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STATE EDITION Vol 45 No 1533 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969 Ph 1-800 231 311 Fx 1-800 231 312

120 Observer PAGES Melbourne

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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Page 2 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Philip returns to Melbourne

James to be MC at Festa

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Ash erver s b O e n r u o lb e M e Th

Friday (Oct. 4) that includes ageing ambassafor Noeline Brown, 3AW promotions manager David Mann, its own Managing Director David Eccles, accreditation expert Ross Bushrod, Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews, and Seniors Shadow Minister Jenny Mikakos.

The function will take place at the Melbourne Park Function Centre.

Editor Ash Long is heard: ● 8.45am Wed., with Ron Burke, 3NRG-FM Sunbury ● 10am Wed., with Denis Scanlan, Pulse 94.7 Geelong ● 9.15am Thu., with Bob and Judy Phillips, 3RPP Peninsula ● Last week’s cover of the Observer ■ 3AW Nightline co-host Philip Brady was due to fly in to Melbourne as this edition went to press.

Philip was hospitalised one week ago after suffering a broken hip, when he fell down 25 stairs in a Hong Kong hotel.

He underwent surgery late last week, and was due to fly back to Melbourne aboard a QANTAS flight, accompanied by a nurse.

Philip is expected to be admitted to an inner suburban rehabilitation hospital.

Philip received many phone calls from Australia during his hospitalisation including from Bert and Patti Newton, Melbourne businessman Ron Walker, Observer columnist Mike McColl Jones, as well as giving regular updates to 3AW colleagues Bruce Mansfield, John Blackman and Denis Walter.

● James Liotta ■ The “youngest Italian-Australian comedian” James Liotta has been appointed as official Master of Ceremonies for the Carlton Italian Festa on Sunday, October 27.

The radio announcer-actor’s CV includes appearances on Underbelly Squizzy, Paper Giants, Neighbours, Thank God You’re Here, Prank Patrol and Quizmania.

James is a lead performer at Witches In Britches theatre restaurant, and conducts a radio program on North West FM.

● Kathy Lette ■ Kate Auty, Stephanie Alexander and Kathy Lette were speakers at the Festival Of Ideas which opened yesterday (Tues.) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by the University of Melbourne, more than 80 renowned speakers are discussing issues that determine the health and well-being of society and the planet.

The program is under the direction of Professor Fiona Stanley.

Rob looks to next TV series

Blitz on Frankston area

Tickets went on sale on Monday this week (Sept. 30).

Patrizio has sold millions of albums worldwide with a unique approach to romantic Italian and contemporary songs.

● Noeline Brown

Kindred Spirit Festival

Ross gives radio interview

Kathy Lette at ideas festival

Changes at 3AW nights?

● Andrew McLaren ■ Our Radio Confidential page suggests that a change might be occurring on the Australia Overnight program hoswted by Andrew McLaren and Mark Petkovic, originating from the 3AW studios in Melbourne.

Turn to the Observer Showbiz section for more details.

“It will be our sixth year on Foxtel,” Rob says. “Our confirmed guest list so far includes Diana Trask, Allan Caswell, Charlie Landsborough, Jasmine Rae and The Wolfe Brothers.

The series also includes Slim Dusty, Brothers 3, Ben Ransom, UK sensation Evi Tausen, plus Stuie and Camille.

● Ross Stevenson ■ 3AW breakfast show presenter Ross Stevenson last week won his 94th consecutive ratings victory.

Ross’s interview with the Radio Info website editor Peter Saxon has been released from behind its paywall.

Ross identified differences between Sydney and Melbourne radio.

“I’ve got a theory that Melbourne and Sydney are no longer two different cities.

“It’s two different countries and growing less alike with every passing year. To take that even further I think that Queensland and New South Wales are one country. Rugby League states are one country and Australian Rules states are a separate country,’ Stevenson said.

● Geoff Shaw ■ The Frankston electorate held by ‘independent’ politician Geoff Shaw is being targeted by a radio advertising campaign on Christian station, Light FM. Fairfax Media reports that the ads have been commissioned by gambling campaigner Paul Bendat who has previously taken out ads in newspapers attacking former Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien.

"Poker machines harm Frankston. Last year $62.2 million was lost on Frankston's poker machines alone, they cause not only family breakdown, but crime and suicide," the commercial says.

"But there is an evidencebased solution, let's limit losses to $120 an hour. This reform can be cost-free for the Victorian government."

One night only for Patrizio

■ To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian Ballet School, recording artist Patrizio Buanne is performing at Hamer Hall for a onceonly performance on Thursday, February 20.

● Patrizio Buanne

Young artists compete

■ The ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards kicks off with a brand new ‘mini-festival’ format, which sees 12 talented finalists compete for the title of 2013 ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year.

The winner receives $25,000, a CD recording, performance opportunities and an extraordinary career boost. Melbourne, October 4-12 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Victorian finalists include: ■ Sarah Kim, 23 (Cello) ■ Anne-Marie Johnson, 22 (Violin) ■ Hoang Pham, 28 (Piano) ■ Andrew Kawai, 14 (Oboe) ■ Stefan Cassomenos, 28 (Piano).

The ABC Sir Charles Moses Trophy is presented to the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performer of the Year in honour of Sir Charles Moses, Managing Director of the ABC, 1935-1965.

Winners are grinners

● Mel Dobra

Yappy Hour

■ Collingwood Football Club captain, Nick Maxwell, and Olympic gold-medallist Leisel Jones have joined forces to launch Yappy Hour (Oct 4 – Nov 2), a new initiative for the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

The launch will take place at The Olsen Hotel, South Yarra, tomorrow (Thu.) at 5.30pm.

The WSPA has worked to expose animal cruelty and prevent animal suffering for more than 30 years.

Radio pair sign off at MBS

■ Rod Watson and Jane O’Callaghan signed off from their long-running Music For Leisure program at 3MBS radio station on Sunday night (Sept. 29).

Rent ■ The University of Melbourne Music Theatre Association, is presenting Rent for a seven-show season this month, Organiser Mollie Farrell says the Association is a volunteer-based, student-run, non-profit musical theatre company.

The show will be presented between October 8 – 26 at The Open Stage, 757 Swanston St, the University of Melbourne, Parkville.

■ ‘Wild Marmalade’, Sri Prahalada, Dustin Thomas and Mel Dobra will appear at the Kindred Spriti Festival to be geld at 212A Whitehall St, Yarraville from 10am-10pm on Saturday, October 12.

Workshops will include studies in music, yoga and dance.

● Charles Moses ● Rob Foenander ■ The Observer’s country music columnist, Rob Foenander, says that the next series of his Country Crossroads TV show is two months away.

● Observer columnist Mark Richardson, featured every week on Page 4, won the seafood platter at a Grand Final weekend function starring Wendy Stapleton. Mark has just signed to present his ‘Straight From The Heart’ series in the Melbourne Observer throughout 2014.

Aged care afternoon

■ Blue Cross Community and Residential Services is holding an ‘extravaganza’ on

● Jane O’Callaghan

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 3

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Observer

City Desk The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Les Mis cast naming Busy time at RPP

● Les Miserables

● Judy and Bob Phillips ■ Mornington Peninsula radio couple Judy and Bob Phillips (Sugar And Spice, 9am Thursdays) say that 3RPP-FM Station Manager Brendon Telfer has attracted some great new presenters, production people and news cadets, but more needed as the summer season approaches.

■ The full Australian cast of Les Miserables will be revealed at an invitation-only event to be held at Chapter House, Flinders Lane, Melbourne, on Monday, October 14.

The composer, Claude-Michel Schönberg will be a special guest at the event.

Les Miserables is being presented by the Cameron Mackintosh organisation.

Les Mis is due to be staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, in June 2014.

Under The Clocks Rocky Horror Show cast announced

MAGIC MICHAEL

Nova Red Room

● Jason Derulo ■ Multi award-winning singer and song-writer Jason Derulo will perform at an intimate Nova Red Room in Melbourne tonight (Wed.) from 8pm.

Nova’s national drive show Meshel, Tim and Marty will host the Red Room at The Toff in Town, Swanston St, Melbourne, says Jane Elliott. ● A new book, The Modern Melbourne Cup: How Our Great Race Changed For The World, by Danny Power, was released yesterday (Tues.) by the Slattery Media Group.

● Ashlea Pyke will appear as Columbia ■ Joining Craig McLachlan (Frank N Furter) in the cast of The Rocky Horror Show will be Christie Whelan Browne and Tim Maddren as Janet and Brad. Reprising his role as Riff Raff, Frank’s loyal handyman, will be Kristian Lavercombe. Magenta will be played by Erika Heynatz.

Columbia, the groupie in Frank’s entourage, will be played by Ashlea Pyke. Eddie and Dr Scott will be Nicholas Christo. Brendan Irving will appear as Rocky. The Phantoms will be played by Vincent Hooper, Luigi Lucente, Meghan O’Shea and Angela Scundi, while the Swing/ Dance Captain will be James Maxfield.

Producers Howard Panter and John Frost this week named the cast members for the tour, which opens in January in Brisbane followed by seasonsin Perth, Adelaide , then the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne in April. ● Melbourne magician Michael Boyd on Australia’s Got Talent ■ Melbourne magician Michael at the conclusion of the second of the Boyd will appear in the first final of AGT Finals shows.

Australia’s Got Talent on Monday (OcAppearing next week on the third tober 7) on Channel 9. final, at 7pm are: The first two acts going straight ■ Brisbane dance crew Academy through to the Grand Final are: of Brothers ■ Brisbane dance group Swaga- ■ Sydney girl group Girl Class mama ■ Brisbane ballet dancer Yu Hui ■ Sydney aerial gymnast/para- ■ Perth acrobat/dancers The Rybka lympian Paul ‘The Other Super- Twins man’ Nunnari ■ Magician Michael Boyd The next seven artists confirmed ■ Sydney comedian Seaton Kay through to the third Australia’s Got Tal- Smith ent Final were announced on Sunday ■ Sydney singer Angel Tuirua

Melbourne Moments Pair escorts tour ■ 3AW Weekend Break hosts Grubby (Peter Stubbs) and Dee Dee (Diane Dunleavy) will lead a fully escorted Mediterranean cruise from August 1-16 next year.

The tour is being organised by Travelrite International.

Denise Drysdale will host the Celebrity Constellation cruise of the Baltic and St Perrsburg from July 18 to August 7.

Film man David Stratton is hosting A Film Festival At Sea: A Journey In Cinema 1895 To The Present from July 3-21. His tour includes England, Norway and Iceland.

Around Town

● Dee Dee (Diane Dunleavy)

■ Melbourne Theatre Company has announced that its NEON Festival of Independent Theatre has been named Best of Australian Arts 2013 in the theatre category awarded by The Monthly magazine.

■ Melbourne people are being invited to nominate to appear on the cover of next year’s White Pages published

by Sensis. www.whitepages community.com.au ■ Epping Plaza was yesterday (Tues.) re-named as Pacific Epping Shopping Centre, part of the Pacific Group.

It’s Gold! Where’s Huggy now?

● Gold 104.3 host Craig Huggins has made contact from Queensland’s Gold Coast, where he is holidaying: “I watched the Grand Final at their big screen event at the Suns ‘Metricon Stadium’ with just 25 other people; one was my son, and five others of them worked there!”

What’s On In Melbourne

Publicists Buxton Walker say Melbourne young people will be asked ★ to vote for the logo that will visually represent the Melbourne Youth Force in the lead-up to and during the 2014 International AIDS Conference. Voting is being conducted until Monday (Oct. 7).

Grand Wazoo will return to The Velvet Room at Thornbur Theatre on Sunday (Oct. 6) at 7pm.

Marcia Ferguson, Big West Festival 2013 Artistic Director will officially launch the festival program on Thursday next week (Oct. 10) at Addis Abeba, Nicholson St, Footscray. There will be a media call earlier in the day at the Footscray Market rooftop car park The Hotel Lindrum is staging a millinery collection for its Hats and High Tea patrons on Sunday, October 20.

★ ★ ★

PHOTO: IKON IMAGES

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Mark Richardson ♥ Straight from the heart

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

Celebrities dressed for success

● Alyce Platt and Ally Fowler

● Bella Le

■ When some of us receive that longawaited call about the ideal job or business opportunity and we're required to attend an interview or meeting at our 'earliest convenience', there are often many wheels which have to be set in motion.

When the call comes out of the blue, besides grappling with, 'how to get there', 'what about the kids?', 'what to wear?' and 'I had better re-read the job description', it's easy to underestimate the process it takes to get our presentation right; particularly for those living with varying social or financial challenges with a lack of resources, professional guidance and moral support.

This dilemma has been recognised

by Dress For Success, a not-forprofit organisation which helps women who find themselves in this situation.

Regardless of their experience, vocation or financial means, thousands of women around the world each year are provided with professional assistance to present themselves in their best light for such occasions.

Founded in 1996 and operational in Melbourne since 2011, Dress For Success has expanded to 125 cities in 15 countries, and has helped more than 700,000 disadvantaged women toward financial independence by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

Covered in the world's top magazines, including Vanity Fair, New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, their momentum continues with international celebrities providing support including; Kim Kardasian, Black Eyed Peas, Jordin Sparks, Jane Seymour, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Lisa Kudrow and Neil Diamond (to name a few).

Spring Fashion Porch Thoughts Set in the stunning heritage building of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre in Melbourne, some of Australia's showbiz celebrities joined forces with renowned specialists across the Fashion, Health and Beauty industries in support of this year's Spring Fashion and Beauty Series Dress For Success. The red carpet event was hosted by Chanoyu Natural Beauty and Spa. More than 150 guests were shown the tricks of the trade from a range of professionals including: Fashion Designers, Beauty Therapists, Stylists, Health Specialists, Boutiques and Make-up Artists, to help prepare them for job interviews, appointments and even court appearances.

The evening also featured a luxury runway show showcasing the latest trends of emerging designer Lana Volkov and milliner Melissa Richards, with top brands such as Simone Perele and Dizingof.

Spotted on the red carpet last Thursday evening were Angela Kennedy (My Kitchen Rules), Bec Douros (The Block Sky High), Faiza Rehman (MasterChef), celebrated Australian actress and musician Alyce Platt, Australian actress and singer Ally Fowler and screenwriter and producer Bobby Galinsky.

For more information and to find out ways in becoming involved or to make an online donation to the Dress For Success Melbourne organisation visit www.dressforsuccess.org or email melbourne@dressforsuccess.org

● Angela Kennedy and Bobby Galinsky

● Bec Douros

● Left: Jenni Carreno. Right: Peter Sprott (Dress For Success) and Faiza Rehman. Photos: David Lieu (on behalf of Brand By Style).

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 5

Court Roundsman

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

VERMONT ADVISER BANNED Observer FROM OPERATING FOR 4 YEARS In This 120-Page Edition

Macs to the Max

● American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris (left) and wife Gena (at right) met Melbourne couple Helen and Lachlan Macdonald at the Max International convention being held at Salt Lake City. Helen describes herself as the ‘Chief Optimism Officer’ of her company. Lach-land is well-known for his media work, and runs Mac’s Results.

■ James Thomas Banfield, of Vermont South, has been prevented from providing financial services for four years.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission found Banfield had submitted 10-15 change of adviser forms to Netwealth Investments Limited, when clients had not consented.

ASIC’s investigation found that between August to September last year, Banfield, an authorised representative and director of Lotus Securities Limited, submitted ‘change of adviser forms, consenting to a transfer from Wealthsure Pty Ltd to Lotus Securities Ltd in circumstances where the clients had not consented to the transfer.

Banfield has agreed to: ■ relinquish his positions as director, responsible manager and authorised representative of Lotus Securities Limited ■ not to deal with, communicate with or interact with any clients of any Australian financial service licensee or authorised representative in connection with the provision of financial services to clients ■ not to complete, submit or lodge client documentation which involves client authority, client money, powers of attorney and application forms, and ■ complete specified professional development education within 12 months.

CAR OWNER PAID $40,000 FROM GUARANTEE FUND Open Day at Beaumaris

■ Melbourne DJ Michael Chard will be paid $40,000 by the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund for a Volkswagen that he sold to Melbourne Vehicle Brokers, but for which he was never given the money.

Ian Proctor, Senior Member of the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal, heard that Chard had dealt with Clay Young at the sale yard of Melbourne Vehicle Brokers, which got into financial difficulties and went into liquidation.

VCAT was told that Chard had bought the VW from Mr Bo Chu on an internet website from $47,000, paying $35,000 by bank cheque, and a further $12,000 in cash.

Chard says his partner was not happy with the purchase of the car as it could not fit his partner and their newborn child.

‘Sell it’ ● Joan Macrae. Photo: Pauline Reynolds ■ Joan Macrae (pictured) will open her Beaumaris garden to the public for the second time in the Family Life Open Gardens Day event on Sunday, October 13, between 11am and 5pm.

Joan and her husband built their house in 1949, and visiting this natural bush garden is a step back in time.

Meandering pathways enfold the original cottage, with the host's pottery sprinkled throughout the tea-tree, native and exotic plantings.

Entry is $25 full price, or $22 concession (children are free) to see all seven gardens open for this event.

For further information, call Family Life on 8599 5433 or visit www.familylife.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

“His partner told him to sell it. He agreed,” Mr Proctor noted.

Clay Young attended VCAT and said that his answers might incriminate him.

Such evidence is not admissable in any criminal proceedings, Mr Proctor said.

Chard never registered the car in his own name, although he took out comprehensive insurance.

Chard said he knew he was going to lose thousands of dollars, and said he thought he could rely on Young to make transfer arrangements.

Fees avoided ■ Car owner Michael Chard deprived the ‘public purse’ of transfer fees when he bought and sold his VW without putting it into his own name, VCAT Senior Member Ian Proctor said.

“Having become the owner of the cdar, Mr Chard was legally obliged to do so, unless he cancelled the registration.

The public purse is poorer by the amount he should have paid.”

Observer: Philip Brady returns to Melb. ........ Page 2 City Desk: Rocky Horror cast named ........... Page 3 Mark Richardson: Straight From The Heart ... Page 4 Di Rolle: Helen Reddy, hear her roar ............ Page 6 Long Shots: 20 years in harness ................. Page 8 Showbiz: Around The World ......................... Page 9 West Hollywood: Gavin Wood reports .......... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Myer store to close ....... Page 11 Yvonne: Time for a good Spring clean ......... Page 13 Melb. Extra: Kevin Trask, Nick Le Souef ..... Page 14 Victoria Pictorial: Nostalgic photographs .... Page 15 Kevin’s Grand Designs Country Crossroads Spoiler: Neighbours Local Theatre

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Bail denied to 46-y-o ■ A Norlane man charged with a vicious assault on a shopper at a Belmont supermarket has been denied bail. The Geelong Advertiser reported that Geelong Magistrates' Court was told the shopper, 46, suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack by the alleged offender, Andrew Birch.

‘Learner blows .085’ ■ A California Gully learner-driver, 21, celebrated the purchase of a new car by drink-driving in the unregistered vehicle without a supervisor, according to Police. The Bendigo Advertiser says the driver blew .085.

Ice user banned ■ A heavy ice user has been granted bail on breaching intervention order charges but banned from Warrnambool. Travis Wayne Harradine, 29, who will now live at Framlingham, applied for bail in Warrnambool Magistrates Court, says The Standard.

Bail granted to man ■ A Magistrate grant bailed to Jonathan Kemp, 47, of Whitfield, who allegedly stabbed his friend 28 times, says The Chronicle.

Weather Forecast ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Today (Wed.). Chance of storm. 7°-16°.

Thurs. Chance of rain. 4°-14°.

Fri. Mostly cloudy. 10°-22°.

Sat. Partly cloudy. 13°-24°.

Sun. Partly cloudy. 9°-25°.

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD WHEN PHILIP BRADY ‘CAME TO’ AFTER HIS OPERATION IN HONG KONG 5. "Did I get the cover of the Melbourne Observer?"

4. "I thought it must have been my birthday they kept calling out 'Hip Hip’.”

3. "Check with the airline ...

I'm sure they'll give me an upgrade!"

2. “Can you believe it ... they wouldn't let me smoke in the operating theatre.”

1. "One nurse gave new meaning to the expression 'The Brady Bunch’!

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

To

The return of Marmite

Di David Helfgott shines

● David Helfgott ■ What a beautiful city our city is; it doesn’t get much better than this.

I do love Melbourne and everything it offers. Sending half my life in the Arts Precinct in Southbank, I realise daily what a blessed job I have, mixing with and promoting some of the most talented people in the world of music.

Every day is an education as I learn and appreciate more about music and the gift that it is.

A pianist who stole my heart when I saw him many years ago, and who has stolen all our hearts, will perform the music that captured his soul in Melbourne this month, I speak of David Helfgott. \ The inspiration for the Oscar-winning film, Shine, David Helfgott is one of Australia’s most treasured musicians.

He has two solo performances coming up in October at the Melbourne Recital Centre: Sunday October 20 at 4pm, and Sunday October 27 at 4pm.

In these two solo Melbourne recitals he will perform works by the greatest romantic composers including Beethoven and Liszt.

Shine propelled David Helfgott to worldwide fame. He was of course portrayed in the film by Geoffrey Rush, who won an Academy Award for his astonishingly accurate performance.

David Helfgott is a much-loved virtuoso pianist who touches the hearts of all who hear him and brings joy to concert-goers of all ages.

A highline of these performances will be David’s dazzling interpretation of RimskyKorsakov’s The Flight Of The Bumblebee, which he performed to a huge international audience at the Oscars. .

These will be David Helfgott’s only Melbourne recitals during his 2013 Australia tour, which is proudly presented by Andrew McKinnon.

Perfect Sunday afternoon outings!

Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au or phone 9699 3333 Trust me, this is a must see.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this true musical legend live in concert.

I love Kevin McLeod and Ali McGregor ■ Turn to the Observer Showbiz section (Page 108) for news on Kevin McLeod, and Ali McGregor, and their upcoming performances at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

I love my job!

■ There are many marvellous Australian institutions and it great news that another Australian institution that is coming to see us is the return of Marmite.

I was thrilled to hear that Marmite will be back on our shelves before we know it. Aussies have been starved of Marmite after the dreadful earthquake damage wiped out the cooling tower at Sanatorium’s Christchurch factory, rendering the Marmite building unsafe.

General Manager of Sanitarium, Pierre van Heerden, has confirmed that the much loved yeast spread will be back on sale from March next year.

I, for one, am so happy. Supermarket shelves will soon be stocked by the Marmite elves and there will be many shoppers including me so glad to have it back.

It’s been 18 months since I lost Marmite from my supermarket shelf!

It’s great news for the ears of Marmite-lovers everywhere. Some of us had resorted to paying exorbitant prices to peddlers who saw the opportunity for a quick buck on online auction website Trade Me. Some tried their luck selling a small pot of the black gold for as much as $800 a jar – true story. I love it! Such a first world problem but hey, I love my Marmite.

■ Editor notes: The original Marmite was produced in Britain. In 1902 the Marmite Food Extract Company was formed in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England by the Gilmour family. Another version was introduced in New Zealand in 1919.

For HELEN IS WOMAN, HEAR HER ROAR

■ I was thrilled to hear that the legendary Helen Reddy is coming to Australia to perform in concert.

The “Queen of ‘70s pop” is back on tour after more than a decade off the road.

Helen Reddy is one of the best known recording artists in the world with more than a dozen Top 40 hits including the iconic anthem I Am Woman which she wrote and which was added to the National Film and Sound Archive in Australia in 2009.

Helen Reddy was the first Australian to win a Grammy Award, host her own television show and have three No.1 hits in the same year in the USA. Additionally she has had six Billboard top 10 singles and 15 Billboard top 40 hits.

As recently as 2001, Billboard magazine named Reddy the No. 28 best adult contemporary artist of all time.

Born into a wellknown Australian show business family, Helen Reddy has had a life and a career richer and more varied than anything she could ever have imagined as a girl in Melbourne.

She has dined on her birthday with the Prince of Wales, danced in the White House with the President of the United States, and had a tulip named after her in Holland.

I have always loved her songs, Angie Baby and Delta Dawn, and they will be two songs along with I Am Woman which she will perform in her shows.

Her career covers all facets of the entertainment industry including film, television and the theatrical stage.

In theatre,

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

John’s ‘Murder In Mississippi’

● Helen Reddy Helen has starred are now included in in London’s West Modern American HisEnd and on Broad- tory high school text way in New York. books as an example of Her portrayal of the Women’s EqualMrs Johnson in Blood ity Movement for Brothers on Broad- which she has been way was a triumph honoured.

August 26 has been which she repeated in London’s West End. named Helen Reddy Appearances in Day in Hollywood USA national tours of with the US Postal Shirley Valentine, Any- Service creating a thing Goes, Call Me commemorative enveMadam and The Mys- lope in celebration.

Helen retired from tery of Edwin Drood were also met with live performance in 2002 and practised as critical acclaim.

In film, her starring clinical hypnotherapist role in Disney’s Pete’s and motivational Dragon continues to speaker.

But after singing a delight the younger duet with her sister at generation.

As a solo concert her sister’s 80th birthartist she had played at day party Helen dethe most prestigious cided to come out of venues in the world in- retirement and turn to cluding Carnegie the stage where, in adHall and Lincoln dition to some of her Centre in New York, hits, she now treats auas well as the Royal diences to songs from Albert Hall and the her vast catalogue she Palladium in Lon- had never before performed live. don.

I will be there in the Helen was also the first western female front row! Melbourne performer invited to audiences can see sing in the People’s Helen Reddy on SatRepublic of China. urday, April 5, 2014 at The lyrics she 8pm, Hamer Hall, penned for her feminist The Arts Centre anthem, I Am Woman, Melbourne Bookings 1300 182 (a wonderful song for all women - and needs 183 or www.artscentre to be sing very loudly) melbourne.com.au

● John Safran Photo: Germain McMicking ■ John Safran is one of my favourites and a bit of an institution in his own right. He has written a marvellous book which I cannot put down.

It is called Murder In Mississippi and I highly recommend it. It is the true story of how John met a white supremacist, befriended his black killer and wrote this book.

It is John’s first work of non-fiction and the much loved Australian documentary maker and radio broadcaster couldn’t have chosen a more engrossing subject.

When filming his television series Race Relations, John Safran spent an uneasy couple of days setting up a prank on Richard Barrett, one of Mississippi’s most notorious white supremacists.

A year later, he heard the man had been murdered and what was more the killer was Vincent McGee, a black man.

At first the murder seemed a twist on the old Deep South race crimes.

But then more news rolled in. Maybe it was a dispute over money, or most intriguingly, over sex.

Could the infamous racist actually have been secretly gay, with a thing for black men? Could this be the story of his life? Seizing the Truman Capote moment, John Safran jumped on a plane to cover the trial.

Over six months, Safran got deeper and deeper into the South, becoming entwined in the lives of those connected with the murder - white separatists, black campaigners, lawyers, investigators, neighbours, even the killer himself.

And the more he talked with them, the less simple the crime, and the world, seemed. This is an amazing read. Murder In Mississippi covers much more than a murder trial – John looks at Mississippi’s dark history for clues about the events leading up to the murder and the subsequent trial that after an initial burst of coverage, went quietly unreported across America.

John Safran is an interesting person. His knack for choosing the right material started back in 1997 when he submitted a low budget video for the ABC’s Race Around The World.

He went on to make two more award-winning shows: John Safran’s Music Jamboree (SBS, 2002) and John Safran vs God (SBS, 2004) which I adored.

His most recent documentary series, Race Relations (ABC, 2009), was nominated for two awards at the Rose d’Or Festival in Switzerland.

Safran currently co-hosts a weekly talk show, Sunday Night Safran, on Triple J, with Father Bob Maguire which is wonderful listening.

John Safran is smart and he is good writer. I highly recommend this book.

Available from Penguin Australia: Hamish Hamilton an imprint of Penguin Books. Recommended retail price is $29.99 available in all good book shops. It’s a great gift and a must read.

Visit johnsafran.com

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 7

WATCH THIS SPACE Quotes from Barry's ancestor, Niccolo Machiavelli: “Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. ” "It is best to be both feared and loved; however, if one cannot be both it is better to be feared than loved.”

BARRY MCVILLY IS AWAY ...

HUNTING! A quote from Barry's ancestor, Niccolo Machiavelli: "It is much safer to be feared than loved because ... love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.”

BARRY MCVILLY PTY LTD

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Melbourne

Melbourne

Observer

Observer 20 YEARS IN HARNESS Ash On Wednesday

Victoria’s Independent Newspaper First Published September 14, 1969 Every Wednesday

Melbourne TV Memories with Kenneth Mulholland

Seeing stars in TV

Contact Us

Looking back at my time at Channel 7 (1961-1968) and Channel 0-10 (1968-1988)

Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic. 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 9927 Fax: +61 3 9431 6247 Web: www.MelbourneObserver.com.au E-Mail: Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Contact Us Publisher and Editor: Ash Long Media Director: Fleur Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Harry Beitzel, Matt Bissett-Johnson, David Ellis, Rob Foenander, Christina La Cross, Julie Houghton, Yvonne Lawrence, Nick Le Souef, Mike McColl Jones, John Pasquarelli, Terry Radford, Mark Richardson, Di Rolle, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Jim Sherlock, Cheryl Threadgold, Kevin Trask, Veritas Distribution: Sam Fiorini, phone 9482 1145

Distribution STATE EDITION: Available weekly at approx. 400 newsagents across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, and Victorian regional centres.

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Back Copies BACK COPIES - ARCHIVES Back Copies for 2012-13 editions of the Melbourne Observer are all available at our website. Back copies for 1969-89, 2002-11 may be inspected by appointment at the State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.

Independently Owned and Operated The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Distributed by All Day Distribution.

Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by the Editor, Ash Long.

Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

● Harness Review co-hosts Alexandra Hurley, Len Baker, Brian Dobson ■ Congratulations to Melbourne Observer harness racing columnist Len Baker who, with his colleagues, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Harness Review radio program.

Initiated by the Metropolitan & Country Harness Racing Association, Harness Review first went to air in 1993 with hosts Len Baker and Roger Meulan.

The show started on community station Bulla FM at 6.30pm one Sunday in August 1993 with Chris Alford and David Miles as special guests.

The program then transferred to Melton FM editor@melbourneobserver.com.au (now 979FM) as a halfwith Ash Long, Editor hour weekly show, before extending to its present “For the cause that lacks assistance, two- hour format.

‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance Len had had numerous For the future in the distance, co-hosts over the years inAnd the good that we can do” cluding Roger Meulan, Jeffrey Hurley, Bob Turnbull, Dr Mervyn Williamson and Dean Lewis, with present cohosts Clinton Welsh, Alexandra Hurley and Brian Dobson alternating each week.

The program has conducted more than 8000 interviews with owners, trainers, drivers, members ■ “All anybody expects of an adolescent is that he acts of the media and harness like an adult and be satisfied to be treated like a child.” racing officialdom throughout the world since its inception.

The show is heard ev“We owe to the middle ages the two worst inventions ery Monday between 8pm ■ of humanity - gunpowder and romantic love.” and 10pm over 979FM - André Maurois from its Victoria University based-studio in Melton and through the internet at www.979fm. com.au ■ He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only Harness Review fea- wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise tures a four-state review of - Proverbs 11:29 the previous week's interstate racing with regular The Melbourne Observer is printed by Streamline Press, presenters Tony Law- 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Ash Long, for rence (SA), Matt Local Media Pty Ltd, ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Road, Eltham, Robertson (Tas), Craig Distributed by All Day Distribution.

Rail (Q'land) and Responsibility for election and referendum comment is Robbie Dewar (WA), accepted by the Editor, Ash Long. plus an occasional NSW Copyright © 2013, Local Media Pty Ltd report.

(ACN 096 680 063).

Long Shots

Observer Treasury

Thought For The Week

Observer Curmudgeon

Text For The Week

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● Jane Russell Old Stars, new stars, has-beens, up-and-comers, almost-but-nots. Locals and overseas stars. I got to see a number of them in the flesh: Jane Russell, the big-busted star of films with Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum and Clark Gable.

The diminutive James Mason, star of 1950s films such as The Desert Fox, Pandora And The Flying Dutchman' and Five Fingers.

Henry Fonda, who early on appeared in Hemingway's Grapes Of Wrath and a plethora of movies covering comedy, drama, westerns (How The West Was Won) and apple-pie homilies such as On Golden Pond.

Frank Thring, the arch, high-camp, over-thetop Australian character-actor who appeared in El Cid and The Vikings alongside the likes of Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren, Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.

Richard Todd, star of The Dam Busters, and Disney's Rob Roy. I actually chatted briefly with him but was too shy to ask him much and he seemed such a quiet gentleman.

He and James Mason were both short of stature but loomed large as actors of their day.

Then there was James Drury, who played the lead in The Virginian, an American television western series popular in the sixties.

The Brit comedian Frankie Howerd (from many of the English 50s outrageous romps) took the crew from his Channel 0 Melbourne shows out to dinner one night, lusting, I'm sure after a young man who managed to escape Frank's clutches.

Then there were the singers, Dusty Springfield, Alma Cogan and the ill fated, never completed (as far as I know) Channel 7 special starring Herb Alpert and The Tiuanna Brass.

That event stalled only a few weeks before I left 7 to join ATV-0 sometime in 1968.

It happened, or in fact didn't happen, again out at the Teletheatre.

The set was up: a lot of scaffolding for the band members to appear in separate boxes. But no Herb.

It appeared that he was upstairs having an almighty barney with his wife and was somewhat under the weather to such an extent that the gig was eventually cancelled.

- Kenneth Mulholland

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

● Herb Alpert

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 9

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

‘Luck Be A Lady Tonight’ at St Kilda ■ CLOC Musical Theatre opens on Friday night (Oct. 4) with its 99th production, Guys And Dolls, running at the National Theatre, St Kilda until October 19.

Earlier this year, the company enjoyed one of its biggest successes ever with its world amateur premiere production of The Phantom Of The Opera, which sold out and garnered unprecedented glowing reviews and au-

Briefs Pioneer

● Bill Lanyon ■ Sunraysia Daily pioneer Bill Lanyon has died at age 75.

The Mildura businessman, director of Elliott Media Group, had interests in newspapers, radio and TV. His family company continues to operate in Mildura, Swan Hill, Kerang, Loddon Valley, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Latrobe Valley and Gippsland.

The company’s motto, “non eget arcu” means “fight on without a string to your bow”.

Obscene ■ South Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a quick-thinking victim photographed a man who exposed himself to her last week in Albert Park.

dience feedback. Now CLOC is switching gears, kicking up its heels, and taking audiences back to 1940s New York when it presents Guys And Dolls, a classic musical fable.

Seasoned performers and good friends, Footscray resident Jon Sebastian and Kelly Windle from East Melbourne, are looking forward to playing two of the romantic lead roles in

● Jon Sebastian (Sky Masterson) and Kelly Windle (Sister Sarah Brown).

Photo: Richard Crompton

the show – gambler Sky Masterson and Salvation Army Sergeant Sister Sarah Brown, an unlikely couple who find themselves falling in love against all odds.

Featuring a cavalcade of memorable and wellknown hits, Guys And Dolls is full of show stopping production numbers such as Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat, Fugue For Tinhorns, Adelaide’s Lament, Take

Back Your Mink, I’ll Know, Sue Me, ABushel And A Peck, If I Were a Bell, Marry The Man Today, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, Luck Be A Lady and of course the title song.

Guys and Dolls runs from October 4-19 at the National Theatre for 12 performances, including three matinees on October 6, 12 and 13. www.cloc.org.au or call 1300 362 547

AROUND THE WORLD

■ The Warrandyte ’55 Plus’ Variety Group will next month celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the musical arm of the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club performing annual variety shows, with their 2013 production, Around The World In Music And Song.

The show will be presented as a concert on Saturday, November 16 at 1pm for a 1.15pm start, and as a cabaret on Friday, November 22 at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, and feature selections from a wide range of music and songs representing more than 20 countries of the world.

Suitable for all age groups, this two hour variety show will be full of singing, dancing, instrumental and comedy acts, with colourful costumes reminiscent of the various countries.

Bookings opened on October 1 and are essential. The company strongly advises booking early to avoid disappointment.

The Warrandyte ’55 Plus’ Variety Group is affiliated with the Warrandyte Senior Citizens Club.

Concert: Saturday, November 16 at 1pm for 1.15pm start, $14 donation, including afternoon tea served after the performance. Bookings: phone Allan 9877 1077.

Cabaret: Friday, November 22 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start, $10 donation. Tea/coffee provided. BYO everything else. This performance is similar, but has several additional items. Bookings: phone Allan 9877 1077.

Free car-parking is available near the hall and also on an adjacent netball court.

ACCUSED FRONTS COURT ■ The man charged with robbing the Westpac bank in Moe last week was allegedly carrying a silvercoloured pistol at the time, reports the Latrobe Valley Express.

Jason Paul Tansley briefly faced the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court where he fought back tears.

The 39-year-old Moe man is charged with robbing the bank of $8900, possessing a firearm and possessing drug of dependence amphetamine.

Tansley did not apply for bail and will return to court on December 12 for a committal mention.

“Tansley was apprehended by Police after fleeing the Moore Street bank,” the Express said.

“The staff and customers present during the incident were uninjured.”

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

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

Sheriff acts at Melton ■ A joint operation between Melton Police and the Sheriff’s Office in Melton on Wednesday identified 95 people with 1361 outstanding warrants totalling $451, 604.70.

Automated Number Plate Recognition technology was used at the site set up in High St. Some 24 vehicles were clamped as part of the operation. Ten people identified owed more than $10,000 in outstanding fines or warrants each, with $88, 000 the largest amount owed by one person.

The Sheriff’s Office said 29 people chose to pay their fines on the day allowing Sheriff’s officers to clear a further 150 warrants and recover $43, 108.51.

The ANPR operation was conducted as a follow up to Operation Surrender, after it was identified that there were more than 17,000 people with more than 107,000 outstanding warrants amounting to more than $38 million living in Melton, Caroline Springs and Deer Park.

Melton Inspector Stephen Mutton said both police and the Sheriff’s Office were determined to catch anyone who continued to ignore their outstanding warrants in and around Melton.

“The aim of Operation Surrender was to give people the opportunity to take care of their outstanding warrants before they were caught by other means.

We warned residents that we would be out conducting further operations to enforce this,” he said.

“We have seen a number of people caught at the ANPR road block. Instead of choosing to deal with their problems and do the right thing, many of these people now have to deal with not only paying their fines, but also the inconvenience of having their car clamped on the spot.”

Another knockout blow

● Heather Jacobs-Moore rehearses for Around The World In Music And Song, being presented in Warrandyte on November 16 and 22.

Photo: Allan Spencer

Drug intercept: man, 74, charged

■ A 74-year-old man has been charged after cannabis was allegedly located during a vehicle intercept in Windsor.

South Melbourne Police intercepted the car in Bank St about 7.50pm.

A search of the Nissan Bluebird resulted in a large quantity of cannabis being located in the boot of the car.

The South Melbourne driver was arrested and charged with traffic and possess cannabis and possess proceeds of crime.

He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 20.

■ You have to wonder if the bosses at Fairfax are trying to put the print edition of The Age out of business.

This week saw the weekday cover price of The Age jump by 15 per cent to $2.30. The competitor Herald Sun is about half that price: $1.20 per copy.

CEO Greg Hywood has already predicted that The Age may not be in print in 3, 5 or 10 years.

Victorian newsagents say the price rise will make this prophecy become self-fulfilling.

● Greg Hywood

Good news story at Euroa ■ With weekly local newspapers closing at nearby Seymour-Nagambie (Advertiser) and Kilmore (Free Press), the Euroa Gazette was saved earlier this year by Wangaratta Chronicle owner Harley Higgins.

He took over the century-old title from local couple Paul and Bettina Rieusset, who were at the helm for 34 years.

The paper is looking good with a fresh layout.

Headed by Editor Jeff Zeuscher, the paper has taken on a new bright look ... even if the old website is displaying news stories from 2009.

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 Melbourne

Observer

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

West Hollywood

RAMADA AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE

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

Las Vegas comes of age

Awards night to remember

■ Joanna Ciocan, Sales Manager, and Maria Iordache, Assistant General Manager of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, West Hollywood, both had a memorable night in Las Vegas at the prestigious Mandalay Bay Hotel for a glittering awards night.

The Ramada Convention hosted some 7000 hoteliers from Ramada worldwide.

Joanna and Maria accepted the Presidents Award for Excellence on behalf of the hotel.

It was a team effort and all of the friendly staff at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites celebrated the award.

Ramada opened its first hotel, a 60-room facility on Route 66 at Flagstaff, Arizona in 1954 and set up headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Ramada name is derived from the Spanish term rama (meaning branch) and is commonly referred to as a "shady resting place".

● Joanna Clocan, Sales Manager, and Maris Iordache

● Wayne Carey

Footy finals fever hits Hollywood

Jerry Weintraub honoured

GavinWood

● Jerry Weintraub ■ You may not know the name but you will know his amazing body of work.

Congratulations to Jerry Weintraub.

The 17th annual Hollywood Film Awards on October 21st at the Beverly Hilton will be honouring Jerry with its Hollywood Legend Award.

The prolific producer was behind the Ocean's Eleven and Karate Kid film series as well as this years HBO film Behind The Candelabra, which garnered 15 Emmy nominations.

Jerry's career includes promoting Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, and managing such superstars as Neil Diamond, John Denver, The Carpenters and The Moody Blues.

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

● Zoe Carides, Alan Johnson and Joanna Ciocan

■ One of the great restaurateurs of our fine City of Melbourne passed away last month.

Raymond Tsindos was the warm and happy greeter at his fine restaurant called Tsindos in Bourke St for many years.

He had the charm to make you feel like the most important customer in his restaurant. Raymond and his wonderful wife June were together for 43 years. I remember dining there on many occasions and every time was memorable. The atmosphere in the restaurant was one of the best in Melbourne. Tsindos won many culinary awards during its dominance in the Melbourne restaurant industry. Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson remembers fondly the Friday night sessions with members of the television and hotel Industry.

Raymond Tsindos will be sadly missed.

■ The American Australian Association (AAA) and the American Australian Football League (AFL) hosted an evening to view the 2013 A.F.L. Grand Final with ex-AFL super stars Wayne Carey and Anthony Koutoufides.

It was complete with Aussie meat pies and sausage rolls, a delicacy here in Los Angeles.

A brand new shop here supplied the Aussie fare. It is called ‘Bronzed Aussie’; it is a gourmet pie shop and espresso bar located at 714 S.Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles.

Live entertainment included musical acts, comedians and guest speakers.

Plasma screens surrounded the event and everyone had such a great time catching up with all the expats in the room.

Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites Managing Director Alan Johnson is pictured with Joanna Ciocan and Zoe Carides, Ramada staff members meeting and greeting VIP guests at the AFL Grand Final function in Hollywood.

■ If you haven't been to Las Vegas lately, forget everything you remember because it's a destination, which is constantly reinventing itself.

New hotels, attractions, activities and restaurants are constantly popping up.

Every year, 40 million people visit Las Vegas and 18,000 conventions and meetings take place.

Whether for business or pleasure, Las Vegas is the entertainment centre of America.

The city boasts more than 150,000 hotel and motel rooms, most spread along the famous Las Vegas strip.

Las Vegas is famous for its huge array of entertainment options.

Broadway-style shows, comedy performances and amazing world-class musical acts vie for the attention alongside the amazing and spectacular Cirque du Soleil which now features in no less than eight permanent shows in Las Vegas.

After the performance, the surreal surroundings of the

themed casino hotels are often just as entertaining.

Las Vegas's McCarran International Airport has undergone a significant expansion, which has enabled it to handle even more flights, which arrive daily across the globe, and transportation within Las Vegas is also easy with plentiful and cheap taxis, many coach operators and the Las Vegas Monorail which conveniently links key hotels on the strip.

There are so many options for wanting to get away from the glitz and glamour with popular activities including flights to the nearby Grand Canyon and desert motoring experiences in exotic vehicles.

The old face of ‘Vegas’ has certainly come of age.

West Hollywood Book Fair ■ The 12th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair was held last Sunday at the brand new West Hollywood Library and Park. It was a neighbourhood event with many authors, performances and members of the arts community providing exhibits and entertainment all day. It is wonderful when you see a community come together in such a family way. The Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites is a major sponsor of the event.

Still fab after all these years ■ Get ready for another rush of Beatlemania: 2013 marks 50 years since the band's first UK chart topper, and next February is the 50th anniversary of their US invasion.

A charming documentary called Good Ol' Freda is about Liverpool teen Freda Kelly, who ran the Beatles' fan club until 1972. Amazingly, she never cashed in on her memorabilia, which is still stored in her attic. You can view this doco in theatres, on demand and on iTunes now.

Paul McCartney is about to release his new album full of new and original songs called appropriately New this month. Paul closed Hollywood Boulevard outside the Jimmy Kimmel Show near Grauman's Chinese Theatre for a live performance last week.

Judy’s daughters sing together

● Judy Garland ■ Judy Garland's daughters, Lorna Luft and Liza Minnelli will perform together for the first time in 20 years during two concerts this month to raise money to fight breast cancer.

The concerts will be held October 14 and 21 at the jazz club Birdland in New York. Some of you might remember Judy Garland performing at Festival Hall back in the sixties.

Special holiday offer

● Anthony Koutoufides

www.gavinwood.us

■ I have managed to secure a terrific holiday deal. For all readers of the Melbourne Observer this deal is for you. When you are planning you trip to California come and stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood. Please mention the Melbourne Observer when you book and you will receive the special rate of the day.

Contact Joanna at info@ramadaweho.com Till Next week, Happy Holidays. Gavin Wood

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 11

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Businessman donates half of CD website sales

● Dennis Earl ■ Melbourne businessman and musician Dennis Earl has founded ‘The International Children's Music Fund’.

Publicist Michael Matthews says the fund was formed to give underprivileged children the opportunity of receiving a two-year scholarship in music tuition.

Dennis has recorded an album titled It's My Time.

“Fifty percent of the total proceeds from the sale of the CD from the fund's website will also be donated to the fund,” Mr Matthews said.

Earl reflects on his early childhood living with his parents, three brothers and two sisters in public housing in the northern suburb of Heidelberg.

“Life was very difficult for me as a child. My entertainment came from my own imagination. My parents were very cold, unemotional people. A vivid memory of mine was working at the local theatre as a lolly boy at the age of 11, aiming to save enough money to buy my first guitar. “ Much to my disappointment, when I finally purchased the acoustic guitar, my father forbade me to play it inside the house.””

At age 14,with no secondary school education, Dennis’s mother sent him to work at the local mall in Heidelberg.

As soon as he was earning a weekly wage as a junior salesperson, the little amount he!was allowed to keep went toward singing lessons with classical vocal coach LeoCollins.

One of Dennis’s fondest childhood memories was sitting around the piano, singing old songs for hours with his grandmother at!her home in Coburg.

“I have only fond memories of my grandmother. I believe she inspired and ncouraged me to pursue my interest and love of music.”

At 17, Dennis along with his brothers was kicked out of home.

Dennis found refuge by moving in with his best friend Ray and!his!family.

Around this time Dennis began a job at the Ivan Porter Shoe Company as a factory worker and began an apprenticeship in pattern cutting at Collingwood Technical College.

It was there that students would encourage him to jump on the workbench to impersonate Billy Thorpe.

Today, Dennis heads his own property investment company which he says has allowed him the financial freedom to resume his passion inmusic. :The International Children’s Music Fund was launched (a non for profit organisation) to benefit underprivileged children and help them gain access to music lessons.

“The aim of this organisation is to offer underprivileged children in Australia a two-year scholarship, with the hope of the International Children’s Music Fund becoming worldwide over the next 10 years.

“To qualify for the scholarship, children will need to have an interest in music, meet a required criteria and be aged between 8 – 18 years of age. They will also need to be auditioned to have their aptitude in music tested.”

ARMY VETERAN LOSES BID FOR SPECIAL PENSION RATE

■ Australian Army veteran Joseph Lonsdale Hopwood, 66, has lost his bid to be paid a special pension rate.

Hopwood took his case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia in Melbourne, to be heard by Member Regina Perton.

Hopwood already recives a 100 per cent diability pension. He was a national serviceman in 1967, joining the regular Army in 1970, serving until 1987.

His service included operational service in Vietnam.

He suffers from multiple medical conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, lumbar problems, hearing loss, emphysema, osteoarthritis afecting both knees, dificulties with his ankles, and tinnitus, all of which the Repatriation Commission judged to being “warcaused”.

Hopwood lodged a claim for an increase in pension in 2011. He was then a working age recipient unable to work due to accepted disabilities.

The Repatriation Commission, and the Veterans’ Review

Board said he was not entitled to a pension at the special rate.

The Commission said that Hopwood was able to work more than eight hours a week.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Jeffrey Swift said that Hopwood would “most certainly” be unable to work more than eight hours per week.

General practitioner Dr Michael Conos stated that Hopwood would be able to undertake “zero hours of work”.

Dr Conos said there is no possible work he could think of that Hopwood could undertake.

While in the Army, Hopwood learned Thai and French, and spent time working in Thai refugee camps and in Hong Kong as an officebased analyst.

Hopwood worked as an analyst with the Defence Signals Directorate.

He and his family lived in Melbourne, where his children were educated. He worked at Watsonia in the Safety, Rehabilitation, Redployment and Compensation section of the Department of Defence, accepting a redundancy package in 1996.

He became a caretaker at a Hawthorn office block until 1997, then conducted his own business, Brindabella Gardening Services, until 2002. He has not sought work since then.

“The Tribunal is not satisfied that Mr Hopwood’s accepted warcaused disabiloities are the sole factors that have prevented him from working for more than eight hours per week during the assessment period,” said Ms Perton.

“The Tribunal is satisfied that Mr Hopwood had considered himself as retired for some years before he lodged the claim under consideration. Mr Hopwood conceded that he has not looked for work since December 2002.”

Rumour Mill

Whispers

Pension

● Geoffrey Horgan ■ Vuctorian legal figure Geoffrey Horgan SC will be permitted to a pension on the same terms and conditions as a judge of the County Court, and it shall not be suspended while he holds any office as a Deputy Commissioner of the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission, according to a notice placed in the Victoria Government Gazette last week by State Attorney-General Robert Clark.

To Court

STORE TO CLOSE

■ The Myer Dandenong store will permanently close its doors from the end of trade on Sunday, October 13.

Press advertisements featuring a photo of model of Jennifer Hawkins have advised local shoppers of the closure.

CLUBMAN STOLE $1300 FROM TILL

■ Long-time Mildura West Cricket Club member Nigel John Thompson stole $1300 in club funds from the till.

Thompson was entrusted with a key, and took the cash from a register inside a locked fridge. He told Police that the money went to a friend. None of it has been recovered, Mildura Magistrates’ Court was told.

Thompson was a club member for 17 years, but has now been shunned.

Roo factories needed: MP ■ Western Victoria MP David O’Brien has called for kangaroo meat processing plants to be built in regional areas, including Hamilton.

Mr O’Brien wants legal barriers to be removed so that wild kangaroos can be hunted “at least for pet food” in Victoria instead of buying from New South Wales, reports the Hamilton Spectator.

Hear It Here First

Footy boss steps down ■ Jeremy Bourke is stepping down this month as CEO of the Northern Football League.

He will become the Regional General Manager of the AFL’s SouthEast Commission.

The NFL will soon be advertising the CEO’s position.

Bourke held the position for three years,

■ The Mills Oakley Lawyers partnership has sought a Registrars’ Pre-Hearing Conference at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court This morning (Wed.) at 9.15am for a civil claim allegation of “services rendered” to be heard against Music Events Holdings Pty Ltd.

Dissolved ● Jeremy Bourke

Jail for club burglar ■ Nathan Miller, 27, has been jailed for nine months over break-ins at sports premises including AFL House and the Collingwood Football Club.

He had stolen more than $28,000 worth of equipment and cash.

Child care centes audit ■ Child care centres in Victoria are about to be audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

■ The business partnership between Lester (Lee) Adrian Botting, Carmelo (Charlie) Gargano and Raymond Vella, trading as K2K Kitchen To Kitchen Caterers and The London Larder, has been dissolved. Lester Adrian Botting is continuing to operate these businesses as going concerns. A notice of dissolution appeared in the Victoria Govt. Gazette.

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Remembrance Day 2013: FreemasonsVictoria commemorates with the inaugural Masonic Field of Crosses

Word spreads of school’s need

● Kyneton Zetland Lodge member, Brian Ward (left) and fellow Freemasons and past students of Kyneton Primary School, Barry Reaper, David Wells, Allan Willis and Bill Allen, present a cheque to Kyneton Primary student representative council members, Chloe Meyer and Maggie Copeland.

■ The Macedon Ranges Guardian newspaper "It was then suggested I approach our Freerecently featured a story about the children at masons Victoria Board of Benevolence, to Kyneton Primary School who were conduct- find out if they could assist us."

The request was presented to the board and a ing their own fundraising for much-needed repair few days later, Brian received another call from of the heating system and maintenance work at a member of the Board asking what the total the school.

When Kyneton Zetland Lodge member, cost of the repairs would be. Bro. Ward told Brian Ward, read the story, he was appalled, him it amounted to $3968. my surprise when I received a phone saying that it reminded him of his schooling days, call"Imagine saying that Grand Lodge would make up when there was no heating, and no facilities. the difference, and that a cheque for $2768 was "That was during the Depression though and on its way!" Brian said. we didn't expect anything then. But in the 21st The school was then able to cover the full cost Century this is totally unacceptable," he said. of the repairs to the boiler, an achievement only Upon reading the story Brian approached his possible due to the initial efforts of the children Lodge for support, which was freely given, and having started a 'jelly bean guessing competition' a grant of $1200 was made. and being featured in the local newspaper.

■ Between November 6 and 13, the lawn outside the front of the Dallas Brooks Centre will be transformed into a field of white crosses, each one in remembrance of a serviceman or woman who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Freemasons, Lodges, member's families and friends, and RSL members will be invited to donate towards a white cross in honour of all those who have served or are serving.

Freemasons Victoria has a long and proud association with the armed forces. Throughout Australia's involvement in wars and peacekeeping operations, Freemasons have always been predominant, ready to serve and defend their country. That trend continues today with many of our younger members being active Navy, Army or Air Force personnel.

Prominent Victorian Freemasons with a military background include men such as Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop AC CMG OBE, Charles Bud Tingwell AM and former Victorian RSL President, Bruce Ruxton AM OBE. Donate towards the planting of a White Cross Donations for white crosses are welcome and

First Leaders of Freemasonry in Victoria Dr Charles Carty-Salmon

■ Charles Carty-Salmon was born on July 27, 1860 at Amhurst, Victoria.

He was educated in Scotch College and Trinity College, University of Melbourne, from which he graduated in Medicine.

Joining overseas he served two years in the Turkish Army as a surgeon, he saw action in the Russian and Serbian campaigns and was decorated several times during a number of sieges.

Soon after his return to Victoria, Carty Salmon as he was commonly known, was honorary surgeon for the South Yarra Relief Committee and in the course of his medical work met Alfred Deakin.

The two formed a lifelong personal and political friendship. On impulse Salmon nominated for the rural seat of Talbot and Avoca in the Legislative Assembly, winning a by-election in December 1893 On federation he resigned from Victoria Parliament and secured election to the Commonwealth Parliament and was the first member of the House of Representatives for the seat of Laanecoorie. He successfully held his seat for the subsequent elections. His career reached it zenith after being appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Charles Carty-Salmon joined the Talbot Lodge on December 12 ,1882, both of his brothers were both members of the same Lodge, in fact his brother Robert was a distinguished Army Captain, who was killed in the Boer War, a statue can be seen today outside the Talbot Post Office in honour of his memory.

Charles Carty-Salmon was elected to the office of Grand Master of Freemasons in Victoria in 1914; his tenure was very reserved due to the immediate pre-war years.

His death while still serving as Grand Master and in Parliament came as a shock to Freemasonry and the country.

Pink-tober 2013 ■ Preparations for one of the biggest events in the Freemasons Victoria calendar, 'Think Pink', are progressing nicely, with many Lodges across the state participating in fundraising initiatives for the National Breast Cancer Awareness month of October.

On October 25, Freemasons Victoria will be holding a Think Pink Cocktail function, the Big Pink Party to culminate months of effort raising of funds towards this important cause.

The function, a pink fancy dress occasion, will include auctions, raffles, prizes, games and many cheque presentations.

Last year Freemasons Victoria, lead by the Grand Master's wife Kerry Jones, and the Grand Lodge Ceremonial Team ladies (and gents), collectively raised an outstanding $80,000 which was donated to the Epworth Freemasons Hospital Oncology Department and the Think Pink Foundation.

This year the challenge has been set to surpass that figure and raise further funds to go to the Epworth Freemasons Palliative Care Unit in the Oncology Department, to Think Pink Living Centre on St Kilda Rd, and also to three communities that are supporting families dealing with breast cancer in rural Victoria.

In the lead up to the Big Pink Party, each Lodge is encouraged to hold their own activities; breakfasts, raffles, dinners, trivia nights or

barbecues, to raise awareness and funds to contribute towards this very worthy cause.

We would be very pleased to receive your donations of goods or services for the auctions and raffles to help us raise funds for this worthy event which culminates at our Big Pink Party on Friday October 25. You will receive recognition for your donation.

A unique Freemasons Think Pink Pin has also been designed to help raise funds and awareness, funds received contributing to the overall donations.

If you or your Lodge would like to find out more about how Freemasons Victoria is working hard to better the lives of those suffering from Breast Cancer, or you would like to contribute in some way, please contact Donna De La Rue on 9411 0103, delarue@freemasonsvic.net.au , visit the Think Pink page on the Freemasons Victoria website www.freemasonsvic. net.au or check out the Think Pink with Freemasons Victoria FaceBook page facebook.com/thinkpinkwithfreemasonsvic

can be made by contacting Freemasons Victoria on 9411 0111, or by emailing grandsec@freemasonsvic.net.au You can donate with a credit card or send a cheque to PO Box 553 East Melbourne Vic 3002 Planting Your White Cross Purchasers are invited to plant their crosses of remembrance on the planting day which will be Wednesday, November 6, between 11am and 2pm.

If you are unable to attend and opt to have the Freemasons Victoria Task Force plant it for you, a photo will be taken of your cross and posted on the Freemasons Victoria website.

A Commemorative Event In association with the Masonic Field of Crosses, a special event will be held on Friday November 8 at the Dallas Brooks Centre, which will feature a wreath laying service, a performance of the Ceremony of the Unknown Solider and a function.

People who purchased crosses and their friends and families, members, RSL dignitaries and some very special guests will be invited to this event.

● Dr Charles Carty-Salmon

* Excerpts taken from 'The Masonic Grand Masters of Australia' by Kent Henderson & Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 9, (MUP), 1983.

● To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, or attend upcoming public events, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or ’Like’ our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/freemasonsvic for the most up to date information. ● ‘Freemasons: The Inside Story’ airs every Monday night at 8.30pm on Channel 31, with replays throughout the week on Thursdays at 12.30am, 3pm and Saturdays at 12.30pm. Or catch up online at www.c31.org.au and follow the links.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au Melbourne

Observer

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 13

Melbourne TV Memories

by Kenneth Mulholland

More memories of the HSV7 teletheatre

■ HSV-7. In the early sixties. His name was Lyle Hughes. He began work, as best I know, at Channel HSV7 Melbourne sometime in 1960 or possibly earlier.

I was the messenger/mail-room boy 1961-62. I first encountered Lyle when he had already established himself in the studios in audio then as a fledgling cameraman.

He was a product of his time: one of the ‘Jazzers’ from the ‘Rockers and Jazzers’ era.

Short in stature, chunky and robust, bounding with all the energy of a vertically challenged, ex-audio op moving into the 'New Vibe' Camera Department where Graham Arthur (later to become one of the two original directors, along with Rod Hardy, on the long running TV series Prisoner) Brendon McKenna, John Haddy

and Joe Warton (alleged to have been in the British Merchant Navy and jumped ship in Australia) were the backbone of the new crew.

Four other staging and camera crew: Jeff Spenser, Bob Henderson, Kevin Crawford and 'The Wild One,' Barry Cross had departed for England, leaving places for bright, eager young things like John Gilby (that same Mail-Room bod who had nicknamed me Prize Prawn) and myself on the studio floor).

But back to Lyle. He wore suede ripple-soled shoes that, he probably thought, built his height. He smoked Winston cigarettes and lit them with a navy petrol-lighter that clacked in a metallic bang when shut.

He drank macchiato, a short black espresso coffee with a dash of milk.

He was also a duffle-coated, street-

smart, big-talker with a sharp wit and an acid retort. (I know about the coffee because I used to get sent across the street from the Fitzroy Teletheatre to 'The Grappa', a little coffee shopcafe frequented by all the crew, and by me, 'The Gopher' until I finally summoned up the courage to refuse.)

Eventually I became the driver on the crane camera and often Lyle was in the seat up there behind camera two.

We even made the front cover of TV Week when it was in the paper-back size format of the sixties. When I say “made the cover”, it was actually a rear shot of me, wearing the 'mandatory' red cardigan for all fashionably conscious 60s young men and Lyle's back with the camera platform at full height.

Maybe that was also what Lyle wished and prayed for - more height.

He and I had a love-hate relationship

back then, but I've had worse task-masters over the years.

Came the era of The Delo and Daly Shows and a dance trio, the Joe Latona Dancers, of whom Julie Dawtry was the solo female.

She was, from memory, blond, petite, a shapely girl and a very good dancer. And Lyle, although he never said as much, fell head over heels.

The only time I can recall him speaking about her was when the musical West Side Story hit the city cinemas. This must have been 1962-63.

Gary Conway (Crawfords and later an independent director) loaned me his copy of the sound track.

After the show, as Lyle later told it, he and Julie hit the pavement, dancing down Collins St. I picture this in my mind: Julie, cool and composed, Lyle, in those elevated ripple-soles.

Later, perhaps, he took her for coffee at The Treble Clef, or maybe to The Flight Deck in South Yarra for cinnamon toast and cappuccino (or macchiato), and the ashtrays in the armrests of those ex-airline seats.

When The Delo and Daly Show ended its run, Julie returned to Sydney seeking work.

Lyle was devastated, so much so that he made up his mind to follow her.

He resigned from Channel 7.

I said goodbye to Lyle. Can't remember if we shook hands. His journey was to take him north, I wasn't going anywhere.

I was still coming to grips with my newly acquired knowledge of music, new work friends, sexuality, growing up ... I was a mess of juvenile expectation.

- Kenneth Mulholland

Melbourne

Observer Life & Style

TIME FOR A GOOD SPRING CLEAN

■ There is nothing better for the soul like springcleaning your house.

In my case I am in the throes of cleaning my office. I haven’t really been near my office for so long, the spiders have moved in and spun their webs everywhere.

But they will go as soon as I sort through papers, newspapers, and rearrange filing cabinets.

Then the cleaner will come in and get rid of those pesky little critters that think that my studio is their new home.

Whilst I sit in my chair, Peter the Wonder Man brings me a box of papers to go through, and I discard those that are out of date, and then on to the next box, but so far, have kept very little.

Most are going out, but I’ll shred the discarded paper and put it on the garden. It’s terrific how newsprint seems to act like Viagra on the worms.

Yvonne’s Column

Am I out of the loop?

■ Why, oh why, did I keep so much of everything.? I found a folder with e-mails from years back. Terrific to read, but of no use anymore. So out they go.

I think I’m a hoarder at heart and even a scrap of a memo with a telephone number found it’s way into the mess of papers that have accumulated.

The walls in the studio are lined with bookshelves and it’s full, except for one section that holds videos.

It must be heaven now that the film companies and publicity people send out information on a CD. I don’t know what to do with the all the films and interviews I’ve collected. I’ve offered the films to nursing homes but they are not interested.

I thought they would jump at the chance to have a library of classic films. It comes down to what is someone’s treasure is another man’s trash I suppose.

It really is a sign that I’m out of the loop when I won’t keep any interviews.

Recipes handed down

■ It’s so amazing to find documents that I thought I had lost, and the amount of time I expended writing to have them re-issued, when all the time I had filed them incorrectly.

I’ve found old recipe books that either belonged to my mother, or I’ve picked them up at op shops, or at book tables at charity fairs.

One of the books I found was the original Weekly Times Cook Book. It was published 1972 as a result of a Pioneer Recipe competition.

But as many of Australians were of English, Irish and Scottish descent, it is natural that a lot of the recipes handed down are traditional ones from those countries.

with Yvonne Lawrence yvonne.lawrence@bigpond.com

In the days before refrigeration, canned food and all the modern cooking preparations now at our disposal, stewed and preserved fruits and simple sweets made with milk and eggs seemed to be the order of the day.

Most of the recipes are for meat dishes. Not many fish recipes were received.

Try stuffed goanna ■ There was one recipe for stuffed goanna, I hurriedly turned the page, but there wasn’t a goanna in sight, it was all a clever allusion done with boned lamb flaps, stuffed with breadcrumbs, and vegetables.

Rabbits were a popular dish and cooked in an assortment of ways. I used to enjoy baked rabbit wrapped in bacon when I was young, but after seeing the dreadful suffering of rabbits with myxomatosis I shudder at the thought of eating even a commercially raised rabbit now.

As a childhood lover of treacle toffee I found this old recipe in the book and took it down and while the children are still on holidays, you may like to supervise them while they make some. Just as my mother did with me.

Treacle Toffee recipe ■ Rub the inside of a saucepan generously with butter, pour in required amount of treacle and boil gently till a little will break between the teeth after being thrown into cold water.

Then immediately take pan from fire and pour toffee over blanched nuts of any description. It is a delightfully chewy and crackly toffee.

I’ve asked Peter if he will make some; he

hasn’t promised, but neither has he said no. So here’s hoping.

There is not much done so far because I keep on reading the contents of everything I find.

How could I throw out the Secondhand Dealers Book that Peter was required to have in his shop. It goes back to the early 70s.

Choice items stolen ■ I remember being in charge of the shop in the early days when a young man came in wanting to sell a silver vinaigrette. He told me that it had belonged to his granny who had just died.

Now I didn’t know much about vinaigrettes and much less about prices, but I offered him $200 which I thought was fair.

The young man wasn’t too thrilled and wanted more but I said that is all I was prepared to pay.

I couldn’t wait for Peter to return so I could tell him about my purchase. He was quite impressed and told me that it was indeed a very old and rare sterling silver vinaigrette circa 1820 and worth at least $1000.

That night our shop was broken into and choice items were stolen.

Break-in at the shop ■ Fortunately I had entered the details of my purchase and the police were able to arrest the young fellow, because he’d printed his correct address but a given a false name.

He had stolen the vinaigrette a couple of nights earlier, and had broken into our shop to reclaim ‘granny’s’ vinaigrette and help himself to a few more valuable items to add to his hoard.

Peter instructed me never to buy anything unless he was in the shop.

I’m secretly enjoying myself although I can only do it for a while before I have to get off my legs, so it’s a slow process.

It will take me a fair while to complete the spring clean, but it will be worth it.

Big bags out of fashion ■ Tonight I’m going to clean out my handbags.

Now that’s easy because I’m in bed and I’ll have bags to discard the rubbish.

I read where the airlines are going to restrict the size of handbags because passengers are stuffing their handbag to overflowing thus escaping excess baggage charges.

Somebody thought up checking handbags too late because the fashion now is for small clutch bags, and apart from a tissue, a. lipstick and a small change purse, nothing else will fit.

I’m sorry the big bag fashion is out of style because not only do I have some great handbags that we bought overseas, but I’ll hate to see them go to the op shop. My other half tells me to hang on to them because every fashion turns around, and then when it does my bags will be vintage.

Only a dealer in antiques would have a mind like that.

My other absolute love is baskets. I have a garden shed with baskets hanging from the roof that I brought back from overseas.

I dare not look at them now before I have a pest controller in because I bet spiders and other nasties have gathered in each and every one of them.

No love letters found ■ Freud said that it was a return to the womb for women who had a fetish for baskets. I could never find anyone to tell me what that all means.

But who cares, I love my baskets.

Would you believe I found a folder with correspondence from the 60s – all business letters, but sadly not a love letter to be seen.

But I’ve loads more cleaning to do, so who knows what I yet may find.

Ciao until next week.

- Yvonne Contact: Editor, Melbourne Observer P.O.Box 1278, Research 3095

Page 14 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

■ Howard Keel was a popular singer in the MGM film musicals of the 1950s.

He was handsome, stood tall at 6’4” and possessed a beautiful basso cantante singing voice.

I loved watching him in the films and he was a favourite of mine. In his later years Howard Keel had a major role in the television series Dallas.

Harry Clifford Keel was born in April 1919 in Gillespie, Illinois. His father died when Harry was only 11 and his mother moved to California where Harry completed his education.

In 1939 he joined the Douglas Aircraft Company as a travelling representative.

He was encouraged to take singing lessons and made his first public performance in 1941.

He was known as Harold Keel at that time.

He married his first wife in 1943 and two years later was singing on Broadway in musicals such as Carousel and Oklahoma.

Harold went to England to star in the West End premiere of Oklahoma at Drury Lane in 1947 and performed for Queen Elizabeth II. After his marriage ended in divorce Harold married for a second time in 1949.

When MGM Studios were looking for an actor/singer to play Frank Butler in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun, Harold was chosen and signed to a contract.

His name was changed to Howard Keel and

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Howard Keel

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM he co-starred with Betty Hutton in the hit musical. The success of the film led to many other leading roles in musicals such as Pagan Love Song, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Kiss Me Kate, Rose Marie, Kismit and Showboat.

I had the pleasure of interviewing his co-star in Showboat Kathryn Grayson who spoke highly of Howard.

In 1953 he was loaned out to Warner Brothers Studios to star opposite Doris Day in Calamity Jane.

His career at MGM only lasted for five years and as the musical films began to diminish so too did his film career.

But Howard was happy to be back onstage performing in musical comedies.

● Howard Keel The film roles became few and far between and I was recently watching a film made in 1967 titled The War Wagon and I was trying to work out who was the actor playing an Indian - it was

Howard Keel in a dramatic role.

In 1970 he married for the third time to airline stewardess Judy Magamoll who was 25 years younger than Howard but the marriage was a success and they were together until the day he died.

Howard Keel made many trips to Australia for floor shows and television appearances.

In 1973 he did a four week engagement at the Wrest Point Casino in Tasmania.

He guest starred in many of the popular television series during his career.

In 1981 Howard was on the verge of giving up showbusiness and starting a new career when he was offered the role of Clayton Farlow in the highly successful soap opera Dallas. He was with Dallas for 10 years.

Howard Keel died from cancer in 2004 at the age of 85 at his Palm Desert home.

He was father to four children and the grandfather to 10 children.

What a great legacy he left behind with his outstanding performances in those wonderful MGM musicals.

- Kevin Trask The Time Tunnel - with Bruce & PhilSundays at 8.20pm on 3AW That's Entertainment - 96.5FM Sundays at 12 Noon 96.5FM is streaming on the internet. To listen, go to www.innerfm.org.au and follow the prompts.

THIRSTY NIGHT IN THE TERRITORY

■ I've owned a crocodile, years ago, and have seen a few gliding around in Kakadu, so when an invitation arrived to get a preview of the big salty in the Melbourne Aquarium, I jumped at the chance.

So I wandered along last week to check out this monster. It was about 14 feet long, with a stomach like a barrel - he regularly gobbles down chickens to maintain his gut.

But, as I wandered around, I spied an old mate, Pang Quong, with his wife Marie.

I've known them for years, and first came across Pang when I operated the Rosebud Marine and Reptile Park.

He was then teaching at Woodleigh School, but diving was his passion, and he spent much of his time swimming around the deeps of Port Phillip and Westernport. And still does.

Back then he would collect the odd blue-ringed octopus for me, and now he's still gathering things from the briny.

He's out there every day and now collects specimens such as the spectacular leafy dragon from around Cowes, and supplies the Aquarium with all the tiddlers which many of the other bigger fish in the aquarium dine on.

Great job.

■ I just had an e-mail from Keith and Angie McGowan, with an accompanying photo of a beautiful desert flower.

The first one of these I ever saw was when I was driving along the then unsealed Stuart Highway, just south of the Territory border, about 30 years ago.

There was a flash of red beside the road, and I did a quick uie to check out the source of the colour.

A truly magnificent Sturt's Desert Pea. Since then I've seen many more, but still often stop to admire them - they are just so beautiful in the morning sunshine.

I've tried to plant them a few times

SEARCH FOR WWI PHOTOS

■ The Sandringham and District Historical Society seeks to digitise and preserve photos, diaries and letters belonging to World War I soldiers who lived in the Bayside area.

This includes soldiers from areas such as Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Highett, Cheltenham, Black Rock and Beaumaris.

Originals can be scanned and emailed to sandringhamhistorical @ gmail.com or call 9597 0985 to arrange scanning original documents at the Society's Resource Centre in Waltham St, Sandringham.

Sandringham and District Historical Society member Ray Nilssen says, "We are concerned that valuable images are being lost to the public, and are endeavouring to add digital copies of these photos to our collection, before it is too late."

The Society is pleased to be involved with a World War I Avenue of Honour Awareness Project in conjunction with the National Trust and Monash University, instigated

by PhD student, Laura James.

Ray says the Sandringham Avenue of Honour is one of three involved in the project - the others are in Bacchus Marsh and Eurack.

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au by scattering the seeds, but to no avail.

It appears that they have a hard covering to protect them between the intermittent rain falls in the Centre, so that when it does rain they will burst forth.

You need to sandpaper them down so that any moisture will be able to reach their internals. Apparently they can be grafted on to other plants, so I reckon they'd make the best hanging baskets ever.

● Ray Nilssen from the Sandringham and District Historical Society The World War I Avenue of Honour Awareness Project will be promoted at the Sandringham Village Fair on Sunday, October 27 between 9am and 4pm.

This is a good opportunity to learn more about the project and bring family photos of World War I soldiers from the Bayside area to the Sandringham and District Historical Society's rooms.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ A local Alice Springs Aboriginal activist, Natasha CraigieBraun, has stirred up a hornet's nest.

She recently spied some young people playing volleyball in the sandy Todd River bed, and went ballistic.

"These foreigners", she said, were disrespecting a sacred site. The "foreigners" concerned, local "tax paying" hospital workers, according to one of them, Abhisekh Rijal, from Nepal, took offence to her terminology - the others are from India. She also complained that they had left empty water bottles around the site.

And then it all started! Many residents rose up in retaliation, bombarding the Centralian Advocate with many

"observations". Most people noted that the Todd River bed was indeed common land for all to enjoy, not just a few - there were certainly no signs to depict that there was a sacred site.

■ Then there was the issue of rubbish.

The whole town, including the river bed, is often littered with more than a few empty plastic water bottles!

Usually dirty nappies, old wine casks and bottles, filthy old blankets and mattresses and clothes, often just beside empty rubbish bins.

When asked if "her people" were also littering the river, she said: "Absolutely"; but it was the Government's fault because of the Intervention! Pardon?

So a harmless game of volleyball has turned into WW3.

■ Last May there was an episode on Tempe Downs which caused some controversy - a feral horse cull. B ecause of bad weather, it was not completed as had been expected, and has now resumed.

They reckon that there were about 10,000 horses on the property, and that they shot about 3500, so they need to get about the same again.

However, because of the hue and cry last time, they've changed their tactics a little.

They've got two shooters flying in helicopters, and a couple of vets alongside in their own choppers to check out the humaneness of the shooting methods.

Apparently both came back with a clean bill of health.

It's always sad to see defenceless animals shot down, often because of our own stupidity in the first place, but it is usually unavoidable.

Feral horses, like camels, do untold damage to the fauna and flora of the Centre, with their cloven hoofs and their large appetites, indiscriminately nibbling away at all our precious native flora.

It's a pity that we don't find horse meat as delicious as cows - then all the problems would be over.

■ Now there's a new Government in the Territory, there will no doubt be new methods put into place to slow the rate of alcohol consumption.

This is a never ending problem, basically caused by the lack of self-esteem or many of the local inhabitants.

The world over, people who don't feel

too good about themselves will inebriate themselves to increase their feelings of wellbeing and self-esteem.

Many of Alice Springs local inhabitants have nothing to do all day, no job, and are bored stiff, so just drink to feel better.

They don't fear the law very much, because if they are incarcerated, life in prison is better than outside - in fact it's not unknown for people to deliberately commit crimes so that they will be thrown back inside.

And they just hop back behind the wheel of a car - they generally don't have a licence anyway, having lost it previously, so that can't be taken away from them. And so they'll drive again regardless.

Last week, four drivers made that decision in the space of 20 minutes.

The first one was at 5.19pm - he was 0.170. Then, a minute later, another driver was stopped just a few metres away - he was 0.203. Then, at 5.25, the third, just 100 metres away - 0. 171.

Then, at 5,47, and 22 year old woman 0.101 Busy night.

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

Being Hazel Hawke’s daughter ■ Sue Pieters-Hawke, daughter of the late Hazel Hawke, will speako n Alzheimer’s disease, when she visits the Rotary Club of Ivanhoe at 7.30am on Wednesday, October 23, at the East Ivanhoe Bowling Club. Cost is $35.

Bookings essential.

● Sue Pieters-Hawke

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Page 15

Victoria Pictorial

Footscray Historic Photo Collection

● Staff at Footscray Railway Station. 1926.

● Bunbury St Tunnel. South Kensington to West Footscray. 1927.

● Footscray Town Hall. 1930s.

● Footscray Motors. 71 Hopkins St. Circa 1940

● Powder magazine, Footscray. 1944.

● New buildings at Middle Footscray Station. 1927.

● Footscray Football Club.

● Rockmans Variety Store, Footscray. 1959.

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Melbourne Homemaker

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