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City Desk

Melbourne

Observer

The hottest news about Melbourne’s A-listers

The Buzz Peter returns to Melb.

Jimeoin stars

● Dr Peter Tregear

● Jimeoin ■ Jimeoin will feature in the Arts and Laughs Festival at Docklands, as will Greg Fleet, Matt Hardy, Jeff Green, Dave Callan and Jane Badler Hains.

There will be five days of Blues music, cabaret , theatre, arts and laughs.

The festival will be held in selected venues in and around Harbour Town, Waterfront City and New Quay.

Todd’s search

● Todd McKenney ■ A National Search For A Star competition hosted by Todd McKenney will soon by in Victoria.

A session will be held at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat on Thursday, November 15.

The show will be at Geelong PerformingArts Centre on Friday, November 16. Shows will also be held at Frankston (Nov. 29), Shepparton (Nov. 30), and the Palms At Crown (Dec. 1).

■ Dr Peter Tregear is directing a series of Melbourne Festival concerts, reports Julie Houghton on Page 53.

Dr Tregear is the new head of the Canberra School of Music at Australian National University, following on from his previous position as director of Monash University Academy of Performing Arts.

Two young modern musical ensembles are embracing a major sacred work from the 17th century to present lunchtime concerts at St Paul's Cathedral.

‘NORMIE’ STAGE SHOW HERE

■ The Campbell McComas Theatre at Scotch College is a long way from the back streets of Northcote which saw the teenage years of pop star Normie Rowe.

But, as Melbourne Confidential announces on Page 11, Normie The Musical will be staged at Scotch by Old Scotch Music & Drama (OSMaD).

Normie won’t appear as himself, but will portray Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt.

The show will also feature Julian Campobasso as Normie Rowe: David McLean as Sir Robert Menzies; Emma Newman as Marcie Jones; Gail Bradley as Zara Holt; Jamie Pearce as Captain Blake and David Ferrier as Stan Rofe .

Under The Clocks Double header for Melbourne ■ Two unique theatrical shows are being offered for the price of one next month: La Muse and If These Walls Could Talk.

Impro Melbourne Theatre presents La Muse with four live musicians, at The Space, 5 Carlton St, Prahran.

If These Walls Could Talk explores the lives of those who dwell in a family home, told from the crucible of a single room in the house.

Impro Melbourne was formed

by Russell Fletcher and Christine Keogh in 1996 it is now headed by Artistic Director Jason Geary.

● Double header

Grand Final glory

● Normie Rowe

Dwight Yoakam and special guest Lee Kernaghan will perform a ★ second and final Melbourne show on Tuesday, November 13 at the Paiais Theatre. Tickets go on sale Thursday (Oct.4 ) at 9am through Ticketmaster.

Presentation Print Studio at The Fire Station, 2 Willis St, Armadale, is staging a 21st Birthday Party from 6pm-10pm on Saturday, October 13. Artists on display include: Elizabeth Banfield, Helen Kocis Edwards, Michael Florrimell, David Frazer, Bridget Hillebrand, Megan Hunter, Marj Imlach, Myra Kaufman, Margaret Manchee, Yolanda Matlakowski, Rachael Ness,Anni Probert, Bronwyn Rees, Trudy Rice, Gwen Scott, Beata Slifierz, Sue Top and Andrew Totman Restaurateur Davis Yu has appointed Roger Fowler, who started ply ing his trade as a chef in the kitchen, to take on operations of the Maison Davis Group restaurants, including Touché Hombre and the recently opened Claremont Tonic.

Tim Jones says weekly lunchtime concerts, under the Riverside Live banner, are to commence this month at Hamer Hall.

★ ★ ★

Melbourne Moments Launch at S. Yarra

Artists converse

■ Paul Margocsy’s Australian birds will be on exhibition at the South Yarra Art House, with an opening on Thursday, October 11, from 10.30am-7pm.

The exhibition conludes on October 29.

Paul has had solo exhibitions in London and Japan, six solo shows in America and two at the exclusive Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

Paul was honoured with a fellow membership to The Wildlife Art Society Of Australasia for services to the society and wildlife art. In 2006, he became the first Australian wildlife artist to have a solo exhibition in Hong Kong.

■ Artists in Conversation by Janet Hawley is being released by Slattery Media Group.

It is acollection of essays examining the creative output of some of the greatest Australian artists over the past century including Ben Quilty, Bill Henson, John Brack, John Olsen, Albert Tucker, Adam Cullen, Sidney Nolan and many more. It also includes chapters on international artists including Picasso's muse Francoise Gilot.

The essays are drawn from thousands of interviews - some from her widely read Good Weekend features

● Paul Margocsy

● Joel Shelwood, Asher Claney and Craig Willis ■ Richmond’s Asher Claney was a part of footy greatness, participating in one of the biggest events on the Australian sporting calendar, the 2012 AFL Grand Final.

Asher, a participant at the Richmond NAB AFL Auskick centre, had the time of his life during a weekend of action packed activity. The weekend was kicked off in style with the NAB AFLAuskicker of the Year Awards Asher stepped onto the hallowed MCG turf for the first time. The excitement continued to grow when Geelong Captain and NAB AFL Auskick ambassador, Joel Selwood, presented Asher with his official NAB AFLAuskicker of the Year nominee playing jumper.

On Friday, Asher, marched alongside fellow Auskickers and the two competing Grand Final teams through the streets of Melbourne in the annual AFL Grand Final Parade.

Grand Final Day was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip when Asher returned to the MCG and played NAB AFLAuskick in front of thousands of avid fans prior to the big game.

Asher, along with the other 22 NAB AFLAuskicker of the Year nominees presented the Sydney Swans players with their 2012 Premiership Medal.

Asher said the best part was playing on the MCG before the big game.

“It was so exciting to play in front of so many people on the MCG, and getting to present a premiership medal with all my friends and family watching on TV was really cool too,” Asher said.

Young Asher’s opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime Grand Final experience came to life through NAB’s Auskicker of the Year competition, which exists to reward NAB AFLAuskick participants across the country for their teamwork and dedication to the sport. ● Harry Beitzel’s ‘Footy Week’ is on Page 62

Page 4 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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Mark Richardson

♥ Straight from the heart HATS OFF TO RITA

E-Mail: mark@localmedia.com.au

■ In the 1980s we were smoking cigarettes and cigars in Melbourne restaurants, avocadoes appeared on menus, handwritten menus saved printing costs and restaurants introduced fixed-priced meals to ensure a minimum spend.

Former co-editor of The Age Good Food Guide for 15 years, food writer and author, including cookbooks as well as interviews with chefs and restaurateurs, Rita Erlich, certainly knows her onions about the revolution in Melbourne's restaurant world.

In her latest book, Melbourne By Menu (which would never have eventuated should she had been tidier or listened to the de-cluttering people around her), Rita traces our dining history through the stories of around 250 restaurant menus she collected during the remarkable decade that she watched transform our tastes, the way we eat, drink and think about food in Melbourne today.

Rita has cleverly charted Melbourne's restaurant scene through her personal behind-the-scenes 'Then and Now' look into Melbourne's iconic restaurants, industry movers and shakers, renowned chefs, menus and recipes during the decade when Victorians still travelled to New South Wales to play the pokies.

I enjoyed brunch with Rita on her favourite coffee porch, Café Ora in Kew, where she expressed her grati-

Menu Porch Thoughts tude that her menu collection is homed in the Victorian State Library and among many other gastronomic topics, told me which three chefs she would invite to cook a special three course meal.

When did your interest in food begin?

Within my family. As a child I was an extraordinarily fussy eater. I didn't eat any cooked vegetables until I was 18.

I am living proof that you can be a fussy eater and when your taste-buds change, you can enjoy all food.

You wrote your first restaurant review for The Age in 1980, what was the restaurant and how did the review fair?

It was called Bar Biffi, owned by the late Rick Davis. Rick grew into one of the really good 'ideas people' and created a lot of stunning restaurant designs. He was one of the founders in the restaurant Italy 1. He had also redone the fit-out at Bottega in Bourke St. I came across that first review. The food was terrific but the service was really sloppy.

Claude Forell asked you to join

Off The Porch Thought For The Day Steve Callanan Musician and Comedy Entertainer Walking from Melbourne to Portland and raising money for the country kids via 'MakeA- Wish Portland', gave me a new understanding on how hard some of these kids are struggling.

If we could look after our little folk a lot more, the world will be a much better place.

Remember everyday needs a laugh. Go on, enjoy a LAUGH!

him in editing The Age Good Food Guide in 1983, what was it like working with him?

Claude was absolutely brilliant to work with. We worked very closely together with complete respect and trust for one another. We talked constantly about which restaurants we were reviewing. There was never a second where I questioned or didn't trust his judgment.

As reviewers, you and Claude both introduced yourselves after paying the bill and collecting the menus. What were some memorable reactions from owners you recall?

My favourite of all time was when a restaurant owner told me I had changed my hair colour. I told him I hadn't but he insisted that I had, telling me I used to be brunette.

He took me in to the kitchen and showed me a picture of a complete stranger.

How do you feel having your menus now part of a collection at the State Library of Victoria?

I am thrilled to pieces. The menus needed a home, and a really good home. They draw an extraordinary picture of the culinary history of Victoria.

Why do you consider the 80s to be the most remarkable decade in Melbourne's dining history?

It was the time of greatest growth and change. In the early 80s, we moved from very strict control of licensing laws to being able to have a glass of wine in a café. We moved from French food being formal food to less formality. Asian cooking was appearing more. We advanced in technology.

In the early 80s, it was relatively easy for people to open small restaurants because someone had told them they cooked well. They didn't tend to last long or they quickly turned professional.

Were diners restricted by food choice in the 80s and 90s?

We ate differently. Shared plates didn't much happen and depending where you were in the 80s, there wasn't much Asian influence in nonAsian restaurants. Nobody had heard of 'Tapas'.

Eating has become far less formal. Ingredients were different too but there was as much foraging going on then as there is now, but nobody talked about it. I remember eating morel mushrooms. Nobody grows these, they are found in the

● Rita Erlich wild. Somebody was finding them in took on board my complaints. Fifteen years after my review, the owner the wild.

When presented with a menu, told me that at the time, 'I could have cheerfully killed you'. He said it took what do you look for first?

I approach every menu as a diner. him three weeks to calm down and I have always thought a menu is an after he had addressed my issues, invitation to eat. I look at a menu and he turned his business around.

If you could have any three chefs ask, 'what are they offering me and cook you an entrée, main and deswhat do I want to eat?'

I look at the presentation and how sert, who would it be and what it is divided up. The menu immedi- would they cook?

Entrée, Guy Grossi's ately tells me if the restaurant is a bistro, traditional or modern. I note (Florentino) nettle tortellini filled spelling mistakes, which can be fun. with crayfish. Main, Anthony Lui's (Flower Drum) Squab with someMy favourite was 'shoe pastry'.

What food descriptions on thing fresh and green. Dessert, I menus generally made your eyes would enjoy anything Philippa Silbey wanted to do because she is roll?

I don't like adverbs and adjectives the best pastry-hand in Melbourne worried me. I didn't like purple prose (Albert Street Food Store).

Beverage wise, I would enjoy a in menus or foods that were nestled, glass of champagne when I sat framed or lovingly cooked.

What from the 80s did we have down. A cool climate Chardonnay back then in restaurants, that we with Guy's Tortellini (Yarra Valley don't have now, but you think we or Mornington Peninsula), a Pinot (Burgundy, New Zealand or Yarra should?

I would love to see affordable cray- Valley) with the Anthony's Squab fish. I don't want see smoking in res- and I would rest for dessert. If I taurants again. I don't need to see wasn't thinking of my liver, I would dances again. I wouldn't mind a few enjoy a glass of Campbell's rare Muscat (and taxi home). more BYO restaurants.

What is your Porch Thought of How did you deal with negative comments about your negative re- The Day? In my heart, I am at home with 8views?

I firstly listened to the complaints 10 people at the table. and dealt with them by being able to ■ Melbourne By Menu is available back-up with what I had found want- through Slattery Media Group and ing. There was one place that really at all major bookstores.

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 5

Breaking News

It’s All About You!

Melbourne

BID FOR MORE DAMAGES AFTER Observer CHASERS NIGHTCLUB ASSAULT In This 64-Page Edition

The Unspoken Word ■ Chasers Nightclub patron Alex Salman has failed to obtain more cash in damages from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

Salman, 33, formely Ahmed AlSamarra, was assaulted at the Prahran nightclub, and so far has received $52,711, most of which has been for medical costs or compensation.

Salman has also received a pay-out believed to be $100,000, from Chasers, in a civil action.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Robert Davis affirmed the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal decisions.

Salman sought extra cash for gym charges, and the cost of having a personal trainer to help with weight loss, fitness, confidence and self defence.

Psychologist Ms Hambleton had recommended that Salman attend the gym.

Salman also sought $1210 payment for massage therapy, and $410 for body detoxification from medications.

The Tribunal heard that Salman had cancelled appointments for plastic surgery. The surgeon said that Salman had lost 30-kg weight, was of all medications and “did not appear to be suffering from any symptoms of depression”.

Mr David said there seemed to be no direct link between the massage and the injuries.

● Zoey Dawson. Preview by Cheryl Threadgold ■ A new play written by Zoey Dawson and up play. There’s heaps of other stuff in there directed by Declan Greene is being presented too. About, like ... love. And loss.

by MKA in association with La Mama and the The Unspoken Word is “Joe” will be perCity of Darebin. formed by Georgina Capper, Matt Hickey, The Unspoken Word is “Joe” is being pre- Annie Last, Aaron Orzech, Nikkie Shiels and sented from October 4-14 at La Mama The- Zoey Dawson. atre, 205 Faraday St, Carlton.

Performance Season: October 4-14 Zoey would describe it as a dramatic play.

Times: Wed, Fri, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Sat She would describe it as beautiful. And ten- 8:30pm der. And sad. And funny. And also really clever, Running time: 60 minutes and really honest, and really raw and emoVenue: La Mama Theatre, 205 Faraday St tional.

Carlton She wrote it as a way of dealing with a Tickets: $25 Full | $15 Concession really bad break-up - but it’s not just a breakBookings: Online www.lamama.com.au

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE TOP 5 COMMENTS HEARD DURING THE AFL GRAND FINAL 5. "Bring back Meat-Loaf."

4. "If I see Brynne Edlesten one more time, I'm switching to the movie on GEM." 3. "Gee, I hope AAMI's Rhonda got lucky in Bali.

I don't like her chances here."

2. "Look at Kevin Rudd applying for the NAB stand-in for PM." 1. "Dad, could I have 50 bucks. I want to buy a pie and a Coke."

City Desk: Latest on A-Listers ............... Page 3 Mark’s Interview: Hats off to Rita ........... Page 4 Melbourne People: Been and Seen ........ Page 6 In The Picture: Surprise birthday party ... Page 7 Cartoon: Matt - and Alan Jones ........... Page 9 Di Rolle: It’s A Long Way To The Top ...... Page 10 Melb. Confidential: Town gossip ........... Page 11 Long Shots: The Editor’s column .......... Page 12 Radio Party: Nova Footy Fever ............ Page 15 On The Town: ‘Barassi’ opening night ..... Page 16 Outback Legend: Rock and hard place ... Page 18 Jim Sherlock back Aaron Rourke’s movie review Cheryl Threadgold

Observer Showbiz

Latest News Flashes Around Victoria

Teen admits charges ■ An Echuca teenager faces 15 years on the sex offender register after having sex with his 15-year-old girlfriend, reports the Bendigo Advertiser. At age 18 and two months, he had consensual sex with his girlfriend. The male had not worn a condom which was “aggravating factor”, the County Court was told.

Price returns to $2.95 ■ The cover price for the Melbourne Observer today returns to its regular charge of $2.95. For three months, the newspaper has been available at the promotional price of $1.95 per copy. The paper can still be read free online at www.melbourneobserver.com.au

Page 6 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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People Melbourne

Send news to editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

Season starts for ‘Barassi’ Opening night for Fat Swan ● Melbourne publicist Michael J Wilkie with Betty Bobbitt at the opening night of Fat Swan at the George Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre, on Thursday. More photos on Page 47.

■ Melbourne actress Betty Bobbitt is farewelling son Chris Hill, 47, who is heading to New York City with wife Celia and two children, to produce a TV show with Matt Murphy Productions, producer of the award-winning Memphis.

Chris and Celia are The Kazoos, one of Australia’s best known independent entertainment acts. Betty is best known for her role as Judy Bryant in Prisoner.

Betty first arrived in Melbourne from Philadelphia in the 1960s as part of the Delo and Daly TV show on Channel 7.

● Steve Asimos and Jane Clifton celebrate their roles in the stage show, Barassi, at the opening night party held at the Athenaeum Theatre. More photos on P16.

Nova’s footy party at The Nash

● Radio station Nova 100 held a Grand Final party at The Nash, Richmond, on Saturday. Pictured from left are Hughesy and Kate Executive Producer Sacha French, Producer Nick Daly and Jane Elliott.

Fax: 1-800 231 312

Concerts cancelled

● George Michael ■ George Michael has cancelled his Melbourne concerts, due to be held at the Rod Laver Arena on November 2122.

George Michael says he is still suffering from anxiety problems.

Refunds will be send to ticket buyers by Friday, October 12.

Surprise for Judy Sullivan

● Judy Sullivan was given a surprise 70th birthday party by friends at a Kingston hal;. Melbourne Observer columnist Cheryl Threadgold was MC at the function.

More photos on Page 42.

Photos: Malcolm Threadgold

WBC life membership for Peter

● From left: Megan Powell, Liza Altarejos, Kim Mannaa and Taryn Evans. More photos from the Nova 100 party are on Page 15.

● Community radio station 3WBC FM life member Ken Lyons congratulates Peter Cassidy on receiving his award, flanked by station manager John Farmer.

The Observer last week reported on Peter being honoured by his peers.

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 7

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People

The St Kilda Village Traders Group frustrated by bureaucratic red tape, tired of by-laws, and fed up with what they see as a growing lack of consultation by elected representatives, launched its Bring Back the Buzz campaign manifesto. With the City of Port Phillip Council general elections to be held on Saturday, October 27, the St Kilda Village Traders Group is putting candidates on notice, calling on them to listen to and consult more with the local community

● Keith McKylin, Jess Lawson and Mutlu Altinarda

● Nicola Greenwood, Danielle Gunga, Gina Basham and Natalie Gunga

● Marianne Mewett, Socheatar O'Loughlin, Adelaide Gardiner and Kylie Moncur

● Richard Uglow, Sue Defina and Sharon Willis

● The Palais's Neil Croker and The Vineyard's John Iodice

● Traders Mark Mariotti and Chris Hickey

Page 8 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 9

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Observer

Showbiz News

‘Nursing home massacre’

HEARTS IN HARMONY Briefs ‘Predator’

● Raymond Abikhair PHOTO COURTESY: GEELONG ADVERTISER

■ Geelong businessman Raymond Leslie Abikhair has lost his appeal on indecent assault charges with Judge Joe Gullaci describing his offending as “predatory” and “appalling”, reports the Geelong Advertiser.

Abikhair was convicted and fined $3000.

Criminal

■ Notorious Warrnambool criminal Timothy Barden, 32, who sparked a massive air and ground manhunt more than four years ago while carrying his infant niece has received more jail time. He was found by Police to have traces of amphetamine on his motor cycle.

Barden faced charges relating to driving, bail, assault, drug, car chase, and criminal damage.

● Susie Davies-Splitter leads singing at a Hearts In Harmony event.

■ A Hearts In Harmony Music Day tor, Mark O’Leary. will be presented on Sunday, November Admission: Children under 12 free, 11 from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the BMW $10 full time secondary/tertiary students/ Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. concession holders,$20 the employed for Those attending can participate in in- the full day. Family tickets are $25. clusive music making for all ages, backBookings: www.trybooking.com.au grounds and abilities. (search “harmony”) Morning workshops include Marimba By the way, it is not too late to join the Mayhem with local teachers and musi- wonderful Hearts In Harmony massed cians Andy Rigby and Heather and intergenerational choir.

McLaughlin, Drum for Fun with perParticipation is free and all ages and cussionist Steve D from Playwork Oz and abilities are welcome. A minimum reGroovin’ Guitars and Ukuleles with mu- quirement is to learn the melody line of sicians and composers Susie Davies- each song. More advanced choristers are Splitter and Phil Splitter. BYO guitar or encouraged to purchase the sheet music ukulele – some ukes supplied. and learn the harmony parts.

The Everyone Sing Concert will be Four songs will need to be learnt by held from 2.30pm-3.30pm. Perfor- heart (if possible) and attend the remances include the Greensborough/Pin- hearsal at BMW Edge on November 11, ewood Primary School Marimba En- from 1pm-2.15pm, prior to the Concert. semble, Gladstone Park Primary School The four songs are: Down Under in Violin Ensemble, The Good Times Roll Australia (original Australian ), Sesere Band. eeye (Torres Strait Islands), Iparadisi The Hearts In Harmony massed and (African) and Wimowey (popular). intergenerational choir will also be feaPlaces are limited, so if interested tured, including more than 200 choris- please contact Janie@welcometomusic. ters made up from local schools, com- net or call 1300 769 803 for further informunity groups, individuals and families, mation. conducted by renowned choral conduc- Cheryl Threadgold

NONI AT ZOO

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is joining in the Zoo's 150th birthday celebrations with performances of the classic 'Carnival of the Animals' today (Wed.) and tomorrow (Thurs.).

Actor Noni Hazlehurst will recite the verses by Australian author Nick Enright.

The 30-minute performances will take place in the Zoo's Leopard Lodge.

Ticket cost is $33 adults and $16.50 children includes Zoo admission on the day of the concert. Zoos Victoria members can purchase discounted tickets.

Melbourne Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● Noni Hazlehurst

● Fritz Mitz of the Lichtenstein Nursing Home ■ Another whodunnit show opened in of room for action and creating tentown last week. The Lichtenstein Nurs- sion. Lighting, music and sound are ing Home Massacre, presented by also an effective, integral part of the Lemony S Puppet Theatre, plays at show.

La Mama Courthouse Carlton until A non-high tech, brilliantly preOctober 7. sented night car-driving segment even Promoted as a “schlock-horror mur- features moving white lines on the road der mystery with puppets”, the audi- and a passing motorist.

It’s hard to know who is manipulatence finds miniature binoculars on their seats when entering the misty, spook- ing who, but the puppet characters representing the nursing home residents ily atmospheric theatre.

Written by Sarah Kriegler with John and staff appear incredibly real to the Paul Fishbach (dramaturgy),The audience.

With minimal dialogue it is easy to Lichtenstein Nursing Home Massacre varies between being comedic, obser- lose the plot, so full-on concentration is essential when trying to work out the vational and grotesquely violent.

The narrative includes identity theft, culprit.

This innovative concept and superb classical film genres and famous murders and follows in the tradition and artistry from the talented, hard-working puppeteers, make The Lichtenstein black comedy of Punch and Judy.

The skilled and entertaining Nursing Home Massacre an interestand worthwhile theatre experience. puppeteering of performer/creators ingVenue: Mama Courthouse, 349 Christian Bagin, Tim Denton and DrummondLa Street, Carlton Jacob Williams tells of the nursing Times: Thu, Sat, Sun 6:30pm | Wed, home’s goings-on and progressive Fri 8:30pm murders. Human hand actions give a Tickets: $25 Full | $15 Concession naturalistic physicality to the puppet Bookings: Tickets available online characters. www.lamama.com.au or 9347 6142 The clever set comprises four winRunning time: 60 minutes (This dows looking into the nursing home, show is not suitable for audiences unincluding a revolving set inside one der 12 years) window, giving the characters plenty - Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Page 10 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

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To

Not the retiring type

Di Boogie men lurk

● Jill Meagher ■ I live in a dangerous city. This is fact. I live on Chapel St and sometimes it’s spooky.

When once upon a time there was a boogie man, that was a fairy tale, I know that boogie men exist. They lurk.

They steal our loved ones. It’s scary and it shouldn’t be. Women are vulnerable in a scary city. Women are vulnerable a lot in the world as it is.

To not be able to walk home to one’s home and to one’s husband is a travesty of human rights.

The boogie men that I read about in fairy tales as a child exist in this world as an adult.

To be snatched off a street is too unbearable to think about.

And yet think we must. I have lived in this beautiful city all my life. I love it.

Words cannot describe the horror experienced by dear Jill Meagher.

Tom and Jill came to Melbourne for a good life. For opportunity and for a wonderful future. It was not to be.

And the stories will unfold and the city will gather together and we will be involved in reclaiming the night, however I cannot help but feel that the problem is a dormant one.

Some unstructured men lurk in our instructed society. Some men are bad. Some men don’t care about women.

We move on as Jon Faine, Jill’s colleague from the ABC 774 morning program said, “we move on as that is what we do”.

For IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP

■ What Melbourne does well is football and Grand Final Week was a tonic like no other!

What gusto we throw ourselves into during the football finals.

For me it was the traditional yumcha in the city and then headed to the beach, to a bayside pub by open fire and had a great time.

Melbourne continues to hold event-afterevent and the Spring Racing Carnival continues to be my favourite time of the year!

I have put my bets on already and am confident my horses will run home or certainly close.

I like to get my bets out of the way.

There are lots of activities theatre wise happening in Melbourne; concerts and new shows abound.

Long Way To The Top 10th Anniversary is the hottest ticket in town, happening at Rod Laver Arena on Friday (Oct. 5).

My spies tell me there are still a few tickets left, I am keen to see Jon Stevens and Noiseworks and Ian Moss do their thing on what is a terrific lineup of stars.

The show includes Brian Cadd, Doug Parkinson and a tribute to Billy Thorpe that I have been told will be just awesome.

Tickets at Ticketek 132 849. Still rockin’ after all these years !

Welcome back! ● Jon Faine pays his tribute

I love my job!

■ How times change. I am a baby boomer. I was raised to be seen and not heard. I was raised not to speak above my station nor have an opinion.

I was raised to do ‘what I was told’ and to ‘behave myself’. I watch with amazement at Gen Y and see how bold and audacious they are, and how hours of therapy and endless purchasing and reading selfhelp books allowed me to see that I actually have permission to be that ‘bold and audacious’.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed in a release that landed on my desk that Gen Y women want to be boss – and they are earning the qualifications to beat the ‘old boys network’.

Confident and ambitious, the new breed of boss is a young woman with a top-shelf education and strong ‘people skills and opinions’.

In an analysis of Census data supplied by the Australian Bureau of Statistics said almost one-third of women at TAFE are studying management and commerce – twice the number of men, and universities are reporting a surge in the number of Gen Y women enrolling in the prestigious Master of Business Administration degree.

I find this most interesting. Susan Heron ,Australian Institute of Management CEO, says Gen Ys are fast tracked into management jobs – as Baby Boomers retire.

This Baby Boomer aint retiring for a long time that is for sure.

■ I know my Editor last week mentioned Dee Dee Dunleavy and her and Grubby’s appointment at 3AW,

with leading Melbourne publicist DI ROLLE

● Amanda McBroom ● ‘Grubby and Dee Dee’: Peter Stubbs and Diane Dunleavy and gift vouchers are made famous by Bette Midler. however I wanted to ment and consider it a Ricci and Melbourne available.

Flower Temple is Her songs have congratulate 3AW on treat. fashion designer Jahaving the foresight I don’t go to any son Grech show how located at 18-22 since been recorded and wisdom to employ trouble displaying to create stunning flo- Artemis Lane, QV by musical luminaries including LeAnne a woman to an on-air them, just buy them ral head pieces, ac- Melbourne.

For information, Rimes, Barry Manposition at 3AW. and pop them in a vase cessories and write It’s fabulous and and keep an eye on corsages to breathe session times and ilow, Judy Collins, bookings see www. Barbara Cook, Anne life into race wear. long overdue. them.

As much, a social flowertemple.com.au Murray and Harry Dee Dee will do a However I have alBelafonte, The Mangreat job. I look for- ways wondered at the function as it is a class, or phone 9663 3022. hattan Transfer and ward to them taking art of floral design and this workshop is held Donny Osmond. over the hosting of the how to do it like they over afternoon tea at The Emerald Peacock Weekend Break on do in David Jones?

As well as being a 3AW. skilled songwriter, Along comes a making it the perfect I will be listening company called activity for small Amanda is one of the from Saturday (Oct. Flower Temple which groups of friends. ■ I want to finish this world’s most celThe other five dif- week on a story about ebrated cabaret stars, 6), 12 Noon-6pm. actually have a Good move 3AW. floristry workshops ferent workshop se- music, I get to work renowned for her perries, each focus on a with some great formances of her own series! songs as well as one This spring, you different aspect of people.

Wonderfully tal- of the world’s can discover the lush popular floristry. and colourful world of Wedding Series, ented and genuine favourite interpreters fabulous floral design FlowerArranging for people. Amanda of Jacques Brel and ■ Spring Racing with top Melbourne Home Series (that’s the McBroom is one of the Tin Pan Alley Carnival is upon us, florist Elizabeth Ricci, one I need!), Botani- them. greats of Cole Porter it’s a wonderful time of founder of Mel- cal Series, Sisko Described as the and Hoagy Carthe year. I love it. bourne’s stunning Chocolates Series and urban poet who writes michael. a Christmas Series Bets are on. Horses Flower Temple.

An evening with like an angel and has are getting prepped.

Ricci does what workshop for that all- a voice to match Amanda McBroom Frocks are being Nigella Lawson and important decorating promises to be a night Amanda McBroom of divine entertainmade, hats are being Jamie Oliver do for occasion.

Workshops are shot to fame with her ment, with magnifitried on. All part of it. cooking, inspiring othFlowers are a huge ers to appreciate her priced from $75 to $95 hit song, The Rose, cent songs, a honeyed part of the Spring Rac- passion and help them voice that gets to the ing Carnival. And to discover it for themvery heart of the song’s with spring comes selves. drama and an exquisbeautiful flowers in ite sense of humour It sounds fun! A talMelbourne. that brings a warm ented teacher, Ricci A close friend of this month launches a glow to all present. mine once said to me, new series of inspiring That is what we all as long as I have workshops full of the need right now. enough money to have kinds of tips and tricks, Friday, November my hair done and buy dos and don’ts that 9, 7.30pm at Elisaa bunch of flowers for some professional flobeth Murdoch Hall. my apartment I am rists take years to Tickets from $50, prehappy. sented by Melbourne master.

And that is the way Recital Centre.

At the spring racI feel too. I love buy- ing-focused Fashion For bookings visit ing a fresh bunch of Series workshops melbournerecital.com.au ● At the Flower Temple launch roses for my apart- (2pm-5pm, Oct 20) or phone 9699 3333.

Talented, genuine

They’re racing

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 11

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Confidential Melbourne

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

BANKRUPTED LAWYER GUILTY

Bitch Melbourne’s Secrets

■ A Victorian solicitor who was bankrupted in 2008, has been reprimanded after being found guilty of six charges of professional misconduct.

Sam Angelatos was laos found guilty of two charges of unsatisfactory professional conduct, by VCAT Senior Member Jonathan Smithers.

Mr Smithers was told that Angelatos failed to provide invoices to clients before taking solictor’s fees from trust, failed to provide annual trust account statements to clients,

misled a client, failed to communicate properly and efectively with a client, failed to pay counsel’s

Normie The Musical

● Normie Rowe with Frank Howson ■ Normie, a new musical charting the highly controversial 1960s experiences of Australia’s first King of Pop, will have its premiere in Melbourne on November 23.

The fast-paced show - to be staged at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre at Scotch College - draws on Normie Rowe’s hit-laden song list as well as other 60s classics.

Publicist Julie Cavanagh says the show tells how a talented choirboy, sung his way out of the working-class suburb of Northcote to score a brace of Top 10 hits, be twice crowned pop’s monarch and successfully tour the UK and the US before being called up for Army service.

Normie then comes home from serving in Vietnam to find that the times, and his world, have dramatically changed.

“To say I am thrilled is an understatement,” says Normie Rowe. “It’s a great honour to have your life and career put up on stage like this, and an amazing feeling to re-live all those experiences many of which, when looking back, were quite incredible.”

Normie will star in the production, but not as himself. In an ironic twist, he will be playing Harold Holt, the charismatic Prime Minister who succeeded Sir Robert Menzies and oversaw Australia’s growing involvement in Vietnam, but who dramatically disappeared in December 1967 while swimming at Cheviot Beach, Portsea.

It gives Normie the opportunity to display his highly praised musical theatre talents, honed on two years playing Jean Valjean in the Sydney production of Les Miserables, as well as working on Annie, Chess and Evita. New songs have been written specifically for the role.

The show will also feature Julian Campobasso as Normie Rowe: David McLean as Sir Robert Menzies; Emma Newman as Marcie Jones; Gail Bradley as Zara Holt; Jamie Pearce as Captain Blake and David Ferrier as Stan Rofe as part of a cast of 28 performers.

The musical will feature all the hits from Normie’s catalogue, including Que Sera Sera, It Ain’t Necessarily So and It’s Not Easy.

The show, written by Graeme Johnstone, with original music composed by Peter Sullivan, is being directed by Simon Eales. Musical Director is David Wisken.

Normie is a groundbreaking production for Old Scotch Music & Drama (OSMaD). “Up until now, we have done extremely well with award winning seasons of classic works such as My Fair Lady, Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar,” said Richard Beveridge, OSMaD President.

fees from monies received on behalf of clients.

Practising from 1987 to 2022, he lost his practice and his marriage.

He is now a corporate counsel for the Knowles group.

VCAT heard that breaches were made against clients Mrs Boussiatos and Mr Kazoglou, and barristers Mr Ingram, Mr Dalton and Mr Waugh.

Reprimanded, Angelatos has been ordered to pay $30,000 costs to the Legal Services Commissioner, Michael McGarvie.

Brynne and wear it ■ Melbourne oddity Brynne Edelsten is billing herself as a “dashion entrepreneur and social superstar” at her brynne.com.au website.

Mrs Edelsten’s new TV ‘reality’ show, Brynne: My Bedazzled Life, debuts at 7.30pm tomorrow (Thurs.) on Seven.

It’s sure to turn a few heads.

SOLICITOR GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT

To Melb.?

● Angela Lansbury ■ There is speculation about whether theatrical promoter John Frost will bring Driving Miss Daisy, starring Angela Lansbury, to Mebourne. The show, also featuring James Earl Jones, has been booked for Brisbane, with the assistance of Events Queensland.

Jailed 10 months

Rumour Mill

TRIBUNAL FINDS ■ Victorian solicitor Harold James Johnson has been found guilty of two charges of professional misconduct, after a case was submitted to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Senior Member Jonathan Smithers.

Legal Services Commissioner Michael McGarvie brought the allegation, and Mr Smithers found that Johnson had produced four affadavits “containing intemperate, provocative and offensive language” in a family law matter.

Johnson’s language was also labelled as discourteous and vulgar. Federal Magistrate O’Dwyer asked that the LSC “investigate the suitability of the father (Mr Johnson) to continue to hold a practising certificate”.

Mr Smithers heard that Johnson represented himself in the case against his former de facto partner Ms Pippin Cressy.

Mr Smithers said that Johnson had accused judicial officers - including Justice Cavanough - of corruption, made allegations against Dr David List “without any apparent basis”, and threats to the Court.

Johnson made allegations against lawyers David Hanlon, Richard Ingleby and Graeme De Vries.

Johnson termed other legal practitioners as acting with “consistent sheer stupidity and incompetence” and “being grossly misleading and deceptive”.

Johnson described his ex-partner as “a violent, abusive, criminal, and insane monster”.

“The effective operation of the legal system depends on legal practitioners conducting themselves in a manner which, at least a minimum extent, conforms with conventions of civility and respect which have evolved over hundreds of years,” Mr Smithers said.

The question of what orders should be made is scheduled to be decided on Friday (Oct. 5) at the William Cooper Justice Centre, Melbourne.

Whispers

Hear It Here First

‘Woggy Christmas’

● Andy Muirhead ■ Former ABC personality Andy Muirhead will be jailed for a total 10 months for child pornography crimes after a judge rejected claims he only watched online out of morbid curiosity.

The Collectors host downloaded 12,409 porn images.

Banned

■ A special secret password ‘FluffyDice’ has been used until morning (Wed.) by Ticketmaster VIP members for The 12th Annual Very Woggy Xmas Comedy Gala to be staged at The Comics Lounge.

Radio man dumps Jones ■ Melbourne businessman Wally Mott has dumped the Alan Jones radio program from his Deniliquin radio station, 2QN. Another station, 2AY Albury, has also withdrawn support.

■ Leanne Stamps has left Star FM Gippsland. She is moving to SEA FM Hobart to take up a role as breakfast show producer and announcer from October 22, reports Jocks Journal.

E-Mail: Confidential@MelbourneObserver.com.au

● Alan Jones ■ Advertisers to have withdrawn their business from radio station 2GB after Alan Jones’s offensive remarks about the Prime Minister’s father now include Woolworths, Mercedes Benz, Challenger, Freedom Furniture and local Sydney companies.

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Page 12 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 Melbourne

Observer

Ash On Wednesday

MARATHON TO FIGHT SETBACKS

Paint The Town Pink!

Our Doors are Open!

Getting Involved With Breast Cancer Awareness

Worshipful Brother Don Austin, Past Junior Grand Deacon, at last year's Pink Breakfast. Photographer: Ben Quick In October, people all over the world will don their pinks - be it a pink lapel ribbon, a pink tie, or a pink skirt - to raise breast cancer awareness.

Freemasons Victoria has supported breast cancer research for the past three years with their annual pink breakfast, but this year it's not just the eggs that are getting a rosy blush.

Freemasons from all across Victoria are pulling out all stops to show their support and raise money for Think Pink Foundation's Living Centre and Epworth Freemasons Oncology Department.

You might ask why Freemasons Victoria, a fraternity, would be so concerned with a disease that is most often associated with women.

Apart from the fact that men can also contract breast cancer, the answer is simple. Every Freemason has a mother, sister, wife, daughter or friend. With one in nine women developing breast cancer over their lifetime, it's not hard to recognise the impact.

So, throughout October, Freemasons will alternate their Masonic regalia with a splash of pink. Events will happen across the state, including: ■ Pink Yum Cha, 11am Saturday October 13 at Shark Finn Inn, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne ■ Pink Tea Dance, 8pm Sunday October 14 at Masonic Temple, Alexandra ■ Pink Sausage Sizzle, 12pm Sunday October 14 at Western Masonic Centre, Sunshine ■ Pink Breakfast, 10am Sunday October 21 at South Eastern Masonic Centre, Keysborough The grand event, The Big Pink Party, will be held on Friday, October 19, at Coppin Hall, Royal Freemasons, Moubray Street, Melbourne.

Think Pink Foundation's Living Centre includes a Wig Salon, helping to rebuild the self-esteem of people who have experienced chemotherapyrelated hair loss, including practical tips and psychological support.

It also offers workshops, art therapy, support groups, pilates and meditation. All of these activities encourage better psychological health, which can lead to improved physical health.

Alongside the treatments and therapies for people experiencing cancer, the Living Centre also provides support services for their partners.

Freemasons Victoria has funded a specialised Breast Care Nurse for the Living Centre and is proud to offer ongoing financial support to Think Pink Foundation.

Details of all events are available via the Calendar of Events on the Freemasons Victoria website www.freemasonsvic.net.au To get involved and support the cause, contact Freemasons Victoria on 9411 0111 or media@freemasonsvic.net.au

To find out more about Freemasonry, how to become a member, attend upcoming public events, or to take a tour of the Masonic Centre, please visit www.freemasonsvic.net.au or 'Like' our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ freemasonsvic for the most up to date information.

■ Melbourne grandaprents Sandy and Colin Suckling are next month completing the final leg of the world famous 4 Deserts Race - Antarctica to raise funds for the Australian Childhood Foundation.

The couple participate in endurance marathons, in their bid to raise funds for the children’s charity.

Their next trek is 250km in sub-zero conditions, and are seeking to raise a minimum of $50,000.

Lending a hand has been actress Nadine Garner who has featured in a three-minute promotional video made by Marcus Herman. It can be viewed at You Tube. See ‘Where There’s A Will’.

Colin and Sandy are both employed in primary school administration at Malvern East. They train every day before work, at 6am.

Their website is: www.. colinandsandysgreat adventures.com.au

Short Shots ■ The Media Watch TV program (ABC) had to apologise on Monday night ... because it was wrong over a news story.

■ Great to hear that Mal Walden has resigned for another term at the Ten News At Five desk.

● Nadine Garner (centre) with Sandy and Colin Suckling

■ TV nostalgia fans.

Prisoner moves from its 6.30pm timeslot to 10.30pm from Monday (Oct. 8). We are up to Ep. 411 of 692.

Long Shots

Happy days

editor@melbourneobserver.com.au

with Ash Long, Editor “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

● Ron Barassi on The Happy Show ■ The Barassi stage show at The Athenaeum Theatre in Collins St reminded us about the Victorian footy legend ... and the almighty stir in 1964 when he swapped from Melbourne to Carlton football club.

Melbourne was certainly a different place. In 1964, there was six o’clock closing, blackand-white TV, and pounds-shillings-andpence.

Ron Barassi made the most of his TV opportunities, and appeared on The Happy Show, wearing a different team guernsey each week, thereby making contact with all the young fans of VFL.

The Barassi magic certainly worked on Long Shots. My brother Greg, and son James, roar with laughter than as a kid I insisted on having my own pair of Ron Barassai (plastic) football boots.

In my later life I have had the privilege of talking with the ‘31’ legendat media events, on topics ranging from military history to mental toughness.

Barassi is not particularly impressed with physical attributes; he says they are gifts of nature. What impresses him most is the person who steers their way through challenges by tough mental performance.

TV stardom ■ Media nights provides Long Shots with the opportunities to talk with

● Colin and Sandy Suckling that Chris’s act has been pany presents Promises, picked up producer Matt Promises at the State Theatre with Marina Prior Murphy in New York.

It’s a long way since and Matt Hetherington in Betty first arrived in Mel- the lead roles.

It’s been a big time for bourne about half-a-century ago for the Delo And TPC. Artistic Director Ken Daly TV show for HSV-7. MacKenzie-Forbes and Executive Director Rachel D Taylor flew to Sydney last week for the Helpmann Awards, with ■ Another opening night a number of ‘gongs’ is tonight (Wed.) when handed out for TPC The Production Com- shows.

Openers

Observer Treasury ● Betty Bobbitt Melbourne’s leaders of business, society and the arts.

Over the years, actress Betty Bobbitt has been a correspondent to the Melbourne Observer, doing promotion work for her son Chris Hill’s Kazoos act.

Long Shots caught up with Betty at the opening night of Fat Swan at the Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre.

Betty is over the moon

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.

Thought For The Week

■ “It’s better to be quotable than honest.”

- Tom Stoppard

Observer Curmudgeon

■ “The Holy Roman Empire was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire.”

- Voltaire

Text For The Week

■ “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

- Jeremiah 33:3

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 © 2012, Local Media Pty Ltd (ACN 096 680 063).

45-edition subscriptions to the Melbourne Observer are available for $99 only until October 12

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Fantastic Gift Idea!

Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 13

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 15

Melbourne People

Nova 100 Grand Final Party The Nash, Richmond

● Australian Institute of Fitness Eliza Way, Hughesy and Kate anchor Dan Anstey, with Michelle Bowen

● DMG Radio Group Production Director Chris Thorpe, Hughesy and Kate Exec. Producer Sacha French, Integration Project Manager Kane Dempsey, and H and K Producer Nick Daly.

● Melbourne Victory Marketing Manager Arthur Gillion, Quentin Seik and Tom Christi

● Nova 100's Dave Hughes with North Melbourne AFL player Todd Goldstein and listener Marcus Dart

Page 16 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Melbourne People

Barassi Opening Night The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins St

● Ingrid Jager with Tanya Healey at the opening night of Barassi

● Michelle Van Raay and Billy Baxter of Mornington at The Athenaeum

● Helpmann Award-winner Bert La Bonte with Adam Zwar

● Kieran and Diane ‘Dee Dee’ Dunleavy at the opening night of Barassi

● Wayne Dyer with Wes Crook at Barassi

● Richard Sutherland with Paul Norton

● Chris Ryan with Nathan Lay

● Alan Jager with Steve Bastoni

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Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Page 17

DON’T MISS OUT, ENDS SAT. OCT. 13

Page 18 - Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

■ Jack Carson usually played the ‘nice guy’ in Hollywood films. He was in comedies, musicals and dramas and was the master of the ‘double take’.

Jack was 6' 2" tall and although he was not a handsome ‘matinee idol’ he was good looking and everybody loved him.

Jack Carson was a great character actor who appeared in more than 90 films.

John Elmer ‘Jack’ Carson was born in Canada in 1910 and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

After graduating from college Jack went to Hollywood to become an actor and initially worked as an extra at the RKO Studios.

His first decent screen role was in 1937 as a service station attendant in You Only Live Once but he was not credited in the cast list.

He appeared in many supporting roles over the next four years and was getting radio work on the major networks.

Jack moved to Warner Brothers Studios in 1941 where he got much better roles and became a very popular film star.

His films during the 1940s included The Strawberry Blonde, The Bride Came C.O.D, Gentleman Jim, Thank Your Lucky Stars, Arsenic And Old Lace, Hollywood Canteen and Two Guys From Texas.

Jack was unfit for active service during the war years but spent a lot of his time entertaining the service men and women as part of a touring

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Whatever Happened To ...

Jack Carson

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM troupe with actress Chili Williams.They performed for General Douglas MacArthur's troops in the South Pacific and Jack visited hospitals and camps whilst he was there.

He had his own comedy radio show Everybody Loves Jack which commenced in 1943 and it ran for four years.

Jack was teamed with his friend Dennis Morgan for many films at Warner Brothers.

In 1948 they were in Romance On The High Seas which introduced a ‘newcomer’ by the name of Doris Day. Jack Carson made several films Doris Day and they became romantically involved for a short time.

Jack had two outstanding film roles - he

● Jack Carson

played a cad in Mildred Pearce opposite Joan Crawford and then in 1954 he was brilliant as the uptight publicist for Judy Garland in A Star Is Born.

During the 1960s he drifted into guest roles in television series such as Thriller, The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Dick Powell Show and Bonanza.

He also was a guest on many of the musical variety television shows of that period.

Jack Carson was married four times and had two children. He was married to actress Lola Albright from 1952-1958.

Jack became ill during the filming of a Disneyland telemovie titled Sammy The Way Out Seal and then collapsed whilst rehearsing a new Broadway play.

Jack Carson died from stomach cancer at the age of 52 in 1963.

He was taken far too young. He was survived by his wife Sandra Jolley and his two children.

- 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.

BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

■ Last week I mentioned the nospeed-limit on Northern Territory roads a few years ago.

When Labor won the election in 2001, it removed this, and lowered the maximum speed to 130- kmh.

Now the Country Liberal Party has returned to power, and the limit is once more being removed,"but not in a rush", says new Chief Minister Terry Mills.

Even though it would seem to be a no-brainer that the no-restriction policy would be more dangerous, it never struck me as being so.

I found that the majority of motorists would tootle along at about 100 to 120, with only a very few exceeding that speed.

Even with the current limit, most motorists don't even reach 130 - they drive within their automatic, intuitive comfort zone.

Most speeding drivers were in fact driving overseas cars, often clad in ‘blankets’ to hide the design of the impending, unreleased new models, which were being tested in the ideal Territory conditions of extreme heat and dust and speed.

Should the situation reverse, then this would probably attract many of these drivers back.

I loved them because they always loved to buy opals!

■ I was speaking with a good friend in the tourism industry recently, and he expressed his utter frustration at being stymied in his attempts to take his business out to the Rock.

Whilst my friend chose anonymity, there are others who haven't.

Steve Strike, a leading outback photographer, has just returned from China, where he spends much time locally photographing, and promoting the Centre.

He claims that there is more red tape at the Rock than there is in Russia and China.

And a mate of mine, Chris Tangey, who runs Alice Springs Film and Television, tells of a case where a crew and a dancer from the London Royal Ballet Company had come to Australia for some promotion for the Centre, only to find that the permit to film at the Rock had been refused.

"We had to photograph there in the dust with a road train, instead of the Rock, in the background".

It seems to me to be stupid that such restrictions exist, when everybody,

The Outback Legend

with Nick Le Souef Lightning Ridge Opals 175 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Phone 9654 4444 www.opals.net.au including the local Aboriginal community, could benefit from both the employment and promotion which the filming would bring.

Great for well-paid bureaucrats who make these decisions, denying income to those who they are supposed to be supporting.

Years ago, at a meeting of all involved in the Rock at the time, a National Parks spokesman rose and admitted that his organisation didn't like, or want, tourists in the park. "They're just a nuisance", he said.

Things haven't changed much!

■ Not only does the NT boast a few fearsome and confronting and lethal specimens, but some promiscuous and amorous creatures as well!

The latest in this long line is a pig in a community near Darwin.

It had located some furniture in the middle of the road, and proceeded to demonstrate its affections to an armchair!

This followed the antics of ‘Harry Trotter’, a large pet pig, owned by Nipper Gumardul, a traditional owner and ranger in Gumbalanya, a com-

munity east of Darwin. Harry not only thought he was a dog, mixing with all the camp canines, but would knock over wheelie bins and demonstrate his affection to them!

And then, in 2010, a large kangaroo approached a Tennant Creek lady with love obviously on his mind.

And the same thing happened the year before in Katherine when a large emu tried to woo a local lady into his nest.

A stout branch sent him packing!

■ Last week I reported that a Darwin driver hadn't noticed that her passenger had fallen out of her car.

This week's car incident was in Alice, but unfortunately the victim wasn't so lucky.

A carload of people had stopped to speak to other members of their family near a community on the Stuart Highway.

One of the ladies from the car wandered around to the rear of the car, whilst inexplicably the driver engaged reverse gear.

The first lady was run over and pinned beneath the car. The crowd of relatives lifted it away from her, but unfortunately to no avail. It was stated by attending police that alcohol was possibly involved.

And in a few more incidents, police were attacked. In Tennant Creek a couple of officers asked one gentleman to empty his alcohol out. He refused, and attacked a policeman in the face with a rock.

Then in Alice, a woman in custody became somewhat aggressive, and attacked a couple of officers, hitting one on the head, and biting another on the arm.

And a third individual, a gentleman in Alice became violent after having being apprehended for breaking into a house in Braitling, an Alice suburb.

The poor old Territory police have a hard time of it all!

■ What with the Variety Bash, I missed a couple of iconic Alice Springs events!

Firstly there was the ‘Fish Run’.

This is a motor bike ride out to the Ross River Homestead to commemorate the passing of a local Alice man, Terry ‘Fish’Gill, who hit a camel while was riding out to the homestead in 1990.

The riders, about 300 in all, support the Butterfly Connection char-

● Filming at Ayers Rock

which raises money for sick children who need to travel away from town for treatment.

This year they raised $13,000, a stirling effort,.

Then, after the weekend's festivities at Ross River, everyone rides back the 80 kms into town on Sunday afternoon for another tradition -all the bikes ride through Bojangles bar - in the front and out the back. I've only seen this once and it is very moving, and very noisy!

And, of course, the now world-famous Henley-on-Todd.

After a pre-week of raucousness and pub crawling, participants construct bottomless boats of all shapes and sizes, grab hold of the sides, and run them through the dry sandy bed of the Todd River, all armed with water cannon and water bombs and flour bombs.

Always an afternoon of mayhem and frivolity!

- Nick Le Souef ‘The Outback Legend’

From The Outer

Melbourne

Observer

kojak@ mmnet.com.au

With John Pasquarelli

■ It's local government election time in Victoria and it will be interesting to see how the Greens fare.

I live in the Mt Alexander Shire which is controlled by the Greens and the evidence is plain and clear.

Rates continue to rise placing strain on pensioners and low income groups and roads and streets in the area have plenty of potholes and many streets and footpaths in Castlemaine are unsealed.

The shire is overloaded with bureaucrats and there are plenty of arrivals from Northcote and other Melbourne suburbs looking for arts and other wasteful hand-outs.

Parking in Castlemaine is unsatisfactory and many locals do their shopping in Bendigo and Maryborough.

Many ratepayers in other councils are starting to jack up over their ever rising rates and charges but so far in my shire, apathy rules and a couple of experienced locals who have done their bit in the past have decided to hang up their gloves.

In the good old days, councils operated more efficiently and the emphasis was on the provision of basic services - garbage collection, maintenance of roads, sporting fields and keeping the place neat and tidy.

The Castlemaine region deserves better but I will hold my fire until the election results are in.

- John Pasquarelli

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