Italian money unit 258. Fix 261. Respiratory ailment 262. Shoe lining 265. Rounded stone 266. Brainwaves 268. Put up with 269. The Queen's third son 275. Sitcom, My Name Is ... 276. Ruler, Genghis ... 278. Tidal river mouth 280. Carbonated 282. Opposed to 283. Resound 285. Throat-clearing noise 287. Wobble 289. Wage 290. Polluted 291. Assumes (attitude) 292. Guru 293. Ready, willing & ... 296. Impassive person 297. Upright 299. Make reparation 302. Wooden barrier 304. Farm sheds 305. Overly fat 306. Prudish 307. Elderly 308. Rugs 310. Luncheon meat 312. Bobs head 313. Timber cutters


Solution on Page 39

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 59

MEGA

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Page 60 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Observer Showbiz AUDITIONS ■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest May 6 from 6.30pm, May 7 from 7.30pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Wendy Drowley. Audition bookings: 0413 580650. ■ Sherbrooke Theatre Company: Rabbit Hole (by John Misto) May 6, 7 at 7.30pm at The Shed, Factory 4, 22 Jesmond Rd., Croydon. Director: Horrie Leek. Audition Bookings: 9808 8438. ■ 1812 Theatre: Lonesome West May 6 at 8.00pm at 1812 Theatre, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Grant LepanWalker. Audition bookings: 9758 3964. ■ Encore Theatre: Sylvia (by A.R. Gurney) May 6, 8 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31 Highland Ave., Clayton. Director: Peter Newling. Enquiries: Peter.newling@gmail.com ■ Beaumaris Theatre: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat May 11 at 7.30pm and May 12 at 10.00am at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt. Audition bookings: 0401 450979. ■ Peridot Theatre: Me and Jezebel (by Elizabeth Fuller) May 20 at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Helen Ellis. Enquiries: 0429 355 465 or ellisproductions@me.com ■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Disney's High School Musical, May 18 - 21 at MDX Dance Studios, Unit 2/1 Akuna Drive, Williamstown. Directors: Ang Cuy and Stuart Dodge. Audition bookings: 1300 881 545. ■ Altona City Theatre: Sweeney Todd May 20, 22, 24, 27 at the Hobsons Bay Community Workshop, 280 Queen St., Altona. Director: Dean Mitchelmore; Musical Director: Ian Nisbet. Audition bookings: 9398 5508. ■ Croydon Parish Players: HMS Pinaford May 28, 29 at the Croydon Uniting Church Hall, Tallent St., Croydon. Director: Phillip Crompton: Musical Director: Andrea Crompton. Enquiries: cromptstar@aanet.com.au

SHOWS ■ Moreland Theatre Company: Twelfth Night (by William Shakespeare) May 24 - June 2 at the Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Rd., Brunswick. Director: Sam Browne. Tickets: $20/ $15. www.moreland.org.au ■ Werribee Theatre Company: Busybody (by Jack Popplewell) May 25 - June 2 at the Crossroads Theatre, Cnrs. Synnot St and Duncans Rd., Werribee. Tickets: $20. Bookings: 0401 800 196 www.werribeetheatrecompany.org.au ■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: MASH May 30 - June 16 at 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Adrian Carr. Tickets: $25/$22. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Scrubbers (written and directed by Cenarth Fox) May 31 - June 9 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 9382 6284. ■ Swan Hill Theatre Group: Oliver! May 31 - June 16 at the McCrae St. Theatre, Swan Hill. Director: Nikki Holt. Evening performances: 7.30pm, matinee at 2.00pm. Bookings: 0438 006 274.

RED, HOT AND COLE ■ The show is directed by Anna Marinelli, with musical direction by Malcolm Fawcett and choreography by Carla Gianinotti. Red Hot and Cole celebrates the great American songwriter, Cole Porter, who brought style, elegance and sophistication to the stages and soundstages of Broadway and Hollywood, delighting the world with his devilishly clever rhymes, fresh and unexpected melodies and sassy sensibility. Tickets: $32/$28. Opening Night Black Tie $35. Bookings: 1300 881 545 www.mtc.org.au

● Top left, Cassandra Beckitt (Linda Porter), Mark Monroe (Clifton Webb), Sheona Gregg (Sara Murphy), Michael Bingham (front) as Cole Porter and Bianca Giorgetti (Elsa Maxwell) in Williamstown Musical Theatre Company’s production of Red, Hot and Cole playing from May 4 – 19 at the Williamstown Mechanics Institute,Cnr. Melbourne Rd and Electra St, Williamstown. Photo: Gavin D Andrew

Local Theatre With Cheryl Threadgold

Melbourne

Observer

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? SHOWS ■ The 1812 Theatre: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Until May 5 at 8.00pm at The Bakery at 1812, 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Libby Procter. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3984. www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Compleat Female Stage Beauty (by Jeffrey Hatcher) Until May 5 at 2-4 Albert Street, Williamstown. Director: Chris Baldock. Bookings: www.wlt.org.au or 9885 9678. ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Never the Sinner (by John Logan) Until May 5, 8.15pm Tuesdays to Saturdays at 29a Burke Road, East Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Tickets: $20/ $18. Bookings: 1300 131 552. www.malverntheatre.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre: The Peppercorn Tree (by Alison Campbell Rate) Until May 12, Wed - Sat at 8.15pm, May 5 at 2.15pm, May 6 at 4.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Bookings: 1300 138 646 (no mobiles) or 9898 9090 (for mobiles) www.peridot.com.au ■ Croydon Parish Players: A Murder is Announced (Adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon from the book by Agatha Christie) May 4 - May 12 at the Croydon Uniting Church, Tallent St., Croydon. Director: Jen Gay. Performances: May 4, 5, 8, 10, 11 at 8.00pm, May 12 at 6.00pm. Tickets: $20/$18, Ch.U15 $15. Bookings: 0447 014584 www.croydonparishplayers.com ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Heiress (by Ruth and Augustus Goetz) May 4 - 19 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Vicki Smith. Tickets: $24/$22/ $20. Bookings: 9587 5141. ■ Gemco Players Community Theatre Inc: A Season of Ken Purdham (Three plays on love, life and death written by Ken Purdham) May 10, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 8.00pm and May 13, 19 at 2.30pm at the Gem Performing Arts Centre, Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: 0411 723530 www.gemcoplayers.org ■ Southern Peninsula Players: Fawlty Towers (John Cleese and Connie Booth) Featuring: The Anniversary, The Psychiatrist and Kipper and the Corpse. May 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 8.00pm, May 20 at 2.00pm at the Rosebud Memorial Hall. Director: Evan Knoble. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 5982 2777 or visit Rosebud Carpets, Pt. Nepean Rd., Rosebud. ■ Nova Music Theatre: Miss Saigon May 11 - 26 at the Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Noel Browne; Musical Director: John Clancy; Choreographer: Wayne Robinson. Bookings: www.novamusictheatre.com.au or 1300 305771. ■ Mansfield Music and Drama Society: Footloose the Musical May 18 - 26 at the Performing Arts Centre, View St., Mansfield. Director: Michael Isbister. Tickets: $20/$15. Bookings: 0413 740069.

Sunset Boulevard

● Mark Doran at left (Joe), Phil Lambert (Max) and Maureen Andrew (Norma Desmond) rehearse for opening night on May 4 of CLOC Musical Theatre’s Sunset Boulevard at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Photo: Richard Crompton ■ Directed by Chris Bradtke, with musical direction by Andrew McCalman and choreography by James Rooney, Sunset Boulevard features a fine cast with a multi-award winning production team to recreate this larger-than-life tale of faded and deluded silent movie star Norma Desmond and the fantasy world she creates around her when preparing for her triumphant screen comeback. Performances from May 4 – 19, include a special Mother’s Day matinee on Sunday, May 13 at which all mothers in the audience will receive a gift. Tickets: $45 full, $40 concession, $30 children. Bookings: 1300 362 547 or www.cloc.org.au

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.

AN INSPECTOR CALLS SHOWS

● Wardrobe Mistress Wendy Drowley buttons up Lyall Mabin’s vest as fellow actor Roderick Chappell looks on in Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production of An Inspector Calls, being presented from May 3 – 19 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Written by J. B. Priestley, Heidelberg Theatre Company’s production of this haunting thriller is directed by John Jenkins. Tickets: $25/ $22. Bookings: 9457 4117 or htc.org.au Photo: Patricia Tyler ■ Phoenix Theatre Company: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum May 25 - June 2 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director/Choreographer: Renee Maloney; Musical Director: Katie Packer.

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay Abaire) May 17 - 26 at 16 Price St., Torquay. Director: Gay Bell. Tickets: $19/$15. Bookings: 5261 9035. ■ Sunshine Community Theatre Inc: Breathing Corpses (by Laura Wade) May 17 - 19 at 8.00pm at the Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix St., North Sunshine. Director: Tess Maurici-Ryan. Tickets: $15/$12. Bookings: 0407 802165 www.sunshinecommunitytheatre.webs.com ■ The Basin Theatre Group: Bullshot Crummond May 11 June 3, Thurs - Sat at 8.00pm, Sun at 2.00pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Cameron South. Tickets: $22 (incl. program, refreshments, supper, parking). Bookings: 1300 784 668 (7-9pm only) or www.thebasintheatre.org.au ■ Mornington CEF Players: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) May 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at Bellamy Hall, Albert St., Mornington. Directors: Mike Fletcher and Cameron Sweatman. Tickets: $20/$17/$14. Bookings: 5975 5904. www.cefplayers.com.au ■ Warragul Theatre Company: Carmen - The musical, May 18 - 26 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. Director: Michelle Carrigy; Musical Director: David Williams; Choreographer: Emmalee Meisels. Bookings: 5624 2456 www.wgac.org.au ■ 1812 Theatre: I Hate Hamlet (by Paul Rudnick) May 24 June 16 at 3-5 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Tickets: $25. Bookings: 9758 3964 or www.1812theatre.com.au ■ Brighton Theatre Company: Three Days of Rain (by Richard Greenberg) May 24 - June 9 at Brighton Theatre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Doug Bennett. Tickets: $20/$18. Bookings: 1300 752 126 www.brightontheatreco.com


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 61

Real Estate News


Page 62 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Real Estate News


www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 63

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

Showbiz Extra ■ From Page 57

ACTION AT THE ‘BOOL

■ With one day down of their three Carnival at Warrnambool, the action will swing into the running of the Wangoom Handicap for the sprinters over the 1200 metres and the Galleywood Hurdle over the 3200,today. The Warrnambool Club with the aid of very good sponsors is able to offer many incentives for owners and trainers over the three days. The big one is the trainer's award, with an all new Mercedes Benz B Class valued at $ 42,615 that can be won by a trainer a minimum four races over the three days. Last year leading trainer, Robert Smerdon, won the car with his team taking home at least one of the major races, which is one of the conditions. The races that count toward this magnificent car are the Brierly Steeple run yesterday, The Wangoom Handicap, or the Galleywood Hurdle, both run today. Then you come home on the last day with the running of the Warrnambool Cup over 2350 metres and the Grand Annual Steeple over 5500 metres. The owners are not being left out with the bonuses, with the running of the OTI Racing Challenge Bonus worth $50,000. The conditions include winning the 1700 metres handicap run yesterday, as well as the Warrnambool Cup run tomorrow. Another incentive for owners and trainers is the Inglis race series, which has a $50,000 prize, with the winning horse offered for sale exclusively through Inglis Yearling Sales. So there is plenty of cash up for grabs at the Carnival one that you must go if you haven't been to. It is one of those occasions where you feel you are in another world; the atmosphere is electric. The whole Warrnambool township and surrounds are completely booked out including places like Port Fairy and Camperdown. There are plenty of popular pubs in town including the Victoria,

Ted Ryan

Royal, Criterion and Kelly's, just to mention a few. V-Line run special trains to the Warrnambool station; especially on the final day, where you can enjoy a pleasant train ride and great companionship.

Ready to rumble ■ The Gold Coast Turf Club is gearing up for a bumper day this Saturday (May 5), with the running of the popular Prime Minister's Cup over 1300 metres. This year the Cup, which always attracts good gallopers from Melbourne and Sydney, is worth a total of $ 175,000. Also featured on an excellent program of racing is the Gold Coast Guineas for the three year-olds over 1200 metres with $125,000, at the end of the rainbow. If you would like to attend the popular day contact their CEO, Neil Archer on (07) 5538 1589. The email line for the Gold Coast Turf Club is Neil@gctc. com.au I have been on several occasions and enjoyed the Club's hospitality and their magnificent track, with the scenic outlook.

put their money where their mouth is by sponsoring the 2012 Slickpix Silver Bowl Series in conjunction with the Victoria Racing Club and the Northern District Racing Association. All races in the series are for three yearolds only and kick off with the first of the series at Kyneton on Monday May 14 over 1200 metres in the 068 handicap worth $20,000. This will be followed on May 30 at time with their popular award for the Best Dressed strapper during their race days.

Observer Racing

Bendigo over 1400 metres with prize money of $22,500. They then journey to Swan Hill on Friday June 8, running over 1300 metres. Then back to Bendigo on Sunday June 17, the day of the Club's big jumping program, with prize money of $22,500 moving up to 1600 metres. Echuca will host the last of the series of the Slickpix Series in the country over 1400 metres worth $20,000. The Final will be conducted at Flemington on Saturday July 7, with a staggering $101,000 up for grabs over 1600 metres.

● Black And Bent Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754 At the Melbourne Bent made it eight on Observer we are very end in winning at indebted to Slickpix, Sandown, and is a dewho help us out with light to watch his effortall the racing shots for less style of jumping. my racing column for In about six weeks which we most grate- we journey to Sanful, and wish them all down (Sporting Bet the best in their series Park), for the running from three year-olds. of the Australian Slickpix has fea- Hurdle and Steeple on tured at Caulfield for Saturday June 2. some time with their Then on Sunday popular award for the June 17, the Bendigo best dressed strapper Jockey Club will run during their race days. their big hurdle and steeple event in conjunction with the Slickpix Series for ■ With Warrnam- three year olds. bool leading the way The following with their popular jump- month, the action will ing series, we are not back at Sporting Bet far away from the big Park (Sandown), on ones in town. Sunday July 15 with Recently our star the running of the jumper, Black and Grand National Hurdle, where Black and Bent will start a red hot favourite. The action returns to Sporting Bet Park on Sunday July 29, with the Grand National Steeple the main attraction.

Go jump!

He’s back

Slickpix ■ Well known racing photography people, Slickpix, has certainly

● Robert Smerdon Photo by SLICKPIX, phone 9354 5754

■ It's great to see top jockey Darren Gauci back in action especially booting home a winner after only 14 comeback rides. He is extremely lucky not only to be back riding, but to be even walking, after his mount at Mornington some months back suffered a heart attack crashing into the rail and landing on top of him. One of the greatest blokes you could meet, I would love to see him get more rides as he has still got plenty of get up and go. Good Luck, Darren, all you have to do now is leave those pizzas from your beloved Colombo's alone and you will right.

Top 10 Lists BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON [Drama/Graham Faulkner, Judi Bowker]. THE OUT-OF-TOWNERS [Comedy/Jack Lemmon, Sandy Dennis]. ALL IN A NIGHT'S WORK [Comedy/Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine]. LADY IN A CAGE [Thriller/Olivia De Haviland, James Caan]. DARLING LILI [Dram/Rock Hudson, Julie Andrews]. CARRIE [Romance/Drama/Jennifer Jones, Laurence Olivier]. DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS [Romance/ Drama/Anthony Perkins, Sophia Loren, Burl Ives]. ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER [Comedy/Barbra Streisand, Jack Nicholson]. ROBIN & MARIAN [Adventure/Audrey Hepburn, Sean Connery]. MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY [Comedy/ Woody Allen, Diane Keaton]. Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN [Horror/Robert DeNiro, Helena Bonham Carter]. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC DVD HIGHLIGHTS: TITANIC (2012): Extended Version [Drama/ Linus Roache, Toby Jones]. THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW: Series 3. UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS: Series 1. UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS: Series 2. MISS FISHER'S MURDER MYSTERIES: Series One - Part One. PRIME SUSPECT: Series 1. PRIME SUSPECT: Series 2. PRIME SUSPECT: Series 3. LOVE NEVER DIES/PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: 25th Anniversary Edition. TOP BLU-RAY SELLERS: 1. THE IRON LADY [Drama/Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent]. 2. HAPPY FEET TWO - 3D & 2D Blu-ray [Family/Animated/Robin Williams]. 3. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL [Action/Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner]. 4. THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN - 3D & 2D Blu-ray [Family/Animated]. 5. TOWER HEIST [Action/Comedy/Matthew Broderick, Ben Stiller, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda]. 6. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part One [Drama/Fantasy/Robert Pattinson]. 7. PUSS IN BOOTS 2D, 3D + DVD [Animated/Family/Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek]. 8. ATTACK THE BLOCK [Comedy/Sci-Fi/Action/Jodie Whittaker, Nick Frost]. 9. DRIVE [Action/Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks]. 10. MACHINE GUN PREACHER [Action/ Drama/Gerard Butler, Michael Shannon]. Also: Real Steal, Midnight in Paris, The Ides of March, Moneyball, The Eye of the Storm, Dolphin Tale, Melancholia, The Help, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Contagion. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK: STRAW DOGS [2011/Crime/Drama/James Marsden, Kate Bosworth]. WAR HORSE [Drama/War/Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson]. Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN [Horror/Robert DeNiro, Helena Bonham Carter]. LOVE NEVER DIES/PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: 25th Anniversary Edition. LE MANS [Racing/Steve McQueen]. WE BOUGHT A ZOO [Drama/Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson]. - James Sherlock

‘Hansom Cab’ filming ■ ABC-TV’s The Mystery of a Hansom Cab started filming in Melbourne this week. The tightly-plotted murder mystery, set in sophisticated 19th century Melbourne stars John Waters, Shane Jacobson, Chelsie Preston Crayford (winner of this year’s Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent), Helen Morse and Logie Awardnominee Anna McGahan. It is based on the international best-seller written by Fergus Hume.


Page 64 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport Racing Briefs

In the winner’s stall ■ Once again ‘Team Miles’ - Lisa, David, Marty and Laurel were in the winners stall, with Art Major/Amarillen gelding Big Zee taking the Wangaratta Vicbred Pace over 1690 metres at the Wangaratta meeting. Given a cosy passage by David four back in the moving line from gate two on the second line, Big Zee moved forward approaching the home turn and despite making the final bend five wide, motored to the wire to blouse the short priced favourite Cheveyo by 3.3 metres in 1-58.7, with Modern Mary third after trailing the pacemaker. Bred and raced by Tasmanians Fred and Pauline Barker, Big Zee is a half brother to the former Miles stable star Villagem (Village Jasper) now with Luke McCarthy in NSW.

Eased from outside ■ Heats two and three of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series for 4-Y-0 Entires & Geldings over 2190 metres were held at the Wangaratta fixture conducted at Shepparton's Kialla Raceway, the winners being Cut For An Ace and Melpark Maestro, both from Alan Tubbs' Bacchus Marsh stable. Cut ForAn Ace a very smart gelded son of Aces N Sevens and Alesco, did a great job to score after racing in the open from gate four. Driven by Amy Tubbs who never panicked at any stage, Cut For An Ace proved too strong for Markleigh Ucha from mid-field in a rate of 2-00.2, with Goldenorro third after leading out, than taking a trail on Chanels Charm. Melpark Maestro (Armbro Operative/Golden Forrest) a half brother to former Victoria Cup winner Melpark Major (Iraklis) with Greg Sugars in the sulky, was eased from outside the front row to possie near last, with the NSW hope Modern Slippa leading. Sent forward three wide solo in the final circuit, Melpark Maestro outstayed his rivals to score from Lights And Music which moved to shadow the leader at the bell, with Modern Slippa weakening to finish third. The mile rate 2-01.4. Both favourted runners Farmersntradies (inside the second line) and Global View (from the pole) were snookered along the markers and never got a look in.

Assumed control at bell ■ Friday's Maryborough meeting was a good one for the Melton area, John Justice, Maree Caldow and Lance Justice all providing winners. John Justice snared the 6th Heat of the Vicbred Super Series for 3-Y-0 Trotters with Dream Vacation/Late Withdrawal filly Leavemein much to the delight of owner/breeders Kevin and Carol Riseley racing under the banner of Sheron Park. Given a cosy trip from gate three trailing the leader Wildenstein, before being shuffled to three back when Sundons Promise assumed control at the bell, Leavemein dashed home along the sprint lane to gain the day by 4 metres over Wildenstein which moved away from the markers on turning, with Sundons Promise third. The mile rate 2-03.5.

This Week’s Meetings ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Wednesday - Geelong/Mildura, Thursday - Cobram/Bendigo, Friday - Yarra Valley/Melton, Saturday - Ballarat, Sunday - Elmore @ Melton, Monday - Maryborough, Tuesday - Nyah.

Horses To Follow ■ Midnight Banker, Eurasian Hanover, Bought On Looks, Real Hammer, Stephen John, No Shanks, Djibouti, Joe Cable.

ONE ACT AFFAIR AT HORSHAM

■ Horsham was the venue for harness racing on Monday April 23, with plenty of winners coming from the outlying areas. Great Western dominated the day with three winners on the program, Peter Manning taking the Dexter Dunn @ Horsham 21/5 Trotters Handicap with Knapdale Girl, Kerryn Manning the Chris Lewis @ Horsham 21/5 Pace with Well Hereshoping and Jamie Stewart the Moore Bulk Haulage Pace with Shards Of Ice, while Lake Lonsdale trainer Ken Taylor snared the David Harding @ Horsham Pace with Dills Rocket. Ex-Kiwi 5-Y-0 Sundon/Cool Yankee mare Knapdale Girl made her race a one act affair. Beginning safely from the 10 metre mark, Knapdale Girl (Kerryn Manning) settled three back along the marker line for a short period of time in the 2200 metre event, before easing to park in the open, with the roughie Wakem Ifyudare leading from outside the front row. Taking control in the last lap, Knapdale Girl was not extended to score from DreamscapeAurora (one/one - three back the markers last lap) in 2-07.1, with Wakem Ifudare third. Raced by Merv and Meg Butterworth and their company Decron Horse Care Pty Ltd, Knap-dale Girl registered her first victory on Australian soil, her previous success being at Ascot Park Invercargill in November last year.

Double win ■ The Butterworth team brought up a double when Well Hereshoping a 5-Y0 Washington Vc/Nellie Doon mare led throughout from the pole over 2200 metres to record a narrow victory. Given an easy time, Well Hereshoping just lasted over a game Roshani which raced outside her, going down by a half head in 2-03.9. Brand New Day (one/one - three wide home turn) finished third.

Shadowed ■ Perfect Art/Lemon And Ice 5-Y-0 mare Shards Of Ice with Terang's Matt Craven in the sulky, led throughout from gate three in his event over 1700 metres in defeating No Shanks who shadowed him throughout by a head in 2-02.3, with It Is What It Is third after trailing the winner.

Baker’s Delight

Harness Racing

From extreme draw

Melbourne

Observer

lenbaker@ bigpond.net.au

■ Kiwi bred Mach Three/Flight To Freedom filly Madam Pom Pom scored her second victory for the Caldow's when successful in the 2nd Heat of the Challenger Series for Three Year Olds over 2190 metres. Starting from the extreme draw, Madam Pom Pom settled at the tail of the field prior to making a swift three wide move racing for the bell to lead for the final circuit in accounting for the heavily backed Real Hammer which led, with My Mums A Star (four back the markers at bell) using the sprint lane for third. The mile rate 2-01.3.

with Len Baker

Second time ■ Seven year old D M Dilinger/Rocket Shipp gelding Dills Rocket chalked up his second victory in 18 outings. Driven by Stawell's Paul Rousch, Dills Rocket from gate two on the second line in the 1700 metre dash possied four back in the moving line, before following Temcam Theory three wide home in the last lap. Eased wide on straightening, Dills Rocket finished best to score from a death-seating Joe Cable and Temcam Theory in a rate of 2-04.4.

Death seat ■ Highly promising Cr Commando/Zesta 4-Y-0 gelding Kaptin Bly has returned to racing in fine style for Kialla trainer Peter Hornsby, taking out the P Snowdon Engineering Trotters Mobile for T1 & T2 class over 2190 metres at the Wangaratta HRC fixture held at Shepparton on Tuesday and in doing so, brought up two wins in succession from three outings since July 2010. Driven once again by Stacey Towers, Kaptin Bly led throughout from gate two in easily accounting for a death-seating Stephen John and Innocentbystander (one/ one) in a rate of 2-02.3.

Big run ■ The biggest run of the night at Shepparton came from the beaten brigade, a Four Starzzz Shark/ Botwana colt by the name of Lennytheshark who finished second in the Toil & Soil Wangaratta 2-Y-0 Pace over 2190 metres. Trained and driven by John Justice, Lennytheshark began badly from gate two, settling at the tail of the field, with the well supported Balldale leading from outside the front line.

Sent forward three wide hitting the back straight on the final occasion, Lenny had the audacity to claim the pacemaker on the final bend, striding clear and looking all over a winner. Shifting out under pressure in the home running, Lennytheshark was nabbed by a nose on the wire by the $20 chance Arriens along the sprint lane from three back on the markers, with Balldale holding down third. The mile rate 2-02.6. An Artesian/Angelic Hanover colt, Arriens is trained on the track by Dave Farrar and was driven by Nathan Jack.

Succession ■ Kyneton's Joe Attard brought up two wins in succession with Yankee Paco/Kellybrooke gelding El Paco, when successful in the Frank Dimetz Jewellers 3-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres at the Wangaratta HRC fixture held at Shepparton on Tuesday April 24. Driven once again by Nathan Jack, El Paco showed plenty of speed to lead from gate five, before taking a trail on both Loveyougoodboy and Rainbow Jay Jay three wide outside him, with Rainbow Jay Jay crossing the pair. When Loveyougoodboy moved away from the back of the leader racing for the bell, El Paco then trailed Rainbow Jay Jay for the final circuit, with the hot favourite Aldebaran Shades poised to pounce one/one. Gaining an inside passage to lead approaching the home turn, El Paco defied all challengers to score from Im Demimondaine along the sprint lane after following the winner throughout, with Aldebaran Shades running home late to finish third after going off stride as the home turn came into view. The mile rate 2-03.5.

Run of the race ■ Lance Justice combined with an in-form Leigh Sutton to capture the 1st Heat of the Challenger Series with Mach Three/Out Swing N colt Machin Out in a rate of 2-00.7. Given the run of the race from gate two trailing the heavily supported Soho Highroller (gate six), Machin Out was eased to the outside on straightening and finished best to score by 1.4 metres in 200.7 from the pacemaker, with the hot favourite Indulgent third after racing in the open. Raced by a syndicate of many including passionate harness follower Carol Bass, Machin Out recorded his third victory in 31 outings.

First success in 24 runs ■ Sebastian trainer/driver Garry Jackson (formerly from Kyneton), made a long awaited return to the winners list, when Pegasus Spur/Cassies Miss filly Mosquito Spur scored in the Tabcorp Park Melton 3-Y-0 Trotters Mobile over 2240 metres at Melton on Thursday. Raced by Garry and wife Brenda, Mosquito Spur led throughout from gate four in defeating Mister Fuji (one/three - four wide home turn) in a rate of 2-05.5, with Red Hot Chilli (three back the markers) using the sprint lane for third. It was Mosquito Spur's first success in 24 outings.

Took care of rivals ■ Huntly's Anthony Crossland has a promising type in Kiwi bred 5-Y-0 Continentalman/Sylvias Star gelding Bellingham who easily took care of his rivals in the Flying Horse Bistro Trotters Handicap for T0 class over 2200 metres at Bray Raceway Ballarat on Thursday. Stepping cleanly from barrier two on the second row, Bellingham enjoyed a cosy trip three back in the moving line, while the leaders Artcic Wolf and Carley did their share of work in the early stages. Letting rip with a brilliant turn of speed in the final circuit, Bellingham led prior to the home turn in winning by a 35.4 metre margin in a rate of 206.5 from Duchess Pat from near last at the bell, with Family Paco third after being one/one for a greater portion of the journey.

Slugging finish at M’boro ■ Ararat trainer/driver Michael Bellman was successful with 4-Y-0 Life Sign/Chance Bonus entire Lifes A Bonus at Maryborough on Friday, taking out the McPhersons Printing Group Pacers Handicap for C0 class over 2190 metres. A winner at Terang in May of last year, Lifes A Bonus was sent forward from gate three at the start to park outside the pacemaker Johnny Armbros, before gaining a one/one trail at the expense of the hot favourite Win The Crowd which circled the field from last to shadow the leader. In a slugging finish, Lifes A Bonus prevailed by 1.2 metres in a rate of 2-04.1 over Win The Crowd, with Umi third after following the winner throughout. - Len Baker


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 65

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Horses


Page 66 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer Victorian Sport

I HOPE THE BOOKIES WERE BURNED

■ I wrote an Editorial after Round 3 for fans to wait until after Round 5 to judge how the season is likely to panout. I’m no clearer on the answer except to say the bottom sides GWS who won the first quarter and kept the Bulldogs goalless, GCSuns who led North by 1 point at half time and Melbourne level against St Kilda late in fourth quarter all showed improvement which could mean better challenges. And hopefully the end of the ‘bookies’ 80 to 100 points starts. I fervently hope they got burned in the past two weeks. It’s insulting! The problem is how do we read Hawthorn’s unexpected demolition by the undefeated Swans? This rates Sydney along with WCEs, even though lowly Richmond gave them a scare, as Top Four challengers for this year’s flag. There is a long way off until September but early points on the Ladder are important as the Hawks, Collingwood, St Kilda and Fremantle may yet find. Close finishes are providing excitement as in the cases of the official ANZAC Daywin by Collingwood by one point over Essendon and the seesawing scoreboards until the final five to ten minutes of the eventual clearcut wins by North Melbourne, St Kilda and Adelaide. These results tend to mask some very ordinary football skills and performances for the host of loyal and committed fans. Congratulations are in order for the most improved forward in the game, Tom Hawkins with clean overhead marking and ‘dead-eye’ accuracy in booting six straight goals on the ‘paddy-rice’ field of the Gabba and pouring rain must be praised. How Geelong was able to produce its season’s best performance under these conditions deserves credit. GWS Jeremy Cameron 5.0, Crows’Taylor Walker 6.1 and Hawk Jarryd Roughead 5.0 all did well. Which prompts the question what’s happened to Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin who kicked five goals against Collingwood in the opening round but has managed only 6sixgoals in the past four games and nought.. The AFL needs these close finishes and must be encouraged by the improvement of GWS< GCSuns, Melbourne, North and Richmond.

Impending milestones ■ 500 goals – Matthew Pavlich, Fremantle. Matthew needs five goals to reach a career tally of 500 goals. He would be the first person in the club’s history to reach the mark, with 50 players in the game’s history having already reached 500 goals, after Stephen Milne reached the mark over the weekend. Father / Son combined games – Gary Ablett Senior and Gary Ablett Junior. Gary Junior is due play his 217th game this week, after father Gary Senior played 248 games for Hawthorn and Geelong. The pair will equal the Whitten family in sixth place in the game’s history for most matches by a father/son pair. The most games by a father/son pair are Fletcher (616 games comprising 264 games for Ken and 352 games for Dustin), Tuck (571 games comprising 426 games for Michael

Harry Beitzel www.squidoo.com/harrybeitzel and 145 games for Shane), Silvagni (551 games comprising 239 games for Sergio and 312 games for Stephen), Cloke (487 games comprising 333 games for David and 154 games for Travis), Scarlett (482 games comprising 212 games for John and 270 games for Matthew), Whitten (465 games 321 games for Ted Snr and 144 games for Ted Jnr) and Ablett (464 games comprising 248 games for Gary Senior and 216 games for Gary Junior). Most Games in History – Brent Harvey, North Melbourne. Brent is due to play his 329th game this weekend, which will take him level with Gary Dempsey in 20th position in the game’s history. The leading players in VFL/AFL history are Michael Tuck (Hawthorn, 426 games), Kevin Bartlett (Richmond, 403 games), Robert Harvey (St Kilda, 383 games), Simon Madden (Essendon, 378 games), Craig Bradley (Carlton, 375 games), Bernie Quinlan (Footscray/Fitzroy, 366 games), Brad Johnson (Western Bulldogs, 364 games), John Blakey (Fitzroy/North Melbourne, 359 games), Bruce Doull (Carlton, 356 games), Paul Roos (Fitzroy/Sydney Swans, 356 games), Dustin Fletcher (Essendon, 352 games), Doug Hawkins (Footscray/Fitzroy, 350 games), Chris Grant (Western Bulldogs, 341 games), Andrew McLeod (Adelaide Crows, 340 games), John Rantall (South Melbourne/North Melbourne/Fitzroy, 336 games), David Cloke (Richmond/ Collingwood, 333 games), Kevin Murray (Fitzroy, 333 games), Justin Madden (Essendon/Carlton, 332 games), Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn, 332 games), Gary Dempsey (Footscray/North Melbourne, 329 games).200 games – David Wojcinski, Geelong Cats 150 consecutive games – Kade Simpson, Carlton. Kade is due to play his 150th consecutive game this weekend since round 15, 2005. This is the longest current active streak in the AFL competition and Kade will become the 19th player in VFL / AFL history to play 150 or more games consecutively. P lease note that Kevin Bartlett achieved the feat on two separate occasions in his career. 150 games – Eddie Betts, Carlton 100 games – Cheynee Stiller, Brisbane Lions 50 games – Chris Yarran, Shaun Hampson, Carl, Jon Griffin, Freo,

Paul Stewart, Pt Adel, Leigh Adams, Nth Melb, Alex Rance, Rich. 50 games coached – Brad Scott, North Melbourne, Damian Hardwick, Richmond

AFL injury list ■ The AFL advises the following recent changes have been made to the long-term injury list: Fremantle - Upgraded Lee Spurr from rookie list to replace Josh Mellington, already on the long-term injury list. GCSuns – Placed Jarrod Harbrow on long-term injury list, upgraded Kyal Horsley from rookie list as his replacement. North Melbourne – Re-instated Tom Curran to the senior list from the long-term injury list. Port Adelaide – Placed Robbie Gray on the long-term injury list, with no replacement named at this stage.

Activated selections ■ As advised before the start of the 2012 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, the following clubs have elected to activate a total of seven compensation selections, received for losing a player to either the Gold Coast Suns or the GWS Giants during the expansion period, to be used at the 2012 NAB AFL Draft in November this year. Western Bulldogs - round one selection (compensation for the loss of Callan Ward). To be taken in round one immediately after the 2012 selection of the club. GWS Giants - round one selection (received from the Adelaide Crows in a trade, after compensation for the loss of Phil Davis). To be taken in round one immediately after the 2012 round one selection of the Adelaide Crows. Melbourne - round one selection (compensation for the loss of Tom Scully). To be taken in round one immediately after the 2012 round one selection of the club. Melbourne - mid round one selection (compensation for the loss of Tom Scully). To be taken in round one immediately after the round one selection of the ninth-placed club and before the round one selection of the eighth-placed club. Brisbane Lions – end round one selection (compensation for the loss of Michael Rischitelli). To be taken at

the end of round one immediately after the round one selection of the firstplaced club. Richmond – round two selection (received from Port Adelaide via the Gold Coast Suns in a trade, after compensation for the loss of Nathan Krakouer). To be taken in round two immediately after the 2012 round two selection of Port Adelaide. Western Bulldogs - round three selection (compensation for the loss of Sam Reid). To be taken in round three immediately after the 2012 round three selection of the club.

Tilly Mary Ratten ■ The Carlton Football Club confirms that Senior Coach Brett Ratten and his wife Jo are the proud parents of baby daughter, Tilly Mary Ratten, born on Saturday April 28. Brett returned from Perth early to be with Jo for the birth and both mother and a baby are doing well.

Round 6 Friday, May 4 Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (ES) (N) Saturday, May 5 Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions (ES) Geelong Cats vs. Melbourne (SS) Gold Coast SUNS vs. Fremantle (MS) (T) St Kilda vs. Hawthorn (MCG) (N) Sydney Swans vs. Adelaide Crows (SCG) (N) Sunday, May 6 Carlton vs. GWS GIANTS (ES) (E) Port Adelaide vs. Richmond (AS) West Coast Eagles vs. North Melbourne (PS) (T)

velopment and executive coaching, will mentor Hayley for 12 months. Andi is the wife of Collingwood FC Chief Executive Officer Gary Pert and played softball in teams coached by Jill Lindsay. AFL SportsReady is the AFL’s employment and training partner. It was established in 1995 to enhance the career pathways in employment and training for athletes and non-athletes alike. The program employs and mentors more than 600 trainees throughout Australia each year. In 2011, AFL Sportsready inducted its 9000th trainee of which more than 1000 have been indigenous Australians. Carlton Football Club Membership Operations Manager Nicole Rowlings was awarded the inaugural Jill Lindsay Scholarship last year

Scolarship winner New facilities at ■ The AFL advises that Hayley Robinson from the AFL Umpires As- Olympic Park sociation has been awarded the 2012 Jill Lindsay Scholarship. Jill Lindsay was the AFL’s longest serving employee having completed 41 years at the AFL in various roles including VFL Park match day manager and VFL membership manager before being appointed grounds operations manager in 1991. On February 7, 2011, Jill passed away after losing her battle with cancer. In recognition of her outstanding service the AFL Commission created the annual Jill Lindsay Scholarship to be awarded to the female graduate with the most potential to come through the AFL SportsReady program. The scholarship provides $20,000 to assist further education. Hayley, 22, has held the position of Administration Co-Ordinator with the AFLUA since completing her AFL SportsReady traineeship in 2008. For the past three years she has managed day-to-day office operations, general correspondence, the AFLUA member benefits program and co-ordinating events. Hayley said winning the scholarship was totally unexpected but she was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue her studies. “I’m an open book at the moment. I’m going to get some advice on which course I should take, but I know I want to study business and pursue a career within the football industry,” she said. AFL SportsReady will provide a lap top valued at $700 to assist Hayley with her study. Leading Australian women’s fashion brand Perri Cutten has kindly made available a voucher to the value of $750, while Andi Pert, a HR consultant specializsing in leadership de-

■ The Collingwood Football Club is working in partnership with the Federal Government and Melbourne and Olympic Parks to establish a major new Community Centre in the Olympic Park Precinct in Melbourne. The Olympic Park Precinct is home to many elite sports venues and adjacent to a range of parks, gardens and bike trails. The new centre will help to open up the precinct and a range of facilities to greater community use and engagement. T The proposed CFC Community Centre at Olympic Park is a new, split level sports, events and training complex connected to the Westpac Centre and adjacent to a new MCG sized sports oval being built on the Olympic Park site. It is designed to provide the community with access to elite training facilities and cater for a range of new events and programs. The centre will allow access to CFC’s own facilities at the Westpac Centre and will include a range of features designed to host major community events, operate health and fitness programs and activities; and deliver inspirational experiences for community groups, grass roots sports clubs and young people. Collingwood President Eddie McGuire said, “The new community centre will complete our three pillars community strategy to make a major contribution to the community by linking our community centre at Victoria Park, our partnership at the people’s ground the MCG, and a new community facility linked to the Westpac Centre in the heart of Olympic Park.” The total project combines a $10 million redevelopment.


Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Page 67

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